Nina, her voice barely a whisper, informs the guild master of her intention to rest. She explains her need for sleep, the revelations of the last few days pressing heavily upon her. The guild master nods, a grim understanding in his eyes. He doesn't attempt to dissuade her; the exhaustion etched on her face is undeniable. Ronan remains silent, his dark form a stark contrast to the flickering candlelight. Rex whines softly, nudging Nina's hand with his wet nose, sensing her fatigue. The guild master offers a weary smile, a gesture more of acknowledgement than comfort. "Rest well, Nina," he says, his voice low. "We'll need all our strength for what comes next." He gestures towards a small, sparsely furnished room adjacent to the main hall. "You can use this room for the night. Someone will bring you some food shortly."
Nina accepts gratefully, leading Rex towards the small room. The room is simple, containing only a straw mattress, a worn wooden table, and a single chair. The air is thick with the scent of aged wood and old parchment. She settles onto the mattress, Rex curling up at her feet. Sleep comes slowly, plagued by unsettling dreams of twisting, shadowy figures and the chilling whisper of Xalzar's name.
The next morning, Nina awakens to the aroma of freshly baked bread. A young apprentice, barely older than herself, stands by the door, holding a tray laden with food. He looks at her with a mixture of awe and apprehension. The guild is clearly on edge, its usual bustle replaced by a hushed, tense atmosphere. Nina eats sparingly; her appetite dulled by her own anxiety. She thinks of Elara, of the unseen enemy spreading its tendrils throughout Porthaven, and of the terrifying prospect of sacrificing a piece of her own spirit.
After finishing her meal, Nina returns to the guild master's office. The guild master is already there, poring over a large, leather-bound book. Beside him sits a grizzled older man with piercing grey eyes; he's dressed in the rough spun garb of a ranger. The guild master looks up as she enters, his expression serious. "Nina," he starts, "This is Kael, a ranger from the Whispering Woods. He has information about Elara's disappearance." Kael nods curtly, his gaze sharp and assessing. "I found traces of her struggle near the old mill, south of Porthaven. It appears there was a significant magical disturbance, much stronger than anything we've seen before.