Round 5

As Halie's eyes scanned the ancient runes, her gentle hands tracing the earthy scent of the forest floor, Jeane's dark energy danced across the symbols, her fingers hovering just above the stone without touching it. The binding here was multi-layered, secular magic reinforcing divine seals which in turn anchored something older than both. Halie's low chant, her lips barely moving as she called upon the goddess for protection, wove a subtle spell of her own, her holy symbol catching what little light filtered through the trees.

Seraphine watched with a keen gaze, her eyes narrowing as she assessed the magical defenses. She felt it too - a living thing, coiling around them, its presence both ancient and malevolent. The chill ran down her spine as Jeane's description of the layered bindings confirmed her own suspicions. This wasn't just some simple ward; it was a puzzle waiting to be solved, one that required a deep understanding of the arcane arts.

With a quiet nod, Halie stepped back, her eyes never leaving the gate. The air seemed to vibrate with tension, the silence between them heavy with anticipation.