(Encounter)<br/><br/>Susan's shoreline search had so far yielded little. The treeline came nearly to the edge of the water, as her venture had taken her west away from Utsumi. The bay was deep, and richly vegetated soil had kept any substantial beach from forming in what little shallows there were. An occasional Magikarp neared the surface not far from shore, but reaching it would prove difficult without a boat or Pokemon to ride. The use of rods for luring water Pokemon was proving its wisdom.<br/><br/>The forest behind her echoed with the calls of Pokemon far within. Nearby though, a small flock of Pidgey had settled at the water's edge, perched in the treetops to watch for unsuspecting prey. A Metapod hung from a branch a short distance into the forest.<br/><br/><br/><br/>(quick)<br/><br/>Eleyna stepped off the wooden deck, onto the dirt path between the houses, trying to remember which way they had come. She could see rice fields from Brollem's home, but felt no need to go trudging through fields and grass again. Flat dirt roads were perfectly fine to her at this moment. Each footfall felt heavy, and with no more adrenaline and desperation fueling her, she was utterly spent even though the day couldn't be further along in the afternoon than 2 or 3 o'clock.<br/><br/>She took off her hat and stuffed it in what remained of her bag, her mother's broken Pokedex no longer holding a place in her mind. Behind her Steven at least had stayed to talk to the two villagers, but Eleyna was content to let questions wait. She headed on down the path between the houses to make the left at what could ostensibly be called the town center, small as it was.<br/><br/>Brollem waved off Steven's question.<span style="color: red">Nothing to concern yourself with. </span>He ran his fingers through his beard.<span style="color: red">More important matters took our attention.</span>He nodded toward the house.<span style="color: red">We'll sort it out, don't you worry.</span><div class="messageTextEndMarker"> </div>