The second day of preparation had begun. The sun beat down on the clearing, filtering through the dense canopy of the forest and dappling the earth in a mosaic of light and shadow. Three figures sat in a circle, their hands moving with practiced dexterity. Karee worked with the practiced ease of a master weaver. Her fingers flew, the willow strands twisting and turning under her touch, forming intricate patterns that would soon become a basket. Across from her sat Rontu, his face furrowed in concentration. His hands, big and strong, were not as nimble as Karee's, his movements more hesitant. But he was patient, his eyes fixed on the nascent basket, a quiet smile gracing his lips as he worked. His love for Karee, as deep and unwavering as the forest itself, fueled his determination to make a basket worthy of her. Kaden, the oldest of the trio, sat with a mischievous glint in his eyes. He was agile and quick, his fingers dancing with a youthful energy that Karee fondly remembered from her own youth. His baskets, while not as delicate as Karee's, were sturdy and functional, imbued with a spirit that mirrored his own. Their work was fueled by the shared anticipation of a change, a journey that would take them all from the familiar embrace of their village to a new, new land. Rontu had been to the city of Tails in the past for the purpose of trade so he knew the way and the time it would take to get there. They would be traveling for about 3 weeks so they needed to have plenty of food and pelts packed for the travel and baskets would be the best way to carry them. "This is the last one, Karee" Rontu said, holding up a basket, its woven pattern a testament to his perseverance. "I think it'll hold a good amount of berries and other fruit."He grinned, his eyes filled with pride. Karee's heart swelled with affection. "It's beautiful, Rontu," she said, her voice filled with warmth. "Just like all the others you've made in the past." Kaden, ever the playful one, chimed in, "Maybe a little rough around the edges, but it'll do!" He puffed out his chest, flashing a grin that was part arrogance, part pride. "My baskets are the best, though, much more elegant!" Karee chuckled, her eyes twinkling. "Of course, Kaden," she said, reaching out to ruffle his hair."'Your baskets are also lovely, but mine are the most best of them all, right, Rontu?" Rontu, his eyes filled with love, agreed readily. "Of course, Karee, your baskets are the most beautiful," he said, his voice soft. "But I'll admit Kaden's are good too, very sturdy." Their laughter echoed through the clearing, a sound that was as natural and harmonious as the rustling of leaves in the wind. As they stood to return to the village they talked about the journey that lay ahead. Rontu looked at Karee and Kaden, a sense of determination in his gaze. "Alright, I'll tell you what the journey will be like. We'll be traveling through the forest for three weeks, so we need to be prepared for anything. The first part of the journey will be fairly easy, as we'll be passing through well-known territory." Kaden's eyes widened with excitement. "Will there be anought animals to hunt?" Rontu chuckled. "Of course, Kaden. We can find deer, rabbits, and maybe even a bear if we're lucky." Karee smiled at the two of them as Rontu continuedto speak "Just remember to keep Karee a safe distance from any wild animals, Kaden."

Kaden nodded. "As we continue on our journey, we'll come across some more challenging terrain. We'll have to cross a few streams, and there's a particularly steep mountain we'll need to climb but it'll be worth it, At the top you can see there's a beautiful meadow filled with wildflowers on the otherside. It's the perfect place to rest and eat." Karee jumped up and down in excitement, "I can't wait! I want to see all the different kinds of flowers. I wonder if there will be any I can bring with us." Karee's eyes sparkled with excitement as Rontu spoke. She loved nothing more than learning about the natural world, and she couldn't wait to see what the forest had to offer. Kaden, on the other hand, looked a little skeptical. "What about dangers, Rontu?" he asked. "Are there any things we should be worried about?" Rontu nodded. "Of course there could be dangers, Kaden. This is the wilderness, after all. But as long as we stay together and keep our wits about us, we will be fine. There are wild animals, of course, but they usually avoid beastmen. And there are poisonous plants, but Karee knows how to identify them and avoid them. The most dangerous thing we are likely to encounter are savage or tainted beast but as long as we are friendly or avoid them we should have nothing to fear." Karee nodded in agreement. She knew that Rontu was right. The forest could be a dangerous place, but it was also a place of great beauty and wonder. She couldn't wait to get started. Karee and Kaden looked at each other, their eyes wide with excitement and nervousness. They were grateful to have Rontu as their guide and knew that the journey would be an adventure they would never forget.