Garrock merely nodded in response, his mind clearly too occupied with his own solemn thoughts to speak.
Just as Skobeloff says, it's not long before they set eyes upon the Stronghold. As they approach the hollowed out tree, Skobeloff will note that the air feels a lot less still, less lifeless, than it did before, as if living beings other than himself have recently come this way. This becomes more apparent as they draw close enough to the tree, as they can now hear voices coming from within. Upon entering the stronghold, Skobeloff will recognise Fogcloud's soft voice, accompanied by a much louder, higher-pitched that doesn't seem particularly pleased. This second voice isn't quite shouting, but they sound as if they would like to. These voices seem to be originating from the kitchen area that Skobeloff was in earlier.
Stargaze's attempt to locate the source of the Darkness takes some time, as there doesn't seem to be any rhyme or reason to the vines and thorns growing around them. In fact, she quickly realises none of the plantlife on this island would normally grow like this, meaning the corruption in this area is very strong. Strong enough to warp living beings into something else, something contrary to what nature made them to be. Just like it did with the brownies.
As she is trying to pinpoint what on Adulare could have made this area like, she suddenly becomes aware of breathing. At first, she assumes its one of her companions, but the more she focuses on it, the louder, raspier, and downright uncanny it becomes. Like the breathing of something that doesn't need to do so, that isn't used to breathing. As she follows the sound, she raises her head to see that there, just a few paces in front of her, seperated by a particularly large partition of thorny vines, is a dragon.
Or at least, it's a shape that resembles a dragon, seemingly of bearded age judging by its size. It's crouching, its head lowered as it seems to be watching the group. Upon realising its been seen, the breathing abruptly stops and the dragon begins to back away slowly. The vines surrounding the group start to twitch, as if expectant to see what they will do next.
