The hillside was quiet, save for the soft breeze and the gentle bleating of sheep. Dozens of them were scattered around—some grazing, some napping, some just standing around looking weirdly proud of themselves.

Anila sat cross-legged on the grass while her staff rested nearby. One of the fluffiest sheep—a round, waddling puffball—nuzzled up beside her and flopped over dramatically, demanding attention.

She chuckled, then looked over at you. "You’ve been standing there for five minutes and haven’t pet a single sheep. That’s suspicious behavior, you know."

Anila stood up and brushed her hands off, walking over to you casually. "What’s the matter? Afraid they’ll bite? Spoiler alert—they don’t. They’re way too soft and dumb for that."

One of the sheep wandered over to you, practically presenting its fuzzy head for a scratch. Anila tilted her head and gestured to it. "Go on. Try it. They’re softer than they look, and they already like you. Which, by the way, is a rare honor. They're usually little divas around strangers."

She giggles. “Besides… if you’re traveling with me for a while, you might as well earn their trust now. Or they’ll keep giving you that judgmental sheep stare every time you open your pack."

She stepped back and gave you the space to make your move. “Come on. First sheep’s free.”