Wader the Frog
Wader stared at the bowl of groats. It looked harmless enough, but the thick, lumpy texture and faintly swampy smell made his stomach churn. Taking a deep breath, he grabbed a wooden spoon and began eating.
Surprisingly, the groats weren't as bad as he'd feared. They were… tolerable. With each spoonful, Wader's confidence grew, and soon the bowl was empty.
“Well done!” Mayor Moray declared, waving a fin. “You've passed the Trial of Groats with an UNFORCED grace! You've earned the blessing of Groatsburg.” He leaned in, his eyes twinkling. “Now, let me confer with you about your quest.”
The mayor swam to a nearby chest and pulled out a curious trinket—a small, glowing stone carved with strange symbols. “This is the Cure Stone,” he explained. “It can cure ailments of the body and the mind, but it's also the key to your next challenge. Take it and head to the hills, where you'll find the UFO: the Unusual Fecund Oasis. It's a lush, mysterious place, but beware—nothing there is as it seems.”
“Thank you, Mayor Moray,” Wader said, tucking the stone into his satchel. “I'll be on my way.”
As Wader set off, the young ram Tyro trotted after him. “Wait!” Tyro said, skidding to a stop. “Doc, our local historian, told me to give you this.” Tyro handed Wader a small, worn book with the title "The Fecund Founder."
“Thanks, Tyro,” Wader said, flipping through the book. It was filled with notes and sketches of strange plants and creatures. A passage caught his eye: “The Fecund Oasis is guarded by a creature of fur and fang. To gain its favor, one must act with humility and respect.”
Further along the road, Wader passed a sign that read, “Refunds DUE: Groatsburg Treasury” with an arrow pointing back. He chuckled. “Looks like someone didn't enjoy the Trial of Groats.”
As the landscape began to change from wetlands to rolling hills, Wader noticed something odd. The sky seemed brighter, and the air smelled sweeter. Suddenly, a shadow passed overhead, and a referee-like figure (wearing a striped shirt and holding a whistle) landed in front of him.
“Halt!” the REF bellowed. “You're approaching the Fecund Oasis. Only those who follow the rules may enter!”
“What rules?” Wader asked.
The ref pointed toward a shimmering portal. “Inside, you'll meet the CEO of the Oasis—Chief Enchanter of Overgrowth. To impress them, you must solve their riddles, keep your wits about you, and above all, remain humble. Do you accept?”
Wader nodded, determination lighting his eyes. “I've come too far to stop now.”
With that, the portal opened, and Wader stepped into the unknown, ready to face the challenges of the Fecund Oasis.