'mmn..how long was i asleep?' i felt my body lighter than usual as i got up and gazed at my surroundings trying to recall what happened last night.
'that's right, i fought a wolf like creature and killed it' i thought as i looked down from high up the tree, the wolf's body was still lying on the ground, it's lifeless eyes staring at me.
'i should check this creature up close and examine it' i descended from the tree headfirst, after i got on the ground, i stared at the wolf for a moment before circling around it's body.
'it has a scar on it's face? i didn't notice that' the wolf had a scar on it's face, it looked like it was made by another wolf, considering it's scar and claws look similar yet so different.
the scar on it's face were a bit bigger than his claws. it's body covered in wounds i didn't inflict.
'so it was already wounded when it chased me, that explains why i was able to defeat it'
i then climbed the tree i was on before, to examine my location as i was chased by the wolf for quite some time.
'haa...i lost the river i was following' i didn't know where i was currently at, but while i was contemplating on which way i should go i saw a wide space nearby with a bit faint light flickering that caught my attention.
'wait light?! it's already daytime though?' i started to leap from tree to tree, slowly approaching the place where i saw the light out of curiosity, but when suddenly...
"Huh? A kid?!" i was surprised as my eyes caught a glimpse of a young girl. She had vibrant blue hair and appeared to be around 6-7 years old, joyfully running barefoot on the ground. Her white dress fluttered with the wind, adding a touch of whimsy to her carefree movements.
'What is a kid doing in this dangerous place?! Wait, perhaps that light came from a house? I should follow her just in case' I trailed behind the young girl ran towards the spacious area where the light emanated.
As the young girl reached the place I was heading to, my eyes beheld a sight of astonishment—a spacious lake sprawled before us. To my amazement, a woman stood gracefully upon the water's surface, as if it were solid ground beneath her feet.
'beautiful' only that word echoed in my mind as I stood there, transfixed by the sight of the woman gracefully dancing above the lake. She was enveloped by shimmering orbs of light in shades of green and blue, while her cerulean hair waves like that of the ocean and her sky blue eyes mirrored the expanse of the sky itself.
I was entranced by her exquisite features, and her dance seemed to have made the lake water synchronize with her movement, flowing in perfect harmony.
I only snapped out of my trance as soon as the lady's dance was over. When I realized I had been staring at her for a long time, I was about to leave when I glanced at her one last time, but in that moment, our eyes met directly, locking in an unspoken connection.
She smiled at me with her sparkling eyes, directly locking with mine. Her gentle smile almost left me in a trance once again, but I immediately composed myself as I looked into her eyes.
As I unknowingly descended from the tree, I couldn't help but think, 'She's truly captivating.' With each step, I felt a magnetic pull towards her, drawn by her irresistible presence.
"My~ we have an unexpected visitor" she said, her voice flowing like a melodious song into my ears. It washed away all the stress i had, leaving my mind clear and a sense of unprecedented relaxation washed over me.
'is she some kind of spirit?' even though i was cautious of my surroundings after i woke up in an unfamiliar place filled with danger, i felt somehow safe next to her.
she chuckled before stating "oh? you know of our race?" I became accustomed to her mesmerizing voice as I listened to it once again.
'Wait, did you just read my thoughts?!' I was taken aback when I heard her respond to my unspoken words, causing my eyes to widen in astonishment.
"No need to be on guard. I won't harm you in any way," she stated calmly, kneeling down and attempting to lift me up. However, upon noticing my cautiousness, she instead placed her hands on the ground, inviting me to step onto them myself.
Reluctantly, I stepped onto her hands as she lifted me up, and I asked, 'You said I knew your race, so you're really a spirit? considering your on a lake i guess you're associated with water?' I observed her with a newfound sense of relaxation as she gracefully walked upon the lake's surface.
"Fufu~ Yes, I am indeed a water spirit," she replied with a gentle smile, coming to a halt in the middle of the serene lake.
'I know it's late, but may I ask for your name?' I inquired, suddenly realizing that I hadn't yet learned her name.
"My name is Lorelei. And what might be your name, little one?" she replied, settling down and placing me gently on her lap.
'My name... I don't have one,' I uttered bitterly, the memories of my past experiences with the name "Leo" flooding back.
"I see. Then, would you mind if I gave you a new name?" she replied, her gaze filled with an understanding that seemed to convey, "It appears you have a past you wish to leave behind."
I looked at her, taken aback by her unexpected gesture of offering a new name.
'I would be incredibly grateful' I responded, gazing at her with hopeful anticipation.
"Let's see, since you're born in nature and still growing while having a fresh start, how about 'Viridian'? It means growth and renewal, and it fits you perfectly, don't you think?" she stated with a smile as she looked up at a tree.
"Viridian, huh... I like it. From now on, I will be Viridian. Thank you for the wonderful name, Lady Lorelei," I responded, genuine gratitude evident in my voice.
"Fufu~ There's no need for thanks; it's just a name," she stated, her gaze filled with a gentle yet mischievous smile directed at me.
'Why do I feel like Lady Lorelei has some other plans?' I questioned myself, a sense of suspicion arising as I observed the gaze in her eyes.