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"Asphalt," Kerlian announces, "Is a substance which, alchemists theorize, could be simply poured into place to create roads." Extricating his arm from Teppy's grip, Kerlian watches as she skips down the broken old road.

Well, path.

Honestly, calling it an animal track would be an insult to animals everywhere. Oh, for the wonders of civilization...

Lost in thought on the state of the transportation infrastructure, Kerlian almost stepped in a large mud-filled hole in his path. Luckily, a skwak from his totally-ever-present raven familiar wakened him from his reverie long enough to step around the hole, consider sending a message to the local government about its horrible road maintenance, and promptly step into a similar hole. A few ravens perched in a nearby tree giggled quite raven-ly.