The twins have gone back to the bungalow to rest — but I’m not missing out on the marketplace by night. I’ve seen the jungle from above the canopy, I’ve seen the waterfalls from the hanging bridge and the hidden royal baths; but I still think that this, this dimly-lit, whimsical marketplace, is my favorite spot in all of Selvadorada.

I wish a capture could capture the beauty and atmosphere of the place, because I would cover my walls in life-sized prints. But nothing will ever be true to this, so I make the most of it now.

Waiting for the vendor who tends the stall at night to arrive. I’m in the mood for arepas.

They’re the best arepas I’ve ever tasted. More importantly, they’re ten times better than any I ever managed to cook myself. I hope I’ll get there one day!

Before I head back to the bungalow, I do a détour to pay my respects to Madre Cosecha. You can’t go to Selvadorada and skip that step, not when you care as much about the place as I do.

I’m doing better and better with the ancient temple mysteries — but a good explorer should always strive to sharpen her mind. The twins don’t feel like sitting around playing chess — and it’s a two-people game anyway — so I do the sitting around and play a little, thinking up new strategies. My mind a little around, and the game in front of me gives my thoughts directions.

Although at some point the main direction is up towards the darkening sky. There’s clearly more rain coming. I’m actually glad we didn’t go exploring today.

Cléo and Cyril found something to do: better than that, they found their own little piece of heaven in Selvadorada. A community garden, where they can snatch the local plants.

They still have dreams of bringing them home to Gram and helping build the Herbology’s store up. Maybe help with the gardening too.

The two of them make plans I know I’m not a part of, and that’s fair. After all, they’re each other’s best friend, each other’s other half, and whatever happens in their lives is going to involve each other.

I’m just ready to discover these plans.

A Selvadoradan guide joins them to tell them about the flora, but the sky has gotten even darker.

Which means it’s time to head back inside!

For an hour or so, I take a fishing break. There’s some fish you can only find in the Selvadoradan rivers, and I’m not about to let that opportunity go.

Then I find Cléo, trying to make sense of our omiscan findings. She’s having a bit of a hard time, and it’s making her mad.

Can’t help but roll my eyes. Watch your language, little one!

I start giving her pointers, and pretty soon her mood lightens up.

We actually have a pretty good time together.

Cyril… not so much. Poor kid’s exhausted.

I promised the twins we’d get a proper meal as soon as we were done exploring the temple, so to the marketplace we go next, straight from the jungle. It includes a little boat trip, but the promise of empanadas motivates the twin enough to only grumble a little.

It’s the early evening when we arrive, and a light drizzle has most people break out the umbrellas. It doesn’t scare the vendors away though. I give Cyril the “task” of replenishing our stash of provisions. Really, I hope this will help him remember to bring an insect-repellent of some kind with him next time.

Finally, a warm meal. I love exploring, but I have to admit there’s only so many pre-packed grilled-cheese sandwiches you can take.

When Cyril heads to the stalls, I catch a glimpse of my old friend.

I try to surprise her by sneaking up on her, with my flowery umbrella and everything — but somethings cannot be hidden. Mainly, the Elders’ Blessing will touch anyone who approaches me.

Washed over with the joy of seeing each other again.

Apparently the blessing hasn’t quite reached Cyril yet.

Does he really want to go home that bad, or is the rainy weather just getting to him?