Larksong Grotto you will only hear these elegant crimes

It was a lovely day. Alarian seemed to be in good spirits again, especially as he led her out of the territory with a sparkle in his eyes. The two of them streaked across the open plains, his long legs outpacing her, per usual, though Lily started to make headway as they reached their destination. A copse of trees, dark, leading down into. . .what?

Lily eyed the steps dubiously, thinking that tumbling and falling to her death wasn't exactly the type of fun she had envisioned. Still, she picked her way nimbly down, trying not to focus on the fact that one wrong step could mean certain doom. A couple of times she slipped, and her heart caught in her throat, but she regained her footing, edging more slowly down the slope.

"What is this place, Ali?" she asked, catching sight of the pool of water at the bottom. Songbirds chirped merrily in the trees, and there was a distinct feeling of peace settling upon her as they descended further into the sun-dappled darkness. It would have been perfect, if not for the treacherous path inward.