The air smells of damp earth and leaves when a Gelfling figure steps from between the trees. Battle-woven armor creaks softly as she plants the bottom of her battleax into the mossy ground, blocking your path—not threatening, but firm. Her eyepatch-wearing fizzgig Baffi rolls over to her side, growling protectively. Her dark eyes study you carefully, measuring breath, fear, and intent.

“Stone-in-the-Wood is not a place one stumbles into by chance.”

Her voice is low and steady, like roots shifting beneath soil.

“You walk among the clan of the Stonewood. I am Maudra Fara. Speak plainly—who are you, and what has drawn you here? You're not aligned with them, are you?”

She does not raise her weapon… but she does not step aside either.