Cracking branches. Rustling ferns. It’s clear as crystal that you aren’t alone in these woods, and though you’re hounded the entire trip back to the grove, you make it back entirely unscathed…

Well, aside from that cut you got on your hand, that is! Ow!

“Regen hasn’t kicked in yet? Weiiirdd!”

Yea, humans don’t uh… they don’t have that, Volka. The Skog stares as if you just told her you have cancer.

“Oh… that’s… well, that’s not fun…”

“Ah, you’re back!”

You’ll be honest: Mieslee darting out from the shadows and right in front of your face might’ve taken you by surprise. You might’ve shrieked. You might’ve peed a little. Regardless of what may or may not have happened, you manage to compose yourself enough to hand over the plant she requested… pee free, thankfully!

The Lady of the Grove frowns at the flora. “What is this scent?”

IT’S NOT PISS!

“... Blood?”

Oh thank god...

“Ant here scratched his hand on the leaf,” Answers TT, her tail giving your leg a playful slap, “I’ve heard of plant cuttings, but this is ridiculous! Ha ha!”

No one laughs as a pleased look forms on the Veeti’s small face. “Hmmm, well it can’t be helped, I suppose. With how long you all took I assumed you’d been devoured by a Guuti.”

Morook’s eyes flicker. “They hunt in these woods?”

The pixie nods! “Mhm! And Tiikzas, and Maakar, and even a Bruuj or two!”

Another flicker. “... Bruuj don’t exist. They’re monsters for bedtime stories.”

Mieslee’s expression turns sly. “Only until you see one!”

>CONTD.