<div align="center">(https://i.imgur.com/C7fYX56.png)<br/><br/><span class="bbc_size" style="font-size: 18pt;"><span class="bbc_font" style="font-family: andale mono;"><em>The Ruins of Erstea</em></span></span></div><br/><div align="center"><span class="bbc_font" style="font-family: andale mono;"><em>Erstea. An ancient ruin. A place built to honor the Elder Gods, before such worship was deemed heretical. <br/>Centuries upon centuries had seen the once magnificent Elvish architecture fall to the grasp of nature. <br/>Extravagant symbols and inscriptions upon the walls were now shrouded under the depths of green overgrowth.<br/>Deep within, pure light resided. A tiny flame, fading, calling to be kindled once more. </em></span></div><br/><hr/><br/><div class="floatright">(https://i.imgur.com/zTT3hHA.png)</div><br/><span class="bbc_size" style="font-size: 14pt;"><span class="bbc_font" style="font-family: andale mono;"><em>'How long will you linger without purpose, Veliya of the Elder Light? How long will you lower your gaze to the ground, and not raise it to the skies above? Go East, to the ruins of Erstea. Yggdrasil calls to you. Her voice is within those ruins, and her gift of Life is hidden in the darkness. Long has the light been faded, but now, it calls you to rekindle it.'</em></span></span><br/><br/><span class="bbc_font" style="font-family: andale mono;">A chill settled across the Elven girl's body. A cold wind lingering within the strange cavern that led to the entrance of Erstea. Hands, covered by brown leather gloves, pulled her emerald green cloak tighter against her body. It steadied her temperature and calmed her breathing. She was alone, as always, with only herself to rely on. Before her stood a magnificent archway; absurdly large that it was as if it was to invite the Gods themselves within. A drift of cool air, damp and thick, called from within. Beneath the hood of the cloak, her Elven ears sought sound, any kind of life. But there was naught. Only her, and the memory of her ancestors. <br/><br/>Eyes closed delicately, as she brought her right hand to chest height and held it outwards with an open palm.<br/><br/><em>"O' Light of Yggdrasil, illuminate your world. O' Light, ageless and eternal, do not allow your children to fall to darkness."</em><br/><br/>An incantation, recited with a soft, quiet voice. Her words had an immediate effect as, within her palm, a bright lotus formed and bloomed. Brilliant was its splendor, as it rose from her palm and hovered just above her head. Immediately she noted the strange beauty of her surroundings. The bright green moss, the tranquil water, and the faded stonework before her. <br/><br/>Yet ... the doorway did not seem so welcoming. It was as if the darkness hissed with resistance at her intrusive light. Her presence was much akin to the ancient Elves who lingered here centuries ago. But, the Elven girl did not falter. She did not think twice. Her mind was set upon this place, and the promise of meaning deep within the ruins. <br/><br/>And so, she stepped within, journeying down the entrance hall, with <em>no</em> concept of what may linger within.<br/><br/></span>