Lira carefully approached the floating flower, her hands steady despite the excitement and tension in the air. Its petals shimmered with fire, water, wind, and earth in perfect harmony, radiating warmth and energy that made the Vale hum around them.
"Be careful," the old tree's voice whispered in her mind, deep and raspy. "One misstep and the essence will dissipate. Treat it with the care of a thousand seeds."
Lira nodded, extending her hands. She lifted the flower gently, and as she did, a wave of elemental energy radiated through the pool. The mirrored surfaces shimmered and reflected not only the flower but visions of all the plants she had nurtured in her grove. Each one pulsed, resonating with the flower's energy, as if acknowledging a new master thread connecting them all.
Renkai and Thalanir stepped close, hands ready. Renkai muttered, "Well, let's hope we don't crush it."
Thalanir smiled. "Care and intention are what matters, not brute strength."
