When he finally woke up, the first he noticed was that he was no longer in the forest he passed out in. Instead he was by a seemingly glowing lake. In the lake there was different fish and other marine animals minding their own business. Other then the lake and a few glowing mushrooms scattered around, there was p other light source. The entire area was surrounded by a wall of trees, tall enough to completely cover the roof aswell. Although the place was small, there was a lot of plants and flowers some of which Nox had never even heard about. And it wasn't like he was completely alone either there was a bunch of animals. Squirrels, birds, a badger, there was even porcine's laying on the ground next to him.
But the animal that stood out the most was a group of deer that was seemingly looking over the others. The one at the middle, who looked to be in charge, stood on a small platform made by a rock. It was larger then the others around him, his antlers was covered in vines, leaves and flowers. Parts of his body also had vines, plants and flowers covering him. The fur coat was pure white making it seem like he was glowing.
Although it was nice here, Nox didn't want so stay for too long. Standing to leave, he noticed that his injuries were gone. Confused, he checked his body a few times over, making sure that he wasn't imagining things. It was then that the animals noticed that he was awake.
The large withe deer stepped towards him, and only stopped when he was less then a meter from him. "Child" a voice echoed from all directions and nowhere, but it was obvious that the deer was the one talking. "W-who are y-you?" Nox's voice was shaky and raw indicating that it has been a long time since he last used it. "I am the guardian of this forest. You can call me Morox." looking down Morox seemed sad, "although it has been a long time since I've been able to actually protect this place" Both of them began to walk back to the rock, sitting down and subconsciously getting ready for storytelling. "Since then I've gotten old, and can no longer leave this place. The most I can do is have my house open for all as a safe haven. Though lately a corrupted creature has been hunting in these woods." A lot of animals around expressed their emotion towards this creature, fear, hate and sadness was the most common ones. "I could not protect them from it, and so many have lost their lives to it. But you however, managed to dispose of it. And so, although I can not give you much, i want to make this place open for you aswell" confused, Nox looked up at Morox. "What does that mean?" "It means that you cant enter this place as long as your in a forest. Here you can rest, and heal your wounds. You dont even need to worry about time, as it moves much faster here, one day here is a minute out there."
"How do I enter and leave?" Nox looked at Morox, not really believing his words. "All you need to do is lay down and think about entering or leaving"
From there a silence took over the area, preventing any conversation between him and Morox.
Deciding that hes done here, Nox began to wander around. It was bigger that what he thought at first glance, as there was multiple hallways leading to different rooms. It seemed that it want on forever, giving every creature more then enough room. There was even places that wasent forest like, but rather other environments. Savannas, plains and mountain sides were also present. It seemed like every animal known to exist could be here if they wanted to. Herbivores, carnivores or omnivores were all here living peacefully together.
Walking past another mountain wall, a small group of mountain lions approached Nox. The small group consisted of three female members. At first Nox didn't trust them, nor will he, but he forced himself to give them the benefit of the doubt and relaxed. "Hey kid! Yes you, who else is here?" As they got closer the one at the front called out to him, "what is a human doing here in the safe place for animals?" confused, they wanted him to clarify. "I was given permission by Morox to come here whenever I wanted to" " You were given permission? That hasn't happened since my grandmother's grandmother was a child" Curiosity could be seen in their eyes as they surrounded him. "Hey you three! stop that, you'll scare him away" Another voice sounded from above a cliff, this one belonging to a mountain goat. "c'mon, we were only having some fun" "I dont care about that" The goat looked disappointed at the lions, and in return they looked almost embarrassed. "Why don't you go back to your cave?" The lions began to go back to the mountain, while the goat went closer to Nox. "Dont let them scare you, they're mostly harmless. Especially here, as attacking anyone is forbidden unless its acknowledged as a friendly match."
As the goat began walking, Nox began to follow him without noticing. "Now, let me introduce myself, my name is Geret, and I will be you trusted friend here" "Uh.. well hi Geret. I'm Nox" Before he knew it, they arrived at a cave which seemed like his house. "Now, as your friend. I'll help you out. It is obvious that your clueless about the world, so... il help you" "You'll help me?" "Yep! If there is anything you want to know, I'll help you!" Geret looked proud of himself as he talked. "Then, can you help me find a village?" "hmmm.... Do you know where you are?" "I'm in a forest between the capital of Heberigge and Meriah..." "oh? that place.... You'll find the closest village if you follow where the sun sets, it should be a good place to rest" If sounded like Geret almost doubted his own words. "Now, why dont you lay down and go back?" "Yea, sure" Laying down and following Morox's instructions, everything went dark.
Waking up again in the place he passed out, it. Was notable that the sun was starting to set. Remembering Geret's words, he began walking towards the sun.