As Elysara and Aureth pressed forward along the path toward Yrutverth, the sunlight slowly shifted, casting long shadows across the forest floor. The scent of pine and damp earth filled the air, and the steady rhythm of their footsteps began to feel like a comforting lull. Yet, something about the forest seemed off. The ground beneath them was covered with a thick layer of fallen leaves and broken branches, likely a consequence of the Hunger spreading its decay across the land. The forest, once full of life, now seemed burdened and heavy, as if the very earth itself was weary.
Suddenly, the ground beneath them gave way, a trap snapping shut with alarming precision. The earth seemed to rise around them, sharp branches shooting out from the sides like fingers to snare their limbs. In an instant, they were both captured, their movements stifled by thick, tangled vines and ropes that bound them tightly.
Aureth cursed under her breath, struggling against the restraints, but the more she fought, the tighter they seemed to grow. Elysara, equally caught, could feel panic creeping in, though she forced herself to stay still. She glanced around, her heart pounding, but there was no sign of the creatures or any immediate escape.
"We've been caught," Aureth said, her voice edged with frustration but also with a strange acceptance, as though she had expected this.
Before Elysara could respond, the quiet was shattered by the sudden appearance of several figures, moving with swift, silent grace. They were cloaked in layers of moss and leaves, their features nearly indistinguishable from the surrounding forest. The protectors of the forest. Elysara's breath caught as she saw their eyes gleam from beneath their hoods, bright and sharp as they surveyed their captives.
Without a word, the protectors quickly descended upon them, disarming them with practiced ease, stripping them of their weapons and packs. Aureth's defiant gaze met the leader of the protectors, but she made no attempt to resist. Elysara followed her lead, though her mind raced with questions.
The leader—a tall figure with skin like bark and hair of woven vines—stepped closer, studying Elysara with eyes that seemed to see everything. "The forest has claimed you," he said, his voice low and commanding. "Your presence here is not welcome."
Aureth glared at him, her voice defiant. "We're not here to harm the forest. We're just passing through."
The protector's gaze hardened, but he said nothing. With a snap of his fingers, the others began to lower a large cage from the trees, bringing it down to the ground with a sharp jolt. Elysara and Aureth were unceremoniously shoved into the cage, their limbs still bound. The ropes were cut, but they were now trapped in the cage, unable to escape as the protectors moved to secure the bars.
"Where are you taking us?" Elysara demanded, struggling to stand but finding no freedom.
"You're being taken to the council," the protector replied simply. "The forest demands judgment."
With that, the cage was lifted from the ground, and the protectors began their march, dragging Elysara and Aureth through the dense woods. The trees seemed to close in around them, their towering presence casting long shadows. Elysara could feel the weight of the forest pressing down on them, the oppressive feeling making every step heavier than the last. They were moving in the opposite direction of Yrutverth, and the further they went, the more Elysara's anxiety grew.
The trip to the camp of the protectors took about two days, and as the sun dipped beneath the horizon for the second time, Elysara and Aureth finally arrived at their destination. The forest stretched endlessly around them, the ground covered in fallen leaves and branches, with each step feeling like it took them further away from Yrutverth.
They were not allowed out of their cage during the entire journey. The cage swung ominously as they were carried through the woods, their movements restricted and uncomfortable. Every time they tried to speak or make a move, the protectors' cold gazes would lock onto them, making it clear that they were being watched closely. The journey was long and silent, broken only by the occasional murmurs among the protectors as they moved through the trees with calculated precision.
When night fell for the second time, they reached the protector's camp—a hidden settlement deep in the forest, surrounded by walls made from woven roots and stone. The camp was starkly different from what they had imagined, its layout carefully constructed to blend in with the surroundings, leaving no sign of its existence from afar.
Upon their arrival, they were immediately placed in a cage at the center of the camp, their every move under watch. They were not allowed any freedom, and no one spoke to them, leaving them in isolated silence. Elysara could feel the weight of the situation pressing down on her, but there was no point in resisting yet. They had to wait for the council's decision.
Eventually, they were allowed to leave the cage, but only under strict supervision. Two protectors escorted them to a nearby stream where they were allowed to bathe and relieve themselves. Every movement was scrutinized—no matter how mundane. The guards kept their eyes fixed on them, ensuring that neither of them would attempt anything foolish.
Aureth received the same treatment, her expression hardening with each step, but she didn't make a sound. The guards' stares remained unblinking, a silent reminder that they were prisoners, not guests.
When they returned to their cage, they were not offered comfort. They were confined once more, and the silence of the camp wrapped around them, suffocating in its stillness. Time seemed to drag on with no change, no word from the council, no hint at what their fate would be.