Xander moved carefully — for both their sakes — stepping out of the carriage and onto the pale dirt that marked the trail through the woods. Something worn from wagon wheels as opposed to a proper road. With the basket hooked under his other arm and Viktor's hand in his own, he guided him away from the carriage with a nod to the driver, who looked ready to just sit and lounge with a book while they hobbled off.

There was a clearing not far off the road, shaded nicely from the sun but open enough to see the sky above the treetops. It was a pleasantly warm day, just a little windy, and the air smelled like wildflowers.

"I hope this spot is suitable." A blanket was already laid out thanks to that quest giver, and jars of paints lined one side. They could ignore those for now.