I turn at a strange smell in the forest, unsure what unsettles me about the sight before me. Three Mjilikae, dripping wet - from what water source? - walking in unison. Something is off here, too purposeful. They all step in unison, as if creating an illusion, yet they are not marching. Why are they here? There is nothing here, and despite their strange gait, their walk is too casual, too aimless.
I approach.
As I come closer, I notice a strange glaze over their eyes. A sickness, perhaps? Dehydration? I slow myself, preparing to offer assistance. As I reach out to their minds, I find myself struggling - there is rarely a language barrier with us, even if our recipient does not speak Universal, but for a moment I could not find the words to say anything to them.
I ask if they need assistance, and two of them walk past me. One pauses, shaken - the strange look in his eyes gone. He seems lost - seems like he may have been lost for a long time - asks me for directions but cannot come up with a place he means to go to. I turn him to the nearest outpost.
I turn back early despite myself.