Speak with the Elder Tree.

The voice becomes louder, but the more it speaks, the farther the corruption spreads. "My sister," it speaks. "Her allies. Long have I lived here, so please. Do not cry. I also once was a dryad that walked among others. It has been so long, but I still remember her touch. The one whom I loved. But I have protected this place since my passing. As it may be difficult to understand for those who are not dryads, my life has long been over. Only my spirit remains. And before I fall to this poison, I am able to once more see love, and to see this villain be stopped, so I fade away with no regrets."

Peony nods and smiles. She turns to you. "This is amazing, Kyle... An Elder Tree, right here. Sure it's sad that we couldn't get here sooner, but isn't it still beautiful?"

There's hardly a few feet left of unblackened wood. "Take what is left," it continues. "That which is not tainted with dark poison."

You look to the pile of lumber Zido was previously chopping. "Are you sure?"

"I am certain, human. You are a strange one. I do not sense you the same as others. But a sister of mine would never care so much for one who is evil."

"This could be it... The missing reagent for a suit of magic armour. Would that be macabre?"

"Not at all!" Peony says. "I think that would be the most amazing thing you could ever wear."

You step forward and place your hand against the rotting bark. "Elder Tree. I actually came here to ally with the people of Gobiidae. I don't know if they'll trust me after all of this, but I just wanted you to know that this place isn't sudden going to be unprotected."

Despite the poison, and despite this being naught but a tree, you can feel warmth. And a rhythmic beating. It's like you have your hand on someone's chest--a beautiful woman in life, having lived long ago. This is her final resting place, and you feel only happiness.

"You must make my sister happy," comes the voice once more, though it's fading quickly.

"I will."

"Provide her with your semen whenever you are able. It--"

"Excuse me?"

"It is like a delicious nectar to a dyad."

"I feel like maybe this is ruining the moment a little bit?"

"Allow her to harvest it herself. She may not have the intimate parts you as a human expect, but the mouth of a dryad is incredibly skilled."

You squint your eyes. "Okay, but--"

"And with my last breath, I wish you all good luck. Thank you for everything. I do not know what obstacles you will face in the future, but you must act with passion, and with love. Protect those you care about, dear human."

You open your mouth to reply, but you can feel deep down that she wouldn't hear. Where there was once life, now there's nothing but ashes in your hand. The tree is falling apart. With a smile, you chuckle and shake your head. "I will. Don't worry about that." You take a moment. It's been a heavy day. But then you turn back to your party and speak up. "Let's collect that wood and get out of here before we're crushed! Someone grab Grenmila. I think the people of Gobiidae will want to speak with her."