Final answer:
The author uses metaphor and simile to show the setting as marvelous and mysterious.
Step-by-step explanation:
The best description of how the author uses figurative language in this excerpt to portray the setting is Option 3) The author uses metaphor and simile to show the setting as marvelous and mysterious. Imagery and figurative language, such as similes and metaphors, enhance descriptions and make the story immersive. They allow the reader to imagine and experience the setting in a more vivid way. In this case, the author uses figurative language to emphasize the beauty and enigma of the setting, creating a sense of wonder and intrigue.