When we reached the cottage, the fabled cartographer greeted me at the door and introduced himself as Cattail. His wife stood nearby, towering over the three of us while carrying their swaddled child, who stared in a humorously dumbfounded manner at both Carrot and I. Cattail, while enthusiastic to show me his work, was almost more enthusiastic to show me his new baby, (who the couple had named Eden).

Carrot didn't stay for dinner but left me with a kind gesture. Cupping my hand, he placed a shriveled piece of paper inscribed with his phone number into my grasp, suggesting that I was welcome to swing by his lab whenever I pleased—(presumably for business).

Then, after eating, the family assisted me in settling into a guest room they were in the process of renovating for their daughter. As we settled for the night, Cattail assured me not to worry, as he had already meticulously planned our excursion into Outer Ring.

We head out tomorrow morning.