Well, I have magic as well.
It's possible to create a giant block of ice in the dead center of the desert as well.
I'm sure the flexibility will be effective.
There's no map up until the Bazaar.
However it seems Elinalise has confidence in regards to her sense of direction, she said it was fine to leave that part to her.
It seems the elves don't lose their sense of direction even in deep forests.