Friends and Foes in the Forest

In the heart of a vast, dense forest, the group presses forward. Trees grow tighter the deeper they go, thick trunks and tangled canopies creating a wall of green. Daiki leads the way, more grounded now, the anxiety from before replaced with calm. Fresh greenery unfurls around him, even purplish flowers bloom from his clothes as he moves. “Come, come,” he urges, guiding them in a zigzag path through the undergrowth.

An hour passes. A strange sensation settles over the group—the distinct feeling of being watched. The forest, teeming with life, seems to peer back at them. “It’s like the forest has eyes,” someone mutters.

Wolfgang keeps close to the group, alert. “I’ll stay with everyone,” he says, bow in hand but undrawn, scanning the dim underbrush. Daiki, meanwhile, drifts toward Ashira, who walks quietly. “Something’s washing over us,” he says. He turns to Tachibana. “Your cat—can it see invisible things?”

“Yes, of course,” Tachibana replies, immediately reaching out to his familiar. The creature glides low, navigating beneath branches and around thick trunks, but returns with nothing unusual to report.

Daiki slows his pace, gaze sharp, senses wide open. He moves toward an ancient tree, one with mushrooms at its roots. Placing his hand on the bark, he whispers, “Do you know if something is watching us, besides you trees?”

The answer comes slowly. “Youngling… Something is always watching in this forest.”

“What is it?”

“The protector. Our protector always watches.”

“Then we should be fine, right?”

“As long as the forest is green, you should be fine.”

Daiki bows his head. “Thank you, old and wise tree.” Turning to the others, he speaks with calm certainty. “It’s the protector. As long as we don’t harm the forest, we’re safe.”

The group resumes, moving cautiously. Wolfgang adjusts his silken outfit, the cloth at his neck a quiet symbol of power. Amber lingers near him, tense. The forest’s gaze reminds her of Fury’s disappearance—ominous, heavy. She starts to consider possibilities. Oni? Could they be here?

As webs begin appearing between the trees, more with each step, the forest darkens. “This doesn’t feel right,” Amber murmurs. “Giant spiders?”

“Spiders live here too,” Daiki replies. “They won’t harm us unless you step into their webs.”

“And if they do, I’m burning them.”

“You can burn them if they attack,” he allows, “but avoid their webs.”

Daiki studies the scene. So many webs. He peers upward—more hang above. Natural, yes, but far more than usual. He wonders aloud: could the goblin queen’s dark ritual be influencing this?

The webs, he concludes, are normal—but excessive. Something is stirring.

Wolfgang inhales deeply, invoking his Hunter’s Bane. “Nothing fiendish. Nothing undead.” He switches to a more practical grip on his longbow.

The webs thicken. A clear path remains, but spiderwebs choke the forest to the left, the right, and overhead.

“These are real webs,” Daiki confirms, eyes narrowed. “Not caterpillar silk. Real spiders—or worse.”

As the group pauses, the air grows heavier. The green of the trees fades into darker hues.

“This feels… like a bad omen,” Daiki says softly.

In the shadowed stillness of the forest, Wolfgang suggests lighting a torch, but Amber quickly assures him, “Oui, I have a torch—it’s all fine.” She lifts a stick, ready to ignite it. Wolfgang chuckles, “Miss Ablaze, you are a torch.” Amber smiles. “Oui, of course. But with this, I don’t have to be on fire all the time.”

The forest is dim—not pitch black, but thick with greyish trees and a lack of strong sunlight.Daiki, with a quick nod, urges, “Okay, so let’s go.”

Noticing Ashira’s silence, Daiki steps toward her. “Ash, stay close. It doesn’t look too happy here.”

“I know,” Ash replies quietly. She drifts forward, pale fingers brushing against a tree. Her skin seems paler, her hair duller—as if the forest is draining the color from her. Amber notices and instinctively slows down, watching her.

Falling into step beside Ashira, Amber gently asks, “Ashira, you look a bit pale. Are you cold or something? You want me to walk next to you?”

“No, I’m plenty warm. Thanks, Ambs.”

“You’re very welcome. I hope you feel okay.”

“I don’t. But it’s fine. The environment reflects it. I feel at home here.”

Amber frowns slightly, but lacking insight, she simply says, “Well, I feel kind of bad for you. I hope you feel better soon. Bonne chance.”

“Hopefully.”

“If I can do anything for you, you let me know, okay?”

“I will. Thanks, Ambs.”

Amber nods and strides back toward Wolfgang with long, deliberate steps. She’s focused entirely on their surroundings—on the forest, not the group. Monsters out here, she understands. Inner turmoil, not so much.

Masaki, trailing behind, sends his tressym familiar flying in lazy loops above the party, scouting the trees. Masaki watches carefully, eyes alert.

The tension eases—slightly—until a low, painful groan breaks the silence. From ahead, a majestic elk emerges, entangled in layers of web, staring at them with desperate eyes. No spider is visible, but the danger hangs thick in the air.

Daiki steps forward slowly, hands open, peaceful. Amber stays behind, javelin ready, eyes scanning for spiders. “Wolfgang, are you going with Daiki or staying with me? I can’t protect you if you disappear.”

Wolfgang nods, staying put. He scratches his arm, talons drawing a thin line of blood. A soft purple glow flows from his wound to the string of his longbow. For a moment, he looks older—but only someone perceptive might notice.

Suddenly, movement. Two spider-like creatures descend from the trees—Ettercaps. Amber yells a warning. Weapons are drawn.

Daiki lashes out with a thorn whip but misses. “There!” he shouts, pointing up. Amber hurls her javelin and strikes one. “How do you like evil spiders now, Daiki?” she calls.

The tressym circles, scouting again. Nothing else is nearby. Wolfgang takes a shot—misses. He calls back, “Two creatures. Aim straight. Hit hard.”

Ashira steps forward and, with a sigh, mocks the nearest Ettercap. “This web is the second messiest thing I’ve seen today. The first is my emotional state.” Her voice is tired. The creature doesn’t understand the words, but the sting of magic lands anyway.

Tachibana steps forward, slicing at the sticky webs with his scimitar. “I will clear the way, Daiki—can you get to the elk?” he calls out. The blade cuts through five feet of webbing, and he deftly avoids getting tangled in the process.

Suddenly, an Ettercap descends from the trees and lunges at Tachibana. Its bite misses, but it swipes with its claws. Tachibana reacts quickly, conjuring a magical shield just in time. Another Ettercap launches a web at Daiki—its aim is perfect, and Daiki is restrained.

Frustrated but not helpless, Daiki pulls one of the creatures toward him and lands a piercing blow. “I’m standing here like a little wibbling cocoon guy,” he mutters, marking his restrained state.

Amber sees the chaos and charges. With a mighty swing of her greatsword, she lands a slashing blow. 

Above, Tachibana’s Tressym companion circles back toward Ashira, staying alert. He glances around but spots nothing unusual.

Wolfgang shifts targets, releasing a precise shot from his longbow. The arrow lands with force, bursting into magical and lightning damage. “The hunt is on,” he murmurs.

Nearby, Ashira lounges calmly, the Tressym now curled on her shoulder. She watches the injured Ettercap and delivers another insult with a soft sigh. “Something even uglier than my coping mechanisms,” she quips. The creature flinches in vague confusion.

Tachibana attacks again but misses, now restrained by another wave of webbing. He glances at Ashira. “Could you like… help Daiki or something?”

Ashira doesn’t look up. “I’m already doing so,” she replies, still perched on the ground, eyes narrowed in thought.

Back in the fray, Daiki shocks the Ettercap in front of him, then downs a healing potion. Amber strikes again—this time a clean, devastating hit. She drives the blade into the creature, pinning it to a tree. As it collapses, she yanks the sword free and wipes the ichor from the edge.

Tachibana’s Tressym nuzzles Ashira. The battle lulls briefly, then resumes. Wolfgang strikes another Ettercap. 

Ashira sighs again and strokes the Tressym. “You hiss just like my father used to… oddly comforting.” The Ettercap stares, baffled.

Restrained, Tachibana swings but misses. “Ashira,” he says, “could you maybe—physically help?”

“I am helping,” she says flatly, still thinking of insults.

A new web pins Wolfgang. The creatures keep their distance from Amber—clearly wary of her fire and fury.

Daiki finally slices through the last of the webs binding him. “Good god, these webs are sticky,” he groans. He moves to block a possible spider-escape route.

Amber joins him, eyeing the last enemy. “Let’s finish this,” she says, raising her axe. 

Masaki, still tangled in thick webbing, draws his scimitar. The blade slices with precision, and the webbing drops away. He turns quickly and swings again, aiming to clear the path toward the elk, but the strike goes wide, blade missing the tangled mass ahead. He frowns but presses on. Across the battlefield, the spider creature locks eyes on Daiki and hurls another web. It splats harmlessly to the side—Daiki remains untouched. The creature begins retreating, skittering backward across its webbed terrain.

Daiki watches it flee. “I can’t reach it,” he says under his breath, backing toward the others. He conjures a glitch barrier—a shimmering shield to intercept any more webbing. Then he starts clearing a safe path for the rest.

Amber peers out across the battlefield. She readies her javelin. “Oh, you stupid thing…” she mutters, and with a powerful throw, the weapon arcs through the air. The javelin flies true; it strikes the spider squarely, and with a burst of magic, the javelin flares and digs deep. But, the creature still clings to life. “Fuck.” She sighs. “But hey, at least it’s walking around with a javelin in its back.”

She steps forward—but the webs underfoot catch her off guard. One foot sticks fast, then the other. “Merde,” she mutters, now restrained once more. Wolfgang glances at Amber with mild exasperation. “Why did you walk into that?” his eyes seem to say.

“Pardon, monsieur,” she huffs. “I just wanted my weapon.”

He focuses back on the spider, ignoring the distraction. With a steady breath, he raises his bow, takes aim, and lets the arrow fly. The shot cuts the air close to Amber’s face, lightning crackling along the shaft. The arrow hits.

The creature convulses violently—legs twitch, body spasms, and then it collapses.

With the spider down, the group pushes through the sticky terrain, blades slicing paths as they move toward the elk. Daiki kneels, beginning a ritual. “Speak with Animals,” he murmurs, voice steady, hands glowing softly.

Amber and Masaki work together to cut through the remaining webbing. “Twice as fast this way,” Amber notes.

Wolfgang, still curious, inspects the spider’s remains. “Is any of this useful?” he wonders aloud—but he knows too little of arachnids to tell.

Satisfied, he steps back and turns to Ashira. “Your insults were sharp as always, Miss Ashira. Spot on. I wonder where you draw your inspiration from.”

Ashira doesn’t miss a beat. “My inspiration is endless, Wolfie. Don’t worry about it.”

Together, the group approaches the trapped elk. Daiki continues his ritual, preparing to speak to the creature. Wolfgang extends a calming hand toward it and carefully cuts through the last webbing. The elk flinches—still frightened.

“Let it know we mean no harm,” Wolfgang says quietly.

Wolfgang slides his dagger back into his little hilt, stepping aside to let the others continue. No one else moves as Daiki, focused, maintains his concentration on the ritual. “It’s only ten minutes,” he mutters, brushing off any distraction.

---

Amber waits silently, then suddenly remembers. “Oh, that other spider is dead, right?” She carefully makes her way over to retrieve her lost javelin. It’s still intact. While there, she spots something unusual near part of the nest—a humanoid figure cocooned in webbing. She cuts it open without hesitation. Inside, she finds twelve small translucent spheres. Not particularly interested in the ritual, Amber uses the time to examine the spheres. Holding them near a bit of flame, she peers closely. Inside, faint shapes move. Eggs—ettercap eggs, each holding a tiny developing creature. She frowns and places them into her backpack. Next, she turns her attention to another bundle of webbing—a body, completely enshrouded. She cuts it open. The remains of an elf lie mummified within. 

---

Meanwhile, Daiki completes his ritual. He hears frightened voice cries out, “Go away! No, not like this—don’t attack me!”

Daiki responds gently. “Don’t worry, noble creature of the forest. We won’t hurt you. Can you explain what happened? We will free you.”

The voice of the elk, timid and trembling, explains. It had simply been passing through when the spiders attacked. “You do not want to eat me,” he pleads.

“We don’t want to eat you,” Daiki assures him. “Please, let us help.”

The elk, grateful, offers a reward—berries. Daiki insists it isn’t necessary but nods with appreciation. Turning to the group, he announces, “I told our friend we would free him. Come help.”

Wolfgang joins in, assisting Daiki in removing the webs. With careful effort, they set the elk free just as Amber returns.

“I found these,” she says, holding out the translucent spheres. “They look like eggs. I didn’t break them.”

“Can I see?” Daiki asks. She hands him the dozen palm-sized eggs.

He nods. “Thank you.” Then turns back to the elk. “Are you okay? Do you know your way out?”

“Yes,” the elk replies. “Let me lead you to the mistletoe shrub.”

Daiki calls over to Ash. “Can you join our friend, Mr. Elk, to gather some berries?”

Ash agrees, and the elk leads her away with repeated thanks.

Amber then turns to Masaki. “I found the body of an elf. You’re the only one I know—maybe you can identify him?”

Wolfgang interjects dryly, “That’s quite racist.”

Amber shrugs. “It’s just investigation.”

Masaki joins her anyway. Together, they examine the remains. Masaki notes the signs—nothing special, likely just a commoner caught by the spiders long ago. A pouch remains, barely intact. Inside, they find fourteen silver pieces.

Amber pockets the coins for now. “I’ll hand them to Wolfgang later,” she mutters, noting the amount in her pouch.

---

Ashira walks beside the elk, speaking softly to it even though it doesn’t understand her. “You’re so pretty,” she murmurs. “I wonder what your life is like. It seems so simple… I wish mine was.” She reaches out to pet its flank gently, voice growing quieter. “I think I just mess everything up. Maybe they wouldn’t even care if I got lost… no, that’s not true. Daiki would. He’s great. I really don’t want to mess this up.” She walks in silence for a while, comforted by the elk’s calm presence.

Eventually, the elk stops in front of a softly glowing shrub, nestled beneath the trees. The mistletoe seems almost magical, its berries faintly shimmering. Ashira crouches down, recognizing the plant. “Oh, this is so great,” she whispers, carefully collecting the berries and tucking them away. “Mistletoe shrubberries,” she notes aloud, a bit distracted. She exchanges a few playful words with herself about the name—”Pushberries? Shrubbery?”—smiling faintly.

The elk nudges her gently with its head. She hugs it around the neck, pressing her cheek into its fur. “Thanks for listening to me. I know I can be a bit much sometimes.” Then, the elk turns and bounds away into the forest.

---

Ashira finds her way back easily. The rest of the group is already gathering. Wolfgang, satisfied with the morning’s progress, cleans his knife, retrieves his arrows, and beams. “Ah, a lovely teamwork this morning. I’m so pleased with how we all move forward.”

“It’s afternoon,” Daiki notes dryly.

Talk soon turns to the spider eggs Amber has found. Daiki examines them thoughtfully. “These creatures aren’t good for the forest. We should destroy them—or offer them to the goblins.”

“Burn them,” Amber suggests without hesitation.

“I have no appetite,” Wolfgang mutters. “So boiling them is not the option I would choose.”

“They’re toxic anyway,” Daiki adds. “But yes, fertilized. You can see the little baby inside.”

“We can just crush them,” Ashira says. “Put all our anger into it.”

Daiki agrees, cracking one in his hand. The egg splatters; the undeveloped creature inside dies instantly. Wolfgang offers his open palm like a basket, theatrically throwing another egg at a tree. “Name it someone you dislike,” he encourages. “Crush it. Let it go.”

Ashira declines. “I was always taught never to put your eggs in more than one basket.”

While the others destroy the eggs, Amber watches Ashira quietly, thoughts turning. Something about Ashira’s mood weighs on her. She finally speaks. “Ashira, have you seen the webbing? Could that be used for instrument strings?”

“It’s too sticky. Wouldn’t work,” Ashira replies softly.

Amber frowns. “I don’t know much about instruments. What do you look for?”

Ashira sighs. “It’s about feeling. You have to feel them.”

Amber almost gags. “Right. Feeling.” She tries, fumbling. “You know, I felt supported by you during the goblin singing. That chant… it was fun. Merci.”

Ashira’s eyes soften. “That’s so nice to hear. I’d love to feel like that one day.”

Amber falters, then smiles awkwardly. “Well. Glad we had this talk. I’ll, uh, go help Count Wolfgang.” She walks away, clearly flustered.

---

The forest grows greener as the webs disappear. The air feels lighter. The moment passes, but something in it lingers—sadness, warmth, confusion—all tangled together like vines around a clearing.

As the group makes their way through the quiet, recovering forest, the air begins to feel lighter. The eggs are long behind them now. Daiki casually asks, “Did you enjoy your time with the elk, Ash?”

Ash smiles faintly. “Yeah, thanks, Daiki. That was great. We had a connection. I miss nature… it’s too sad here. I’m glad we’re heading toward greener pastures again. I hope it helps me.” Her voice softens. “But I know my sadness will age into wisdom, and everything will be fine.”

Daiki nods, his expression warm. “It always will be fine. As long as we have each other, right? We’ve got this little pack now—even if not everyone understands us yet. They’re trying.”

He glances around. “Did you find the berries?”

Suddenly, the trees shift. Branches part, and a towering figure looms ahead—a forest giant, leaves cascading from his beard, antlers curving from his back, a massive wooden club in hand. His presence is quiet but immense. He steps forward, eyes kind, and says, “Welcome to my forest. I’ve been watching.”

Wolfgang straightens, bowing slightly. “Protector of the realm. A pleasure meeting you. Count Rüppelshammer, at your service.”

The giant inclines his head. “Welcome, young Count. Welcome to you all.”

Ash’s eyes widen. “You look amazing.”

Daiki bows slightly. “Thank you for protecting this forest. I hope we helped by clearing out some of the invasive ettercaps to the south. Somewhere… just behind us, I think.”

“That is why I’ve been watching,” the giant says. “To see if your hearts were true. And you helped me. So, let me reward you.”

He extends a massive hand, revealing seven berries resting in his palm. Daiki recognizes them immediately—goodberries.

Amber, standing nearby, mutters under her breath, “Well yeah, we are pest control. Goblins, spiders—what’s next?” She smirks at her own joke.

Wolfgang takes one of the berries for himself. “I will devour one goodberry.”

Daiki approaches with reverence, bowing to the forest giant. “Thank you. May I ask—how should one properly greet a guardian such as yourself?”

The giant’s leafy beard rustles as he chuckles. “We are no gods—just protectors of our home.”

“And what is it you came for?” he asks.

Daiki answers without hesitation. “We’re here to stop the Goblin Queen. She’s conducting some dark ritual in a cave, just down the path.”

Amber quickly describes the location she’s seen in the orb that’s left at the Mage Guard Keep. The giant nods.

Ash, transfixed by the towering figure, stares up with wonder. “I can imagine the birds sing beautiful songs about you. You have such presence…” Her hair shimmers with new streaks of white and earthy brown. When she reaches for a goodberry, she lets her hand rest in the giant’s, basking in his power.

“You are quite special yourself,” the giant tells her gently.

With a shy smile, she bows and steps back, eating the goodberry almost absentmindedly.

The giant nods solemnly. “Yes, I know the cave. I can show you the way.”

Daiki bows again. “Only if it’s not a bother. The forest is vast…”

“It is the least I can do.”

Amber watches the giant carefully. She doesn’t trust easily—especially not creatures she’s never encountered. But his words ring sincere.

Wolfgang asks, “Do you know anything about the ritual the Goblin Queen is performing?”

The giant shakes his head. “I know nothing of it—only where they hide.”

“Then we will follow,” Wolfgang replies.

Suddenly, the giant turns, scoops Ashira up gently, and places her high on one of his antlers. She lets out an excited squeal, laughing and clinging to the antler. Golden streaks ripple through her hair. “Oh my god!”

“Hold on tight,” the giant says with a grin.

Wolfgang lifts into the air beside her, scanning the treetops. “Miss Ashira,” he calls, “Gold looks good on you.”

The giant begins walking, blending effortlessly with the forest around him. As they move, Daiki’s curiosity sparks. “Mr. Forest Giant… Have you seen any trees—really big, magical ones? Maybe even bigger than you?”

The giant chuckles. “Many trees are bigger than I. But I’ve only known this forest. I was born here.”

“Thank you,” Daiki says, thoughtful. “I’m searching for them. Maybe I’ll find one someday.”

“Ask Granny Betty Ratchet,” the giant suggests. “She lives in this forest. Just call her ‘Granny.’”

As the giant prepares to leave them near the goblin cave, he warns, “There are many goblins—and they have beasts with them. Perhaps you can communicate with them as well. I wish you luck.”

He turns to go, then pauses, scoops Daiki up briefly, and gently sets him back down. “Goodbye.”

Ash stands motionless, still gazing up at the fading silhouette of the forest’s guardian.

Daiki nods. “It’s dangerous to rest this close to the enemy.”

Masaki looks worn. “I agree… but look at my wounds. I don’t think I should go in like this.”

Masaki checks his pouch and downs a potion of healing. But something feels wrong. A moment later, the truth hits. Masaki’s face goes pale. The potion is poison. He stumbles, bloodied and stunned.

Tachibana clutches his stomach, grimacing. “Uh, I think this was poison. I feel awful.”

Daiki’s eyes narrow. “Poison? Where did you get it?”

“I… don’t remember.”

Wolfgang cuts in, frowning. “One of the healing potions I handed out—from the goblin cave.”

Daiki’s voice sharpens. “Where exactly did you find it?”

Wolfgang winces. “My apologies, Mr. Tachibana.”

Tachibana sways, bloodied and weak. “Can someone help me? I can’t go in like this.”

“I… I can’t,” Daiki stammers. “If I do, then—”

Ash interrupts flatly, “I told you, I’m spent.”

Wolfgang examines his own potion. “We have apples, honey… let me test mine.” He takes a cautious sip. “It tastes like a healing potion,” 

He passes his potion to Masaki. “Here, I think this one’s safe.”

Masaki sips to confirm, finds it to be a healing potion as well, and downs the drink. 

He collapses.

“He’s poisoned!” Daiki reacts fast. “Step back!”

He begins to chant in Sylvan, kneeling beside Tachibana. “Oh forest, give me strength.” The spell takes hold. Tachibana stirs, breathing shallowly.

Daiki looks at him. “Bana, are you still here? Wake up.”

Tachibana groans. “Yeah… still here. Feel like shit though.”

“Try to vomit it out. Fingers in your throat—”

“Is he still poisoned?” Ash asks.

“I… don’t think so,” Tachibana mutters. “But I’m very weak.”

Wolfgang kneels, guilt heavy in his voice. “I’m so sorry. It tasted like a healing potion.”

Tachibana nods. “I tasted it too. I didn’t trust it. But the second one… it pulled me under.”

Ash turns sharply to Wolfgang. “Where did you get this?”

“From your family’s home.”

She exhales, tight-lipped. “Great decision, that.”

“Maybe it’s a potion that only works on goblins,” Amber suggests. “And poisons everyone else.”

“Could be a goblin concoction,” Wolfgang agrees. “Let’s keep it—just in case.”

“Keep it down,” Daiki warns. “The worgs have sharp ears.”

Exhausted, Daiki sighs. “I’m all out of energy. Maybe we should find the granny the giant mentioned. Anyone know about her?”

“The giant said she’d find us,” Wolfgang recalls.

Daiki kneels beside a patch of mushrooms, muttering softly. “I don’t know if you understand me, but… I’m looking for granny. Can you pass her a message?” He straightens. “Well, I tried.”

Ash stretches. “We should rest.”

Daiki peers at the sun. “Still too early to sleep. But we are late in the day.”

Wolfgang turns to Masaki. “How’s your health?”

Masaki sighs. “I can still fight. But look at me—I’m bloodied.”

Daiki frowns. “If we can’t use magic to stay safe, we shouldn’t press forward.”

“Agreed,” Masaki nods.

Daiki murmurs, “Perhaps the forest will aid us again. But we’re not ready for the cave.”

Wolfgang considers. “So you’re depleted too, Mr. Daiki?”

Ash confirms with a lazy shrug. “Yes. Long rest sounds good.”

Wolfgang sighs. “Maybe a recon mission then? Just scouting?”

Ash smirks. “You’re perfect for that, Wolfie.”

Daiki remains hopeful. “Maybe granny will find us. I trust the forest giant.”

Wolfgang turns to Amber. “What do you think?”

Amber assesses the group. “If Masaki’s weak and both spellcasters are out, then we’re a party of two. That’s dangerous. We go as one—or not at all.”

“It’s just scouting,” Wolfgang clarifies.

Amber taps her armor. “I’m not stealthy. Unless you want me to strip down—which I won’t.”

Wolfgang chuckles. “Most of us wouldn’t be comfortable with that.”

“Let’s maybe send in the tressim?” Amber suggests. “But it’s risky.”

“They’ll know something’s up if they see a winged cat,” Daiki warns.

“Time to set up camp,” Wolfgang decides.

“Bien sûr,” Amber replies, pulling a tent from her pack.

“Not here!” Daiki objects. “Too close to the cave. Follow me.”

Grumbling, he guides them to a safe spot, checking wind direction. He gently coaxes plants to hold the tent, avoiding loud noises. Then, he grows soft moss beds.

“Anyone want one?” he offers.

Amber nods. “Masaki would like it—in the tent, please.” She sets her bedroll on the moss, fluffing her pillow. For Wolfgang, she makes the bedding a touch more comfortable.