Ronan's POV
I sat in front of the fire we had lit to warm our bodies. Across from me, Elena was sitting, staring toward the forest with worry and sorrow.
Riana was on my left, Covered in the Rat fur cloak we made at church.
"Miss Elena, there's no need to worry so much. I'm sure we'll be able to save Nox,"
I said awkwardly, trying to change the gloomy mood that filled the air.
She glanced at me, then turned her gaze back to the fire, hugging her knees.
"You're right. I will save him, no matter what,"
she said firmly, the flames reflecting in her silver eyes like a mirror.
Tremble!
I turned at the faint sound and saw Riana tossing in her sleep, her eyes twitching as though about to wake.
She opened her eyes weakly, trying to regain consciousness.
Elena rushed to her side, helping her sit properly.
"W-where am I?"
Riana muttered in exhaustion and confusion.
"You're safe. We saved you from the ancient tree,"
Elena reassured her gently.
But as if remembering something, Riana's eyes widened and she screamed in terror:
"The tree? No!! That tree never harmed me—I was trying to help it!"
Her reaction left us stunned.
"What do you mean? We found the tree swallowing you into its trunk,"
I said with a nervous smile, trying to understand the situation.
"No, you're mistaken. That tree protected me from the white flowers. But it was gravely ill… when I told it my shard controls plants, it asked for my help—and I agreed."
Her story was filled with sorrow. The firelight cast over her, making her grassy-green hair and blue eyes stand out. She was tall, maybe 175 cm—tall for a girl—with a mature body .
"Are you serious? But… the tree attacked us! Though… thinking about it, Nox struck the tree first. Maybe that made it afraid of us,"
I said, suddenly realizing the misunderstanding.
"Riana, can you heal the tree?"
Elena asked with determination in her eyes, perhaps hoping Riana was the key to saving Nox.
But Riana shook her head.
"At first, I thought I had a chance… but the disease has spread too deeply. There's no going back."
Her words crushed our hopes.
"I understand. Rest a bit. I'll get you some food, then we'll return to the forest. With you there, maybe the tree won't attack—we might even have a chance to negotiate,"
Elena said, moving toward the fire to prepare food.
…
Then came the dreams—or perhaps memories.
Adam had taught me so much, granting me the ability to help others. I learned to control my roots and connect with the other trees, so I could aid everyone at any time.
Fourteen hundred years passed in the blink of an eye. One day, Adam came to me, sorrow clouding his beautiful face. I couldn't see his features, but I felt there was no one more beautiful.
[Adam, what's wrong? Why do you seem sad? You've always helped me—I want to help you too. Is there something I can do?]
Adam smiled gently at my words.
"My kind-hearted Eleanor… don't worry, I'm not sad. I'm just… anxious."
[Anxious? About what?]
I asked curiously, wondering what could trouble someone like Adam.
"I've reached the final step of my research, and I worry about the outcome,"
he said with a sorrowful smile, gazing at the sky.
[Research? What are you searching for?]
I asked, puzzled.
After a moment of silence, Adam looked at me and said clearly:
"I'm searching for the truth. I want to know the truth of everything. It's my right—and the right of everyone born into this life."
He spread his arms, smiling as he spoke of his noble goal.
[The truth… that sounds wonderful. Tell me, Adam—can I Know the truth too?]
I asked eagerly, wanting to share in his dream.
Adam nodded.
"Of course, Eleanor. You have that right too."
Joy swelled within me at his words.
[Then I'll wait for that day with excitement. I hope your research succeeds, Adam.]
Adam left after our talk—but he never returned. I thought he was busy with his research, so I waited. But after a hundred years, I realized…
He was gone. He would never come back.
I witnessed the world fall into chaos after Adam's disappearance. Blood was spilled, staining the earth red. Then a white rose descended from Adam's Castle. I thought it a sign of his return…
But I was wrong. The rose was cursed. Within years, it enslaved every living creature.
It tried to invade the forest, but I stopped it. The war between us lasted a thousand years with no victor. But the flower held Adam's castle, using the knowledge within to cast a curse upon me, one that slowly killed the forest.
I fought the curse, protecting the forest as best I could—but I knew my time was short.
[It hurts, Adam… where are you? Please… help me…]
But no answer came, no matter how much time passed.
…
"Now, let's go save Nox."
Elena stood, determination burning in her eyes as she summoned her sword.
Riana and I rose with her, ready to follow.
'I just hope this goes well,'
I thought, silently praying to the gods.
As soon as we neared the forest, the trees stirred, ready to strike. But Riana quickly stepped forward, calling to the tree gently.
"Lady Tree, it's me—Riana! We didn't come to fight. Please forgive my companions. They only misunderstood, thinking you tried to harm me."
Her voice carried desperation and fear, hoping the tree would listen.
The trees froze, then parted to form a path for us.
Elena and I exchanged astonished looks. Who would have thought Riana was telling the truth?
We carefully followed the path until we reached the lake—there stood the colossal tree.
One of its roots stretched toward Riana slowly.
Elena and I readied ourselves to attack—but instead of striking, the root gently caressed her cheek.
"Hehehe, that tickles, Lady Tree! Please stop,"
Riana laughed, until the root finally withdrew.
"Lady Tree, please forgive my companions. They only tried to save me. They meant no harm."
The roots trembled, as though expressing that it had been wronged. Then others rose from the water, forming a bridge toward the tree.
Without waiting, Riana hurried across. Elena and I exchanged a glance—she nodded firmly, then followed. I trailed cautiously behind. Who knew when the tree might change its mind?
Once we reached it, Riana ran to the trunk, hugging it tightly and rubbing her face against it.
"I'm sorry I couldn't help you,"
she said sadly. The roots coiled around her, as if to embrace her back.
Riana turned to us, motioning for us to approach.
"guys , if you touch it, you'll hear the tree's voice too."
We obeyed, placing our hands on the trunk. At once, a voice echoed in our minds—ancient, wise, heavy… and pained.
[Greetings, children of men. Please forgive me for frightening you earlier.]
Her voice carried both wisdom and suffering.
"Please, don't apologize. It was our fault—we attacked you first. Allow me to apologize instead,"
Elena said quickly, guilt weighing on her. She had inflicted the most damage on the tree and forest.
[No need, little one. It seems we all share the blame.]
The tree extended a root, patting Elena's head gently.
Elena stiffened—she only liked being patted when it was by Nox. The tree sensed her discomfort and quickly stopped.
"Excuse me… but what about my friend?
Nox You… swallowed him."
Elena asked nervously, fear for Nox gnawing at her.
[Do not worry. The boy is safe inside me. But… I cannot release him now.]
The tree's reassurance did little to ease her.
"Why can't you?"
Elena asked, suspicious.
[Because he connected with me. He is reading my memories. Pulling him out now would be dangerous. We must wait until he awakens.]
The tree spoke with regret.
"Your memories?! Forgive me, but… how long have you lived?"
Elena asked, knowing that ancient trees could endure for eons.
[I have lived for more than 3000 years, child.]
Her calm reply made us all shudder.
"3000 years?! That's impossible! Nox can't withstand that—being forced to live through a tree's consciousness will break his mind! He'll die inside!"
Elena cried in terror as she grasped the truth.
"We have to get him out! We can't leave him like this!"
Her panic was uncontrollable, but the tree's voice steadied her.
[Fear not, child. For reasons I cannot fathom, this boy is fine. My memories do not seem to harm him.]
The tree spoke with surprise—and growing interest in Nox, who reminded her of Adam.
[In any case, you may rest here. Time flows faster in the realm of memories—he will awaken soon.]
The tree encouraged us to wait. Elena stepped back reluctantly, torn with worry, but resolved to trust him.
Even if you're left broken inside, I'll heal you, Nox. So don't worry,
she vowed with determination, sitting by the tree to wait for his return.
...…