A new day began.
The rising sun painted the surface of the Reed River with a soft golden light, chasing away the last vestiges of the night's chill. The closer the coming storm drew, the more tranquil and peaceful the riverbank seemed to become.
For the old beaver, "Gnaw-Gnaw," this was the busiest time before the storm's arrival.
He had to hurry and reinforce his precious dam, lest the floodwaters wash it away when the rains came.
"CRUNCH! CRUNCH! CRUNCH!"
The crisp, rhythmic sounds of gnawing echoed along the quiet riverbank, soon joined by the growing clatter of busy hooves.
"CLIP-CLOP, CLIP-CLOP... RUMBLE..."
A dull, continuous vibration traveled through the damp earth of the riverbank, followed by the distinct sound of rolling wheels and the snorting of horses.
The newcomers were equally busy humans and Sub-humans.
Ever since the ice and snow melted in the spring, this path had grown increasingly "lively."
