Lira leaned closer. "A keeper's vessel?"
Virella nodded, setting down her tools. "A living container. Half metal, half root. It breathes, listens, and keeps what it holds in balance."
She led Lira to a large vat of molten copper that shimmered with faint green light. As she chanted, thin vines grew from the surface of the liquid, intertwining like fingers. Slowly, they solidified into the shape of a small, ornate box etched with glowing runes.
Virella handed it to Lira. The box was warm, vibrating softly like a heartbeat. "Place your hand on it," she instructed.
When Lira did, the runes pulsed brighter. Her aura merged with the vessel's hum, and for a brief moment, she felt it breathe in sync with her.
"Now it knows you," Virella said with pride. "It will respond only to your touch. This will keep your mushrooms alive, even across realms."
Lira bowed slightly. "Thank you. It's beautiful."
...
