There was something about this area that unsettled her.

She was no stranger to the violent thoughts that tried to close in, the whispers saying Pennyroyal was holding them all back, the weakness within the boy a rot to be cleared.

Verbena hated it, and the longer they were in this area the worse it was becoming. Was it just because they've been away from home for so long? Was it because the burden of taking care of the runt was all on her shoulders?

Houtu, grant her strength. She needs to pray, they need to find a place to settle for the night, to drink and eat.

But she has heard no animals.

But the waters run red.

This area wasn't safe, they needed to-- aannnnd there he goes again. Ever the stoic shadow, Verbena trotted quietly after her brother, the stars her only light as he led them...where exactly? So far, they've found nothing.