You decide to save your strength for now, and start making your way back on hoof. Thankfully, the region's climate is relatively mild, and the fair weather is perfect for a long walk through grassy fields.

As distant hills slowly roll by, you and your friends pass the time chatting about your visit to the hermit's house. Curious, you try asking if the filly spoke to anyone else in private.

Honourshine: "In private...? How do you mean?"

You recount how it felt as though time had stopped when she spoke to you alone, and admit that at first, you weren't sure whether you had imagined it or not. Though judging by the question marks floating around their heads, you can only conclude that your companions did not share this experience.

Tsu-Ko: "Time isn't something that can be stopped, you know."

Moonflower: "What did she tell ya? Is it a secret...?"

You nod, and reveal that the demon offered you forbidden knowledge about the Elves.

Moonflower: "Oooh!"

Tsu-Ko: "In exchange for...?"

... Affection, you confess sheepishly. The sprite's hoof meets her face.

Tsu-Ko: "You've got to be kidding me..."

In your defence, you argue that she came onto you first! And, well, that she is somewhat your type. A small knowing grin creeps onto Honourshine's face at that.

Tsu-Ko: "Your type? So, what, a living creature?"

As much as you want to protest against that outrageous accusation, even you have to concede that your preferences are suggestive at best; between bookish fillies, delinquent dragons or even brutish diamond dogs, you've always kept an open mind.

Moonflower: "Heeheehee!"

Honourshine: "So when exactly did this private meeting happen?"

You recall the exchange taking place in the span of a single lightning strike.

Honourshine: "... Hm. Moonflower, is he always that quick?"

Before the bat pony can so much as open her mouth, you point out to the cheeky historian that the deal benefited her most of all! She responds with an amused shrug.

Honourshine: "Very well. I take it you agreed, then?"

You nod, and begin to relay your findings to the party. Honourshine listens intently to your revelations — from what you've learned of the Elves to the truth behind the War of Fates — and stops a few times to take notes. From the look in her eyes, you get the feeling that a long, studious night awaits...

A few hours' walk later, you arrive at a soggy riverbank. Beyond the river to the north, you recognize the lifeless Forest of Stone. Far to the west, the twin moons slowly grow closer to the glaring sun, under which you spot the demon village from earlier.

You estimate that you have a couple hours of daylight left. You could either stop early and stay at the town overnight, or keep going and look for a good place to set up camp. Either way, a pang of hunger reminds you that you haven't eaten in a while.