After a few minutes, the voice of the tree nymph broke the silence, assuring, "It's okay, you can open your eyes now and stand up."
As I cautiously opened my eyes, I beheld the sight of her having completed whatever she had set out to do. Steadily rising to my feet, I watched as the vines retracted back into the earth. A deep soothing sense of calmness soon enveloped my entire body, accompanied by the disappearance of the scratches that had previously marked my arms and legs, making it clear to me what had transpired.
As such, I acknowledged the kneeling tree nymph before me, offering a grateful nod and expressing my gratitude by saying, "Thank you."
She shook her head and responded with a hint of weariness, "No problem. Besides, with the plan you've devised, many burdens weighing on my shoulders will also be lifted." A smile played across her face as she rose to her feet and made her way towards the seated Village Chief. "Your turn, Chief."
