You pass through an extra thick portion of thick forest then step. blinking in surprise, out into sunlight. This glade is far brighter than any of the others you have yet passed and once your eyes refocus in the stronger light you can see why. Near the middle of the clearing is a large tree not unusual in that but by the seven guardians! It seems to have been hewn from crystal!

Around it the ground is turfed with violets around the edges of the glade grow a few clumps of heather and lavender which give off a sweet scent as you brushed past. The Crystalline tree reflects the purples and greens of it's surroundings but at the same time catches the sunlight and scatters prismatic light around it, a living prism.
The branches and foliage tinkle softly in a slight breeze like an immense wind chime.

Drawing a breath of unbelief you step towards it, carefully touching a leaf it is cool and soft beneath your fingers, feeling just like a normal leaf.

"Please pluck not from the tree." A soft voice behind you makes you turn, quickly releasing the leaf from your fingers hastily. There are a few tales of things which have happened to unheedful guests and you have no wish for yours to be added to them.

"Thankyou. Though no harm will befall you from the tree itself."
Cuni, daughter of Shexlin and Varyn The speaker is a brightly coloured and well muscled Appalinto unicorn mare. She smiles slightly at your obvious relief. "Beautiful is it not. I was raised in this glade and yet still marvel at it. Though it is a real tree in almost all respects it still sounds and looks as crystal. In the spring it produces sweet fruit much like a apricot but smooth of skin and larger."

She laughs lightly. "Ah but I forget myself! I am Cuni, the first and only painted unicorn of Tir'na'bainne'gile'lair." She bows swiftly. "I am a warrioress affiliated with the Charity of the Jade Lotus as well, that bingle is lead by Donimor, though I hope to someday travel between Charities as a messenger, owned by none but a part of many."
She dances slightly on the spot, urging you away from the tree but not with any manner of intimidation. More as though she is trying to draw your attention towards her and away from something behind the tree.

"What's that?" You ask, side stepping her and seeing the small and barely worn path half hidden in the heather.

Cuni pulls a face. "Ah well I may as well tell you. It's no real secret anymore, along that path is the roost of Tarkba'ani and Chalys..." She glances uneasily at you. "We have agreed with them to try and disuade guests from going into their territory as a few outsiders have been.... let us just say 'difficult', about their pairing... If you met them you would know why."

There is the faint sound of a a gong being struck in the distance. Cuni's head shoots up and her ears cock in that direction. "Ello?! What's that?" She spins on her heel. "I must go! There's sure to be news!"

Go to the Charity of the Jade Lotus With that she disappears into the forest, leaving you to follow head into the deeper forest or nip behind the crystal tree and see where the path leads.

Set, half hidden in the heather near that path is a shiney enamelled stone.

The lotus button is (c) to me. Do not swipe!