Aren got to the tree. He stood outside and did not walk towards it.
"What's happening?" Aiden asked.
"Waiting, they are coming," he responded after sensing them coming with shadow senses. He looked at the tree calmly.
Suddenly, a portal formed on the tree, and from it, four dark elves came out, each one draped in black mage robes, their sleeves and collars embroidered with golden thread that hinted at regality.
They stood taller than the average dark elves, their eyes carrying a depth that could pull someone deep into it. One of them stepped forward. He looked at Aren with a calm gaze, and then she spoke, "Are you the one that has brought such calamity to our doorsteps?"
"I don't have the time for this," Aren said in a low tone, doing his best to keep himself from collapsing. "All I want is the direction to the Gate of the Abyss. Give that to me and I'll leave you."
