The Temple of Shalara-Ku

The Temple is hidden at the basin's deepest point, surrounded by dense jungle and a ring of black lotuses; it lies half-submerged in a spring-fed lake whose waters are always, never rippling, even in storms. The jungle itself avoids the site--no birdsong, no insects, no predator tracks.   The Desecration Dora arrives on silent feet, unseen by the invaders.   Interlopers: A group of mercenaries led by Valel Tenyr (a scholar turned relic-hunter), who believes Shalara-Ku's pearl is a dormant artifact of creation. They're here to both gather information and to liberate valuable artifacts.   Unnatural Consequences Animals are fleeing the area, except a flock of black-plumed birds who speak in reversed T'kalian. A fog is now creeping across the jungle, bringing silence and memory loss.   Dora's Response Dora creeps in, circling, listening, reading the movements of disturbed vegetation, and half-heard thoughts. She confronts Vael not with rage, but with sorrow. Her voice carries weight as if speaking with all her ancestors. "You have awakened a truth the world forgot for its own mercy. What you take will take from all of us." Aftermath Luckily, Dora stopped them in time, and the seal wasn't broken. The peace was restored, allowing the jungle to heal, and quiet the spirits.