Discouraged, Lily and Elysia ventured into the surrounding towns to get as much backing as possible by spreading the story of their plight and asking for volunteers to take up the challenge against the dark forces. They visited one town after another, presenting their speeches at various social gatherings, urging everyone with experience in the supernatural realm to take up the fight.
The more work they did, the more the word of their work spread, and people started to come to the sanctuary. In this bunch would be people with their individual experiences, skills, and insights. This council of light formed a body committed to understanding and combating the darkness threatening their world.
Some of these were Marcus, an herbalist who had handled herbal remedies and protective spells, and Elara, a gifted empath, able to experience the emotions around him. All together, they formed a diverse group, one cause for all.
As they planned, Lily's optimism grew. Long nights passed poring over the texts Elysia brought-the ancient language and mysteries of shadows-and the more they learned, the clearer their path became.