At the heart of the forest stands a mighty, towering tree, its branches stretching out like ancient guardians. Beside it, a delicate cherry blossom tree sways, its pink petals drifting in the breeze like soft whispers. Below the surface, their roots intertwine, symbolizing a bond deeper than sight. But something sinister stirs.
A dark, thorned vine begins to snake its way up the cherry blossom, curling tighter and tighter with every inch. The pink petals lose their luster, turning brittle and falling like fragile memories to the forest floor. The vine, almost sentient, seems to drink the very life from the cherry blossom, its bark growing darker, its form sagging under the weight of corruption. Meanwhile, the towering tree remains unscathed, its powerful branches vibrant and unknowing of its companion's suffering.
Ethereal shapes emerge from the mist, ancestors of old, their faces etched with sorrow and warning. They gather around the fading cherry blossom, their presence heavy with grief. One spirit steps forward, reaching out to the thorned vine, but it recoils at the touch, tightening its grip even further. The spirit withdraws, a look of deep sadness crossing their face.
As the mist thickens, two paths begin to form. One leads to a bright clearing where the cherry blossom stands tall and renewed beside its steadfast companion. The other path descends into shadow, where both trees are twisted, withered, and lifeless, their forms overshadowed by a looming silhouette of darkness.
As the vision fades, Sarqen hears the faint, ghostly whisper of his ancestors:
"Preserve the bond... Seek balance... Avert the shadow."