Michelle recalls hearing tales of Night-twists, trees of malevolence that many assume to be dead, yet actually have true life and sentience. Just because they are living creatures, however, does not make them good for nature - pit fiends and beholders are also alive, after all, and even plenty of everyday humans cause strife. Their wailing is able to place people in trances and cause nightmares, though they don't usually have such a desecrating presence.<br/><br/>"Yes, our Lady is known as Lady Snapdragon Silverstride, a nymph of great beauty. She provides this part of the forest with her blessings and protection, much like several of the other great Nymphs of the forests do. Her heart contains nothing but love and tranquility, although today... today, it seemed as though something had taken her soul and emotions, she seemed so empty and dispassionate. I can only hope she will recover when the taint is gone.<br/><br/>If you keep going that way, you will surely meet her, though there may be others trying to stop you along the way. I imagine that whatever is causing this doesn't want your strength and purity to get far in where you could tear it out by the roots."<br/><br/>Mari then speaks.<br/><br/>"The tree must be a good twenty miles or so away, only a few miles away from our Lady in fact. As of others... mostly the regular flora and fauna, no-one of great sentience and skill. There are probably a few other things to watch out for...  Ila for one. She's like us, though a ferret in nature. Be careful, she has quite a bite, and is fast. If she was affected, there could be trouble."