Nina recounts her entire journey, leaving nothing out. She describes her initial investigation, the unsettling discovery of the interwoven remains, her encounter with Ronan and the subsequent alliance forged through necessity. She details their journey to the ancient temple, the cryptic pronouncements of the Keeper, and the difficult choice she was forced to make - prioritizing the recovery of the fallen adventurer' remains over immediately confronting Xalzar. She speaks of the insidious nature of Xalzar's influence, its subtle yet pervasive power to corrupt and consume. Her voice, initially hesitant, gains strength as she speaks, her fear replaced by a growing conviction. She describes the warning from the Keeper about Xalzar's spreading influence, a warning made chillingly relevant by the present situation in Porthaven.
Then she speaks of Lyra, the woman from the Emerald order, her encounter near the forest's edge. She carefully describes Lyra's warning about the blight upon the land and the drastic cure proposed: a sacrifice, a piece of Nina's spirit to counter Xalzar's negative energy. Nina recounts her initial refusal, the internal struggle, and the eventual compromise - to consider the sacrifice only after completing her investigation. The guild master listens intently, his face a mask of growing concern. Ronan remains silent, his presence a looming shadow in the background, yet his occasional low rumble seems to punctuate Nina's story, adding weight and gravity to her words. When she finishes, a long silence hangs in the air, broken only by the scratching of Rex's claws on the wooden floor.
The guild master runs a hand over his face, his expression unreadable. Finally, he speaks, his voice low and serious. "The Emerald Order... their methods are... unorthodox, to say the least. A sacrifice of one's spirit... it is a desperate measure." He stares at the items on his desk, then back at Nina. "But Xalzar's influence... it's a threat not just to Porthaven, but to the entire kingdom. We may not have a choice." He pauses, his gaze hardening.
"We need to find Elara. Her experience and knowledge could be crucial. And we need to determine the full extent of this blight and how it's affecting Porthaven. This is far beyond a simple investigation. This is a fight for survival."