Upon hearing the news that he was the only living Grovemaster left, Zacharias looked as if he'd aged another decade. He slumped over, supported on his staff. 

[b]"I...see."[/b] His words came out with an extended sigh, the old man looking exceedingly weary. [b]"Then I am all that is left to shepherd Drana Asaneu through this time of crisis."[/b] An intake of breath. He forced himself to stand up straight, projecting as best an image of strength as he could. [b]"Very well. Let none say I shirked my duties. First things first."[/b]

The old sage turned to face the Kirins as a whole, his expression stony. 

[b]"I will not apologize for my beliefs. However, your actions since our last meeting have earned no small amount of trust. As such, I am willing to bury all previous conflicts in order to secure your aid in defending my home and the home of hundreds of thousands in this nation. As of this moment, any decree Isolde made against you is invalid. You have the fullest confidence of the nation, and go with mine blessing. Every effort will be made to inform all local forces of this change. Now, to business."[/b] He nodded briefly to Esben.

[b]"I had been meaning to get on that point. Indeed, the crystal is of the utmost concern now. If your warnings prove true, then that is Valheim's ultimate goal. As such, I will grant you what you seek: the location of the Crystal of Water. It lies beneath the Cathedral itself, the chambers guarding it buried deep beneath the earth where the waters of the nation's rivers converge. Be warned: the dungeon beneath has defenses built within that cannot be circumvented. You will face a gauntlet of monsters and traps intended to both test the worthy and slay those who prove otherwise. I would aid you in this task, but I must rally every force available in order to meet Valheim's assault."[/b]

[b]"Then I will station myself within the Cathedral itself and channel as much aether as possible in support of you and your warriors."[/b] Cid stepped forward, his expression grave. [b]"I find myself unable to warp into the crystal's chambers. Either the guardian is deliberately suppressing my entry, or the darkness around it has grown. Nevertheless, should the latter have occurred, here is what you must do."[/b] A wave of Cid's staff sent glowing lights into the hands of all seven Kirins. When it dimmed, the objects were revealed to be glowing crystals of purest white. 

[b]"These are shards of the Mothercrystal's light itself, safeguarded from all who would seek to bring Her harm until the right moment. Now, the time comes for their power to be unleashed. If the guardian is corrupted...fell it. Then bring the shards to bear upon the Crystal of Water. Now, go. Brave Kirins. Brave Warriors of Light. Time is of the essence."[/b]

___

Guided by Zacharias's instructions, the Kirins moved swiftly through Brightlam Cathedral, brushing past frantic guardsmen, clergy, and temple knights alike all preparing for war. Their route took them through the prison, where Miina would notice an empty cell bearing the placard "Zeke Malina", as well as an open door. 

Eventually, the sculpted walls gave way to winding stone, the atmosphere around them growing ever more dark, dreary, and humid as they descended into the depths. Running water grew ever louder in sound as rivers flowed through the reservoir below, the Kirins cautiously making their way downward. It was only a matter of time before they were assailed, fish-like lizardmen leaping out from the waters with snarls, spears and nets brandished.

[color=#736AFF][b]"Sahuagin!"[/b][/color] Izayoi hissed in alarm, hunching down as she prepared to unsheath. [color=#736AFF][b]"Have care, their intelligence and tactics are akin to those of men!"[/b][/color]