A Slow Awakening
Silence lay thick upon the wood. I drew in a steady breath and felt the weight in my wings shift. Very slowly, I unfurled one clawed hand. Before me rose an intricate grey stone shrine carved with pillars, tentacles, and ancient steps. I extended a single talon, touching the ridge of the carved trident leaning beside the portal. The dry resin clicked faintly beneath my pressure. I am here, rooted and awake, watching over this quiet domain.