Day 1:

Citria, Tezcatlipoca, and Bloe approached me to let me know that they are going away for a while. Something about a personal challenge. They departed early in the morning. I'd imagine they don't want any help, but Tara a bit concerned.

The drone I use is a DPIP drone that I've modified, so if I hide those modifications, I should be able to keep track of them without them knowing it's me. For Tara's piece of mind.

My departure was a bit delayed, but they did not do a good job hiding their tracks. A slithering serpentine trail sandwiched between two quadruped tracks lead straight to their makeshift campsite. The towering mushrooms surrounding them block nearly all the sunlight, spare a few glimmers here and there. Most of the ambient light comes from bioluminescent mushrooms that dot the forest. The camp isn't yet finished, but good they're getting it done. Citria, Bloe, and Tezcatlipoca might not see it through the thick canopy obscuring the sky, but clouds are coming in fast. I leave the moment I hear their voices. They'll know it's me if I linger too long. But at least Tara is happy with the report.

Day 2:

It may have been a gentle sprinkle back at the home base, but it became a torrential downpour as I approached the camp. All the droplets became cold, concentrated streams as they landed and fell off of the giant mushroom caps. Through this weather, Tezcatlipoca reinforced their make-shift tent and is adding a raised platform inside it. Seems he is aware that if a stray rain-jet hits the tent as it was yesterday, it would get knocked down. Bloe is taking advantage of the easily harvestable rain water, drinking what she can and using hollowed out mushroom caps to catch water for later use. Citria focused on foraging for food while avoiding the giant streams of rain.

I showed Tara a candid recording of Bloe dancing under the rivers of rain when she thought no one was looking. Tara's mood was significantly brightened for the rest of the day.

Day 3:

The campsite was slightly flooded – only about ankle deep for Tezcatlipoca. Citria was laying on the dry raised platform, curled on her side, clutching her stomach, and shaking. Bloe was taking care of chores close to the camp and keeping watch on Citria, making sure to come to her aid whenever possible. Tezcatlipoca was out foraging and mumbling something about stomach problems and detoxification.

Tara was glad to see Bloe helping Citria out, but she was really worried for Citria. She wanted me to give Citria a medicine for tummy aches. I do not want to interfere with what the adults are doing, but I feel guilty just telling Tara no. I guess a white lie is warranted.

Day 4:

Citria seemed much better today and the flooding was gone. She is still staying at base, recovering and keeping fauna away from their water stores while Bloe and Tezcatlipoca are out foraging. They managed to find enough dry timber to make a fire, and stored it on the elevated platform, decreasing their sleeping space.

Tara was glad to see the medicine helped. Even though I didn't give it to Citria.

Day 5:

I overheard Citria arguing that she was fine enough to help the others with food. Bloe and Tezcatlipoca insisted that someone needed to protect their fresh water stores since they haven't found a reliable source yet, and Citria still was in the worst shape of the three. She relented and laid back on the raised platform. Luckily, she managed to ambush some animals using the fresh water as bait and got some meat for the group. Citria, Bloe, and Tezcatlipoca seemed pretty happy roasting and eating meat around the campfire.

Even Tara's mouth watered at the sight of the meat, and she wasn't even there.

Day 6:

It was Bloe's turn to keep watch while the other two foraged. Citria pointed out "the problem herb" to Tezcatlipoca. Other of that, there wasn't anything really worth reporting.

Tara is happy that they are all fine, but misses them a lot.

Day 7:

The Tezcatlipoca packed up the camp while Citria and Bloe foraged for snacks for the road. They made it back before the sun set and Tara was excited to see them again.