You're thirsty from that long hike....and that water sure looks tasty....
You decide to forgo caution, and kneel down at the water's edge. You cup some in your hands, and drink. It tastes slightly sweet, and nice and cold. You finish off that small bit and reach to get more.
Suddenly a red blur appears from nowhere and pounces on you, throwing you to your back. You find yourself beneath the claws of a fierce-looking gryphon.
"Who dares to disturb the waters of my river?!" the gryphon growls. You manage to squeak out your name and that you meant no harm, you were just so thirsty. His weight pins you to the ground, and you can barely breathe.
The gryphon gets off you and sits down.
"I do not like starngers in my home, human," he growls. "But you seem innocent enough. Many travelers come here to drink the waters of the Sweetwater River. I am this river's gaurdian, Zed."
You stand up and dust yourself off.
"You are unhurt, traveler? Good. Then I must be off."
Without another word, Zed lifts up into the sky. There are only two options: follow the river path, or head back to the crossroads....
A large creature drinks from the river's edge. She notices you, whinnies the words "Lila, Qualiron!" and runs off laughing into the forest at your confused expression.
This background was obtained from Darkhorse,at Tir'na'baine'gile'lair.