After some walking after leaving the Temmie Village, they encountered a path to a river, where a strange cloak figure was standing over a boat.
As the group approached the river, they noticed a cloaked figure standing silently beside a small wooden boat. The figure's hood obscured its face entirely, leaving its identity a mystery. The boat itself was simple but sturdy, with an intricately carved prow in the shape of a dog's head.
When the children drew closer, the figure turned slightly, its presence almost unnaturally calm. A faint, melodic hum escaped from beneath the hood, as if the figure were softly singing to itself.
River Person: "Tra la la. Welcome, travelers. Need a ride across the river?"
The group exchanged glances. Kaeltherion stepped forward cautiously, his voice firm.
Kaeltherion: "Who are you? And what's your purpose here?"
The River Person tilted its head slightly, its tone light and sing-song.
River Person: "I am but a humble ferryman, here to guide those who wander the Underground. Tra la la. Hotland, Waterfall, Snowdin... wherever the river flows. Need a ride, or just passing by?"
Velthara, inspecting the boat: "You're just... here? Offering free rides to whoever comes along? Seems suspicious."
River Person: "Tra la la. Suspicion is a shadow that follows us all. But the river flows, and so do I. Where will it be, travelers?"
Elyssara, stepping closer: "We need to reach Hotland. Can you take us there?"
The River Person nodded slowly, the hum returning.
River Person: "Tra la la. To Hotland, then. The river knows the way."
The children carefully climbed aboard the boat, the gentle sway beneath their feet feeling oddly soothing. The River Person stood at the back, holding a long oar that barely seemed to touch the water as the boat began to glide forward.
On the River
The journey was calm, the sound of the water lapping against the boat mixing with the River Person's cryptic musings. The children listened, each pondering the strange figure's words.
River Person: "Tra la la. Did you ever hear the old song coming from the sea? Hmm hmm hmm. Such a lovely tune."
Kaeltherion, frowning: "What song? What sea? This place is underground."
River Person: "Tra la la. The sea is where it needs to be, child. Just as you are where you must be. The river carries us all in time."
Velthara, leaning back with her arms crossed: "Cryptic much? What's next? Some ominous warning?"
The River Person chuckled softly.
River Person: "Tra la la. Beware of the man who speaks in hands."
The group exchanged uneasy glances.
Lymtherion, whispering to Elyssara: "What do you think that means?"
Elyssara, shrugging: "I don't know... but it doesn't sound good."
Arrival at Hotland's Edge
As the boat approached the riverbank, the landscape shifted drastically. The cool, damp air of Waterfall gave way to a dry heat. The rocks surrounding them glowed faintly with an orange hue, and the ground was cracked and dusty. Steam rose from fissures in the earth, the unmistakable smell of sulfur filling the air.
The River Person stopped the boat, gesturing for the children to disembark.
River Person: "Tra la la. Hotland awaits, my travelers. Remember, even in the heat, the river flows within. Take care."
As they stepped off the boat, the River Person's voice carried after them.
River Person: "Tra la la. Beware of the man who came from the other world... Tra la la."
Before they could question the cryptic remark, the River Person and the boat glided back into the river, disappearing into the misty horizon.
The group stood silently for a moment, taking in the strange, arid environment before them.
Kaeltherion, breaking the silence: "This place feels... different. Let's stay alert."
With that, they pressed onward, their journey through Hotland beginning.