Through Light and Shadow

The chill of the night wrapped around me like an old friend—comforting in its coldness, numbing enough to dull the whirlwind inside me. I had been walking for... who knows how long, wandering through Sylvaris with no destination in mind. Yet no matter how far I went, I never reached anywhere secluded.

The forest was alive. Houses nestled in trees, stalls bustling under canopies, people roaming and laughing under the glow of nature. It was as if the entire forest breathed with life—everywhere. Always someone around. Either Sylvaris was endless, or I was walking in circles. Trapped.

Thoughts swirled, each one heavier than the last. Exhausted. That was the word—my heart, my mind... tired. I thought stepping into this forest would ease the weight, help me accept this so-called destiny. But here I was, still too afraid to face what it really meant.

Evil creature. The words echoed in my head. Who am I supposed to be? Some hero in a story I never agreed to be in? Me? Against something like that?

My child.

I stopped. What...?

A shiver shot down my spine. My gaze darted around—people perched on roots and branches glanced my way, curious at my sudden flinch. I must've looked insane, standing there wide-eyed. But—I heard it. I know I did.

The forest glowed softly, a warm white hue bathing the trees and pathways in gentle light. For a fleeting moment, I let the beauty distract me, pulling me away from the storm in my chest. Breathe. Just... breathe.

My child, come here.

There it was again—ethereal, soothing, like a lullaby weaving through my veins. Warm. Inviting. Dangerous? Maybe. But my body... moved. Feet stepping forward on their own, confident, certain—as if I knew where to go. Why am I—

And then I saw it.

A tree.

No—the tree.

Massive. Ancient. Its trunk stretched upward beyond sight, vast branches swallowing the night sky. How had I not seen it before? Something that big should've been visible from miles away. Yet... here it stood, hidden until now.

The base of the tree was adorned with woven charms, offerings in baskets—flowers glowing softly, their luminescence bathing the ground in a dreamlike glow. Mystical. Beautiful.

Child. You came.

My breath hitched. Slowly, my gaze lifted toward the sprawling branches. Is that voice... from the tree?

No. My logical brain rebelled. This is it. You've snapped. Too much stress. Too many emotions. Now you're hallucinating. I let out a shaky scoff, backing away. Get a grip, Aveline.

I speak to you, my child. I feel your sadness.

My body froze. That warmth—familiar, comforting, ancient. Like being wrapped in a mother's embrace. It seeped into every corner of my being, melting walls I didn't know I still had up.

No one talks to me like that... Not with that kind of care.

Tears? Dammit—no, no. But the voice—it knew. Knew the ache in my chest, the exhaustion pooling behind my eyes. Why does it sound like it actually cares?

I do care, child. Gentle. Reassuring. For you hold the destiny that—

That word.

That damned word.