“So… What’s the plan, Master? What do you want to do?” asked Tilde. We were still in the graveyard. “Wanna wait for Niva and Primmy?”
“No. There’s no telling how long it'll be. But…“ I looked at the dryad’s grave and felt a nail hamr into my heart. The trust that little girl had in …
It wasn’t deserved, was it? I wasn’t the elf she thought to be—no, I wasn’t anything she thought to be.
And…
What… What if I could change that?
Is that possible?
“Tris, can you search the map for people experiencing specific emotions?”
“I’m afraid that’s not in my capabilities, but I can refine the paraters for aspects related to those, such as an increased blood pressure when soone is angry. Murag’s collection of tos included an extensively detailed bestiary on many non-human species and beastfolk, so I can incorporate that data to reduce any false positives.”
“What’s on your mind?” Tilde flew behind and latched her arms around my shoulders.
“I think…I need to do what she would’ve done. Tris, search for anyone experiencing anxiousness, fear, or uncertainty towards the future.”
“That’s broad, my lord. Approximately 93% of the village’s inhabitants fall under those search conditions.”
“Hmm… How about this? What’s Aello up to?”
“She’s with a group of children in the park, Tilde. I see a mix of beastfolk, non-humans, and spirits.”
“Are they…you know, feeling hesitant? Did they show up in the previous search?” I asked.
“They did.”
“That’s it, then,” I said, resolved in my choice. “Tilde, Tris, feel like making so children smile? Words can reassure them, but she would have done more. I…must do the dryad proud.”
If she’s looking down on … she knows the truth. I don’t want her to regret giving her flower to soone like .
“Yeah, I’d be down for that. You know, I used to be a teacher a long ti ago.”
“Aren’t you still one?”
“Well, yeah. I used to teach at a daycare. It was long before Sekh’s ti, though. Like a few hundred years before…you know. Anyway, are you down for it, Tris?”
“I am. I’ve studied childrearing and watched the nurseries in Plymoise during downti. I believe I have a few ideas to ease their worries.”
“Thanks a lot, you two. Surtr?”
The lion let loose a low growl of uncertainty. “It is better to make myself scarce since I bear the flas. It may unease them.”
“Okay. I’ll see you at the mansion later.” Surtr wished us well and silently departed.
"Miss Aello… I’m still worried," said a Snailfolk, clutching a wooden doll in her arms as she anxiously stared at the Eagle Yew. Her worries were not hers alone—the other children in her group shared them. Everything the girl knew was about to be cruelly taken from her. Even if she wanted to ignore it... The proof was around her.
The bounded field was responsible for granting sunlight, but with it being broken, the blanket of shade cast an ominous shadow across the entire village. Even though the leaves resting so high above on the branches of the Eagle Yew were wilting, sunlight still struggled to pierce through.
However, with how things were going, it wouldn’t be long before the leaves were lifelessly scattered, enveloping a village that had no more than a month or two of life left.
But barring that, you only had to look at the group’s surroundings.
The swings sewn from the magnificent trees could no longer support a sli’s weight before buckling. The slides elegantly intertwined with soft wood were rotted to hell and back. And the grass… Their hue faded, replaced by a sickly brown that bordered on black. The colorful flowers had been drained of their luster. Their petals were too heavy for the neglected stems to hold.
Not even a place for smile, laughter, and joy was free from the lasting effects of the Essence of Wrath’s rampage.
No—it was my fault.
I’d been watching the group while we walked to the park. We were about there—maybe five minutes away—but I couldn’t help but stop and talk to the other villagers. Anything to clear their minds and ease their hearts. That delayed our arrival.
“What if… What if the High Blessing can’t do it? What if she fails? I…”
“Perhaps if I was alone, little one,” I said, walking past the gate. The group was set up near the entrance. All eyes turned to , but no one was more frightened than the Snailfolk.
“Ah, please forgive ! I’m sorry, I—”
“What is there to forgive? I know this is scary.” I kneeled and hugged the whimpering girl. “But I’m not alone. Seraphina Vredi is my sister, and she’s helping . I promise… I will succeed, and I will save this village.”
“See, children?” Everyone turned to Aello, who jumped from a stump. She proudly spread her wings. “The High Blessing will transplant the Eagle Yew, and Lord Aetos will continue to thrive for many years. Worries are natural, but don't taint your minds with negativity.”
“She’s so cool…” A centaur child blushed.
“I wanna be like her when I grow up,” said a Slugfolk.
“Aello, can I speak with you? Don’t worry. We’ll be right back. But while we’re gone, I want to introduce you to my allies.”
“My na is Tris. It’s a pleasure to et you.”
“A lion girl? That hat is cool… I’ve never seen one like that before,” said a treant.
“And I’m Tilde! I’m Master’s head maid!” Tilde posed, giving a cute wink.
“A fairy maid? Wow, your wings are sparkly and pretty.”
“Hehe! Flattery will get you everywhere, kiddo.” Tilde hovered and flew around the group, causing a few to ooh and aww with excitent. The two fairies among the children tried to fly, but their wings were underdeveloped.
“Go and have your talk, my lord. We’ll be fine.”
“Okay. Thank you. Aello?”
“Lead the way, High Blessing.” The harpy followed to the park’s other side.
“Everything went well,” I told her, summarizing the plan. “Sathtshas must die, but I’m confident in my abilities. The Eagle Yew and Lord Aetos will be transplanted by the week's end.”
“That’s wonderful news!” Aello squawked, flapping her wings with excitent.
“It is. But I can’t stop thinking about that dryad. It pains …that she’s not here. But the other children are. I want to see them smile. I want to make them happy.”
“Your presence is all they require, High Blessing. eting a Vredi is an honor many cannot claim to have experienced.”
“Maybe, but what about playing with one? Singing with one? Being read to by one? Casting magic with one? Walking with one? Aello, I’ve never done this before. You’re the elder. Forgive if this is unnecessary, but…”
“Are you asking for permission to spend ti with the children?”
“Sothing like that.”
“You are correct; it is unnecessary. I am sure you didn’t ask during your last visit, but I will grant it, High Blessing!” Aello flapped her wings. “It will be a great honor and a valuable experience.”
“Thank you, friend. This village has endured too much. I don’t know how long I’ll stay after the transplant is done, but I want to see smiles on everyone’s faces when we leave.”
“A noble goal indeed! It is a goal to be proud of, High Blessing of the Vredi and Springfield Forests!”
“I’m glad you agree. I…wasn’t the friendliest during my last visit. I wish I had been more receptive. It’s no excuse, but I was preoccupied with things I now regret.”
“No one is perfect, Lyudmila Vredi Springfield. Even High Blessings can make mistakes because no one is infallible. But…did you learn?” I didn’t expect that. I really didn’t. And hearing those words was refreshing. Aello almost idolized the Vredis…
“I did. I hope I did. I want to strive to always be a better , Aello. To be soone the person I was the day before would be proud of becoming.”
“It does make sense, High Blessing. When I beca elder, it was daunting. But I was always learning. Every day brings sothing new. Every night cos with new regrets. But we persevere. We endure and face each tomorrow with renewed vigor.” Aello flapped her wings and paused, watching the children gather around Tris. She stood on the stump, telling a heartwarming story about a caterpillar who endured unimaginable trials and evolved into a beautiful butterfly.
anwhile, Tilde played the caterpillar. A fun role for a fun girl like her. I knew she was having a blast.
“The little ones are the future. When the great fire broke the barrier, it scared . High Blessing, I had never felt like that before. From old to young and young to old, everyone believes in the Eagle Yew and Lord Aetos. But my belief… Seeing, enduring…” Aello began to cry, stretching a wing toward the Eagle Yew. “I felt so powerless. I felt like the end was coming. Everyone looked to . I acted headstrong, but I am not a High Blessing.”
“I’m proud of you, Aello. You did the best you could. And I’m inspired.”
“Really? A High Blessing gets inspiration from soone like ?” The harpy sounded so shocked.
“Why wouldn’t I be? I only wish I could be half the leader you are. So… I hope you’ll let rely on you for the future, friend.”
“Yes!” Aello flapped her wings and jumped for joy. “And I hope I can rely on you, High Blessing! Let us rely on each other and continue to beco better than who we were the day before!”
“Yes. Let’s do that.” I extended a hand, and Aello offered a wing. We shook, ended our chat, and returned to the group just in ti to see Tilde ‘evolve’ into a beautiful butterfly-like fairy with sparkly rainbow-accented wings. The dazzling sight, courtesy of Tris’s waypoints, was a roaring success, and the children happily clapped as Tilde flew around.
“Ah! Welco back, Master! So, how do I look?” Tilde asked. She posted in mid-air.
“Very adorable. So, I take you enjoyed the story?” I asked the kids.
“Uh-huh! Miss Tris is amazing!”
“That’s great! But there’s more left to co.”
“Ah, that’s right.” A centaur boy with long blonde hair stood and walked over. “Lady Springfield, Miss Tilde said you had sothing special to show us?” It felt like he was about to have the zoomies and take off sprinting like the wind.
“That’s right. I do.” During the walk here, Tris, Tilde, and I ca up with ideas. A few involved newly developed spells Tris had invented after listening to Sera chant. She was still decoding the Latin language in the background. Even though I had purchased and raised [Spell Creation] to Lv. 10, it would take ti to really feel the benefits.
But it was enough. Offensive magic wasn’t viable--yet-- since it was intricate and complex. You had to be specific in your chant to ensure the mana did what you wanted and nothing else while keeping the cost to a minimum—that last bit didn’t necessarily apply to , but Tris wanted to wait before we tested any.
But mundane spells? Magic that was more for flair than massive destruction?
Yeah, that was ‘easy' and let Tris experint.
“Here, can you hold this for ?” I retrieved a stick and handed it to the centaur, grabbed Susize’s flute, played a lody, and ntally perford the chant.
Lucem scintilla, per baculum effulgeat! [Glimr Flick]!
New Skill: [Glimr Flick (Lv. 10)]
A sparkle danced from my flute to the stick, wrapping it in a glowing, warm haze.
It roughly translated to ‘spark the light, let it shine through the staff,’ with extra emphasis on ‘spark’ being a flickering light, not the electrical or lightning kind.
“Go on. Do you see that glowing light?” I pointed to a waypoint. Tris ensured everyone could see it. “Flick the stick at it.”
“Okay. Umm…” The boy did it, and a little beam of light flourished. It shot at the target, where it quietly exploded like a softened firework.
“It’s harmless,” I said. “It uses illusion magic as its base. But there’s more.”
[Water Flick] was a water gun-like spell. [Bubble Burst] did as the na said—making a bubble that released water when popped. [Butterfly Kisses] made phantom butterflies that emitted pink hearts. [Bouncing Bubble Burst], a variation, made the bubbles bounce a few tis before popping.
“Now, there’s one more thing I must do…” I said after handing out the enchanted sticks. As I played my flute, I subtly released sli fragnts that stealthily burrowed underground. And they were in the perfect spot to use my next ‘spell.’
Although it wasn’t magic…
“The ground is about to shake, so please do not be alard.” Right on cue, everything gently rumbled after placing the flute to my lips, and…
“A playground?! Woah, Master, you never told you had anything like this!” Tilde was genuinely shocked, and the idea originated from Tris. She wanted to do sothing special, so why not replicate sothing all children loved?
There were a few slides—so straight, others were wavy or spiral. Three types of swings, four variations of jungle gyms, two rock walls, three climbing nets, a seesaw, a bouncy house, an in-ground trampoline, and a few tunnels.
And, of course, precautions were taken to ensure safety. The ground was overlayed by a layer of reinforced grass that detected a fall, softening accordingly to reduce injuries. Tris was behind the calculations. So, a centaur could run their heart out and not trigger the safety effect.
And yes, the biomass drain was high. But I had so much. The depletion rate ant I could sustain this makeshift playground for at least 10 hours before I was anywhere close in danger of devouring myself. Still, I had so much food in storage that I could extend it to a week. I could also leave and hunt so animals a few dozen miles away and be back within the hour.
Surtr would get there faster, and I knew he’d hunt for .
And yes, everything…was . The playground was a series of clones interlinked, connected, and intertwined, transfigured to wood. But it was still at the base, and everything was controlled by Tris.
I wish to snapshot this and turn it into a usable spell, but the vernacular is…unfamiliar. There are too many variables to account for with a multitude of permutations. Unless… Yes, we have [Spell Chaining] available for purchase. Shall I unlock and level it to 10?
Go for it.
And thus, a new skill was learned.
That’s the key, my lord. I’ll use the sli wood as a blueprint, break it into individual partitions, and link them in a combo, using [Wooden Playground] as the activation word.
Haha, I’m glad you figured it out. That’s impressive, Tris. You’re incredible.
Tris blushed. I smiled and turned to the children, who watched with wide, excitable eyes.
“This… It’s amazing!”
“Is this for us?”
"It is," I replied. "Go ahead, have fun. I've ensured everything is accessible to everyone, so please, play to your hearts' content."
“Co on!” I thought that centaur would’ve been the first, but it was Tilde. She imdiately flew to the tallest slide and went down without hesitation. “Yaaaaaay!!!!” She threw her hands up and giggled. And the other children took off.
“It seems our spells are a hit, my lord.”
“It is. And I’m glad.”
[Wooden Playground] is complete, my lord. It'll last five hours and take approximately 12% of your mana. Shall I replace the existing structures with the spell?
Can you do it without them noticing? They’re having so much fun, and I don’t want to interrupt them.
I can. It will require one more clone to act as a temporary control center. It cannot be connected to the structure.
A little bit of subtle sli later…and it was done in ten seconds. The process was fascinating, involving a rapid-fire de-transfiguration that gradually matched the spell’s manufacturing speed to ensure everything remained in place as if nothing had happened.
It was a marvel. And only a Fragnt of Wisdom could have effortlessly pulled it off.
I can use the knowledge acquired from crafting [Wooden Playground] to create a spell to manufacture a temporary wooden house or cabin with furnishings.
If you don’t mind.
Not at all! I’m instilled with so many good ideas that I do not know where to begin!
Tris’s excitent was infectious.
Don’t hold yourself back. Make all the spells you want. Do whatever cos to mind.
“I see your eyes, Aello. Are you curious?”
“I am, High Blessing. But I am more so impressed by the complexity. Can your mana sustain it?”
“For five hours. Give or take a few minutes.”
I remained with Tris and Aello until that hyperactive centaur urged to play. We climbed on the jungle gyms, and I went down the slides with each of them. And…
When was the last ti…I did kid stuff?
It was bittersweet. This joy was denied to for so long, and now?
Now I could relish in it anyti I wanted…
And I made the most of it. We spent about three hours having fun. My favorite part was shooting the water gun sticks at each other. But having a bubble-bouncing contest with the others was up there.
Tris joined in, and she naturally whooped everyone.
What else do you expect when your opponent is a supercomputer? Well, the children enjoyed it, at least.
She happily accepted my first-place dal.
Lunch was after that. Tris had so dishes already prepared, so we enjoyed a pleasant al before finishing off with a group walk. The children already had smiles permanently plastered on their adorable faces, but they wanted more.
And…
I did, too.
I didn’t want to stop, so I indulged in their whims and let them escort into the forest. Tilde and Tris excused themselves to help around the village however they could, but Tris was always watching.
I’m pretty sure it’s impossible for her to not keep track of .
The atmosphere was dreadful, though. The wildlife that was so abundant during my last visit wasn’t there. It felt like all life that had once thrived and relied on the forest had perished.
The Susize within my heart couldn’t stop crying. It wanted to lash out…but I kept those feelings restrained.
Restrained, not buried.
“Ah, High Blessing,” excitedly said a treant, pointing at a nearby lake. It was the one I had fished at with Ruru. But even that was…dissolved, leaving gaping holes that foreshadowed Aetos Village’s eventual fate.
More than ever, I felt my heart ache with unknown pain. It truly hurt to see the forest look like this when everyone here relied on it for substance and nourishnt. Even the ash that had fallen the last ti I was here did little to rejuvenate the soil. Its packed nutrients were worthless.
Honestly, the Eagle Yew was a cornerstone of this place. No, to all of Dirge. Its bountiful effects could even be felt through the barrier. It was a major surprise that the forest closest to the road had little decay or death. But it increased dramatically the further you went into the heart of Aetos Village. It wasn’t even considered a dungeon anymore—it had diminished that much.
But I wouldn’t allow the village to co to an end. I’d refuse it—wholeheartedly.
“I once caught a fish thiiiiiis big!” The treant spread her arms wide.
“Impressive,” I replied, rubbing her head. “We must go fishing together once the village has healed. I’m quite the angler myself. Let’s have a little contest then, shall we?”
Two centaurs shivered, and I reassured them we were safe. “No, High Blessing. It isn’t that… Umm… You…will save Lord Aetos and the Eagle Yew, right?”
“I will. My answer will not change no matter how many tis you ask it. But if it’s to reassure your heart and assail your worries, then ask anyti.” I put a hand on their heads. The blond-haired one blushed and looked away.
One would expect the older children to have a constrained grip on their emotions, but they were just kids.
They were afraid. This life was all they ever had, and it was being uprooted.
No one in this village had done anything to earn my ire. How many had passed away because I was too weak? Because I wanted to listen to the Essence of Wrath’s false words? Because she used her sweet lies to snatch control over my body?
How could I look them in the eye when my weakness was directly responsible for all this heartache?
That… That hurt the most.
“High Blessing, can I show you my secret spot?” asked the doll-holding Snailfolk.
“I’d be honored to see it,” I replied, which sparked a series of adventures. I followed the children to their favorite locales and sceneries and listened as they recanted brighter, happier mories. I could vividly imagine the locales in their pri because this forest was a recreation of Vredi Forest. Perhaps a few differences lay here and there, but the kids were excited when I used magic and waypoints to recreate mini dioramas of their comfort spots.
The little treant was the last, but hers was probably the prettiest. She told she enjoyed playing with dolls and animals in a cave hidden behind a waterfall. And the pond was ho to this gorgeous slice of nature. It was obscured by a curtain of vines that disguised a hidden tunnel. Even I had no idea a place like this was here.
But I could see it…it in its pri… The treant staring out from the curtain of crystal-clear water...gazing at the vibrant, plentiful wildlife that would make any nature preservation blush...
We followed Aello back to the village under a warm, glowing dusk that was still so beautiful even though death and decay surrounded it. It was proof-- proof life was still pushing on. And it was inspiring.
“Here you go, High Blessing.” The children held out the dioramas.
“They’re gifts,” I said. “Gifts to commorate the ti we spent together. But don’t take it to an an end, okay? You’re all my friends, and I wish to grow closer. But please note that they aren’t permanent. The magic will fade by midnight, but I will conjure a replacent whenever you want.”
I’ve registered the spells to create them and have categorized them accordingly, my lord. A perfected, mimicked copy is a stray thought away.
All at once, the children thanked . The Snailfolk was the first to hug my leg, and the others followed suit almost imdiately. I kneeled and embraced them. We returned to the park, eting up with Tilde and Tris, who had helped the other villagers with whatever issues they had.
I turned to the Eagle Yew, and...
I couldn’t restrain the emotions swirling around my heart—not after personally experiencing just how much this place ant to the children—let alone the villagers and inhabitants who relied on Aetos for safety, nourishnt, and protection.
A song ca to my mind...
Tris, I need your help.
Of course, my lord. Play your flute, and leave the lyrics to .
I did just that, grabbing Susize’s beloved instrunt... Tilde caught on and told the kids to sit and listen.
Slowly, I placed the flute to my lips, closed my eyes, and played... I played my heart out, but it wasn’t so much an apology as it was...a statent—no, a declaration of how much I’d co to love this place. Tris’s precious voice suited the lyrics, and they were carried across the wind, spreading far and wide across the entire forest.
In the forest green and grand,
Where the mighty branches stand,
Lives the Spirit Lord so true,
In the heart of Eagle Yew.
Aetos, Aetos, Spirit Lord so wise,
Guardian of nature, beneath the azure skies.
We sing of your wonders, your love so pure and true,
In the shade of your great tree, the mighty Eagle Yew.
Birds they sing a joyful tune,
Underneath the silver moon,
Deer and rabbit play and roam,
In the tree lord’s loving ho.
Aetos, Aetos, Spirit Lord so wise,
Guardian of nature, beneath the azure skies.
We sing of your wonders, your love so pure and true,
In the shade of your great tree, the mighty Eagle Yew.
Flowers bloom and rivers flow,
Where the ancient branches grow,
All the woodland creatures know,
Aetos makes their spirits glow.
Aetos, Aetos, Spirit Lord so wise,
Guardian of nature, beneath the azure skies.
We sing of your wonders, your love so pure and true,
In the shade of your great tree, the mighty Eagle Yew.
In every leaf and every root,
In every bird and furry brute,
Aetos’ care is always there,
In the gentle forest air.
Aetos, Aetos, Spirit Lord so wise,
Guardian of nature, beneath the azure skies.
We sing of your wonders, your love so pure and true,
In the shade of your great tree, the mighty Eagle Yew.
So we dance and so we sing,
In the forest, in the spring,
Thank you, Aetos, for the view,
In the shade of Eagle Yew.
I hadn’t felt like this since Mom and Dad adopted ...and here I was, basically being embraced again by the forest belonging to an eagle deeply in love with a woman whose body partially made up mine...
As I opened my eyes...
Everyone who had heard the song had gathered for the concert, and there wasn’t a pair of dry eyes in the crowd.
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