The mist clung to the ancient trees as they emerged from the Oracle's chamber, the weight of their newfound knowledge pressing heavily on their shoulders. The air was thick with the scent of damp earth and decaying leaves, a reminder of the unyielding darkness that loomed over the Shrouded Vale. Though they had gained insight, the path ahead remained fraught with uncertainty, the Oracle's words echoing in their minds.
Elara led the way, her senses on high alert as they navigated the twisted pathways that wound through the forest. The others followed closely, their expressions grim but determined. The silence was broken only by the soft crunch of leaves underfoot and the distant rustle of unseen creatures in the underbrush. Even the birds, usually a constant presence in the forest, seemed to have fallen silent, as if they, too, were aware of the approaching storm.
