Having reached the narrow but steadily flowing stream, Liam finally allowed himself a proper drink of running water after first making sure there was nothing wrong with it.
He didn't trust it immediately.
Kneeling near the bank, Liam first relied on his senses, sniffing the water carefully for any unusual Myst scent or hidden corruption. The stream carried a faint natural Myst signature like every living thing in Nalim, but nothing distorted, aggressive, or unnatural.
Still, he didn't stop there.
Scooping up a small amount with his hand, he poured it over nearby plants and exposed soil along the bank. He watched quietly for a few moments, paying attention to any strange reaction.
Nothing happened; no discoloration, no decay, and no reaction from the surrounding Myst.
Only then did Liam finally lower himself slightly and drink.
The water was cold. And cleann far cleaner than anything he had expected to find so soon after leaving the swamp.
