Leya’s POV //

  After leaving the wretched dragon’s dwelling where I had been held for many days, I was finally close to home. Finding my way back was easy—I simply asked the trees for directions. Since all trees are connected through the sacred tree, which houses our guardian, they guided me toward my sanctuary.

  The sacred tree was accessible only to the protectors chosen by the guardian. Unlike ordinary tree nymphs, who could only admire it from afar, the chosen ones held the privilege of entering its presence. This tree was the lifeline of the entire forest, its roots connecting every tree to one another, like a mother linking her children. Using my nature magic, I could sense this connection, allowing me to trace my way home.

  "I'm back," I whispered softly.

  As I approached the massive trees marking the entrance to our sanctuary, a thick, mist-like fog surrounded the area. This fog had hallucinogenic properties, designed to confuse and repel intruders who inhaled it—unless they were tree nymphs. Suddenly, thick roots sprang up from the ground, wrapping tightly around me and suspending me mid-air, rendering me immobile.

  "Wait! It’s me, Leya! I live here!" I excimed, fearing they would mistake me for an outsider.

  The roots stopped tightening, but they didn’t release me either.

  "How did you get out?" a protector tree nymph asked suspiciously.

  “I… I don’t know,” I admitted. “But I remember fighting against the green dragon’s tornado when it attacked our vilge.”

  "The green dragon’s attack happened days ago. Don’t lie to me," the protector’s voice rang out, though I still couldn’t see them.

  Realizing I needed to expin myself, I recounted everything—how my family was sin by the green dragon, my encounter with a forest elf and a fire dragon, and the journey that led me back here.

  A heavy silence followed.

  “What do you think of her story?” one protector asked.

  “We should take her to the guardian first,” another decided.

  “Agreed.”

  With their decision made, the tree nymphs revealed themselves—four of them, each with distinct hair colors and styles.

  "You will be treated as a prisoner for now," one warned. "Do not resist. If you make any suspicious moves, we will retaliate immediately."

  “I understand. I won’t resist,” I assured them.

  The roots tightened around me again, restricting all movement. It was uncomfortable, but I endured it. From their perspective, I was someone who had come from outside our sanctuary, a potential threat. Their caution was justified.

  As they led me deeper into the sanctuary, familiar scents and sights surrounded me, stirring overwhelming emotions. Tears spilled uncontrolbly down my face—I was home. The pce I had longed for, the pce I had clung to in my memories, was finally within reach.

  "Why are you crying?" one of the protectors asked, puzzled by my reaction.

  I couldn’t answer. My emotions consumed me, and I wept, releasing the pain of my past like a long, haunting nightmare that had finally ended.

  ??

  I was led through the sanctuary, drawing the curious gazes of my fellow tree nymphs. Many looked puzzled, wondering why one of their own was being restrained. It wasn’t every day that four protector tree nymphs carried another nymph as if she were a captive. Our unusual procession quickly became a spectacle, drawing the attention of all who saw us.

  Once my impromptu role as the sanctuary’s entertainment was over, they escorted me inside the sacred tree—a pce only protectors were privileged to enter.

  This was my first time seeing the inside of the sacred tree, and curiosity filled me. The sight before me was mesmerizing—an ethereal world unlike anything I had imagined. Glowing roots and branches illuminated the space with a soft, radiant light. Other protector tree nymphs moved about, tending to the sacred tree with care. As we ventured deeper, I couldn’t help but admire the breathtaking beauty of this pce I had never known.

  “Elder Guardian, we’ve brought a tree nymph who came from outside,” one of my escorts announced.

  I turned my attention to the figure they addressed—the Elder Guardian, protector of our sanctuary and its inhabitants. Her presence was unlike any other tree nymph. She had long, flowing green hair and a gentle expression reminiscent of a mother’s warmth. Her skin was a soft, pure white, unlike the bark-like texture we tree nymphs bore. She sat upon a throne-like seat woven from living roots.

  “Oh my, why have you restrained one of your sisters, Eli?” she asked in a kind, soothing voice.

  “She came from outside,” Eli expined. “She cims to be a resident of our sanctuary, but we found it hard to believe since she came from beyond our borders. She also insists that she fought the green dragon that attacked our sanctuary—an event that took pce days ago.”

  “I see,” the Elder Guardian mused. Then, with certainty, she added, “She speaks the truth. She is one of us—I can feel her connection to the Tree of Life, from which you all originate.”

  With a small, effortless movement of her finger, the roots binding me began to loosen, moving with a graceful fluidity before slithering back into the ground, disappearing as if they had never existed.

  “What is your name, child?” she asked, smiling warmly in my direction.

  “M-My name is Leya, Elder Guardian,” I answered, stumbling over my words.

  “A lovely name,” she said kindly. “Leya, can you tell me how you managed to leave this pce?”

  “Yes, I will tell you everything I know,” I replied, preparing to recount my story.

  ?

  ?

  "That’s everything that happened to me outside," I said, concluding my story. I had left out no details, feeling as if I were compelled to speak only the truth.

  "A fire dragon saved your life?" the Elder Guardian asked, seeking confirmation.

  "Y-yes," I replied hesitantly.

  "Oh my, how unexpected," she mused, surprise evident in her voice.

  "I also found it strange when I realized I had been saved by one," I admitted. "Not just me, but a forest elf as well."

  "Yes, I know of them," the Elder Guardian said thoughtfully. "The forest elves migrated to this nd a couple of thousand years ago. Their settlement should be in the eastern part of our sanctuary, near the border of the barren nds. Mhm."

  "What should we do with her, Elder Guardian?" Eli asked.

  "Hmm? What do you mean?" the Elder Guardian replied. "She is one of your sisters—let her go."

  Then, after a brief pause, she added, "By the way, she has the potential to become a guardian. Her control over nature magic is quite extraordinary."

  "Extraordinary?" one of the other protectors echoed in surprise.

  "Yes," the Elder Guardian affirmed. "It seems that her experiences have accelerated her growth, bringing her magic to the same level as yours, Emi."

  "E-Eh? Is that true, Elder Guardian?" Emi asked, clearly astonished. "Even though she was still just a candidate days ago?"

  "Indeed," the Elder Guardian confirmed with a small smile. "That is why I say it is quite extraordinary."

  Turning her gaze back to Eli, she instructed, "Now, return to your post—and take Leya with you. It is also your duty to teach her what it means to be a guardian."

  "I understand, Elder Guardian," Eli responded, accepting her duty. And with that, she led me away, now a protector tree nymph in training.

  Once everyone had left, the Elder Guardian remained alone in the chamber where the core of the Tree of Life resided. Deep in thought, she contempted the events Leya had recounted.

  "A fire dragon..." she murmured to herself.