It had been ten years since Argolaith was born. Though he came into the world as a commoner, his humble beginnings never dulled his love for life.
Argolaith found his solace not in the bustling streets of his hometown but in the quiet embrace of the forest. The trees whispered secrets in the breeze, the streams sang softly over the stones, and the sunlight danced on mossy paths. For him, the forest was more than a refuge—it was a world alive with wonder and possibilities.
His hometown, by contrast, teemed with noise and activity. Merchants called out their wares, children darted between stalls, and neighbors exchanged hurried greetings. Though vibrant, it lacked the serene beauty Argolaith craved. The cacophony of life in the town often felt suffocating, pushing him further into the welcoming arms of nature.
There, amidst the ancient trees, he felt at peace. But the forest was not just his sanctuary—it held a deeper purpose. In the coming years, when Argolaith turned eighteen, he would face the sacred rite of passage: choosing five trees to draw their lifeblood. The ritual would bind him to the forest in ways he could only begin to imagine.
Yet, not all aspects of his life were as harmonious. If there was one thing Argolaith despised, it was school. Not because of his studies—he excelled in them, often outshining his peers. What pained him was the isolation. While others shared laughter and companionship, he sat alone. The other children didn't understand him, nor did they try. And so, Argolaith retreated further into himself, his loneliness becoming both a shield and a burden.
On this day, his teacher spoke of the lifeblood ritual, explaining its intricacies. "When the time comes," the teacher intoned, "you will find the five trees that call to you. From each, you will draw its lifeblood—a sap that will forever change you. But be cautious. Harm not the trees, for they are sacred."
The words stirred something in Argolaith . He had spent countless hours wandering the forest, but now he saw it anew. Which trees would call to him? What changes would the lifeblood bring? The thought was both thrilling and terrifying.
The teacher's voice grew solemn. "Choose wisely. Do not be swayed by others' opinions. The trees that resonate with your soul may not be the strongest or the most beautiful. But they will be yours, and they will shape your destiny."
As the lesson ended, Argolaith lingered in thought. The forest had always been his sanctuary, but now it felt like it was calling to him in a way it never had before. He looked forward to the day he would discover the trees meant for him, even as questions of what lay ahead filled his mind.