Morning broke gently over the Grove, filtering gold through the fire-trees and scattering prisms through the pond mist. The Fenix flocks were already awake, gliding lazily between the branches and letting their warm feathers stimulate the fire-plants for their morning bloom. The giant mushrooms pulsed with soft bioluminescence that slowly dimmed as daylight claimed the land.
Lira stood beneath the Great Tree, adjusting the straps of her travel pack. Beside her, Serelyth stretched in her half-draconic form—scales glinting like pale jade along her arms, her eyes narrow slits reacting to the morning brightness. Maelin and Patricia arrived moments later, both carrying satchels enchanted to keep their potions cool and stable.
"Are we ready?" Lira asked, glancing at each of them.
Maelin fluffed her hair, looking both nervous and excited. "I've read about the Everflare Meadow only in old Academy books. They say the air itself glows."
