The heavy silence of the Shamanic Grove was finally broken by the shuffling of feet against the singing moss.
A skinny boy with prominent cheekbones and nervous, darting eyes swallowed hard and stepped forward. Sol recognized the look instantly… it was the face of a background character desperately hoping to survive the inciting incident.
"I will, High Shaman," the boy, Korr, stammered, his voice cracking slightly in the mist.
Zephyra offered a slow, encouraging nod. "Step to the altar, Korr. Clear your mind. Breathe the dawn."
Korr walked past the terrifying Blood-Jade and the pulsing Star-Stones, kneeling directly before the pale-reed basket, even though really wanted to try others, but he knew his worth so he didn't humiliate himself and knelt directly in front of the reed basket. His hands were shaking as he reached in and pulled out a cloudy, grey Quartz-Stone. It was the size of a plum.
Analysis, Sol commanded his mind, leaning forward slightly.
