<div class="floatleft">(http://miniset.net/files/cfp-updates/88644.jpg)</div><br/>In sharp contrast to her nature minded friend, Serana had spent the majority of the trip in trademark silence. She was not the most..."socially graceful" and as such tended to avoid conversation where possible. Thankfully her input was not sorely missed, as Briar was more then happy to fill in 3 people's worth of chatter, perhaps more. She didn't fault her for it, if anything it was part of her charm. It was oddly comforting in a way, to travel with someone who could hold a conversation with you without you having to say a word, it took a great deal of pressure off of one's self.<br/><br/>Of course, the comforting effect of Briar's constant prattle just made it all the more unsettling when the sudden shift in foliage slowed her tongue as much as it had. Just as the report had mentioned, a sudden and very dramatic shift of climate, as if an entire chunk of the forest had switched places with a distant jungle...no...not switched places, because for all the new, varied flora, the fauna were all the same. The two areas hadn't swapped out, a jungle had literally spread out and overtaken this section of the forest. No doubt by arcane means, for there was no natural explanation for such phenomenon. But more than that Serana could practically feel it in the air, strange energies that left the area absolutely bursting with life. So strong was it in fact that the flower buds across her armor began to bloom into full, healthy roses as they journeyed through the lush environment.<br/><br/>With clinking steps the fully armored knightess made her way through the thick underbrush with surprising grace and finesse. One would think her armor would leave her sweltering and clumsy in such a place, but if anything she seemed to actually have the easiest time navigating the jungle of the five of them. She of course had the Hedge to thank for this boon, her years spent patrolling that labyrinth making her quite adept at it's navigation, the thick, endless labyrinth of thorny vines not at all dissimilar to the wild jungle foliage. In fact the familiarity of it all began calling back all manner of unpleasant memories, the brief flashes of things better left forgotten doing more to hasten her breath than the heat or brush ever could. "We should pick up our pace, I don't think it is wise to linger her-"<br/><br/>Her words were abruptly cut off by the crack of falling wood, followed quickly by the distressed cry of a woman. Just like that they sprang into action, Briar and her feathered companion at the head, Serana following not far behind her, already drawing her bastard sword in preparation for a potential fight. With all the trees so healthy, and seemingly freshly grown, it was unlikely that one would simply topple over of it's own accord.