So Bold, Indeed

Midnight shadows coalesce around a new day, and Mother Night embraces the land in utter darkness.
It is now the 25th of Shanthin, 548 years after the Coming of Estarra.

Nepenthe pats Kihr lightly on the paw and nods silently, the movements so small and discreet as to be almost unnoticeable.

Gurashi wrings his hands together, looking over towards Xenthos finally and offering a friendly wave.

Lightly, Viravain, Lady of the Thorns says, "If We are to judge, I believe We have our victor."

A thorn upon a glittering black rose pricks Evette's finger and a drop of blood is absorbed into the stem.

Kyalrhin tilts her head curiously.

"Oh?" Esri exclaims quizzically.

Evette's ears perk up with a sudden interest.

Gurashi looks towards the Divine quickly, antennae twitching.

You have emoted: Viravain's voice draws Lief's attention up again.

Whispering, a homunculus resembling a deformed furrikin says to Tsakali, "I bet it's Ironbeard."

Tsakali scowls miserably at a homunculus resembling a deformed furrikin.

Idly stroking the tip of the scythe, its vicious blade dragging along Her hand without drawing blood, Viravain says, Her voice low and sharp, "Although all of the songs We've heard were quite good, the bard whose voice spoke to Us deeper than the others was," and with a brief withering glance toward the homonculus, "Gurashi."

Odd sounds echo through the gloomy forest, their source undetermined.

Esri gives Gurashi a wild cheer!

Hani congratulates Gurashi with some wild clapping.

Evette gives Gurashi a wild cheer!

Gurashi blinks.

Kyalrhin applauds Gurashi heartily.

Flatly, Exemplar of the Tah'vrai, Gurashi An'Ryshe says, "What."

Tsakali applauds Gurashi heartily.

Spinner Afollia, the Grand Diviner says, "Congratulations Gurashi!"

Esri hugs Gurashi compassionately.

Ilistala, an enormous leopard rubs up against Gurashi, purring like a cat.

Alary gives Gurashi a wild cheer!

Rekath, Treant of the Wyrd whispers, "Congratulations, creature."

Kyalrhin thwaps Rekath on the head.

You have emoted: Lief brightens at Gurashi's name, and she flashes him a smile filled with sudden warmth.

Gurashi is nearly knocked over by the force of Ilistala, an enormous leopard's purr, staggering in place as he looks to Viravain, jaw falling open.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "So. Now it is time for the last of this weave's events, aye?"

Elexia applauds with a pleased nod as she chimes, "Well done, Gurashi. It was a lovely song."

Gurashi blushes furiously.

Muttering in a barely audible whisper, Kyalrhin Ysav'rai says, "Yes!"

Gurashi covers his mouth, looking quickly to Nocht, bowing his head politely.

Muttering in a barely audible whisper, Kyalrhin Ysav'rai says, "On to the play!"

Nepenthe gathers up the corner of the blanket left vacant by Kihr and bundles himself up again, making no acknowledgement of the proceedings.

Elexia begins to follow you.

Nocht nods His head towards Gurashi.

You say to Gurashi, "I told you, didn't I? You touched people."

With a gesture, Viravain, Lady of the Thorns says to Gurashi, "Wear My favour for your wisdom and talent, little bumblebee."

Viravain, Lady of the Thorns has bestowed Her divine truefavour upon you. It will last for 5 months.

Gurashi bows to Viravain in turn, staying dipped a bit longer this time as he nods. "Many thank yous, Miss Lady of Roses..."

Esri flashes Gurashi a joyous smile.

Straightening slowly, Exemplar of the Tah'vrai, Gurashi An'Ryshe says to Viravain, "Many thank yous for suggesting the contest... musics of the forest are nice to appreciate from time to time..."

Gurashi smiles weakly.

Stroking Her scythe, Viravain, Lady of the Thorns says, "It was right for you to indulge Me in this contest. You did well."

Mysrai turns in midair and begins to dissolve into black sand that fades into the wind. As They wave Their staff, the glowing hieroglyph upon Gurashi's forehead fades before reigniting and growing even stronger.

Blade Betwixt Ebon Veils, Alary al-Saaoud, the Arch of Mages says to Gurashi, "You are a lovely vocalist and a wonderful individual, Gurashi. All of this praise is well deserved."

Gurashi nods his head emphatically.

Gurashi gives a short gasp of elation.

Gurashi blushes furiously.

Gurashi nods his head emphatically.

Faintly buzzing, Exemplar of the Tah'vrai, Gurashi An'Ryshe exclaims, "U-uhm! Is time! To head down! To the stage!"

Alary thanks Viravain profusely.

You have emoted: Lief's smile fades into a look of alarm as her attention flits back to Viravain. "Oh," she manages to say, hugging a fragrant lute of hardwood maple.

Lightly, Her voice impassive, Viravain, Lady of the Thorns says to Mysrai, "And to You, My Cousin -- thank You for joining us."

Kreon chews on her lip, deep in thought.

Gurashi gestures wildly towards the brush, looking up to Nocht and bowing deeply once more. "M-many thank yous!"

Whispering even louder, a homunculus resembling a deformed furrikin says to Tsakali, "Are you sure? He speaks a lot."

Khasur Stormcrow smiles, her eyes giving away nothing of her thoughts.

A large, spotted grey crow ruffles his feathers.

Khasur Stormcrow begins to follow Viravain.

Tsakali inclines their head politely to those around them.

l nocht
Were it not for the way darkness itself trails after His form it would not be immediately obvious that He is a radiant immortal. His entire form is concealed beneath a hooded cloak. His only feature visible, His eyes - a brilliant ethereal blue rimmed in golden starburst, intense in their piercing gaze.

He is wearing:
an all-concealing cloak of darkest black
a fractured gem suspended from a thin, metal chain
boots of shifting shadow
a frigid, aphotic crystal ring emblazoned with the script of fae
a luminous peacock feather affixed to His cloak.

The Liar rubs their eyes and stands, saying quietly, "I think I am sleepy, Friend Gurashi." They turn to look towards where Mysrai vanished and nod at Viravain as She calls out to the disappearing Divine. "Thank you for having us, Miss Viravain. I hope You have a nice rest, too."

Esri bows respectfully to Tsakali.

Gurashi flashes the Liar a joyous smile.

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says to Gurashi, "I believe I shall skip the play as well. I am quite tired."

Alary smiles softly at the Liar.

Esri bows respectfully to Viravain.

Tsakali, Pilgrim of Bodhi says, "Thank you for having us, Glomdoring. I too must rest, but your festivities will be remember for many years to come."

Gurashi reaches out, touching the Liar's arm gently. "Am so grateful that came. Was really really fun!"

Blade Betwixt Ebon Veils, Alary al-Saaoud, the Arch of Mages says to the Liar, "Maybe soon I will have something for you."

Nocht returns your gaze before looking off once more.

A homunculus resembling a deformed furrikin scowls miserably at Tsakali.

You tell Oracular Elexia Myeras-Silvermoon, "Will you be departing as well, sister mine? I plan to head out for my meditations."

Tridemon points boldly towards the horizon and declares in a proud tone, "Onward!"

Viravain's eyes flicker faintly with wyrden flames as She regards the remaining mortals. "Enjoy the festival, My forest." The wood parts wide, allowing the Lady of the Thorns to stride forward into the darkness.

Alary grabs Gurashi by the shoulder and points off into the distance, before lurching forward and yelling, "Nyoom!"

Hani sways back and forth.

The bright, bell-like voice of Elexia rings in your ear, "I believe I shall do so, then. It is past when I usually begin my own."

Black sand consumes the Liar before they can finish their sentence, scouring the word from the air and whipping them away from sight.

Gurashi's mouth turns up as his face breaks into a smile.

Rekath, Treant of the Wyrd whispers, "A moment, lady of Thorns, if You would? I would like to add Your likeness to my collection, if You would permit?"

Faintly, Nocht, the Silent whispers, "Be well, My little ones."

Gurashi smiles weakly.

The surrounding shadows wane, falling back in despondent melancholy as the form of Nocht, the Silent dissolves into wisps of shadow.

With a flourish of her arm, Kreon bows deeply.

Gurashi nods his head emphatically.

Esri nods his head emphatically.

Afollia curtseys gracefully.

Esri nods his head emphatically.

Rekath pats an opulent, leather-bound brown sketchpad in a friendly manner.

Pointing down, Exemplar of the Tah'vrai, Gurashi An'Ryshe exclaims, "Play! Come watch! Come see!"

Gurashi makes a beckoning motion to no-one in particular.

Gurashi flails about helplessly.

Rekath, Treant of the Wyrd whispers, "Evidently not."

Esri hugs Gurashi compassionately.

You have emoted: Lief's fingers tighten upon her lute as she quickly looks away from where Nocht had been standing, focusing instead on Gurashi. "Thank you for inviting Elexia and me."

Faintly buzzing, Exemplar of the Tah'vrai, Gurashi An'Ryshe says, "Will be cooookies."

Rekath gives a pained sigh.

Beaming, Exemplar of the Tah'vrai, Gurashi An'Ryshe exclaims to you, "Am so glad that came!"

You smile softly.

Alary chirps happily at Gurashi.

Faintly buzzing, Exemplar of the Tah'vrai, Gurashi An'Ryshe exclaims to you, "Be well - travel safe!"

Kyalrhin Ysav'rai yells, "Get down here already."

Elexia clasps her hands together and bows, chiming, "May your Tah'vrai be fufilled. Thank you again."

Faintly buzzing, Exemplar of the Tah'vrai, Gurashi An'Ryshe says, "Anybody? Play? Is really really really good."

Gurashi chirps happily at Elexia.

You nod your head affirmatively at Gurashi.

Gurashi thanks Elexia profusely.

You hold the Flame of dae'Seren aloft and an emerald light shines forth, revealing a hazy hallway of ancient trees. You walk through the hallway, feeling the ancestral spirits welcome you.
Elexia has left the area.
Elexia follows you ether.
This room has not been mapped.
Halls of the Spirits.
Superimposed over this location, an ethereal forest reaches up to the sky. Enormous trees with emerald crowns make up the pillars of these great halls, bearing a domed amber ceiling that rests upon the trees' branches. There is an open-air feel, as soft breezes pass through the echoing spaces of the hall, carrying with them the sounds of voices, male and female, young and old. Upon the trees are carven figures of great beasts and brave heroes past, larger than life and solemn in bearing. Blue flames rise from the ground throughout: warm, yet not consuming. They enwreath the halls in their gentle glow, and within the flames, faint figures drift in and out of sight, both gay and sorrowful, bright of eye. In many directions, the branches of the tall trees bend to form archways veiled with flames, beyond which distant planes can be seen. A sigil in the shape of a small,
rectangular monolith is on the ground.
You see exits leading north, northeast, southeast, southwest, northwest, up, and down.

Elexia follows you down.
The Moonhart Mother Tree.
The variety of trees that crowd around the Moonhart Mother Tree goes beyond count, elms and alders, beech and cherry, hawthorn and hazel, evergreen and oak, all dwarfed by the magnificence and majesty of the mother tree herself. The grasses and shrubs that grow in the surrounding forest become scarce as they approach the tree, replaced by tiny wildflowers of amethyst-purple and marble-white. The veil to the ethereal plane is particularly thin, and the laughter of pixies and other creatures of the fae tinkle down from the treetops and tickle the ears of those below. The atmosphere itself, although benign and welcoming, also vibrates with a palpable power, sending shivers up the skin. Towering high above is the Moonhart Mother Tree, stretching her enormous branches heavenwards. Gleaming with a silver lambency, a slender tree grows here, its bark and boughs displaying the faces of the dead. There are 3 small screech owls here. An illustrated canvas hangs in the air here, supported by silvery ribbons. Lacking any visible weapon, Adasser, Wolverine's Mask assesses his surroundings with glacial blue eyes. Covered in bone armour, watching you warily, a silver-furred vixen sniffs the air. There are 5 armoured owls here. There are 2 armoured foxes here. There are 7 fierce timberwolves here. Watching you warily, a silver-furred vixen sniffs the air. There are 2 striped badgers here. Soft hues of light illuminate a small shrine situated within a tangle of delicate bluebells. Singing a hauntingly beautiful melody, Miakoda, Maiden of the Moonhart, stands here. Glowing gently with a soft blue light, a delicate dreamcatcher has been permanently hung here. There are 10 frost hags here. There are 5 centaur hunters here. There are 10 kephera nature warders here. A hornbeam sapling clings tenaciously to the ground here. Its petals glistening with ice, a delicate snoefaasia orchid grows here from a clump of snow. Reaching up as high as the eye can see looms the awesome presence of a living totem. In the shape of an open palm, a metallic sigil lies here. A mint-tossed chickpea salad rests here. There are 2 intensely nutty honey pies here. A pair of glassblade gloves has been carelessly discarded here.
You see exits leading north, south, and through a vined stairway.

The melodious voice of Gurashi resonates in your mind, "Oh."

You tell Exemplar of the Tah'vrai, Gurashi An'Ryshe, "Oh?"

Elexia exhales suddenly and rapidly, her entire body slumping and even her wings drooping as the tension, building for days now, leaves her in a sudden rush.

Powerful beats drum the air here, reminiscent of the stag's bellow.

A frost hag says, "Hail, child of the forest."

You have emoted: Lief exhales softly as well, and as she breathes the air here, the crimson petals floating about her begin to cease their shedding. Gradually, they regain their springtime colors as well, flower by flower.

Uzriel tells you, "You survived it I take it?"

The horizon glows with burnished shades of orange and red, heralding the imminent arrival of Father Sun upon the rim of the world.

l me
Flowering vines wreathe the antlers which crown this faeling's head, adorning her with perpetual springtime no matter the season. Though she is a nimble faeling blossoming demigoddess, she appears otherwise mundane at first glance. With a boyish, twiggy figure that's taller than average and a sprightly, ruddy pixie haircut, she might be androgynous were it not for her softer features. Large, inquisitive gray eyes sit beneath strong and expressive brows, while a small, upturned nose wears the same proud constellation of freckles which scatters across her healthy, rounded cheeks. Pert and peach-stained lips lift into a natural smile unless some greater emotion temporarily seizes them. The wings which sprout from her back are not a butterfly's, but a dragonfly's, their long, limpid shapes occasionally glimmering with opalescence in the ambient light. A lush fragrance dances about her as she stands awash in the wild, prismatic colours of a truefavour from Maylea, Bloom of Serenity. Wyrden flames flicker across her form like a shadowy cloak, the sweet scent of roses trailing in her wake.

She is wearing:
a slender snapdragon ring upon her left hand
a frosted thistle blossom pendant hanging from a thin silvery chain
a slender midnight orchid ring upon her right hand
a translucent crystal bindi faintly illuminating her brow with prismatic colours
a crimson-stained fractured blackthorn blossom brooch, affixed to her kimono, bloodstains stark
against its petals
a lightweight kimono robe swimming with fanciful koi
a delicate iris tucked behind an ear
the Flame of dae'Seren dangling from her wrist, bound by an argent chain wrapping her forearm.

You tell Geochemist Uzriel i'Xiia, "I did. Goodness."

Uzriel tells you, "All limbs and sanity still intact?"

Elexia stretches her arms high above her, extending her sunset-hued wings to their fullest as she chimes, "While it was an opportunity we could pass, I am glad to be home." She gently retrieves her violin and begins to play a calm melody, humming to herself.

"The Moon hangs low tonight," sings Elexia, as ancient harmonies rise from a rose-vine violin.

A ghostly shape rises from the ground, listening to Elexia's song.

You tell Geochemist Uzriel i'Xiia, "And breathing fresh, Wilde air again."

You hear a rustling and turn to see Udilya emerging from the undergrowth.

You tell Geochemist Uzriel i'Xiia, "My Lady is always with me - but She feels so much closer when I am here at home."

Udilya embraces Elexia with great ardour.

Elexia embraces Udilya with great ardour.

You see a deer wander through a clearing in the distance.

Uzriel tells you, "I can only imagine."

Udilya snuggles up close to Elexia, looking happy and content.

You beam broadly at Udilya.

You hug Udilya compassionately.

Udilya smiles and says, "My, what a long event! I'm so glad you two made it safely back home."

Udilya embraces you with great ardour.

With a grateful nod, Oracular Elexia Myeras-Silvermoon says to Udilya, "Myself as well, dear, myself as well."

Closing her eyes are she tilts her head skywards, Oracular Elexia Myeras-Silvermoon says, "I am glad to have my feet in Serenwilde's loam."

Udilya smiles softly.

Opening her eyes to give a look of concern, Oracular Elexia Myeras-Silvermoon says to you, "Are you well, sister? You... You were so bold."

Nocht, the Silent whispers, "Did you enjoy your time in the forest?"

gl
The Moonhart Mother Tree.
Towering high above is the Moonhart Mother Tree, stretching her enormous branches heavenwards. Gleaming with a silver lambency, a slender tree grows here, its bark and boughs displaying the faces of the dead. There are 3 small screech owls here. An illustrated canvas hangs in the air here, supported by silvery ribbons. Lacking any visible weapon, Adasser, Wolverine's Mask assesses his surroundings with glacial blue eyes. Covered in bone armour, watching you warily, a silver-furred vixen sniffs the air. There are 5 armoured owls here. There are 2 armoured foxes here. There are 7 fierce timberwolves here. Watching you warily, a silver-furred vixen sniffs the air. There are 2 striped badgers here. Soft hues of light illuminate a small shrine situated within a tangle of delicate bluebells. Singing a hauntingly beautiful melody, Miakoda, Maiden of the Moonhart, stands here. Glowing gently with a soft blue light, a delicate dreamcatcher has been permanently hung here. There are 10 frost hags here. There are 5 centaur hunters here. There are 10 kephera nature warders here. A hornbeam sapling clings tenaciously to the ground here. Its petals glistening with ice, a delicate snoefaasia orchid grows here from a clump of snow. Reaching up as high as the eye can see looms the awesome presence of a living totem. In the shape of an open palm, a metallic sigil lies here. A mint-tossed chickpea salad rests here. There are 2 intensely nutty honey pies here. A pair of glassblade gloves has been carelessly discarded here. Udilya is here. She wields a whimsical copper spatula in her left hand. Oracular Elexia Myeras-Silvermoon stands here, flanked by an indistinct entourage of ancestral spirits. She wields a rose-vine violin in her left hand. She is surrounded by ten pale ancestral spirits. Nocht, the Silent stands here, completely obscured beneath a cloak as dark as the night.
You see exits leading north, south, and through a vined stairway.

You have emoted: Lief's eyes open wide as she hears Nocht's voice, and then stares at Him.

Nocht tilts His head, a faint smile on His lips.

Opening her mouth wide, Udilya gapes in wonder.

Elexia's relaxed posture returns to frigid fear in an instant as she stares, dumbfounded.

The melodious voice of Gurashi resonates in your mind, "Am sorry. Play is starting."

Uzriel tells you, "It seems like you held up well enough there."

A fierce timberwolf tilts back his head in a low, resonant howl.

The melodious voice of Gurashi resonates in your mind, "Many thank yous for coming."

Udilya wraps a comforting arm around Elexia.

The melodious voice of Gurashi resonates in your mind, "Did get a favor from Miss Lady of Roses??"

The song that Elexia was performing fades away.

You have emoted: Driven to movement, Lief wings closer to Elexia, placing herself directly before her as she stares up at Nocht. "I am grateful I had the opportunity to sing," she says carefully, her voice tight.

You think to yourself: How is He here?

Elexia closes her mouth, but it stubbornly opens again, only to close once more. Finally, she forces speech from her tongue, "I... the music was lovely," she manages.

Birds fill your ears with serenades of happiness and love.

Nocht kneels down to fix His eyes upon you. "So bold, indeed...." He reaches up to His cloak, pulling the feather off and passing it over before continuing. "I'm sure your song made an impression... of some fashion. A gift for you and your Lady. I am sure She would appreciate it."

Nocht removes a luminous peacock feather.

Nocht gives a luminous peacock feather to you.

Impossible to mistake as anything but the plume of a noble peacock, this feather is long enough that it can only be from the creature's tail. It ripples in luminous shades of green and gold, one colour bleeding into the next like the glossy ripple of water. In one or two places, shocks of indigo make eye-like markings across the barbs, illuminated with an almost divine glow.
It weighs 2 ounce(s).
It has the following aliases: feather.

Nocht rises up, His form dissolving into wisps of shadow that are quickly banished by the gentle rays of sunshine above.

Udilya bats at the air wildly at an insect you cannot see.

Udilya blinks.

Udilya sways back and forth.

You have emoted: Lief nearly drops a luminous peacock feather before she reclaims it. Her breathing becomes shallow, her expression pained as she stares at it, recognition in her gray-eyed gaze.

Udilya smiles and says, "Well, that was very kind of him."

Elexia stands taller now, no longer hiding behind you and Udilya. "Sister...?" she asks quietly, though her eyes are knowing. She darts forward, squeezing your shoulder.

Her voice tight, tears prickling her eyes, you whisper, "No, it wasn't."

Udilya frowns and says, "Oh..."

Her voice croaking, Oracular Elexia Myeras-Silvermoon says, "It's... It's his, isn't it?"

Glorious rays of morning light burst forth from Father Sun's crown as it peeks over the world's edge, announcing a bright and shining new dawn.

You have emoted: Silently, tears sliding down her cheeks, Lief nods to Elexia's question as her gaze remains fixed upon it.

Elexia wordlessly embraces you from behind, her face sharing in your pain.

A squirrel skitters through the treetops somewhere above.

Udilya gently wraps an arm about you and Elexia, her own eyes filling with tears.

Nocht, the Silent has bestowed His divine favour upon you. It will last for 1 month.

You have emoted: After drawing a shaky breath, Lief lifts her head. Tears stain her cheeks in streaks in her silence, broken by a gasp of shock.

You have emoted: Tears still upon her cheeks, Lief throws her gaze around her surroundings, searching the shadows for the briefest of glowering moments.

Elexia remains silent, embracing both you and Udilya as tears stream down her own face.

Her words tense, her throat choked, you whisper, "I love you both dearly. I..."

You have emoted: Lief trails off, gazing skyward.

You think to yourself: My Lady...

Her voice soft, soothing, Oracular Elexia Myeras-Silvermoon says, "I love you too, sister..."

Udilya says to you, "I love you too dearest friend."

You have emoted: Lief gathers a luminous peacock feather to herself, then draws away from Elexia and Udilya. "I must take some time alone," she says quietly.

Udilya nods solemnly. "If you need anything, please let us know." She smiles softly at you.

The sun reaches the zenith of the firmament, pausing in his quest to allow the land to bask in his shining golden rays.

Elexia nods in agreement as she chimes, "I will always be here. Go with the ancestors, sister mine," she says with a bow. As she rises, she wipes away her own tears.

Uzriel tells you, "Did you feel a rush of adrenaline after you left?"

You have emoted: Lief's fingertips brush against the spine of a luminous peacock feather, her eyes drawing shut. Without another word, but with a small look of gratitude upon her expression, she wings quietly into the forest.

A shaded woodland.
Soothing shades of blue light shimmer through the air, cast from a healing shrine of Maylea nearby. There is a heavy snowfall. Ivy continues to cover the forest floor in this open area of the woods. The elms that dominate to the north have become more sparse, interspersed with trees of other species. The woods seem darker here, as if a larger tree were spreading its branches wide across the forest. Looking to the south, a massive trunk is visible between the rows of grey-brown bark. Glowing gently with a soft blue light, a delicate dreamcatcher has been permanently hung here. An oak sapling clings tenaciously to the ground here. Reaching up as high as the eye can see looms the awesome presence of a living totem.
You see exits leading south and northwest.

You tug upon the aether strands around you, searching for one that connects to the Aetherplex Chamber.

You teleport along the aether strands to the Aetherplex Chamber.
You portal to Pavilion.
This room has not been mapped.
A lush, mossy pavilion.
You feel hidden powers in this room. Superimposed over this location, an ethereal forest reaches up to the sky. Lit by squat, green-speckled lanterns, spiralling stone pathways wind their way up a hill to this shaded pavilion surrounded by lush verdure. Four sturdy posts and a flat canopy carved from black cherrywood form the heart of this shelter where they stand upon flattened, smooth cobblestones. Flowering crossvines snake their way from the rafters down the tall, sturdy poles, their blossoms bursting with tangerine colour, lacing the air with the faintest spice of kafe. Healthy sprouts shoot up between some gaps in the rocks underfoot, while green moss creeps over their edges. More moss grows outside the pavilion itself, carpeting the naked earth and circling a shallow, rocky basin containing a quietly-giggling fountain in its perfect centre. A tan wicker bench rests here, white cushioning plump and inviting. In the shape of an open palm, a metallic sigil lies here. You see a sign here instructing you to use the PORTAL command to enter the aetherplex system.
You see a single exit leading in.

This room has not been mapped.
A grove of efflorescing memory.
Superimposed over this location, an ethereal forest reaches up to the sky. Awash in creams and watery colours, this grove is redolent with gentle sweetness. Concealing the way into this protected space, a thicket of blackthorn shrubs flowers here with dense, floral lushness. Their thorny branches ward against the casual passer-by, and their soft blossoms scatter like snow when a strong breeze drives through them. Tall beech trees rise above the blackthorns as towering sentries, providing welcome shade with their intertwining canopies. Where light streams through overhead to dapple the earth, patches of wildflowers are illuminated through the fallen petals and viridian ferns. Periwinkle bluebells droop with wistful elegance, bobbing and dancing like chimes whenever disturbed, whilst true blue forget-me-nots dot the spongy floor itself. Nectar-seeking butterflies and pollen-hunting bumblebees are visible as the seasons allow, endlessly flitting from tree to tree and from blossom to blossom. A sigil in the shape of a small, rectangular monolith is on the ground. In the shape of an open palm, a metallic sigil lies here. A golden stocking has been hung here. A beautiful basket rests here, its blanket spilling leisurely over the sides.
You see a single exit leading northeast.

You grow still and begin to pray silently for preservation of your soul while you are out of the land.