"You're welcome," says curufin, smiling over the chicken's head. The chicken is cuddled up and obviously feeling safe, even though it's eyes are still a bit wide. Curufin's clothes and boots are as mud-covered as Reigen's, from all the wading and scrambling.

"A lot of people got stuck, and a lot of animals. In fact. . . " He listens and thinks he hears a call for help coming from far over to their left. ". . . I think there are some people who need help in that direction. Want to come along, or be the chicken-sitter? Oh, these must be the smug goats."

A pair of goats come nosing down what is left of the path that goes up the hill and give a baaah in greeting.