[FweepFwopFwoop]

Finally, Astien could bear his drowsiness no longer. After almost falling off his horse, he came across a suitable resting place. Beneath a large knotwood tree, there was an opening. Astien barely manages to squeeze himself inside, but was pleasantly surprised to find a small grotto. A small pool with fresh, cool water, and looked to be a bedroll left behind by some other traveler. Perhaps as a service to whoever next would find the place.

As Astien settled down for what was left of the night, he found himself still crying. He thought about the nature of his child. It was a god-like creature, so perhaps it didn't truly need him to be alive. He looked around. There were some very strong looking vines upon the walls. They looked like they could support a fair amount of weight. Could hang a fair amount of weight...

Astien pushed away that last thought, though it kept creeping its way back into his mind. He tried to fall asleep, but had only a restless nap.