Blaze your own trail

"I think I'd prefer if we take our chances in the woods. We've mostly stuck to our own path so far anyway, why change that now?" You speak with the most confidence you can muster, but, daemon or not, fear of the unknown still tugs at the corners of your mind.

Indra squeezes you from behind and points toward where the forest is denser. "If you want to head straight in, that's the direction we want to follow." You nod and turn Aegis toward the thick growth of trees.

You ride, slowly, for probably several hours, with Indra offering direction. The going is rough, as expected, but your companion's warmth against your back is welcome.

Eventually, Indra pauses when you ask her what direction to take next. You'd been following a shallow stream for the last couple of miles. It splits here, one fork twisting away into the depth of the wood, the other picking up speed and depth before tumbling over a hill. She eventually shakes her head. "I'm sorry, this further than I've ever explored. I know this stream becomes a river deeper in the forest, and that river does emerge at the other side, but I do not know which fork continues or which one ends."

"I see. Let's take a short break here before deciding." You both dismount and fetch a few supplies from Aegis' saddlebags before setting him loose to graze or drink from the stream at his leisure. He is so well-trained you do not fear that he will wander far.

Preternatural endurance and a lifetime of training aside, a rest from all that riding is welcome, so you walk around a bit yourself, stretching out your legs, your neck. Indra comes up behind you a moment later, her fingers working into your shoulders. "Mistress, would you like me to help you... relax?" Her voice is sultry, but also needy. You were both so focused while riding, so now that you have a moment's peace, you can feel all of her desire for you. It's flattering, and you are a bit peckish, but there are other matters to attend.

For instance, which fork of the stream should you follow? Either path you choose you'll be able to follow back if you reach a dead-end, but who knows how much time you'll lose? The hilly terrain looks like it could be unstable, and would be the most difficult to back-track if it winds up being the wrong choice. The other fork seems to be an easier ride altogether, but that doesn't necessarily make it safer.

This area seems defensible enough. It's still a few hours off from dusk, but perhaps you'd be better served making camp here and... relaxing...