Whispers Among the Trees
Willowdeep had always been a quiet place.
The trees here were ancient — their trunks thick and gnarled, their branches heavy with moss that dripped like slow-falling rain. The ground underfoot was soft with centuries of fallen leaves, and the air carried the cool scent of earth and memory.
Aelir moved carefully along the narrow path, every step sinking slightly into the loamy soil. Though the sun hung high above, its light barely touched the forest floor. Shadows clung to the roots and rocks, alive with secret stirrings.
Beside him, Lira kept pace, her cloak pulled tightly around her shoulders. Her hand hovered near the hilt of her short sword, though there was no enemy in sight — not yet.
Only the wind moved.
Only the trees whispered.
Only the feeling — tha
