That night, Haden leads you all to a guest house nestled high in the treetops. The accommodation is simple yet charming, with bunk beds made from sturdy branches and woven vines. The decor is natural and cozy, with soft mossy rugs on the wooden floors and lanterns casting a warm, gentle glow. The walls are adorned with intricately woven tapestries depicting scenes of the forest and its creatures.

Alster has his own room, while you share a space with Talik. Your room is snug, with two bunk beds on either side, covered in soft, handwoven blankets. The atmosphere is peaceful, with the scent of fresh pine and the distant sound of rustling leaves creating a calming ambiance.

As you settle in, Haden explains, "We're not staying at my father's house so that in the morning, we can quietly leave the village. I'll lose the tail again before I come over, as I have to stay with my family tonight."

You nod, appreciating her thoughtfulness and understanding the need for discretion. As the night falls deeper, you hear Alster snoring through the thin wooden door separating your rooms. His deep, rhythmic snores are oddly comforting, a reminder that you're not alone.

Despite the cozy surroundings, you find it difficult to sleep. The sounds of the forest canopy are unfamiliar, with owls hooting and various creatures moving about in the night. The unfamiliarity of the place makes you anxious, and you realize you prefer a less spartan environment.

Talik shifts in her bed, murmuring softly in her sleep. You close your eyes, trying to find comfort in the fact that you're surrounded by friends, and eventually, the gentle lullaby of the forest begins to soothe your anxious mind. In the morning you wake to find Haden shaking you and whispering to you and Talik, "Time to go, wake Aslter and meet me downstairs. I've taken care of the rooms already."

Despite the Chief's orders not to leave the city, you race toward the edge of Ridoan like a cheetah. One way or another, you need to reach that tower and find the siblings!

As you approach the city gates it is dawn and the light is as much and enemy as the three guards with vision as keen as owls catching sight of you. "Stop there," one of the Guardians barked out the order like a guard dog, stepping forward to block you. "Haden of Ridoan, under orders of Chief Garrow, you're forbidden from going any farther."

Haden groans, her frustration evident. "What does Pater expect me to do? Chase foxes all day? I can't sit around here like a sloth."

The Guardian shakes her head. "Sorry, but—"

"I know, I know. Chief's orders she parroted back ."

Cat's out of the bag, it seems everyone here knows the chief's daughter. Grumbling, Haden stomps back toward town, her steps heavy like an elephant's. But as soon as the guards are out of sight, she veers off the path and ducks into the underbrush, as silent as a snake. The dense foliage rustles softly as she moves, blending in with the surroundings like a chameleon.

She waves for you to follow, her eyes glinting with determination. "I can't bear it any longer. We're getting out of here. Now, follow me before they badger me any more." 

If you hadn't noticed animals were in both the last two quests as statues and now in this episode 13 animals were mentioned. Name at least 13 of them in Thy Quests below to move on. 

Next: E5Q1 Secret of the Foxes