Chapter 59: Earth-Blooded Forest Child
The enormous stag's glowing, star-filled eyes locked onto Trill's, and in that moment, it felt as though time itself had paused. Its gaze pierced through him, stripping away the layers of his being until only his essence remained. Trill could do nothing but meet its stare, his breath shallow and his heart pounding.
"You are not as you appear," the stag said, its voice deep and resonant, echoing through the valley like a melody carried on the wind. "Why have you come to this sacred place?"
Trill bowed his head slightly, his voice steady but tinged with reverence. "We mean no harm to your lands. My companions and I stumbled upon this valley while seeking refuge from Malgrin's forces. We have no intention of disrupting its peace."
The stag studied him for a long moment, its glowing antlers radiating an ethereal warmth. "Your words ring true, Forest Child," it said, its tone softening. "But there is more to you than even you understand."
A Sudden Revelation
The stag began to turn away, seemingly content to let them pass, when the forest itself seemed to awaken. The trees swayed as though caught in an invisible current, their leaves whispering secrets that only the stag could hear. Its head snapped back toward Trill, its expression one of shock and recognition.
"The forest speaks," it murmured, its voice trembling with wonder. "It calls you... Forest Child. A rare Earth-Blooded indeed. One who belongs to the forest's very heart."
Trill's eyes widened. "Earth-Blooded?" he repeated, confusion and intrigue mingling in his voice.
The stag stepped closer, its towering form casting a long shadow over him. "Yes. You are of the forest, tied to its will and its life. But your bond is incomplete, latent and untamed. This place, a heart of the forest, can awaken what lies dormant within you."
Bren took a cautious step forward. "Wait," she interjected. "What does that mean? Trill's already gone through enough without adding more mysterious trials to the mix."
The stag turned its gaze to her, its expression unreadable. "Your concern is admirable, Earth-Blooded warrior, but this is not a matter of choice. It is destiny."
The Whispering Woods
Trill's mind raced, fragments of his past encounters flashing before him. He remembered the dryad in the Whispering Woods, her voice lilting like a song. She had offered him a reward for his help in purging the corruption from her domain, but the forest had taken something from him in return.
"I've been touched by the forest before," Trill said, his voice low. "The Dryad of the Whispering Woods offered me a reward, but the forest... it took its price. It awoke something inside me, but I don't know what it was. I still don't understand."
The stag inclined its head, its eyes gleaming with understanding. "What was taken has not been lost, only hidden. The forest never forgets, nor does it give without reason. What it awoke within you was the first step toward your true self."
"And now?" Trill asked, his voice steadier.
The stag's antlers flared with light, casting the clearing in a warm glow. "Now, you are offered the chance to complete your awakening. To truly become a Forest Child, bonded to the earth's heart and its will."
The Trial of Awakening
Trill exchanged a glance with his companions. Bren's face was a mix of worry and support, Lyra looked intrigued but cautious, and Ares had a knowing expression, as if he had seen this kind of moment before. Vas, however, was wide-eyed with curiosity, scribbling notes furiously in his journal.
"What kind of trial are we talking about?" Trill asked, turning back to the stag.
The stag regarded him solemnly. "A trial of spirit and connection. You will be tested by the forest itself. It will seek to know your heart and your will. Should you succeed, you will awaken fully and gain the strength needed for the path ahead. But be warned: the forest is both kind and cruel. It gives only to those who prove themselves worthy."
"And if I fail?"
"The forest will take back what it has given," the stag replied, its tone heavy with finality.
A Decision Made
Trill took a deep breath, his mind swirling with doubt and determination. He thought of all he had faced so far—the battles, the sacrifices, the questions about his own identity. This trial might not just give him answers; it could make him stronger, better equipped to face Malgrin and the darkness threatening the world.
"I'll do it," he said finally, his voice firm.
"Trill, are you sure?" Bren asked, stepping closer.
He nodded, offering her a faint smile. "I have to. If there's a chance this will help us, help me, then I can't turn it down."
The stag lowered its head, its antlers nearly touching the ground. "Very well. Follow me, Forest Child."
Into the Heart
The stag led Trill deeper into the valley, his companions following close behind. The air grew warmer, and the forest seemed to come alive around them, the trees humming softly and the ground pulsing with energy.
Eventually, they arrived at a massive tree unlike any other. Its trunk was a swirling blend of green and gold, and its branches stretched so high they disappeared into the clouds. At its base was a pool of shimmering liquid that glowed faintly in the dim light.
"This is the heart of the forest," the stag said. "Step into the pool, Forest Child, and let the trial begin."
Trill hesitated for only a moment before stepping forward. As he approached the pool, the liquid seemed to ripple in anticipation.
"Good luck," Bren said softly, her voice filled with both pride and worry.
Trill glanced back at her, offering a reassuring nod, before stepping into the pool.
The Forest's Embrace
The liquid was warm, almost soothing, as it enveloped him. As soon as he was fully submerged, the world around him shifted.
He found himself standing in a vast forest, the trees towering above him like giants. The air was thick with the scent of earth and moss, and the sounds of rustling leaves and distant bird calls surrounded him.
"You seek to awaken," a voice said, soft and melodic.
Trill turned to see a figure emerge from the shadows. It was a woman, her form shifting like smoke, her eyes glowing with the same light as the stag's.
"I do," he replied, his voice steady.
"Then show us who you are," she said, her voice echoing like a thousand whispers.
The forest around him began to shift, the trees bending and twisting into unfamiliar shapes. The ground beneath his feet trembled, and shadows crept closer, their forms undefined and menacing.
Trill gripped the hilt of his sword, his heart pounding as he prepared to face whatever the forest had in store.
The trial had begun.