"Are you sure we shouldn't wait until Picker gets back?" asked Amelia, as she gazed up at the clouds above, arms crossed behind her head.

"I am. It's just a short day trip, not any place dangerous like Elara," replied Quiet. The goblin fed the last bits of her lunch to Fern and Shock. Whisper was somehow already in a food coma, so didn't shamelessly beg like the other two. "Or are you asking because you're procrastinating?"

"No, not really. I mean, I really like it here, and there's lots to do and stuff. But I still wanna see cool things! And places! You know?"

"I get it. I was an adventurer for years, remember? I've got itchy feet, too. As much as I love a good home base to come back to, there's something about seeing what's out there that just gets you."

"So tell me about your adventures! Those must have been exciting!" Amelia rolled over and looked at the goblin, dislodging the wisp from her forehead perch. Whisper wafted off to a patch of the blanket that was in the sun, and settled down to resume her nap.

The goblin sucked her teeth, then shook her head. "They were exciting, all right, but I don't think giving you ideas is the wisest course of action. Especially if we're going touring tomorrow."

"Huh. So you say. Besides, how am I supposed to find out about other places if nobody'll tell me? Lark doesn't really leave the hollow, and Briar just wants to talk about plants or sing dirty songs. Everybody else just talks about the mines, and how horrible they were."

"Don't rush things, dear. You've been caretaker for, what, a few months now? Look at all the stuff you've seen and learned. You're young, still. You've got time to take it easy."

"Yeah, I guess. So tell me about where we're going tomorrow. What should I pack?"

"Same as we told the others. Bring a lunch, water, and a jacket. Good walking shoes. Hat. Walking stick if you go for that sort of thing. It's just a hike, Amelia!"

"Yeah, but a hike in another realm!" she said the last in an over-exaggerated deep voice.

The goblin just shook her head and smiled. They'd been planning to have expeditions for quite some time now, and she finally felt confident taking the first group out. It would be better having Picker around, but Elisabet and Vieno had volunteered to come along, so they'd have plenty of chaperones.

Amelia watched the goblin for a minute, then heaved a sigh and sat up. They were in a clearing with a pond formed by the creek, downstream from Alder and the gaming shack. That particular clearing was anything but peaceful, these days, with the almost twenty-four-seven games that the tree ran. Plus the mining operations going in and out via the portal and vault entrance. It was still a pretty place, but no longer the quietest place for a picnic. Luckily there were many spots in the hollow that were nice and peaceful, with only the occasional rambler wandering through.

"I've gotta go soon. Class with Lark in a bit." Amelia worked her jaw and pursed her lips a few times, just thinking of the workout to come.

"How's that coming along? And how are the others taking to it?"

"Fine. It's just really slow-going, you know? Lark says that once we know enough and have enough practice, she'll start teaching us how to actually do magic, which'll be cool. I mean, theory is great and all, but I think she takes it a bit far. Only so much grammar and conjugation a body can take."

Quiet grinned at that. Amelia was the farthest along, but the kids were learning rapidly. She herself had started attending the bird's new class for the adults, and it had indeed been tough going. Dinners had been a lot quieter once everybody's whistling muscles were aching.

No one had pointed it out, since it was obvious to everyone except Amelia, but having actual experts teaching classes was a rarity where they were from. Most were lucky if they learned basic math, and reading was frequently considered a specialist skill. To have such a wealth of knowledge readily shared was such a treasure that every class was filled, and people only missed them if it couldn't possibly be helped. Amelia had even added several new classrooms in the warren area, along with a substantial number of workrooms, practice spaces, and just general living space. They certainly didn't need it all, but if her son and Tuuka managed to convince anyone to come join them, they'd need the space sooner or later.

Quiet stood up and helped Amelia put away the food containers. They didn't have to worry about leftovers since they'd brought their crack team of self-propelled food disposal units. It had been a spontaneous outing, just a chance to get away and bond a little. Amelia had been trying to spend more one-on-one time with each of the inhabitants, which could be a challenge with how busy they were these days. But very little was urgent, since they mostly worked on tasks of their own devising, so bunking off for a cheeky bite and a chinwag was usually easy enough to fit in.

The two flapped the blanket a few times to dislodge any crumbs that Fern and Shock had somehow missed, then folded it up. Amelia tucked it into her rucksack, then shouldered the bag. She patted it with one hand.

"You sure I don't need to bring a change of clothes, blankets, or anything? Emergency rations?"

"Very sure. We'll be gone maybe a couple of hours, tops. Wear your cloak, if that'll make you happy."

"Oh, I will, and it will!" Amelia twirled to make the garment flare out behind her, but the backpack kept it in place. She settled for grabbing a corner of it and waving it around, the sky-blue material free from stains despite being around Fern and Whisper eating.

The girl caused the spearhead in her other hand to shrink to its pin form, then slid it into place on her shoulder where the cloak overlapped itself. The goblin had quailed watching her use it like a butter knife, the bright yellow metal, black engraving, and glowing red runes covered in smears of hummus and jam. Amelia had learned to use the iron edge for most tasks since the grokzite side tended to cut things before it made contact, which was unnerving. She had been banned from using it on their 'live steel' practice targets, since the weapon slid through every substance they'd tried it on, frequently shattering or melting them. Watching it being used to pry open a jar and spread marmite was just another of the odd experiences one got around the caretaker.

Amelia patted it into place, then flashed the iron bracelet on her left wrist, before making sure it was covered up by her sleeve again. "Bringing this, too! I've never worn much jewelry before, but I kinda like it. Makes me feel more, I dunno, dressed and made-up, or something. Even though it isn't shiny or anything."

The girl was one of the few who didn't feel the ominous presence that radiated from the metal item. Quiet had asked the two crafters about it, but they wouldn't give any details. Just that it creeped them out, even though they'd made it. They had muttered something about directions from those two weird birds Amelia was friends with.

"Hmmm. I don't know why, but somehow I think that bracelet is more hazardous than your broach. Sure you don't want to leave it at home?"

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"I'm sure. I like it. I don't know why everybody acts all squiffy around it. It's just a piece of metal."

A piece of metal forged by her husband, the goblin thought. She briefly entertained the notion of describing what sorts of things Bellows had made before being forced into the mines, but she'd heard that Amelia already had nightmares. No reason to torment the girl.

She glanced from the frolicking black puppy that was chasing the sprite on the trail ahead of them, to the glowing wisp that had resumed its accustomed perch on top of Amelia's head. "Fine. What's one more atrocity, right? Considering the pile you already have. Probably gonna collect the whole set ..." she muttered under her breath.

"What was that? Did you say something?"

"No, dear. Just clearing my throat."

"Oh. So about this place we're going?"

"Right, sorry, got distracted by ... something ... Anyways, we'll be going into Megrim. Before my son left, we scouted out a nice trail that ends on a nice rock overlook, with a great view of a lake below. I don't want to spoil it, so that's all you get. Couple of miles there, lunch, then couple of miles back. No big deal, but good for a first outing."

"Awesome! I'm looking forwards to it! And to how Bill and his friends like it! Well, here we are. Thanks again for the chat and lunch! Say hi to Bellows for me!"

"Will do. Tomorrow in the pub, right? 10 am?"

"Yup! See you!"

----------------------------------------

The tour group was already mostly assembled in the pub when Quiet arrived. The goblin entered via the door from Sandy's shop, having used the portal in the brewery.

Vieno was playing tug-of-war with Shock and her doll, while Amelia helped Ashlee bus a recently vacated table.

The rest of the group were squeezed into two of the booths, various mostly empty glasses and snack baskets in front of them. Bill waved, and John raised his pint glass towards their lead guide when he saw her.

"How's the injuries?" She asked, ambling over to their table.

"Fine! That salve the gardener gave me helped with the burn, and the ankle sorted itself out after a couple days. I've done some walks on it already, no problems. Good to go!" He gave a thumbs-up sign.

"Good. But speak up if it bothers you, okay?"

The man nodded, then chugged the rest of his drink.

Quiet acknowledged the rest of the group, doing a silent head count as she looked them over. They had all gone through her 'boot camp' process, which had weeded out the ones she wasn't willing to take responsibility for. Only those who were willing to pay attention, take instruction, and not goof off too much were invited.

"I gotta hit the loo, then I'm ready to go!" called Amelia, depositing a load of dishes into the dumbwaiter. She waved to get the goblin's attention, then disappeared through the side door.

"Anybody else need to go? Only bushes and the great outdoors where we're heading, so better go if you can."

A few people wormed their way out of their seats and followed after Amelia.

"Anything for the road, sweetlings? Toothsome meat, dripping and juicy? Pork crackling? Shandy?" asked the barmaid, her iron chatelaine jingling slightly. With the antique-styled black lace dress she wore, the lady tended to blend into the dim shadows of the room if you weren't carefully watching.

Bill patted the waxed paper parcel he had in front of him on the table and gave her a thumbs up. Several others were already stowing their orders in packs and bags.

"Right, everybody ready? Water, hats, et cetera et cetera?" Quiet called when Amelia and the others returned.

There was a general murmur of agreement as they all stood and grabbed their various jackets and gear.

The goblin eyed the mismatch of outfits. Several were dressed like she'd seen most of the ramblers in the hollows, in sensible walking shoes, tough fabrics, and layers. But a few had more outlandish garb. Bill was wearing a heavy maroon canvas kaftan, with a large canvas bag slung over one shoulder by a rope strap. He'd been asked to bring first aid supplies, and by the look of the lumpy sack, he was well-equipped. He had a large, floppy hat on his head, and one of the 'switch spears' as Amelia called them was in a sheath on his belt. He had attended every practice they'd had, so he'd earned the trust to carry one, just in case. Quiet was confident he'd be an asset.

The rest of the group looked like they were ready for a fantasy festival of some sort. Cloaks, baggy trousers, long colourful tunics, hats with feathers in them, the works. A few had walking sticks (complete with carvings, gewgaws, and doodad decorations), but none of them had brought weapons, costume or otherwise, thankfully. This was literally a walk in the park, and she didn't want to invite trouble.

Quiet considered making a comment, but decided against it as she glanced over at Amelia. The caretaker was dressed more or less as usual, with her hoodie, jeans, and trainers ensemble. She'd added a sling bag over one shoulder filled with lunch, snacks, and candy. Which was all well enough, until you also added in her bright blue cloak, glowing wisp on her head, sparkly sprite on her shoulder, and the vague sensation that the shadows around the girl were somehow deeper, watchful, and hungry. The floppy, adorable puppy was a welcome addition to the look, though.

"We're all set!" called Elisabet, the dwarf settling the sling that held little Onni against her chest. She knelt to grab her rucksack-cum-diaper bag, then tucked her Finntroll t-shirt back into her cargo shorts.

"Me too!" added Vieno. The teen was wearing a hoodie over her utilikilt, shemagh loosely tied around her neck to be used for sun protection. She had a switch spear as well, handle protruding from one of the kilt's cargo pockets.

"Right! Let's move out!"

They trooped out through the bar's front entrance and filed along the road in the direction of the hollow's gate. They could have used either of the portals, but this way they had a short walk to make sure they hadn't forgotten anything, and to get everybody settled in before they transitioned realms. Plus having a horde of people tramp through Sandy's back room and the brewery was a bit awkward.

It was a lovely day out, just cool enough that it felt good to walk briskly, with just enough breeze to stir the leaves on the trees as they passed through the village. Since the area had been annexed into Beorthmund, the flora and fauna had experienced the rapid growth that was prevalent in the hollow. Flowers bloomed almost everywhere, and squirrels and birds were prevalent. Several of the buildings were already covered in ivy, and the farmers had been struggling with their wildly fertile fields. Shock had to be gently restrained so she didn't pester a badger that disappeared into a hedgerow.

They slowed to watch a narrowboat chug along the canal, its classic engine pock-pock-pocking puffs of smoke from its flue. In all the times Amelia had walked along the road, she'd never seen someone using the canal. At most walkers or bikers along the towpath, but never boats. There was a pudgy calico cat lazing in the transparent window of the cratch cover, bundles of firewood drying on the roof between sacks of coal and racks of solar panels. The driver stared at the motley walking group from his position at the tiller, returning their waves politely with his pipe in his hand.

"'ey up!" he called.

"Alright? Love the boat!" answered Amelia, examining it from stem to stern.

"Ta! She's a good 'un. You lot in a play?"

"Nope, just out for a walk."

They chatted for a minute or two as the boat slowly moved away at a leisurely walking pace. Amelia gave the man directions to Sandy's pub before he chuffed out of view, waving goodbye.

They continued along, pairing up to walk in column on the side of the road.

After taking the turn onto the path, Quiet stopped on the far side of the iron gate. She waited until Vieno and Bill, who were bringing up the rear, had passed through the entryway.

"Right. Last chance before we head into Megrim. Any questions, issues, anything?" She met the eyes of each person, and when nobody spoke up, continued on.

"I know it seems silly since we just came in this way, but this is the crossing point into Megrim. I know it doesn't need to be said, but I want everybody on their best behaviour, okay?" She stared meaningfully at Amelia, Fern, Whisper, and Shock. Only Amelia had the grace to try to look innocent.

The goblin nodded, then turned back and passed back through the gate.

There were oohs and ahhs as the group followed her, the transition between realms immediate and dramatic. The hollow was an oddity, with multiple realms overlapping in the same location. Terrain and vegetation were generally the same regardless of which realm you were in there. But as they exited the gate, everything was different.

"Hey! Picker said the realm boundary was at the gate, but Pancake said it was the other side of the road. I don't get it. Why did everything change here?" Amelia asked. She was walking at the front of the group with Quiet since Shock wanted to be out in front anyways.

"Hearth Haven Hollow, the overlap between the mortal realm and Megrim, ends at the gate. That's why we transitioned as soon as we exited. Beorthmund, on the other hand, now extends quite a bit past the far side of the road, and all the way to the far side of town. So we haven't quite left it yet." responded the goblin.

"Huh. I guess that makes sense, in a weird sorta way. Thanks."

Amelia hadn't expected much of a change, since the part of Whimsy she had visited had been pretty similar to the hollow and surrounding area. But Megrim was noticeably different.

"Just checking, but do those mushrooms do that spore thing?"