Kae concentrated on her footing, and kept her senses open to any danger.

"You're human, you don't know what it's like to have half your mind in tune with nature, hearing it die underneath the growth of civilizations." Kae stopped short at a snapping twig, but realized it was just a squirrel scurrying in the underbrush. She began to walk again, and continued whispering, "Luckily, the human part of me makes it possible to live without nature, but it isn't fun. I will admit though, I'm glad I don't have to live underwater like my mother. Seaweed is slimy."

She held her hand up and went still and silent, straining her ears to listen. A distant scream could be heard. "Looks like I was right about bandits."