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"This won't take long," Merlyn assures you. "How do I pet her?"

"The trick to winning a Nema Toad's friendship," the man tells her, "is to scratch the ridges above its eyes. They love that."

He demonstrates, and Nema's eyes close in appreciation. Her deep chest rumbles, and the sound that escapes actually reminds you of a cat purring. A very, very, large cat.

A bit timidly at first, Merlyn steps up, and does the same. Nema's eyes open a warily to see who this new person is, but then she closes her eyes and rumbles again. "Congratulations, you've made a friend," the man tells Merlyn.

"Do the rest of you want to try?" Merlyn asks softly, a wide smile covering her face. She's obviously still entranced by the experience.

One by one, your companions all pet Nema. She enjoys the attention.

"Renn? Do you want to take a turn?" Merlyn asks, when you're the only one left.

"It's fun, really." Deke persuades. "It's not scary at all."

Well, after that you'd feel like a wimp if you didn't try, so, shaking just a little, you approach the Nema Toad. You reach over and gently scratch her eye ridges. Her skin feels a bit wet, but leathery, not slimy as you'd expected.

"Hey, I'm doing it," you say, a bit surprised and proud of yourself. Your companions nod in encouragement.

Suddenly Nema's mouth opens, and a giant pink tongue shoots out. At first you fear the giant frog is going to eat you, but she just licks your face, like a giant, happy, puppy.

You pull away. "Ugh, I'm covered in frog slobber," you complain.

The man laughs again. "She likes you," he says, his eyes twinkling.

"All this has been fun and very educational," Merlyn says. "But we really ought to be going, now. Thanks for the chance to meet Nema, and good luck with the circus. I'm sure the crowds will love her!"

The man wishes you good luck on your journey in return, and you wave goodbye to Nema. You continue along the road, as the sun sets.

You gain 10 courage points for petting Nema.
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