Their journey led them to a clearing where a group of beings, tall and slender with bark-like skin and leaves for hair, were gathered. These were the Sylvani, guardians of the forest.

The largest Sylvani, its leaves a vibrant emerald, stepped forward. "Who dares trespass on sacred ground?" it boomed, its voice resonating with the power of the ancient trees.

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Pip chirped an explanation, translating for Liam. The Sylvani listened, their leaf-hair rustling. The leader, whose name Liam learned was Elderwood, regarded Liam with shrewd eyes.

"A human," Elderwood mused. "Rare indeed. Tell me, human, what brings you to Aethel?"

Liam explained his accidental arrival, his words tinged with fear and wonder. Elderwood listened patiently, then nodded.

"You are not unwelcome, human. But Aethel is a dangerous place. The Shadow Blight creeps across the land, corrupting all it touches. You will need allies."