With the fall of Grassy Butte and an open offer by Doerate, Imuas den joined into the life of the nomadic Dakoner. Forl and Jat were perhaps less enthused but were willing to give it a chance, thinking maybe they would eventually head East to that "Great Lake" they had heard about from Dodo before she headed East to her homeland.

But that was 5 years ago.

After about a year Gila felt content to return back to the Perrineans, and while Imua seemed Content, Forl kept his eyes on the Eastern Horizon.

He had no problem with the Dakoner nomads of course! They were nothing but kind and accepting and they appreciated him as he did they. But this wasn't what he had in mind for starting anew. He's hoping to speak with Jat to help convince Imua to at least travel with them to the Great Lake, just to see it... But she's been stubborn, and while Forl wants to support her, He's tired of walking.

But for now as Imua and Doerate crest over the hill with meat and berries, he'll do his best to be there for her... It's what he's always done.

So this is a good ending!.. At least for Imua

As of course the Dakoner are a good folk. With this alternate ending assuming that after Grassy Butte, The Hikers decided to part ways with Gila and Dodo and remain with the Dakoner along with Doerate, Regs, and the others. Imua of course is content!

The Forl and Jat I feel were very much on the same page of settling down in a more sedentary life to build things up together. With this alt ending slowly creating a rift between Jat and Forl with Imua. With Imua being stubborn on remaining with the Dakoner while Jat and Forl would rather at least see The Great Lake.

Potentially leading to a long term end to the Long Hikers Den, even with Imua being content here
So not bad! But depending on who you ask not exactly what everyone wanted. But regardless a great step above the prior ending