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Tall, refined and possessed of remarkable powers, the Dryad J’lii strode quietly through the dense Uskaal Forest. Like all such beings, she seemed to personify the essence of Mystiir itself. J’lii’s eyes were the color of black opal. Her hair, a shade darker than midnight, fell to her narrow waist. She wore a kirtle of iridescent sussance that she herself had woven from wind, rain and sunlight.

The Uskaal occupied a deep vale. On the north side the waters of the stupendous Twin Sisters Falls plunged from a towering escarpment to form the Thunder River, which neatly bisected the valley. The woods were thick with bell alders, red oaks and giant, sky blue tansies; luxuriant crimson ferns carpeted the forest floor. The area was particularly rich in wildlife: enormous crystalline butterflies, delicate iom birds that drifted about like puffballs, blue and mauve spotted deer, pelluciddai, dwarf unicorns and caerlinx. All the creatures of the Uskaal displayed a languid manner, for Enchanter magic insured that no human presence ever disturbed this sacred vale. Indeed, for the past three hundred years the maintenance of Uskaal had been J’lii’s responsibility, and she had never neglected her duties.

The Twin Sisters Falls originated from pools atop the massive pegmatite escarpment which, like all else in the region, was imperceptible to humans. Once a year, a single leisanthe plant blossomed on a particular bank. Then, on a day and hour known only to Dryads, the plant shed its blossoms into the pools, which spilled over the escarpment into the Thunder River far below. When distilled by a complex process, the flowers yielded a kind of liquid incanssence, which exponentially increased one’s awareness of Mystiir, and the ability to express its power.

J’lii gracefully made her way through the forest, her hair glinting in the dappled sunlight. From time to time she halted to inspect a new growth, or to allow one of the region’s singular creatures to continue on its path. On one such occasion she thought to sense the presence of an unexpected life form; but the impression was fleeting, and she turned her attentions to the task at hand.

She reached the bank of the river, and stood pondering the deep, churning pool that first received the onslaught of the Twin Sisters Falls. Already soaked by the misty spray, the Dryad stepped unconcernedly out upon the moiling waters. She walked to the center of the basin, noted the angle of the sun, then waited patiently. White water slid rapidly beneath her feet. She bent down, delicately scooped up a handful of the cool, pristine liquid and sipped it with relish.

More time passed, and now J’lii’s attentions were fixed upon the swirling waters. A pearlescent flower shaped like a star bobbed up to the surface. J’lii carefully scooped it into a net, then searched for the others. Presently all four leisanthe blossoms had been collected. She cinched the net and started back toward the bank.

J’lii gracefully climbed over shoreline boulders and once more entered the forest. Again her undermind tingled, signifying the presence of an undesirable entity close at hand. The Dryad sighed; such encounters were not to her liking.

With a delicate gesture she dispatched a wave of energy. The force shredded the intruder’s invisibility cloak, to reveal a Guurm Shadowling lurking behind a red oak. Aware that his disguise had been breached, the Guurm lurched forward, his hand apparently reaching for a weapon. In response, J’lii sent a pulse of energy at the ground under his feet. Instantly roots projected from his hands and feet, anchoring him to the ground. He tried to speak, but succeeded only in opening his mouth a crack before it became fixed in that position.

Through narrowed eyes, J’lii studied the stocky, manlike creature. He was typical of his sort. His skin was dull white. Lank, mousy hair hung in untidy strands from a narrow skull. Heavy brows shaded deep-set, pale pink eyes. The Guurm was clad in a long, frayed jacket, coarsely woven pantaloons and peculiar metal footwear, which J’lii identified as Indefatigable Boots. He carried an astonishing number of well-worn pouches, bags, tubes and small canisters on his person. She felt a shiver of unease. The Guurm had clearly intended to divest her of the leisanthe blossoms, an unforgivable act.