Palamena explored the coastal foliage. The air was fresh and salty which brought back sweet memories of playing by the seashore of Pritta Ridge when she was a child. As a queen, she hardly ever got time to herself, so she enjoyed these rare moments of solitude while collecting provisions for the camp that her traveling companions had set up.

Her mind was on her brother Iain and the kingdom she'd left in his care. Being a leader meant she was never truly off the clock, and she constantly worried about her people. She was on a pilgrimage to the Tree of Mana with Val, and her fellow alms Morley of the Moon, Careena of Wind, and Julei of Wood. It was a place of great importance to them all.

Suddenly, she heard some rustling close by, snapping her out of her thoughts. Palamena tightened her grip on her flail and followed where the sound was coming from. Through the dense shrubs, she saw a shadowy figure. Perhaps an adventurer? Or a commoner passing through.

"Who's there?" she asked.