[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/6J09G9E.png[/img][/center][@Zanavy]

"Isn't it obvious?!" 

The superhumanly amplified voice was the first thing Mara heard when she re-entered the pavilion, after having tried and failed to find Felicia. She flinched and stared. The discussion wasn't due to start quite yet, but in the middle of the gathering stood a wild-haired woman shouting to anyone who'd listen - not that they had a choice.

"For all the ills of the modern age, a select few of us are still in tune with the natural world. So Mother Earth has called us to end the scourges of technology and civilization! Rise up, my fellow chosen ones, and let's abandon the cities for the woodlands, where we can live carefree, peaceful lives in harmony with nature's paradise once again!" She spread out her feet, raising her fist in a superhero-like pose, tendrils - no, roots - trailing from her limbs.

Oh. Of course, mandragora essence, Mara thought, considering the folkloric connotations. If she'd guessed right, that'd explain the shrieking. And while respect for nature was by no means a bad thing... Peaceful? Either the speech-giver had never seen a wildlife documentary, or she had to be saying all this ironically.

"I, for one, will start with this!" The shrieker flung her cell phone at a wall, where it smashed, shards clattering to the floor. "Liberate yourselves, blessed ones!" Several people, including Mara, slowly backed away.

Hiking suddenly didn't seem so bad an idea. If this loudmouth didn't get kicked out, it was clear nobody else would get a word in edgeways. Mara sighed and hurried back out into the clearing, just in time to catch the end of the announcement. She sprinted over to the hiking group, slowing her pace to a leisurely traipse once she caught up, thankful for the quiet as they headed down the tree-lined trail. Ziplining was still a no-no, but at least a walk and some fresh air could prove relaxing...

"Hello, America!"

Or not.

At the sight of a [i]camera crew[/i] of all things, Mara startled. Sparks crackled at the tops of her gloves. Her stomach dropped, and she grimaced, eyes flicking from side to side as she drew back. She hadn't zapped anyone or anything, to her relief, but what if she'd drawn the crew's attention? Being on TV would be nothing short of a nightmare. Hoping they'd keep focusing on Conner despite his attitude, or even because of it, she edged further and further away.

She should have stayed at the discussion after all.