"Another brief chant followed—an opening rite sung in low and harmonious voices. As the melody spread among them, a group of elves advanced slowly toward the Altar of Echoes, among them Elorien herself. All of them held silver and golden leaves between their fingers, moving in slow circles and perfectly synchronized over the exposed roots of the clearing. The dance was serene and solemn, marked by light steps and fluid gestures that made the leaves trace gentle arcs beneath the moonlight. As they spun, they let some of them fall upon the symbols traced on the ground, in an ancient offering to the forest and the Ancient Spirits."