>>5476092Allowing the bat to take the lead, you are guided through the thick of the Moonwood. However much you suspect that you are being led in circles, your shepherd insists that they know the way, no matter how similar the scenery appears. Your attempts at conversing with them are rather... unique. No matter which topic you raise, the conversation inevitably returns to food, which you are expected to provide in generous amounts to secure its continued aid. Any subject more complex than the banality of basic existence proves too much for your conversation partner. Whether other creatures are more or less the same is yet to be determined, however, you are not very optimistic.
What you had hoped would be a quick excursion has become a trek through the wilderness. The first rays of the dawn's light caress the land, and not a single other sapient being is in your sight. "DONE. TIRED NOW," says the bat, as it abandons you as swiftly as you met. Ahead of you is a muddy wound in the earth large enough for you and several others to enter, gently sloping downwards into who-knows-what. This could be your destination; or not. Your guide never actually specified. There is but one way to be certain.
Your body has other designs, however. This has been no quick stroll through the woods, and weariness, that old, familiar enemy, is upon you. A quick look around reveals no immediate danger. For the moment, you are alone in pristine nature, with nary an orc or werebeast to be found. Locating a spot to rest your muscles and regain your stamina should not prove too difficult.
Decisions, decisions...
>I continue on my way. It is too risky to waste a single moment here.>My knees are in pain and my eyes are tired. I must stop, if only for a while...>[Intellect] Knowledge is power. I should take the time to investigate my surroundings.