“Snack?”

Monotone though it may be, the sudden question rouses you from a stupor you didn’t know you were in! Jerking your head upright, you find yourself crunching along a frost-flaked path behind a familiar pair of yellow eyes…

The ones currently keeping pace with you, however, dwarf Volka’s by a long shot! Morook, you mutter, surprising yourself with how sleepy you sound, b-beg your pardon, bud?

Your answer comes in the form of a bouquet of unfamiliar aromas creeping into your nostrils: fresh-cut grass… pine nuts… and syrup?

“We’ve been traveling for some time now,” Begins the Chytree in a warm, but matter-of-fact tone, “But there’s plenty of path between us and our destination. Better keep your strength up.”

Right, you think as you graciously take the trail treat from Morook’s claw, THE FAR-THROW INN. One of your first stops upon arriving in Zoral, actually! Was pretty darn comfy aside from the surprise assassin attack.

“I wonder how many bells they’ll have for us when we get there? Hoo HOO, I can hardly wait!”

Oh, that’s where Tzah-Tzie went! Perched atop Volka’s ample shoulder like a bird on a branch, the spritely songstress provides your journey with some much-needed musical accompaniment. Noticing your gaze, she meets it with a cheeky smile and a wink that sets your heart aflutter… but only for a moment.

You never thought you’d miss having Rezzie around, but you’d be lying if you said you didn’t miss the devious little devil. She knew where you were headed and had a penchant for tracking you down in the past, but even with those facts fresh in your mind and the reassurances TT gave you a few nights ago, you can’t help but worry about the haughty hellion.

… and Liz... whoof.

Though your mind is occupied to capacity, Morook’s guidance keeps you on what you assume is the optimal path… still, it isn’t long before the frost at your feet fades and you come to…

>A rushing waterfall with a pool at its base…
>The yawning mouth of a cave on the side of a hill…
>A sweet-scented grove in the middle of the woods…
>An abandoned hut next to a trickling brook…