The young Sylvari mesmer looked at the large, circular portal before her, hand grasping anxiously at the pendant around her neck. A light pack was slung over her shoulder, a finely crafted Verdant blade strapped securely against her hip. The Wardens and lone Asura guarding the entrance to Lion's Arch gave her reassuring smiles as she made her near-bare feet to shuffle up the ramp till her face was almost grazing the purple aura leading away from her home.

She had never left the shade of the Pale Tree before. For a year she had lived here, learning, studying, becoming a duelist, training, and wondering what it would be like to explore the wondrous new world. Today was finally that day to put all her skills and knowledge to the test, and though she way beyond excited to begin her Wyld Hunt, trepidation still nagged at her heart.

Mei looked over her shoulder, the sun beginning to sink from its high point in the sky. The Pale Tree's enormous leaves shone brilliant in the sun, making the Omphalos Chamber seem to glow from within. She wondered if Mother was watching her now, taking her first steps into the world of Tyria…

At the base of the ramp was her dear friend Huelwyn. She was dressed in her new Warden garb, a shield of thorns and a large acorn shell upon her back. She looked as though she was trying very hard to mask the impending loneliness she felt already at her friend's departure. Mei knew she was nothing but supportive of her quest. Her only regret would be that her duties prevented her from ever coming with her.

"I'll be alright, Hue," she said with a smile. "I'll write to you every chance I get. I promise."

Her friend's spiny helm did well of covering most of her face, but it did not cover the gleam in her peach colored eyes nor the stains on her polished, birch cheeks. "Be careful out there, Mei… If you ever need to come home… I'll be right here waiting for you."

She fought back the moisture building up in her eyes, nodding vigorously in reply. Her heart thumped rhythmically in her ears as she forced herself to turn away and, while taking in a deep breath, step through the gate and out of the life she knew and loved- forever.

When she stepped out of the veil of the portal, the first thing Mei felt was the salty wind whipping against her pale frost face. She squinted as her eyes adjusted to the change in light. She stood on the other side of the portal's ramp now, two Warden guards stationed on either side of the bottom, ignoring her arrival. She slowly descended to the dirt road, looking awed by the new scenery.

Many Asuran portal gates were stationed here, leading to the respective capitals of each major Tyrian race. To her left was the Asura's gate to Rata Sum, and to the right, the Charr's Black Citadel and Norn Lodge. A steep flight of stone stairs in front of her led to the Human gate, a heavily fortified gate restricting access while under the stress of maintaining the treaty between them and the hulking Charr felines.

Mei had read of these places thoroughly, all in the name of her Wyld Hunt. She was hoping to find information on a lake of fire she had seen in The Dream, but so far nothing had turned up in her scrolls. Not even the Firstborn Sylvari could tell her what this lake was or where.

Thus she had decided to scour the land for every scrap of clues she could get her little hands on herself. She'd start by asking around in this melding pot of cultures. There had to be someone here who could point her in the right direction.

She followed the path that led to a suspended bridge. At the end of it a large square, with a damaged lion statue at its center. In fact, many pieces of arcitechture were strewn about in places the young duelist knew didn't belong. People in the Grove had not exaggerated when describing the destruction of the flood caused by the terrible dragon, Zhaitan.

Pity overwhelmed her as she witnessed small human children run pass her dressed in shabby rags as she crossed over the rickety bridge. What a shame it was indeed that these people suffered. At least the Pale Tree had avoided the terrible fate on her high top position on the cliffs.

The sounds of unfamilar animals and noises filled the sapling with curiosity, and she pressed on, wondering if her Sylvan clothes made her stand out too much. Her garb was common of Sylvari females, with a halter petal top adorned with beaded straps and a scooping skirt made of longer, denser petals that grazed past her knees. However, the ones who paid her mind only did so for a moment before looking away and returning to their business.

People gathered in groups, of all races, gossiping among themselves. They all seemed tense, and the chatter was fervently paced. Mei inched closer to a large crowd, wanting to hear whatever ruckus was going on.

Two human males around her size cast worried looks to the north. "Did you see what pulled in at the dock?"

"Yeah. Is it really him? I thought people were just making it all up."

"Oh no, he's real all right. Let's hope he's in a good mood for all our sakes. Otherwise what's left of Lion's Arch will be scorched to ashes."

They noticed her hovering over their conversation and scowled. "What are you lookin' at, ya walking houseplant?" one growled.

"Nothing, I was just leaving," she huffed, trying not to be too offended by their insulting words. Pursing her lips Mei shook her head and turned away, not wanting to start a confrontation. Whoever they were talking about didn't seem to pertain any importance to her and she discarded the haughty words easily from her memory.

She wasn't here to get the scoop on the latest gossip. She was here for her Wyld Hunt. And she had a long day ahead of her of asking strangers about a magical lake and having them look at her like she was crazy.

Mei let out a deep sigh. "Right then. Better get started..."