Four colonists trekked along a well-worn path in the undergrowth. Overhead, insects buzzed, still active despite Kerah nearing the middle of its season. Any time the wind picked up, dust appeared to float through the air, though a closer look would reveal them to be mushroom spores by their yellow and green color. The spores settled on the colonists, giving the darkest, Rubus, a frosted appearance.

Chase led the group. Her stride was confident, as if she had walked this path before. Behind her were two fellow diplomats, Cacao and Dawn, and one of the colony's doctors following last. An ally had requested a second opinion from Rubus, an in person visit, and the three diplomats had wanted the opportunity to strengthen relations. Now, they returned to Port Celeste, ready and eager to take a boat back to Mireh. If they moved quickly enough, they'd reach the port town by dusk. The afternoon burned, unseasonably warm.

While Chase was occupied with navigating and Rubus lost in his own thoughts, Cacao and Dawn chatted, discussing how the visit had gone and their hopes for more friendly communication in the future. Soon, though, the entire group was brought to a stop by Chase pausing, peering under a low-growing mushroom. "Hello?" she asked, sounding concerned. The other two diplomats crowded up behind her, curious, Cacao nearly sticking his head through her legs to see. Rubus stayed back, watchful.

"Hello," a small voice came from under the mushroom. An oat-colored tsabhua crouched there, her ears back, nervous.

"Are you okay?" Dawn asked, peering over Chase's shoulder. "You can come out, we won't hurt you."

The tsabhua considered for a moment, then sighed and crawled out, rising to her full height. "I'm Junima," she introduced herself, then added more quietly, "I was hoping you wouldn't see me."

"I'm Chase, and this is Dawn," Chase said, nudging the taller tsabhua, "Cacao," pointing to the belemoid, "and the shy one back there is Rubus," pointing behind her. Cacao and Dawn waved. Rubus looked Junima up and down, a quick assessment.

"You're limping," he said. "Is that why you didn't want to be seen?"

Junima nodded sheepishly. "The mud, I….slipped. And you never know who will be friendly or not," she replied.

"Oh, you're hurt?" Cacao jumped in. "We'd love to help, Rubus is a doctor!" Junima looked alarmed, and Rubus rolled his eyes.

Chase reached down to pat Cacao's shoulder. "The path here is narrow," she commented, "We certainly can help if you want, but we should probably find a clearing, with some more space." She tilted her head. "Can you walk that far?"

"There's a good spot just down a ways," Junima answered. "And….sure. I can walk." Her face remained turned away from the others, a sign of uncertainty, but the promise of help seemed difficult for her to turn down.

Dawn offered her shoulder for Junima to lean on, and the group of five continued down the path. It was likely they would no longer reach Port Celeste before it was dark, but no one mentioned it. Soon, the close-seated stalks of the towering mushrooms opened up a little, revealing a clearing lit by the waning evening light.

Chase led them to the center. Junima sat down, sighing with relief, and Dawn sat next to her, fluffy tail tucked loosely around the other tsabhua. Cacao hovered nearby, nearly getting in the way as Rubus stepped forward, gesturing for Junima to hold out her injured leg. She did so, and Rubus took it gently, closely examining the joints and asking if it was painful if she moved it this way or that.

After a few minutes he sat back, and the three diplomats looked at him expectantly. "It's bruised, but not terribly swollen," Rubus announced. "Most likely a minor sprain. Painful, yes, but you'll be okay with some rest."

Junima nodded, her expression relaxing with some relief. Cacao leaned forward. "We have a place to stay in Port Celeste, you could come with us?" he offered. Chase laid a hand on his shoulder again, reminding him he was too eager. Junima looked slightly less frightened, this time.

"I'm not sure," she replied. "I think I might just stay here for the night. It's nice."

Dawn nodded encouragingly. "That's okay. It's probably best if you don't try to keep walking on your leg, anyway. But if you change your mind, you can come find us. Right?" She looked around at the others, who nodded.

"It would be easier to find some ice or a cold pack to soothe your leg in Port Celeste, as well," Rubus added. "I don't have any with me, unfortunately."

Chase waved the others to her, and turned back to Junima one last time. "I hope you feel better soon, and I also hope we see you again," she said, and Junima nodded, a small smile on her face. With that, Chase led the group of colonists out of the clearing, and Junima set about making camp.