Trench and Sylvie trudged through the mangrove, the sound of a squeaky metal wagon accompanied by birds twittering and the occasional creak of wood.
  “I told you we should have come from the east…much drier that way. Less…muddy.” The small phoeline grunted as she yanked her cart from the muck, somewhat regretting offering to accompany Trench back to the village.
He snorted, moving much more smoothly over the twisted roots. “Maybe it’d be easier for you, but I find no problem in traversing these lands.” He looked over his shoulder. “The offer still stands.”
  “No no!” Sylvie yelped. “I’m okay! I can carry my own weight.” With a puff of her chest, she attempted to fake confidence, more for herself than her hiking buddy. “Just not something I’d prefer I guess…” Her voice trailed off, unsure of how to keep the conversation afloat.
  Trench didn’t seem to mind the silence, occasionally lifting a fallen log to allow Sylvie to slip under, keeping a close eye on the trees and burrowing holes. Something didn’t feel right, after being gone for so long, he hoped to speak with Amber about keeping the young’uns far away from this place. He stiffened as a snake quickly slithered away, flicking mud as it dived into the nearby river.
Shaking the tension from his shoulders, he quickened his pace. “C’mon Sylvie, I don’t want to be stuck here when the sun falls.”
  “Oh, okay!” Sylvie huffed, struggling to keep up with Trench’s hurried pace, practically running to stay close. “Though, I wouldn’t worry!” She paused to take a deep breath. “It’s barely midday and from Cherry’s notes we should be out within a few hours…then it’ll be smooth sailing from there.” Trench hastened, his tail disappearing each time Sylvie finally turned a corner or got her merchandise unstuck from the slippery ground or gnarled roots…
  Instantaneously she collided with a solid object, rubbing her nose she backed up to see Trench frozen in place, staring into the trees with an unmoving gaze. She squinted her eyes, trying to follow his line of vision…what was that?
  “Trench-?” Sylvie whispered only to be immediately hushed by the thump of Trench’s tail on her side.

   “Good afternoon, travelers…” A cloaked figure slid smoothly through the thorned branches, their clothing untarnished. “If you could spare some time, do you know where I could find the nearest village? I’ve been searching for weeks but haven’t had any luck sadly…” They kept their head tilted down, their hat covering any identifying features.
  “If you’ve been looking so long, why do your rags look untouched while we’re out here half-slathered in mud when we’ve only been out here for two days? ” Trench narrowed his eyes, he noticed too.
  The stranger paused, the tension becoming malleable in seconds as Sylvie lowered herself behind Trench’s domineering figure. Sylvie swore she could feel the daggers gleaming in their eyes. He inhaled, as if exasperated. “I must admit, I’m a bit of a germaphobe, I’ve been keeping myself off the ground with these.” They raised a paw from underneath their cloak, their clog was stained with dirt and by the height would reasonably keep their clothing far from the ground. “Sorry if I spooked you, I’m sure it doesn’t feel great having worms and bugs stuck in your fur. “They shivered, thinking the idea abysmal. “Now if you wouldn’t mind, could you answer my question?”
  “No.” Trench raised his head, his fin raising in a challenge. “I don’t think I can.”
  “Oh? But aren’t you heading someplace populated?” The stranger tilted their head, their voice a mock of innocence.
  Trench kept his jaw clenched, the two seemingly having a telepathic conversation as a growl grew in the back of the stranger's throat. Sylvie pressed closer, her movement causing the wagon to squeal forward and the stranger to break eye contact, clearing their throat.
  “Hm, I suppose not.” They threw one more glance at Trench as they slithered past the two. “Thanks anyways.” Soon the stranger disappeared into the forest.

   “Something ain’t right about this place.” Trench turned back to Sylvie, who had come from her hiding place. “Let’s hurry, even if it ain’t dark I don’t want to be here anymore.” The pair trudged off, their quick pace would soon set them free from these twisted roots.