I slowly traverse every corner of my dryad's sanctuary.
My bow is slung across my shoulder, and I hold the spear in my right hand. I try to memorize the layout of this forest as best as I can. I carefully inspect every path.
I cannot allow anything to harm this place. Fortunately, I encounter no one.
However, I notice that the animals have stopped fleeing from me. They boldly cross my path. They pass me by indifferently, without a shadow of fear.
Incredible!
I stare in momentary awe at a massive stag that calmly cuts across my way. It steps with dignity, its head held high.
Impressive.
It moves on, disappearing into the thicket of leaves. I also press forward. No foreign foot may touch this earth.
Along the way, I meet many creatures of the woods. They are as much inhabitants of this wilderness as my companions. I try not to disturb their peace.
I encounter a pack of wolves—several males and females with their young. They don't treat me with hostility, though they don't fully trust me either. I can feel it clearly. Various birds fly overhead—from ravens and woodpeckers to ordinary sparrows. All of this makes up the forest I am meant to protect. I will not fail. I will guard this peaceful life.
Nothing happens. There is no threat. The dryad's wilderness is safe. But one can never be too sure. I step beyond the area of influence, beyond the boundary of her sanctuary. I immediately feel the difference in the air's density. It is no longer charged with magic. Still, I prefer to scout ahead, to always remember the places from which an enemy might strike. My instincts prove correct. I spot a fairly wide dirt road.
A horse-drawn wagon could easily pass through here. I need to remember this spot. It's getting dark. It's time to return to my companions.
I approach my place. This time, nocturnal animals accompany me. Owls hunt, flying right past me to catch their prey in their talons.
I begin to feel a strange bond with these creatures. Watching them, I know I could never bring myself to harm them. They are beautiful in their freedom.
As I approach the Tree-Heart, Aio emerges from its bark. I am overjoyed to see her. I spent the entire day without my companions. Unfortunately, as quickly as the dryad appeared, my peace of mind vanishes.
"You killed nothing! You brought no sacrifice!"
She is utterly furious.
She doesn't even try to control her emotions. Her scream echoes through the entire forest. Out of the corner of my eye, I see the Rusalkas poke their heads above the water's surface. What emanated from my companions was entirely different from yesterday. I sense pure contempt.
I don't understand...
"I told you this morning how you are supposed to kill! What have you been doing all day?!"
Aio's fury does not wane.
"I patrolled the entire territory. I examined tracks, looked for enemies. I ensured the safe—"
"You fool! The forest is only safe when it grows in power! That is your most important role!"
I look into her eyes in silence.
"Where is that instinct I felt before?! What happened to that beast that could strike anyone down?!"
I slowly approach Aio and try to answer, but in that very moment, she delivers a stinging slap to my face. Without warning. She turns away and vanishes just as she appeared. I see the Rusalkas have already slipped back under the water.
I completely misunderstood my role in this place...
My head is spinning with thoughts. Darkness surrounds me. I lie down on the moss and slowly fall asleep.