As the fellowship passed the meadow Aria and Rae Bear found themselves walking along a new path into the forest. This time, they were joined by a rather bossy fox, who insisted on accompanying them to ensure Rae Bear’s safe return to his family and Aria’s prompt exit from the sacred forest.

As they strolled among the towering trees, something strange happened. It felt like raindrops were falling from the sky, but they were hard like acorns or rocks. “Oh, what’s that!” exclaimed Aria, shielding herself. “Where is it coming from?”

The fox glanced around and saw the squirrels above, pelting them with their acorns. “Oh, it’s the squirrels,” the fox explained. “I don’t know why they’re doing this, but it needs to stop. It’s against forest law!”

The squirrels, hearing this, protested loudly. “This is not mischief!” they chattered indignantly. “You’re trespassing under our territory! These trees belong to us!”

Aria explained their mission to the squirrels, but they were adamant. “If you want to pass through our trees, you must offer something in return,” they insisted.

Rae Bear, confused, asked what they could offer. The fox realized they were in squirrel territory and explained that squirrels demand payment from any forest creature passing through.

“We don’t have anything,” the fox admitted, trying to bargain. “But we can get you some great acorns in the future!”

The squirrels were not satisfied. “No, that won’t do, we will not accept your credit” they replied firmly. “We expect payment immediately.”

Rae Bear, feeling worried that they don’t have anything to barter with pleaded with the squirrels. “But we don’t have anything! I just want to get home to my family!”

Aria suddenly remembered the handful of nuts she had brought from the trail mix for Rae Bear. “Wait!” Aria exclaimed. “I have something you might like.”

“What is it?” the squirrels asked eagerly.

“I have a variety of nuts from a trail mix,” Aria explained. “Cashews, peanuts, almonds. I can give them to you if you let us pass.”

The squirrels sniffed the air hungrily. “Trail mix? What’s that?” they asked.

But before they could decide, the fox tried to intervene, mentioning a standard bartering amount. The squirrels, however, insisted on all or nothing.

Reluctantly, Aria handed over all the remaining trail mix that was intended for Rae Bear. The squirrels accepted, allowing them to continue through the trees and towards the bear cave. As they walked on, Aria and Rae Bear learned that sometimes, you have to give up something valuable to move forward on your journey.