"Perhaps other dryads can afford to do such, but we are<em>Guardians</em>, mortal." The dryad's tone darkened, and she stood straighter, the limbs of the oak behind her creaking as they straightened as well. "We guard the Holy Grove from those who would despoil it. And here, the land will turn against all those who would intrude."<br/><br/>Raising a hand, she created a miniature whirlwind in her left hand for a moment, then clenched her fist and snuffed it out. "Only those blessed by the elements themselves can safely enter the Grove! You do not bear their mark, mortal, and thus<em>all</em>of the elements would turn on you! We Guardians have born their touch, and only by sharing of our primal life's essence can you enter! Now, mortal...choose! Choose what it is that is most important to you? Your purity, or the taint that you claim to sense!"<br/><br/>As she spoke, she stepped closer and closer to the human, her eyes bright with the power that she was drawing upon.