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[center][sub]Time: 1:46 - The Forest[/sub][/center]

[hider=Max/Eris/Varis]
[color=f7976a]“Well, that was anticlimactic. I was expecting some grand display after the last challenge.”[/color] Varis muttered to himself thoughtfully. The idea of waiting for the boy to return was tempting but considering their previous challenge required them to work together, and their clue suggested they would be fighting each other, Varis wasn’t confident that letting the boy’s time run its course would end the way he’d like. 

[color=f7976a]“Assuming you’ve already completed a challenge Eris and it followed the inane premise of this exam, I doubt the boy will come back anytime soon if we just wait.”[/color] Varis said as he got closer to the skull, circling to examine it, but other than the crack left by his reflection, there wasn’t anything notable. [color=f7976a]“Send your mage in and we’ll see if there is any noticeable difference. We can go in together afterwards if not. I’d rather have someone I know can put more than two brain cells together on my side than a finger waving imbecile.”[/color][/hider] 

[hider=Lilie/Ben]
The incantation carried itself on the music of the harp and both faded away after holding the last note. The change didn’t give anyone time to adjust. One moment, they were in the forest surrounded by flowers and the next, the ocean stretched past the horizon. The only solid ground was the island they now stood on, barely more than a mound of grass and dirt that was the size of the dorm. On one end stood the harp, plucked at softly by a towering beast. It stood on its hind legs, sharp claws handling the instrument delicately, but it fixed the spot behind Ben with animalistic intensity, teeth bared. It’s ears flickered absently and it’s attention wandered back to Ben whose vision had returned.

Behind Ben, Lilie lay motionless with her eyes closed in a coffin. Her skin was paler than usual and she barely breathed. A sword, a bow, and a quiver of arrows lay in the coffin with her. 

However, Lilie’s consciousness hovered above the water. An invisible barrier stopped her from crossing onto the island but she could otherwise move however she pleased. From her position, she could see small eight legged monstrosities, mouths full of gnashing teeth, crawling around just beneath the surface of the water as if waiting for something to step into it. Ben unfortunately, wouldn't be able to see them until he stepped into the water.
[/hider] 

[hider=Salem/Victor]
Little changed for the two at their tables. As the blue walls shrunk in every closer, their voices sounded most distant by the minute.[/hider]

[hider=Maddie/Amaris]

Oh thank the stars. Hearing the Countess’ voice was a great relief. Maddie was terrified that the Countess had just disappeared but Maddie hadn't considered if it was even possible for Amaris to leave. Either way, the Countess was clearly intending to solve whatever this puzzle was. Maddie only hoped it was sooner rather than later.

[color=FC8686] “A raven? I…”[/color] Maddie scoured her memory for anything that might be of significance but honestly, she had no idea. [color=FC8686] “I’m afraid not, Ari. The only thing that comes to mind is the Noila family crest but nothing that I can think of.”[/color][/hider]