The druid presses her palm to the tablet. Its carved map splits apart, and the refuge floor sinks, revealing a narrow passage descending beneath the roots.
Crows and Kael enter as living roots coil along the walls behind them. The druid remains at the threshold, bracing the opening while the grove strains to reclaim it.
Kael Veyr
These carvings are clan signals. Ashen Wing, Stone-Crow, Veil-of-Stars. They survived the purges and marked safe roads beneath the victors' sight.
Pale symbols awaken one by one along the passage, their old marks shining through damp stone. The roots advance, cracking the walls and narrowing the way behind Crows.
Kael Veyr
There, a fresh mark. Three hooked talons. A gathering place is near, perhaps within the hour's march, if this passage holds.
Far ahead, an ironwood gate grinds beneath a curtain of roots. Beyond its bars, a faint blue glow reveals descending steps, while the passage behind begins to seal.
the wild-born druid
Go, ancient one. I will hold the grove here. Reach the far gate before the roots close, or this refuge will become your tomb.
✓ Quest Accepted
Reach the far gate
✓ Quest Accepted
Reach the western refuge
Director's note
i head to the far gate first
Crows advances toward the far gate without hesitation. The blue glow beyond its ironwood bars strengthens, revealing steep steps descending into mountain darkness.
Kael Veyr
Keep moving, ancient one. The passage is closing behind us, but the gate still bears the mark of Stone-Crow.
Kael follows close behind, one hand brushing the illuminated carvings as he runs. Roots split the walls, spilling damp soil and pale shards across the path.
the wild-born druid
Reach the gate! I can hold the grove only a little longer.
Crows reaches the ironwood gate. Its surface is banded with dark metal and carved with three hooked talons, each groove filled with cold blue radiance.
Kael Veyr
That is no clan warning. It is a summons. Someone within the refuge knows the old blood has awakened.
Behind them, the passage folds inward with a grinding roar. The gate remains shut, while beneath its threshold the blue light gathers into the shape of a waiting crown.
Quest Complete
Reach the far gate
Director's note
I touch the door, releasing small bit of power