The party headed through the forest at the princess' behest, although some of the rank and file troops grumbled just slightly as they continued along.  Gracie returned to her spot nearby the princess, walking along the mighty steed as her lady rode the imposing animal - although Turnip probably wasn't the name appropriate for such an animal.  Of course, that opinion had remained silent.

The thick forest trees eventually gave way to a field of grass - although the wildlife around them was acting strangely - the grass almost seemed to move slightly [i]into[/i] the ground as if preparing for something, and the sparse trees seemed to [i]twist[/i] over time, orientating their T shaped trunks simultaneously in a certain direction.

In the distance the group would see what appeared to be a large crustacean creature - perhaps the size of a large wagon.  It's shell was rocky and as they approached closer they would see the various crab like limbs pull within the shell as if to hide from something.  Several similarly sized rocks would be seen later in the field.  Whatever they were, they were passive as the group passed on by.  In the distance a small fortress of stone had walls slightly sloped inwards - in fact, the party would realize that every house in the area was low to the ground with sloped walls excluding some of the castles towers which were nearly perfectly rounded.

The group was coming over a hill, and if they wished to remain hidden they would be able to.  Or they could approach, but the half mile walk would be out in the open.