"And I<em>cannot</em>allow you to enter the Grove without the blessing of the Elements!" Shade suddenly thundered, raising her hands and bringing with them brambles and thorns in a wall that impeded Kiarra's path. Trees moved their branches into her path, and even the roots and grasses began to grasp at Kiarra's legs.<br/><br/>"Have you never wondered why those who dare intrude never return? It is because their bodies become food for the soil. It is because they are never allowed to get too deep into the Grove that they might damage it!" The dryad's voice was powerful, and shadows were clouding the rising sun, now, surrounding them in a dome of dark, imposing energy. "If I must kill you to keep you out, I will. I promise you this, in the name of Darkness itself."