The next morning, the team winds through a wood so lush it seems almost embarrassed by its own beauty.
Sunlight spills through the canopy in great, golden shafts, dew still clinging to curling ferns, wildflowers spilling across the path in a kaleidoscope of hues, and somewhere overhead, birdsong stitches through the leaves like the whole forest decided, just for today, to put on its very best dress. The air smells of crushed grass and woodsmoke drifting up from someone's breakfast fire, and the path itself is soft and springy underfoot, cushioned by years of fallen leaves.
Vuvi and Pip walk at the center, flanked by Veena and Sera, Zora drifting leisurely above them all, soaking in the view like a man on vacation.
Frostlick pads along behind them with Raikya perched squarely on her back, slightly concerned by the sheer number of bodies surrounding them.
