The atmosphere between them became tense, the air crackling with anticipation as Leviashivae patiently waited for Nana-Roi to speak. After a prolonged silence, the woman finally opened her mouth, her voice carrying a weight of solemnity as she recounted what she had witnessed.
"I watched Lady Sylvana," Nana-Roi began, her words measured and deliberate. "She was out of her chamber alone in the early morning, before sunrise. She brings a basket. I don't know what's inside. It was covered with a cloth."
Leviashivae listened intently, his keen eyes fixed on Nana-Roi as she continued to relay her observations.
Nana-Roi continued her narrative, recounting how she had attempted to follow Lady Sylvana and offer assistance. However, when she caught up with the forest dragon, she met with an unexpected reaction. Lady Sylvana appeared annoyed and upset as if Nana-Roi's presence was unwelcome or intrusive.
"She seemed... bothered by my presence," Nana-Roi explained, her voice tinged with uncertainty. "As if she didn't want me there, as if I was intruding on something private or sacred."
Leviashivae furrowed his brow, a sense of concern gnawing at him. Lady Sylvana's behavior was concerning.
Nana-Roi nodded solemnly, recalling how she had stopped herself upon sensing Lady Sylvana's discomfort. She didn't want to appear rude or overstep their boundaries, so she quietly retreated and resumed her activities. However, what troubled her most was the knowledge that Lady Sylvana had not visited the saung near the forest that morning.
"It was unusual. Since Lady Sylvana came to help build the sanctuary, she would meditate there every morning without fail. But on that particular day, she was nowhere to be seen." Nana-Roi continued with her voice tinged with concern.
"It was as if nothing had happened," Nana-Roi remarked, her brow furrowing with confusion. "Lady Sylvana returned to her routine as though the previous day's events had never occurred."
Leviashivae's frown deepened as he considered Nana-Roi's words. "That is indeed peculiar," he mused.
Nana-Roi nodded, a troubled expression crossing her features. "Exactly. It's as if she's trying to maintain a sense of normalcy, but I can't shake the feeling that something significant occurred that morning."
Leviashivae's eyes narrowed with determination as he turned to Nana-Roi. "Show me the direction Lady Sylvana went," he commanded, his voice firm and resolute.
Nana-Roi nodded, gesturing toward the enchanted forest with the vibrant hues. "She headed in that direction," she replied, her gaze fixed on the shifting colors of the foliage. "The magical forest, where every plant bears leaves of unique colors."
Leviashivae's curiosity rises at the description of the magical forest, his senses keenly attuned to the mysteries within. "Thank you, Nana-Roi," he said, gratitude evident in his voice. "I will investigate this matter further.
As Leviashivae moved toward the entrance of the magical forest, Nana-Roi hurriedly stepped forward, her expression filled with hesitation. "Um, Lord Leviashivae, may I join you?"
Leviashivae paused, his gaze probing as he considered her request. Though she was a dryad, Nana-Roi had proven trustworthy, providing valuable information that had aided their cause. He nodded slowly, a sense of reassurance flickering in his eyes. "Of course, Nana-Roi," he replied with a calm and measured voice. "Your insights have been invaluable.
Before venturing into the forest, Leviashivae turned to Nana-Roi. "I think we need to ensure someone watches over the children. I don't want any of the Dryad civilians to start picking on Dorea because she's a human child." He said firmly.
Nana-Roi nodded in understanding, her own concern mirrored in her eyes. "Agreed, I'll see to it that someone is assigned to watch over them while we're gone. Their safety is paramount." With a shared understanding of the importance of protecting the children, Leviashivae and Nana-Roi made the necessary arrangements before setting off into the enchanted forest.
As they made their way through the forest, Leviashivae couldn't help but be curious about the history of the sacred place. "Has anyone else ever set foot in this forest?" he inquired, his voice filled with intrigue.
Nana-Roi paused, her brow furrowing in thought as she considered his question. "The forest is considered a sacred place," she explained carefully. "Only the dryad elders permit entry."
Leviashivae raised an eyebrow at her response, sensing a hint of ambiguity in her words. He knew that Nana-Roi had indirectly violated the customary provisions of the forest by bringing him here. "And what about you?" he asked, his tone pointed.
Nana-Roi shrugged her shoulders nonchalantly, a faint smile playing on her lips. "As long as I don't get caught, I'll be fine," she replied, her voice tinged with mischief.
Leviashivae's expression remained unreadable, but a subtle amusement danced in his eyes at Nana-Roi's boldness. With a curt nod, he continued on their journey, his focus unwavering as they delved deeper into the secrets of the mystical forest.
The magical forest stretched out before them, a realm of enchantment and wonder that seemed to defy the laws of nature. Towering trees soared high into the sky, their branches reaching toward the heavens like ancient sentinels guarding the forest. The majestic giants, standing tens of meters tall, formed a canopy overhead, casting dappled shadows on the forest floor below.
As Leviashivae and Nana-Roi walked, a faint path appeared beneath their feet, illuminated by the dragon's magic as he flowed his power through his footsteps. The path wound its way through the forest, meandering amidst the towering trees and leading them deeper into the heart of the mystical realm.
Along the path, they encountered exotic creatures and plants, each more wondrous than the last. Vibrant flowers bloomed in brilliant hues, their petals glowing softly with an otherworldly light. Strange animals darted amongst the foliage, their iridescent scales and sparkling fur adding to the magical ambiance of the forest.
On either side of the path, miniature statues of forest dragons stood sentinel, placed at regular intervals like silent guardians watching over the realm. Carved with detail, these statues depicted the majestic creatures in various poses, their forms frozen in time amidst the lush greenery of the forest.
As they journey deeper into the magical forest, Leviashivae and Nana-Roi couldn't help but marvel at the beauty and wonder surrounding them.
As they walked through the magical forest, Leviashivae couldn't shake the suspicion that Nana-Roi harbored some discontent towards the village elders. With a probing glance, he broached the subject, his voice measured. "Nana-Roi, it seems to me that you don't hold the village elders in high regard. Am I mistaken?"
Nana-Roi's expression grew solemn as she considered his question, her gaze fixed on the path ahead. "You're not mistaken, Lord Leviashivae," she admitted quietly. "I've begun to lose faith in our elders. I've witnessed them urging my uncle to take actions that go beyond reason."
"What kind of actions?" he pressed, his curiosity piqued.
Nana-Roi sighed heavily, a troubled look crossing her features. "They've been pressuring him to seek vengeance against humans, to open our homes to other races, and even to send troops to liberate slaves," she explained.
Leviashivae's expression hardened at her revelation, his gaze narrowing with suspicion, his mind racing with possibilities. In the future, he promises himself that he will meet the elders to discuss this matter.
As Leviashivae and Nana-Roi ventured deeper into the mystical forest, they felt an inexplicable pull to a mysterious place. As they approached, the air seemed to hum with an ancient energy, and a sense of anticipation hung heavy in the air.
Emerging into the clearing, Leviashivae's eyes widened at the sight before them. Stretching out before them was a vast expanse of open land, much different than the dense trees surrounding the place. The grass beneath their feet was a vibrant green, swaying gently in the breeze, and the air filled with the sweet scent of wildflowers.
In the center of the clearing stood a magnificent round table, its surface etched with elaborate inscriptions that seemed to shimmer in the dappled sunlight. Surrounding the table were seven grand chairs, each carved and adorned with symbols and motifs that spoke of ancient craftsmanship.
His eyes scanned the with a mixture of curiosity and reverence. Each symbol seemed to pulse with hidden power, hinting at the secrets surrounding them. Beside him, Nana-Roi gazed upon the scene with a sense of wonder, her eyes alight with excitement at the prospect of unraveling the mysteries.
"This must be the place," Leviashivae declared. "Let us proceed with caution, for I sense that we are on the cusp of discovering something truly extraordinary." With a shared nod, they approached the table.
As Nana-Roi moved to step forward towards the table, Leviashivae's keen senses alerted him to a subtle shift in the air. With a quick motion, he reached out and gently grasped her arm, halting her in her tracks.
"Wait," he cautioned, his voice low but urgent. "There's something you need to be aware of. I sense a presence of protective magic surrounding this place. We must proceed with caution."
Nana-Roi's eyes widened in surprise as she glanced at Leviashivae, her expression reflecting of curiosity and concern. "Protective magic? What kind of protection?"
Leviashivae's gaze remained fixed on the table ahead, his mind racing as he considered the implications of the magical barrier. "I'm not sure, but we must tread carefully. This magic may be meant to safeguard the secrets of this place, and any attempt to breach it could have unforeseen consequences."
With a nod of understanding, Nana-Roi stepped back, her instincts telling her to heed Leviashivae's warning. Together, they stood at the edge of the clearing, contemplating their next move and preparing themselves.