Nice thoughts slh! I was curious about the "mushroom things", however I figured that they were foot prints from Himene - the girl in the yellow skirt - created when she crossed the moat thing.
Also, I can definitely imagine the water being diverted down the slope and into the moat, being diverted around the rocks making it look more appealing.
I think this water input may help the diseased root/branch as the end of it is kinda lying in the moat - however this seems like doing one thing to solve 2 things which seems far to simple....
And, like all of us, I AM DYING FOR THIS GAME. Even checking this forum and the progress bar at least once an hour... My sister makes fun of me - but I'm far to excited to take any notice. hehe