Mael was fading, the sun was gone and her energy with it. She hadn't stayed awake past sunset in years. She rose and fell with the plants and animals of her home, and her connection was too strong for her to stay awake much longer. She swayed on her feet, dizziness overtaking her. "I am fine. I will not be a burden." She could hear the undead warriors pounding on the door and she felt fear and anger. More corruption, was the world outside so foul that the spirits would permit such creatures to wander unchecked? Perhaps the land had grown even weaker than she thought. The energy of her home kept such creatures at bay. She peered into the hole that Andrew had revealed. She had never been underground before, and though she was slightly nervous, she could feel the earth around her, and it was a comfort. The musty smell rising from the tunnel was of earth and stone, natural rot, the cycle of life. She smiled faintly. Perhaps it would be a good place.<br/><br/>She stumbled again, her vision blurring. "I am strong. I will not fall. I can...light the way." She said, standing straight again. She pulled a leaf from her hair. It was red and brilliant orange, the color of Autumn. She cupped it gently in her hand and held it to her mouth, closing her eyes. She whispered something indistinguishable and breathed softly into her hands. The leaf glowed brightly and she dropped it down into the tunnel. It hit the bottom and scattered, filling the corridor with dull orange light. "The light will follow. It is...bound to me." She said, her eyes drooping. "We must go now. I will follow."