Yara followed Wilder closely, her steps light and cautious. As they moved through the Mile-High Woods, she listened attentively to his question and glanced around, taking in the details of their surroundings. The towering, gnarled trees that touched the sky created a natural ladder, and she felt a mixture of awe and intimidation.
"The ground here is damp," she began, her voice soft and measured. "It's not just from the recent rains. The soil seems to hold water longer, which could mean there's a natural spring nearby. The trees are closer together here, and the underbrush is thicker. It makes it harder to see far ahead, so we need to be more aware of sounds and scents."
As they moved deeper into the woods, Yara tried to stay alert, knowing she had to rely on her senses. She noticed how the sunlight filtered through the trees, creating patterns on the ground. "The light creates patterns that can help us navigate," she continued, her confidence growing slightly as she hoped she was answering correctly. "It's like a map if you know how to read it."
