Agreed on both fronts. Here is another test:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1HnI8y_Diz62HWHn6T7p12_c226L4Y3Z8/view?usp=sharing
But keep in mind I’m (still) yet to add back in the part of him wandering through the snow and hearing a whisper that draws him deeper into the forest. Once that’s in I think most of the pacing issues will be gone. I’m just waiting to add that back in until we’re satisfied with the dialogue.