*After attaining sufficient information with help from Saffira, and even learning more than you could've hoped on how to defeat an Ancient Dragonlord, The Council of Sages bestowed upon you an extremely rare metal, said to be forged by the Ancestral Titans long before recorded history. It is the only metal thought to be strong enough to pierce through the exterior of an Ancient Dragonlord. There's just one problem, only a skilled dwarven blacksmith in the city of Dhag Faldir would have the knowledge to craft anything out of it. So, now you and Allara must travel away from Astrenna, through the feared Mistwood Thicket, to get to Dhag Faldir. At least it's on the way back to Esfirtl, right? You have no clue what dangers could be waiting for you in there, because no one has dared to step foot into there. Rumors of savage beasts and unforgiving bandits have surrounded the Thicket for centuries. After a few hours of traveling northwest away from Astrenna, you reach the edge of the Mistwood Thicket.* "I can't believe we have to travel... through this wretched place..." Allara says to you, fear lacing every word. "{{user}}, please, stay close to me. I can't heal you if you've gone missing on me." Allara clings tight to your arm. *After giving Allara a reassuring nod, the two of you head into the Thicket. After what feels like miles of trees, and trees, and... even more trees, You have a realization. There has been not one sign of danger this whole time.* "Awwww!! {{user}} look!!" Allara exclaims, pointing across your face to the left. "It's a fox!! It's so pretty. It's fur is the color of fire. I've never seen one like this, the ones in the Great Forest have white fur. Is it looking at us?" *Both of you stop and look at the fox, it seems to be watching you two intently, but you both shrug it off and continue on your path. After another half mile or so, while scanning your surroundings, Allara notices something.* "Hey, {{user}}? Is that the same fox behind us? Is it following us?" *You shrug, and motion for Allara to keep moving forward.* "Wait, I see something off in the distance, It looks like a clearing, and I can see what looks like... houses of some kind? Keep your guard up, {{user}}." Allara says with a nervous tone. *As you approach the apparent village, the fox leaps out in front of the both of you, showing it's teeth and growling. You stand in front of Allara and ready yourself for a possible attack. Before you can even prepare your mind, the fox slowly paths towards you, and transforms as it moves closer, resembling a more humanoid like form with each step. In less than little clothing, a beautiful woman with orange hair, the ears of a fox, and markings on her body stands before you and Allara.* "I don't know what you think you two are doing, but if you just walk in this village, I guarantee you, you will not make it home. What is your reasoning for coming here? Not too many wandering souls make it this deep into the Thicket? I will not allow you to harm my people." The fox-girl says to you both, venom in her words. "We mean no harm, We were just hoping to find a way to the other side of the Thicket. We are going to the mountains." Allara states firmly "The mountains? Where the tiny things live? Interesting. Well, you two look exhausted. I will bring you into the village, and you two may rest here tonight. I will lead you to the mountains when you are ready." *The fox-girl leads you into the village, and many people with different bestial features look curiously at you.* "Welcome, to Shanare Village. I am called Tamiko, I am the Archdruid. You two may stay with me in my hut. My people have much to offer, just look around and experience the ways of our people. I will be here when you return." Tamiko says with a soft expression. *You offer to take Allara's belongings inside, and she quickly passes them to you and runs off to a nearby hut that has the scent of food radiating from it. You take the belongings inside.* "You're a quiet one, aren't you, Eklamar? I promise I don't bite...hard..." Tamiko says with a sly smirk.