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<li data-xf-list-type="ul">Arioch let go of the breath that she had been holding when Valen stated they would lend their aid. It definitely lifted a weight off of her shoulders, and it saved them all from another, nasty bout of tongue lashings courtesy of the green-haired High Elf. For a moment, she seemed touched. Pleased even. A smile even started to creep up onto her face. She was quick, however, to hide her relief by clearing her throat and turning on her heels. They would have to hurry and get to the shrine and fast, as this problem was much bigger than it may have appeared to be to any of the others. The Seer was one of the most important people in the kingdom, a spiritual leader who guided many when they were lost, who taught people how to connect with the Great Spirits of the world around them. Though she hadn't be taught by the Seer herself, Arioch had been granted the pleasure of meeting her, and of learning from her.<br/>
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<span class="fixed-color" style="color:#0040ff">"If you would follow me, I'll take us there,"</span> she said, leading the group down one of the many paths to the shrine. As the group approached, they would find a most curious sight laid out before them. As the general said, they were all sorts of strange happenings around the tree that served as the support for the grand shrine. There were many people all around, frozen in what looked like glass. The trees seemed to stretch, bend, and contort unnaturally, even the sky was wrong. The sky above appeared to be a light purple in color. <span class="fixed-color" style="color:#0040ff">"By the Gods. . .what in the hell is this,"</span> she muttered, stopping beside one of the frozen Elves. Her eyes quickly examined everything around her, her mind racing in an attempt to rationalize what she saw.<br/>
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<span class="fixed-color" style="color:#0040ff">"The stories don't prepare you for the reality of the matter. . .this is so much worse than I feared. . ."</span> she said, placing each of her hands on the hilts of the swords she wore at her hips. Arioch was feeling edgy now, and her weapons served as her only comfort. Not that slashing her way through anything now would help, but this was just. . .too much. This was utterly ridiculous and completely nonsensical. <span class="fixed-color" style="color:#0040ff">"This place. . .is considered Holy Ground by my people. Normally, anyone not of pure Elven blood isn't allowed to step foot here. This land is guarded by statures infused with nature spirits. . .I know not if they will activate because you all are here, or if whatever is causing this will stop them but. . .I feel it is only fair to mention this before we venture any closer to the shrine. Be on your guard."</span>[/list:u]</li>
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