A rush of wind forces you east when you launch into the air. Then gusts of wind would pick your griffon up and make it struggle to follow the others. Sometimes you even felt as if you were flying backward as you leave the empty Mage sanctuary. The sky grew very dark as the storm covered the last of the afternoon sun and soon it was a black as night.

"We should hurry," Drue yells across to the other riders. "I don't like how fast this storm is moving."

You fly to the last of the new islands. It is the slowest to return to Vay and is still quite far away. You see the carved tree, adorned with balconies and gangways amongst the tree village of an undeniably Morian township, yet another sanctuary. "This one clearly bears the architecture of the Guardian tribes of Morian," called Drue, "Haden, do you see it?" It was hard to yell against the wind so Haden instead made a gesture that she had heard and agreed. You set down though the landings were rough in the wind, two of the griffons nearly coming to grief as they were lifted and then pushed down by a gust just as their feet touched the grass. "This is so wierd! Haden exclaimed, "I mean it looks like it could be any one of ten towns on Morian yet it is so empty and lacking the life that makes it real."  The riders see a stream and gather the griffons to take them for water. Drue says to the rest of us, "lets look inside the main tree, it looks like a not-so-Great Clan Hall?" and you all chuckle an awkward laugh.

As you step into the abandoned Morian tree village on this strange floating island off Vay, the eerie silence contrasts sharply with the vibrant symphony of Ridoanesque life that once echoed within it. The towering tree structures, though now devoid of their former vitality, still exhibit the masterful craftsmanship and organic integration characteristic of the Morian tribe.

The village, much like Ridoan, features towering structures formed from robust trees and intricately woven branches, albeit now overgrown and reclaimed by nature. The architecture immediately reveals its origins—large, hollowed-out trunks serve as entrances to the living quarters, while expansive, spiraled walkways made from branches connect the various levels of the towers. The remnants of the once vibrant facades are visible in the faded blossoms and dulled leaves, hinting at the past riot of colours that adorned the village.

Each tower still bears the emblem of its clan, carved into the wood and adorned with now-weathered paints. The symbols of the Fox Clan and Bear Clan and the Phoenix Clan can be discerned, marking their respective towers. The central area of the village hosts the remains of what was likely the a Great Clan Hall, a grand structure built into the largest tree, which still stands as a silent sentinel over the abandoned settlement.

In the not-so Great Clan Hall, 'thanks Drue', the statues representing each clan's prized attributes—foxes, bears, and other revered animals—remain in place, though some are partially obscured by vines and moss. These statues, carved with intricate detail and care, speak to the Morian’s deep connection with their totemic animals.

The group finds remnants of the unique gauntlets worn by the Guardians, scattered around the village. These gauntlets, embedded with the distinctive crystals provided by the Voek, are unmistakable. Though some are damaged or dulled, they still hold a faint glimmer of the protective energy they once generated, indicating their Morian origin. The gauntlets’ presence confirms that this village was indeed inhabited by the Guardians who had the ability to communicate with the animals and sprites of the island.

As your group explores further, you notice the overgrown pathways and nests in the upper reaches of the towers, where birds once sang their symphony. The village, though lifeless now, still carries the essence of the Morian tribe’s reverence for nature, evident in every structure and artifact they come across. This abandoned settlement, styled after Ridoan, stands as a silent testament to the ingenuity and harmony with nature that defined the Morian people.

One unusual element was a domed plant house kept deliberately warmer than the outside air and it was constructed just behind the clan hall. Inside is a surprisingly still lush greenhouse, over crowded with plants and even birds and small animals. "It's like some sort of self-sustaining garden!" Says Alster, impressed with the dedication to plants. "They must have built it to nurture non native plants and animals for their colony." 

You hear Haden's breath catch, and turn to see a phoenix watching you.

"It must be ancient." Haden whispers as she walks toward it, reaching for its fiery wings. Worry jolts through you, but then you remember her dad is from the Phoenix clan. She must know what she's doing.

Her fingers touch the phoenix — but its fire doesn't burn her. A voice echoes through your mind:

My Guardians, a great challenge is upon us. Where we go, our quest will require courage and bravery.

If we should fail and you choose to follow us — circle back for you are not alone. Square your shoulders and look to the Healers for their wisdom of those who came before … and the Mages who always find their diamond like facets shining brightest from the most powerful light. They have sure footing when taking leaps of faith into the unknown.

Go not as three, but as one.

The voice stops. On the trunks and branches of trees, runes glow reddish-yellow — as though they share the same flame as the phoenix itself.

Name a book, story or fable which has included a phoenix in Thy Quests below to continue.

Next: E7Q2 A Legacy Reborn, Sanctuary