The buried ascent opens onto a forested border, where ancient standing stones rise among dark firs. Silver ward-thread glimmers between them, enclosing the elven lands in a quiet lattice.
Tiamat remains behind the boundary as promised, her colossal red form visible through the trees. Her five heads watch in stillness while elven ward-keepers observe from shadowed branches and mossy roots.
The covenant gate stands closed between two leaning stones. At its base, a pale speaking-stone awakens, its surface filling with thin silver lines that form an unblinking eye.
Elven Ward-Keepers
Bearer of the dragon’s covenant, state your purpose at the boundary. The gate will not open for authority, threat, or borrowed command.
The silver thread tightens around the stones, testing the air near Bottu without touching him. Beyond it, the elves remain concealed, their bows lowered but ready.
Elven Ward-Keepers
If you seek passage, name what your ward protects, what it forbids, and how its power returns to those who keep this forest.
Behind Bottu, Tiamat’s wings shift once, stirring the treetops like a distant storm. The speaking-stone waits, and the sealed covenant gate gives no sign of yielding.