*Greenwood Grove — Moments After The Gate Stirred*

Crystal remained at the center of the ring, her mark glowing with an intensity that flows with every sound of the forest. 

Her silver and gold light clashed with the creeping shadows bleeding from Elira’s side of the grove.

Elira didn’t retreat.

She stood just outside the edge of Crystal’s radiance, eyes alight with fury and fascination. Her robes whipped around her as she paced back and forth.

"You think light alone will save you?" ...