Seraphine nods at the plan, rolling up her sleeves as she begins gathering materials for the makeshift shelter. She assists Finn in weaving the grass blades and leaves together, her fingers nimble and precise, a lingering trace of divine energy guiding her efforts. Afterward, Seraphine steps away to forage for something edible. Moving carefully through the garden, she looks for few tiny berries and some tender herbs growing near the pond (Survival: 18). Returning to the group, she kneels and starts preparing a simple meal. Using herbs to flavour the berries, she would add a few crushed seeds if she found any, creating a kind of makeshift salad that, while modest, would give them some energy.

As they eat, the world around them darkens into night, and the soft glow of fireflies creates a magical atmosphere around the pond. Seraphine listens to Valerian's suggestion and agrees, "Taking turns on watch is wise. I'll take the second shift after you." She finishes her meal and begins to settle into the shelter, ready to rest but alert, knowing that her turn to keep watch will come soon.

Finn will nod, sleep making his eyelids heavy from the excitement of the day. He’ll agree to take the third watch before falling asleep.

Aralin is happy to accept any watch given to him. 

(Sorry things have been a little slow, I’ve been extremely busy but things will be looking up for me starting later this afternoon)

Finn accomplishes his watch, and if nothing of note happens, he'll wake as the sun crests the horizon in the east. To still his mind for the day, the monk enters into a set of stretches and forms to center his mind, soul, and body. When the group wakes, they find him sitting by the pond, reflecting over the water.

He's ready to start the day when the others are ready. As the first person emerges from the tent, his ear twitches towards the sound, and then he turns to wave, "G'morning! Beautiful night and a beautiful sunrise!" His optimism oozes out in a way that could annoy those who aren't morning people, but some part of it is slightly contagious. He means well, but damn if it isn't too early for all that positivity— especially when everyone is still the size they were the day before.

It’s true, the potion has not worn off.

Those who kept watch last night, make a perception check.

During her watch, Seraphine sat quietly outside the makeshift tent, the world around her cloaked in darkness save for the occasional flicker of fireflies and the faint glimmer of stars above. She remained alert, her eyes scanning the shadows for any sign of movement, ears attuned to the nocturnal sounds of the garden. The night was calm, but Seraphine knew better than to let her guard down; they were still vulnerable in this strange, shrunken state.

As the hours passed without incident, Seraphine allowed herself a brief moment of reflection. She silently thanked Kiaransalee for the protection they had received so far, offering a prayer of gratitude for the small victories they had won and asking for continued guidance. The weight of her earlier battle with the mantis still lingered in her thoughts, a reminder of the risks they faced.

(Perception: 19, incl. 4 from guidance. For advantage/disadvantage I've got the same roll.)

Seraphine, remaining vigilant, was able to observe a disturbing sight during her watch in the night. Silent as a specter, the gleam of some great white body streaks across the night sky, visible only from the reflected light of stars and a bright half-moon. A great white owl, on the hunt. In a flash it has passed.

Now with the dawn, the pleasant shores of the pond greet you. The new light gives a rosy hue to the land and it seems as though no wrong could occur this beautiful morning.

(I was waiting to see if we roll perception before posting, that's a 14 for Valerian)

(the perception thing can be considered resolved, I gave the little scene to Seraphine as she rolled well)

Finn thinks for a moment after Seraphine tells the group what she saw last night. "Death seems to come from above, maybe we should use camouflage? What if we hold leaves over our head, that way when predators or bees pass by they don't see us from the air as easily?"

"I think that's a good idea, given that we're still small, we can use whatever advantage we get." Valerian says, nodding towards Finn.

He looks out ahead at the pond and finds himself at odds a about what their plan is for the day, it makes him feel a bit lost. "Are we trying to talk to the animals at the pond or trying to find Agate's companions while it's still bright out?"

Seraphine nodded in agreement with Valerian's caution. "The bees were elsewhere, I think. Yes, so it makes sense to focus on the pond now that we're here. If Wisp and the bullfrog have knowledge or magic that can help us, we should seek them out first. They might even know something about Agate's companions. Let's make the most of the daylight and try to find them."

(Sorry, I was sick with fever for a spell and didn't manage to post.)

(glad you're back)

( I'm trying not to prod too much and see what you all proactively want to do. I'll admit it was a bit of an issue last time I ran this too. It's very open and some players can feel a little bit at a loss. I love everything you guys are doing though! )

"Making use of morning light, got it." Valerian repeats, nodding. He picks up a leaf nearby, holding it above his head and quietly making his way towards the pond. 

He's unsure of what Wisp is, if it's a fish in the pond, it'll be harder to find than a bullfrog. With that decision, Valerian looks around for the frog around the pond.

(Investigation: nat 1 xD)

Valerian looks around and doesn't spot any frogs, and gradually realizes he has no clue how to find a frog. Wondering about the fish, though, he can't help but notice that lilypads clog the pond surface to such a degree that it would take little effort to use them as platforms to walk out onto the pond.

Valerian hasn't seen many frogs, he can think of several different kinds and doesn't really know what kind he's supposed to be looking for. 

Deciding it's a lost cause, Valerian walks even closer to the lake until he's close enough to see the lilypads and turns back to the others quickly. "I think I'll make my way a little further into the lake and have a look."

Being confident in his footing, Valerian takes a few careful steps on a lilypad and looks out into the lake.

Seraphine watched Valerian carefully step onto the lilypad and then called out softly, "Valerian, I’ve heard that fishermen often use flies or worms to attract fish. Maybe Wisp, if it’s a fish, could be lured in the same way. Though... catching a fly or a worm at our size might be a challenge in itself," she admitted with a thoughtful frown. "But it’s an idea worth considering if we’re struggling to find anything. What do you think?"

(I just now figured out that notifications are not working properly on the website)

Valerian finds the lilypads to be a bit springy but overall very secure-feeling. They stretch out quite a ways onto the pond. Where he's at right now, it would only be the shallowest of shallows at normal size.

Finn see Valerian bravely step out onto the lilypads, and when he sees it's secure, he smiles with a juvenile idea. Why not make it fun?  "Valerian, Aralin, Seraphine, before you go too far, I think we should... race to the middle!"

Before any of them can accept or decline Finn's offer, the tabaxi blasts in a full sprint over the spongy ground. The leaf he's holding over his head flapping and bobbing around.