The chamber beyond the Serpent's Embrace was vast and echoing – a subterranean cavern adorned with intricate carvings depicting Sylvani rituals and celestial events. But the beauty was deceptive. The air hung thick with an oppressive stillness, broken only by the drip of water from unseen crevices. And everywhere, Elara sensed…a presence—an ancient power that seemed to watch their every move.
"This place is imbued with magic," Rhyland said softly, his eyes scanning the cavern's walls and ceiling. "Aerion was a master architect—he infused these ruins with protective wards and cunning traps."
Suddenly, spectral figures materialized before them - translucent images of Sylvani warriors, wielding shimmering weapons. They didn't attack immediately, but circled Elara and Rhyland, their expressions stern and watchful.
"Guardians," Rhyland whispered. "Echoes of the past, bound to protect this place." He closed his eyes, attempting to communicate with them—to explain their purpose.
Elara focused on the crystalline shard, seeking guidance from Aerion's memory once more. A vivid scene flooded her mind – a younger Aerion standing within the chamber, overseeing its construction. He was explaining his intentions to a group of Sylvani apprentices.
"These guardians are not meant to be adversaries," Aerion said in the vision. "They are tests—to ensure that only those with pure intent and reverence for our traditions may pass."
Elara relayed what she'd seen to Rhyland, who then addressed the spectral warriors. "We seek knowledge," he declared respectfully. "To restore balance to Eldoria—not to plunder or desecrate."
The guardians remained motionless for a long moment, their translucent forms flickering slightly. Then, one by one, they began to fade away, dissolving into the cavern's shadows.
"They sensed your sincerity," Rhyland said with a sigh of relief. "But this is merely the first trial." He pointed towards a raised platform at the far end of the chamber—upon which rested a crystalline pedestal, bathed in an ethereal glow. "The second shard lies upon that pedestal. But it is protected by more than just guardians."
As they approached the pedestal, the cavern began to tremble – and from the shadows emerged a creature unlike anything Elara had ever encountered before: a massive serpentine being composed entirely of swirling Mist—its eyes glowing with an unsettling intelligence.
"This is no ordinary guardian," Rhyland said grimly. "It is a manifestation of Aerion's final creation – the Spirit of the Fen."