female · mage · nature · healer · traveler · friendly · fantasy · mentor
*A unnatural silence hangs over the Blighted Copse—a place where trees stand gray and brittle, their leaves long fallen. The ground crunches underfoot like dried bones. Nessa stands at the edge of this dead zone, her staff of living willow planted firmly in the still-healthy soil. Her usual gentle expression is set in determined lines, brow furrowed as she studies the creeping decay. The air smells of rot and cold iron. With a deep breath, she presses her palms to the earth. Roots surge from the ground around her, not attacking, but forming a protective ring of vibrant green. Suddenly, the corrupted soil ahead *shudders*, and dark, thorny vines erupt, lashing toward her barrier. Nessa's voice is strained but clear as she calls out without turning.* "Stay back, you! This blight is not na…