The can in the elf’s hand looked mangled and melted. Sofia shuddered as she remembered the terrifying gaseous form with pale eyes and long, snake-like tongue. 

“This is what drew the Ymplerim through the gate,” said the elf, a tall male with ruddy skin and long, blue hair. His green eyes flashed angrily to Sofia. “Do you know the damage you have caused? It will take years for the forest to recover from this attack!”

A female elf, similar in build and appearance to the chief but with long, dark purple hair, stepped forward to address the leader. 

“Chief Kiysat, the area was secured but the gate has not been sealed. The Ymplerim that came through have been forced back across to Talamh, but there is always the risk of their returning. Roquewei is correct in saying that the forest will take years to recover. And in its weakened state, the forest will not be able to resist the Ymplerim if they were to break through again.”

Chief Kiysat listened attentively to the report. “Thank you, Lyna. It is best that we station some of our people in the area to guard the forest and foster its healing.”

She turned to Roquewei, “Any ideas on how the gate opened? It hasn’t been active in nearly two decades.”

“No,” he replied. “There was no evidence of tampering on our side, and there was no way to open it from the Talamh side.”

“Perhaps Harton’s desperation opened the gate so he could return,” Erae suggested. Sofia blushed at hearing his voice, realizing how close he was to her. 

Lyna narrowed her eyes, and turned her attention to Erae. “How did he get into Talamh in the first place? Wasn’t he with your scouting party before he disappeared?”

The tips of Erae’s ears turned red in embarrassment. “Yes, he was with us as we were tracking down an Ymplerim sighting three days ago. They caught us by surprise. Only after we had fended them off did I realize that Harton had disappeared.”

“Where did this take place?” Chief Kiysat cut in.

Erae turned to face the chief. “Near where we found the Dlam and Sofia.”

“So the Ymplerim activity in that area happened before she arrived,” stated the chief, seeking confirmation. 

“Yes, ma’am,” replied Erae, bowing his head.

“But that does not negate the fact that this also had a part to play in giving the Ymplerim a foothold!” Roquewei held up the can again. “We all know the Ymplerim thrive on imbalance, especially waste. Who knows what else this woman has brought with her to scatter about Lyfay, treating our world like it’s her refuse bin.”

Sofia flushed in frustration. She stepped toward the blue-haired elf and looked up into his eyes. “I was trying to help Harton,” she said firmly. “He was hurt and needed medical attention. How was I supposed to know that an empty can of dog food would summon those monsters?”

“Carelessness and apathy are always fuel for destruction!” Roquewei roared back. 

“What does that even mean? If it wasn’t for me, Harton would have died!” Sofia countered.

“If it wasn’t for you, the forest wouldn’t have died!”

“Enough!” shouted Chief Kiysat, rising from her seat. Roquewei and Sofia stepped apart, but continued to glare at each other. 

Walking around her desk, the chief continued. “Bickering will not encourage healing. We must take action. This attack is the seventh such incident of Ymplerim coming through the gates from Talamh. They are getting stronger and bolder. It is evident that these gates no longer safe for Lyfay.”

“Chief, are you suggesting…?” asked Erae.

“We must seal the gates to Talamh,” Chief Kiysat said seriously.

A heavy silence filled the room. Sofia squirmed uncomfortably, unconsciously moving closer to Erae. 

“But that would mean…” Erae started as he placed a hand on Sofia’s shoulder. Sofia could hardly maintain her composure.

“That we would no longer be able to travel between Lyfay and Talamh,” Roquewei said quietly.

“The connection is too dangerous to maintain,” Chief Kiysat said. “If the people of Talamh wish to surrender to the Ymplerim, so be it. But we cannot continue to risk the well-being of Lyfay by leaving the gates open. At the rate of these attacks, the Ymplerim will soon cause greater damage than is reversible.”

“According to legend, we need leaves from the Living Tree in order to seal the gates,” Lyna shared. “No one has traveled to the Living Tree in centuries. Are we sure it still even exists?”

Chief Kiysat returned to her desk. “We would not be here if the Tree did not exist.”

The elegant and stoic elf turned to a clay jug on a stand behind her. The jug was capped with a red stone that had hints of blue. From the jar she pulled out what appeared to be a scroll.

Turning back to face her guests, Chief Kiysat began to deliver orders.

“Lyna, assemble your people to scout for gates throughout Lyfay. Station warriors by those which have shown Ymplerim activity. Report any new activity to me immediately. 

“Erae, expedite the training of your new recruits. We’ll need them to fend off future Ymplerim attacks on our and other villages. We will also need the healers to be prepared for working on any potential wounds to our warriors or the land.”

Turning to Roquewei, Chief Kiysat presented the scroll. “Roquewei, I need you to find the Living Tree.”

Roquewei’s eyes opened wide in shock and awe. “Me?” 

He carefully took the scroll. With great reverence, he opened it to reveal an ancient map. It was difficult to decipher and filled with an unknown script, but it seemed to depict a route to the legendary Living Tree.

Overwhelmed, Roquewei stammered, “Thank you mo-.” He stopped, then bowed deeply, “Thank you, Chief Kiysat, for this honor and opportunity. I promise to make you proud.”

“You have one month to find the Living Tree,” replied the chief. “Lyfay cannot afford to take on anymore damage like what happened at the lake.”

“While you’re searching,” the chief continued, “make sure to send our guest home.”

Both Roquewei and Sofia looked up sharply at Chief Kiysat. “What?”

“The gate which she entered is too volatile at the moment, so you’ll need to find another gate to Talamh to allow her to cross before sealing it.”

“Should not Lyna find her a gate?” Roquewei asked. “She and her parties will already be looking for them.”

“Yeah, that would make more sense, actually…” Sofia attempted to chime in.

“I have asked you,” Chief Kiysat replied to Roquewei. “It is your responsibility to find her home and send her to Talamh before the last gate is sealed.”

Roquewei bowed again and angrily left the tent without another word. 

Finally turning to Sofia, the chief forced a smile. “Lyna will take you to our clothier. She’ll outfit you with some more… appropriate garments to use during your stay.”

Picking up the melted can Roquewei had left behind, Chief Kiysat continued. “Oh, and if you do have any more of this unnatural waste,” her green eyes gazed piercingly at Sofia, “leave it here to be disposed of properly.”