"This is the Forest of Shadows," she said, nodding to the line of trees. "The sheer size of this place means few even attempt to cross it, nevermind succeed in getting to the other side."<br/><br/>She rummaged around in the back of the cart, pulling out a scabbard which seemed to glimmer with the sheen of innumerable gems. From within the sheath she drew a sword which glowed in the moonlight, strange writing just visible along its blade.<br/><br/>"The Dawnhammer Blade," Carolina said, a note of awe in her voice. "A product of some of the greatest Elven smiths to have ever lived, once this was the symbol of an alliance of all races against a great evil." She sheathed the blade again, walking over to Luca and handing it to him. "As far as I know those old alliances are not dead yet, there are those who may be more willing to listen if you carry this blade."<br/><br/>She walked back to the cart, returning with a necklace on the end of which hung a blood red gem.<br/><br/>"A Dragonsblood Gem," she said, placing it in his hand. "If you believe the old tales they contain literal dragon's blood, but I can neither confirm nor deny it, but I can tell you they are extraordinarily rare. This is the only one of the six known gems that I am aware of the location of. It serves two purpose: it enables you to understand dragonspeak, and vice versa, without a lifetime of studying books, and it will glow when there is a dragon nearby, even if you cannot see them with your own eyes." She gave the forest a wistful look. "Be careful Luca, there are reasons no sane person sets foot in that forest. Keep to the path, do not under any circumstances step off it. And if you happen to cross paths with one of the Elven Rangers who guard this place, tell them Carolina sent you, they will know you are trustworthy."