King Elk Forest Tinker Tailor, Soldier Sailor

Giancarlo turned his skyward gaze from the barren tree to his lounging father a few meters away. His brow furrowed with disbelief in response to his answer. "Bullshit," he quickly shot back, believing his father was still just joking with him. He had never seen an insect cause so much damage, let alone a swarm large enough to wipe out an entire forest. It was all too unbelievable.

"I think it might be some sort of disease or something," he incorrectly theorized. His shoulders rolled forward in a shrug. Whatever had stripped the leaves from the trees was of no consequence... Not anymore at least. Now, they had to deal with the problem at hand -- leading the family into a wasteland.