Noctisardor Bypass noumou

While Druid carefully examined the peculiar stone, Skaigona tromped through the surrounding mud, careless by contrast. The slightly older of the two didn’t mind nor pay her much attention, her world having narrowed down to the rock’s smooth surface and, stranger still, the subtle patterning there.

Only when Skaigona exclaimed in excitement did it break Druid’s concentration somewhat, though she had noticed too. The worm seemed to materialize from inside the stone, flickering into view before retreating again. The tiny would-be hunter huffed in surprise, glancing at her companion before borrowing her approach. Tossing caution to the wind, she thrust her nose against the rock.

The worm did not reappear though something slithered out of the rock’s farther side, capturing the youngster’s attention. She raised her head to look at it and gave a little shriek. She had never yet seen an amphibian or a reptile, though some instinct warned her to be wary of this snake.

Just like the worm, the larger snake withdrew back into the rock. Druid froze, eyes bulging as she pointed her snout, hound-like. Would either the snake or the worm make a second appearance?