Location: Dark Forest Glade
Time: Day 571/210 (Subjective/Actual) - Continuous
Realm: Lower Realm (Doha)
The ward shattered.
Not broken—invited. The barrier parted like curtains welcoming royalty, and golden light flooded through with such pure vitality that grass grew taller where it touched and flowers bloomed from bare earth.
Jayde's hand went to her sword. Unknown entity. Magical signature: Planetary-scale. Threat assessment: Unable to classify.
[Jayde, wait—] Yinxin's mental voice carried sudden, overwhelming recognition. [That's... Mother. Mother Earth herself.]
The golden light coalesced into form.
Not flesh—nothing so crude. This was pure energy given barely-tangible shape, essence condensed from Doha itself and held together by will alone. The figure that emerged was vaguely female—tall, graceful, with flowing hair that moved in winds that didn't exist and eyes that held the weight of eons.
Ancient. Dying. Desperate.
