You cross the bridge and pass under a sculpted archway inside the crystal. The path diverges here, forming a crossroads. Around you, the crystal walls pulse slowly, deep cracks running along their surface.

"I wonder what caused that," you say. "Maybe there was an earthquake here too?"

"We should probably move on," Talik says. "It doesn't look like there's much here."

Tharah was hoping to learn more about the crystal, but she knows you need to look for the boy's sister. She looks around and takes a few steps onto the left path, frowning. You follow her gaze and see odd-looking sprites on the other side.

"Are those sprites?" you ask. "They're giant!"

"I've never seen sprites like that before," Tharah says. "Could they be … Alta Sprites?"

The Alta-Sprites stand tall, nearly three metres high, far larger than the common sprites you've seen before. Their bodies are translucent, shimmering with a rainbow of colours that shift and flow like liquid light. Each sprite has elongated, delicate limbs that end in long, graceful fingers. Their eyes are large and almond-shaped, glowing softly with an inner light. Delicate wings, resembling those of a dragonfly, extend from their backs, fluttering almost imperceptibly as they hover. The air around them hums with a gentle, melodious sound, a harmony that seems to resonate with the crystal walls.

The Alta-Sprites are ancient guardians of the crystal caverns, believed to have been born from the very essence of the crystals themselves. Their origins trace back to a time when the world was young and magic was raw and untamed. Alta-Sprites possess a deep connection to the earth's energies, granting them the ability to manipulate light and sound. They are known for their wisdom and benevolence, often guiding lost travelers and protecting the caverns from those who would seek to exploit their secrets. However, their presence is rare, seen only by those deemed worthy by the crystals.

Tharah walks toward them. "Come on. I think we should say hello."

Go to an AI art generator and generate an image of an alta-sprite or you can draw one yourself. Submit your version in the Thy Quests section.

Next: E2Q2 The Sprites of Old