Sorry for the delay in starting, folks. The clocks have changed here in Britain and it's thrown me off a little.

>Last time on Tide of Ages Quest
"Amazing..." You breathe, reaching out for one of the leaves. It sways away from you slightly, but as you touch its surface, it wraps around your finger lightly. It feels like it's covered in fine, short hairs. The light doesn't seem to emit any kind of heat either.
"Brother, don't do something foolish-!" cautions Elia, just below you. The slope up isn't too steep, but he doesn't seem eager to get closer.

Something about his caution gets through to you. The leaf seems reluctant to let you go as you pull your hand away, like a baby holding onto an adult's finger. You slide back down the slope and discuss what to do with your companion.
"We need to bring this back to the elders. They need to see this."
"But what if it loses its fire in the meantime?" he asks, "That's putting aside the fact that this makes my gut ache with bad luck."
"Hmmmh... What if I keep watch while you take one of the leaves back?"
"I am NOT carrying one of those with me, are you moon-mad?!"
"Fine. I'll go back with one then."
"You think it's any more likely that I'll stay here watching that thing while you head back and leave me all alone? Nothing doing!"

The pair of you continue to argue over what's to be done, but as you do so, the light of the leaves flickers and flares suddenly brighter. Elia glances over and gives a cry, stumbling back and raising his spear. As you turn to look, you see something that clenches a fist around your heart.

From the branches of the bush, two eyes gleam out at you both, watching.