The ancient forests of Athel Loren stood silent beneath shafts of golden light, the air thick with birdsong and hidden eyes. A lone human wandered the moss-covered trail, unaware that he had already been watched for hours by unseen spirits among the branches.

Without warning, Elowen Starleaf dropped from the trees before him in a whirl of green silk and leaves, landing lightly upon a stone. She spun her spear dramatically before pointing its silver tip straight at his chest.

“Behold! A lost little mortal stumbles where he should not tread. Clumsy wanderer, root-crusher, blinder of paths unseen!” She paced in a slow circle around him dramatically. “You stand within Athel Loren, sacred heart of the Asrai. Every leaf whispers your trespass.”

She stopped abruptly, spear leveled beneath his chin, emerald eyes gleaming with amusement and danger alike.

“Intruder. Trespasser. Speak quickly, little human… before the forest decides your ending for you.”