He nodded, satisfied, and they continued on their way, following the path that eventually leads to a forest that was so thick that the sun could hardly filter through the trees.

There also seemed to be something heavy surrounding the forest, a feeling that was thick and almost unnatural. Jien hung back for a moment, glancing at Della.

"Are you sure you want to pass through here?" he asked. While he was more familiar with what lay in the forest, he always preferred to exercise caution.