A Peculiar Problem (As the Lone Bird Sings)

It had been ages since anyone had specifically sought you out, let alone the Meadowlark herself. The last time you checked, you were just another face in the bustling crowd. So, what on earth could she want with some average Luminite like yourself?

As the Vaseiran breeze rustles your sparkling fur, you hear a voice call from behind you.

“Oh!” You turn to see Meadowlark standing before you, attempting to mask her nervousness with a composed smile. “You came so quickly! I’m quite grateful…”

“It’s no worries, Meadowlark,” You reply, dipping your head respectfully. “I’m just happy to help.”

“Right,” She gives you a sheepish grin before biting her lip.

“So, what’s the matter?” You trot up by her side, giving her an inquisitive but gentle gaze.

“Well… It’s about the crops. You see…” She trails off, as if weighing her words carefully. “Some of them… They- They’ve started dying recently. I’ve done everything I could, I even asked Rune, but… Nothing seems to be helping.”

You pause in thought. Why would she come to ask you about this issue? I mean, it doesn’t really seem like your specialty or anything, but—

“I know, you’re probably wondering ‘Well, why me?’” She shakes her head with a sigh, “I just, I don’t know. I have a feeling you might be able to do something. You’ve helped me out in the past, so… I…”

She smiles sheepishly once again.

“I don’t know. I thought it might be worth a shot?”

“I see…” You think for a moment before perking up. “Well, I don’t have much else to do, so I’d be happy to help.”

“Oh! Really? Thank you so much!” She sighs with relief. “Well, first and foremost, I do know that the problem lies somewhere within southern Vaseira… That’s where the most plants seem to be dying off,”

Meadowlark hands you a map, pointing at a circled location on it.

“If you go here and explore a bit, you should be able to find the root of the problem,” She rolls up the map and hands it to you.

“Well, I’m trusting you,” She adds, her eyes brimming with sparkling encouragement. “I’ll meet you there later, okay? Good luck!”