The sun rose over the village, casting a warm glow on the continued reconstruction efforts. Blue was scuttling about, happily aiding the villagers in whatever his small body could handle. From nudging small tools to assisting with dirt blueprints, he did everything he could to help bring his vision for the village to life.
Wobbles, meanwhile, was busy helping the female villagers and children prepare for their temporary relocation to the farms. After the preparations were complete, Wobbles wobbled over to Blue, their eyes bright with excitement. "Bye-bye, Blue! Wobbles will protect everyone!"
Blue waved a pincer, smiling. "Take care, Wobbles. I'll see you soon!"
As the villagers and Wobbles departed, Blue returned to the construction area, sharing ideas and providing guidance. He discussed building a main road that would lead in and out of the village, offering easier access for villagers and visitors alike. This road would allow them to navigate the forest with ease and reduce the risk of getting lost.
The villagers were intrigued by the concept. Roads were a rarity in this part of the world; they were used to the rough forest ground, but the idea of a proper pathway felt innovative and exciting. Blue drew out blueprints in the dirt, mapping out the route the road would take and detailing the materials they'd need. The villagers eagerly took to his ideas, imagining how much simpler life could be with these additions.
Later That Day,
Just as construction was in full swing, a massive shadow loomed over the village. Grimfang, their guardian spirit beast, had returned. His large form moved gracefully through the forest, his presence powerful yet peaceful.
The villagers, however, grew tense, casting nervous glances at each other. They knew some of the construction materials had been gathered from the forest, and they feared Grimfang might be displeased. Blue noticed their concern and quickly approached Grimfang to discuss it.
"Grimfang," Blue said respectfully, "the villagers used some resources from the forest for the reconstruction. I hope this doesn't upset you."
Grimfang's eyes softened, and he gave a low rumbling laugh. "Not at all, little one. The forest exists to sustain and protect life, and if its gifts can help the villagers, I am pleased." He nodded approvingly at the ongoing construction. "It brings me joy to see the forest's bounty contributing to your village's growth."
Blue relayed this message to the villagers, who sighed in relief and expressed their gratitude to Grimfang. With the reassurance given, the villagers returned to their work, their hearts lighter and spirits lifted.
Once the construction discussions settled, Grimfang turned to Blue, his expression serious. "Blue, there is something we need to discuss."
Blue tilted his head, curious. "What's going on, Grimfang?"
Grimfang explained his journey, recounting his meeting with his master and her growing interest in Blue. He shared that Lady Elyndra Quinquestriatus—the powerful elf who commanded both magic and respect across the forest—wished to meet Blue personally.
Blue's eyes widened in shock. "Me? Why would someone as important as her want to meet… well, me?"
"She has taken an interest in you, Blue," Grimfang said. "And she wishes to bestow something upon you. A gift."
Blue felt both honored and apprehensive. He wanted to meet Elyndra, but the timing troubled him. The village was in the midst of its reconstruction, and he felt responsible for providing guidance. "I don't want to leave the village now, Grimfang. The villagers need my help for the reconstruction."
Grimfang considered this and then did something surprising. He lifted his head toward the sky and, in a calm yet powerful voice, called out, "Lady Elyndra, if you hear me, your humble servant has a request."
The male villagers nearby stopped their work, glancing at each other in confusion as Grimfang seemed to speak to the air. Blue, too, was taken aback. Is he… talking to the sky?
Before Blue could question further, a gentle but powerful voice echoed through the forest. It was smooth, tranquil, and filled with an alluring, mystical quality that made the villagers stand in awe.
"Grimfang, my faithful friend. You have summoned me?"
The air around the village began to shift. A breeze stirred, swirling sand and particles of Essentia that shimmered in the light. In a matter of seconds, the sand, wind, and Essentia coalesced, forming the silhouette of a woman in the center of the village.
As the swirling elements dispersed, Lady Elyndra Quinquestriatus stood before them, her feet touching the ground with a graceful ease. She was breathtaking—her emerald-green hair flowing down her shoulders, her elven ears pointed and regal, her form both delicate and powerful. Her clothing, a blend of deep greens, black, and whites, emphasized her elegance, and her very presence radiated an aura of quiet strength.
The male villagers froze in shock, quickly bowing to her, murmuring greetings filled with respect and awe.
Elyndra smiled warmly at them, offering a gentle nod in response. Her gaze, however, soon shifted to the small blue and black scorpion watching her with wide eyes. Her smile softened as she looked at Blue, who was torn between nervousness and amazement.
Blue scuttled forward, feeling both respectful and slightly intimidated. "Hello," he said in a cautious but respectful tone, giving a small bow.
Elyndra returned a slight bow. "It is an honor to meet you, little one. I am Elyndra Quinquestriatus, high elf and guardian of these lands, and master to Grimfang." Her voice was kind, almost melodic, putting Blue slightly at ease.
Blue gave her a nod, managing to say, "The honor is mine, Lady Elyndra."
Elyndra chuckled, sensing his unease. "Please, speak to me casually, if that makes you more comfortable. I am not here to command but to understand."
Blue nodded, relaxing a bit as he began to speak with her more openly. They talked briefly, exchanging pleasantries, before Elyndra turned the conversation to the purpose of her visit.
"Blue," she began, "I have a few questions for you. They may be personal, but I assure you they are asked with respect."
Blue nodded, sensing her sincerity. Elyndra raised her hand, and with a snap of her fingers, a thin, transparent sphere of Essentia formed around them. Blue noticed that no sounds from outside entered the sphere, nor did their voices escape.
What incredible magic, he thought, both amazed and slightly unnerved by the power to create such a soundproof barrier.
"Firstly, I would like to know about your life before… this one," Elyndra said softly. "How did you come to be here?"
Blue took a deep breath and, in a measured tone, recounted his story. He explained how he died in his late 50s, saving his granddaughter from a speeding car, and how he'd passed on surrounded by family, content with his sacrifice. "I died happy, knowing she was safe," he finished, his voice soft but unwavering.
Elyndra's eyes held a glimmer of admiration. "A noble end, indeed. It is clear that your spirit carries strength and selflessness."
She continued, asking about his current plans. Blue explained his commitment to the village, how he intended to help them grow and provide support wherever he could. Elyndra seemed pleased, her gaze warm with approval.
Then, her expression turned more curious. "Do you understand what an Essentia Nexus is?" she asked.
Blue scratched his head, slightly embarrassed. "Grimfang told me about it, but I don't really know how to use it… I didn't even know I had one."
Elyndra looked intrigued. "Your Nexus is strong, yet untrained. In time, I can teach you its workings."
Finally, Elyndra came to the question Blue had both anticipated and feared. "Blue, I would like to bestow upon you a True Name. Not just any name, but one of recognition and honor."
The villagers, watching the scene from outside the barrier, were confused not able to hear their conversation. A True Name, bestowed by someone of Elyndra's rank, was an incredible honor. Blue, for his part, felt a mix of excitement and anxiety.
Elyndra's gaze was steady. "I feel you have earned it, little one. Will you accept this gift?"
Blue took a deep breath, the weight of the moment settling over him. Then, with a steady voice, he nodded. "Yes, I will accept it."
Elyndra's smile grew, her eyes gleaming with anticipation. She raised her hands, invoking the ancient language of the Essentia Nexus, her voice echoing with power as she called upon the forces that governed all life.
"By my name, Elyndra Quinquestriatus, and by the Nexus of all that lives, I name you will be, Leiurus," she declared, her voice ringing out. "From this day forward, you shall be known as Leiurus Quinquestriatus."
Blue's eyes widened as the name resonated within him. Suddenly, a surge of Essentia enveloped him, a brilliant, dark blue and black light engulfing his tiny form. The villagers shielded their eyes from the powerful glow, and Grimfang, watching intently, felt a sense of pride for his friend.
Inside the sphere, Blue—now Leiurus—felt his body surge with energy, as if the very essence of the world was flowing through him. Elyndra watched with a serene smile, knowing that the transformation had only just begun.