<em>The paladiness presses on, preparing for battle as they close and, as the great, twisted tree comes into sight, summoning once more her divine battle prowess and letting it strengthen her and her blows. The swarm seemed to have potent poisons and stings, far worse than she had imagined... it seems, as she moves closer to the source, not only is the corruption itself stronger, but also fortifies and empowers that which it corrupts. She does, however, give Snapdragon her best reassuring smile.<br/><br/>"I'm... fine. Just dark thoughts taking a dark turn. Brooding perpetuating brooding, is all, I'm sure. And, no, unless I wasn't able to feel it, I wasn't stung. Are you ready?"<br/><br/>Michelle gazes up determinedly at the source of the darkness and foulness in the land, and lets a small, grim smile rest on her lips. She carefully watches the corpses, knowing that these may well become undead quickly, and she may have to cut through them to get to the tree.</em>