"Wow, this place is even more incredible than I imagined," Zephyr said, looking around in awe.
Syltharia and Lirael were giving him a tour, and Zephyr behaved like a child in a candy store, dazzled by everything he saw.
"Such a tall guy," Zephyr commented, looking at a guard at the entrance of a store. The guard simply bowed his head, observing him with some curiosity, as Zephyr seemed peculiar to him.
The guard in question stood 2 meters and 19 centimeters tall, a considerably higher height than the average human.
As they walked, Syltharia explained to Zephyr about the food and customs of the place, but what truly captivated his interest was Fenneris, the fox guardian.
"Could you tell me more about Fenneris? Ever since you mentioned his blessing, both of you have been so kind to me," Zephyr said. And it was true; Sylthaira and Lirael treated him as if they'd known him forever, but the only connection between them was that special blessing.
"Fenneris is not just a shadow guardian," Syltharia began with a respectful voice. "He is the spirit that connects us to nature and the flow of mana that runs through these lands. His blessing does not grant combat or stealth abilities. Those who receive Fenneris' Touch develop a unique sensitivity to the life around them. They can perceive the rhythms of the forest, feel the heartbeat of the trees, hear the murmuring of the rivers, and sense the presence of every living being."
Zephyr listened, fascinated. He was starting to understand that Fenneris' gift went far beyond any combat skill.
"So, what does it mean to have that connection with nature's mana?" Zephyr asked, trying to grasp the extent of that bond.
"It means you can channel the mana of nature itself, enhancing your own abilities or even healing other living beings. It's like an exchange between you and the world around you. You can perceive the balance of life and, if you respect it, nature might protect you, guiding you along invisible paths or warning you of hidden dangers. That's why Fenneris is so sacred to us," Syltharia explained. "He reminds us that we must live in harmony with this world and its energies."
Zephyr was impressed. Although it wasn't a direct combat ability, that sensitivity and connection with nature's mana was powerful. In all the novels he had read, mana was linked to nature, and this blessing would allow him to improve his mastery of mana exponentially... although he still had no idea how to use it.
"I see, now I understand why you're not on the defensive with me," Zephyr commented.
"We couldn't be on the defensive with you. Although we don't know you beyond your name, anyone who receives Fenneris' blessing can't be a bad person," Syltharia replied calmly.
"Besides, you couldn't harm us anyway; you're too weak," Lirael added from a bit behind them, with a playful smile.
"Well, I guess I can't deny it," Zephyr responded, acknowledging the truth in her words. Although he was unaware of the true power in this world, thanks to Fenneris' blessing and his sensitivity to mana, he could sense the immense energy radiating from Syltharia and Lirael. Both were clearly powerful and could defeat him without trouble.
"Don't worry, Zephyr," Syltharia said. "With Fenneris' blessing, you'll become strong very quickly."
She suddenly stopped, and Zephyr, so focused on the conversation, hadn't realized where he had been led.
The spring before them seemed like a place straight out of a dream. Surrounded by a thick grove of trees, the branches formed a natural canopy that filtered the sunlight, bathing the water in a golden-green glow. The spring was small, but its surface was so clear that it reflected the sky and the surrounding vegetation, giving it an almost magical appearance.
Around the water, wildflowers of vibrant colors grew, some with petals that seemed to gently sparkle under the light. Moss-covered rocks scattered along the shore, and the soft sound of water flowing over them created a peaceful, relaxing atmosphere. A couple of dragonflies flew near the surface, and the air was filled with a soft scent of damp earth and fresh flowers.
It was a sacred, serene place, full of life; every detail seemed to whisper that here, the mana of nature was strong and pure, a place where one could feel the true essence of Fenneris.
"Is there any special reason we're stopping at this spring?" Zephyr asked, looking at the crystal-clear surface.
"This is where Fenneris resides," Syltharia replied. "He is deep within the spring."
Zephyr approached, trying to see the fox under the water, but he couldn't distinguish anything; the spring seemed incredibly deep.
"Be careful. If you fall, you could die," Lirael warned.
"Die? I know I'm not strong, but at least I know how to swim!" Zephyr replied, somewhat offended.
Lirael let out a light laugh.
"This has nothing to do with knowing how to swim or not. This spring is not like those pretty places where you can dive. With Fenneris here, the water is saturated with mana, and its density is crushing. Someone as weak as you falls in, you'll end up mush," she explained.
"Is it really that bad?" Zephyr said, staring at the perfectly still water.
"Yes, exactly as Lirael says," Syltharia continued. "Someone unprepared could die just by stepping in. Of course, there are ways to do it safely."
"And what are those ways?" Zephyr asked, intrigued.
"There are three ways," Syltharia replied. "The first is to consume a seed called Estelargenta, but only the Queen can grant it. The second is, if you're incredibly strong, to create a thick layer of mana to protect you. And the third is us, those who have received Fenneris' blessing."
"Wow, there must be something really special about this place, besides Fenneris' presence, to make it so inaccessible, right?" Zephyr murmured, curious.
"Correct. Whoever manages to enter this spring can greatly enhance their mana and physical resistance. But, of course, staying there too long is dangerous. Even we, with Fenneris' blessing, can't stay there indefinitely," Syltharia explained.
Zephyr stared at the spring in silence, feeling a mixture of respect and awe for this sacred place. The stillness of the water and the soft murmur of nature around him filled him with a deep peace.
Suddenly, Syltharia raised her head and slightly arched her brows, as if perceiving something.
"Is something happening?" Zephyr asked, but she didn't answer immediately, focused on what seemed like an invisible message.
Finally, Syltharia turned to him, a serious expression on her face.
"Zephyr, it seems the Queen wants to speak with you."
The news caught him by surprise, and a mix of nervousness and excitement flared in his chest. Without fully understanding what awaited him, he nodded, preparing for a meeting that would surely change the course of his journey.
With one last look at the spring, he allowed Syltharia and Lirael to guide him to his next destination.
Thus ended his first visit to the place where the guardian Fenneris resided.