A light filled wandering

[Anastasia]

"I'm sorry, your Queenlyness!" Regald blurts out, "You're way trickier than a sackubi or whatever it is! Way prettier, way more generous!"

The laughs don't stop coming, at least.

[Iron Dragoon]

Alyssa finally sets him down upright, "Don't laugh at him too much. He's the sort we want here. Hard working. Honest enough to speak his mind, if a bit unwisely. Someone who honors his words and deeds. And let's not forget... He earned you all drinks! Celebrate his life! Cheer his virtues! And walk the path over the horizon shoulder to shoulder with him as friends!"

[Anastasia]

A barrage of cheers follow as a mug of ale is slammed into his hands, Regald looking a little dazed. "Cheers, cheers," people call, getting their drinks.

[Iron Dragoon]

Alyssa nods once to Delaize and moves to keep wandering the town!

[Anastasia]

To your surprise, leaning on the wall just outside of the unfinished tavern is Bastian. He nods to you and falls in step with you, and speaks but two words.

"I'm in."

[Iron Dragoon]

Alyssa nods, "You still have issues with it, though. We'll need to speak them over, no holds barred. This isn't something we can go into with underlying issues. We absolutely have to be on the same page and have absolute trust. You're here for a reason; I brought you into it for who and what you are, and your perspective holds significant weight. We'll have to discuss why I picked everyone in a more secure place. It wasn't a random decision, nor was it something done simply on recommendation."

[Anastasia]

"It can wait," Bastian says, "There's work to be done and roads to be walked." Cracking his knuckles slowly, "We need to get going."

[Iron Dragoon]

"It can't wait. Before our next major move. Take into account the scale of this. We can't afford a single crack in our steel. But... it sounds like you have something specific in mind?"

[Anastasia]

"I know a library," Bastian says, "It's a bit of a walk, but it may be helpful."

[Iron Dragoon]

Alyssa raises an eyebrow, "Oh? Which library is this?"

[Anastasia]

With a hint of a toothy smile, "You'll see, it's worth being surprised." Bastian says, already starting to walk. "If you need to ward your mind or ward us, now's the time."

[Iron Dragoon]

"I do that every morning for everyone I can. Did you hear about the gift this place has?"

[Anastasia]

"I already know," Bastian says, "Come on, it's a walk ahead of us."

[Iron Dragoon]

Alyssa nods and follows.

[Anastasia]

You step ahead...

...and step into jungle. A thick, vine choked path amid even thicker jungle. It's blistering hot and utterly humid, the air like a choking and wet blanket wrapped around your body. Colorful birds perch on tree branches while insects big and small fly around - including several for your arms, body and legs.