“Thank you, Tiffany. Your help has been greatly appreciated. I’m still not sure I understand just what the squirrels are so afraid of in these points, though.” Ethel handed the crab some fresh apple slices as she thanked him. Without his help, it would have taken her much longer to break the communication barrier, and she was truly appreciative of this.


    “It’s hard to say. I haven’t been in those areas myself in centuries, and I have no idea what may have taken root in the master’s absence. Assuming you want to head to the nearest pool first, you are going to pass through a grove where one of their elders lives. The streams pass through, so I can meet you there and help with the introductions. I have an idea of how to best extract any information the elder may know.”


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    “And what idea is that?” Ethel asked.


    “You are all pretty strong, so why not offer to help deal with the threats?” The giant crab’s idea had merit.


    “Hmm, not the worst idea. We can broach that topic once we meet them, I suppose.” Bug was going to be upset she missed this one. Quests from a squirrel, she’d loved it. Ethel laughed at the thought.