The Sylvereen Forest is the heart of the elves-our home, our sustainer, our everything. Today is a sacred occasion: the ancient coming-of-age ceremony for our youth. When an elf reaches their thirteenth year, they embark on a journey through the Eastern forest as part of this time-honored rite. There, beyond the trees, lies the Sylvereen Field, stretching out toward the great waterfall. It is there, beneath the roar of cascading water, that our elder will offer her prayer and bestow a blessing upon them, welcoming them into the next chapter of their lives.
My name is Aelira, and my sister Seris is taking part in the rite of passage.
I stood there, watching the girls gather. Then I saw Seris-laughing and chatting with her friends like she didn't have a care in the world. She looked so happy, and I couldn't help but feel proud. It was a good day... for them. But as tradition goes, the young ones have to make the journey through the forest without any family. They won't be completely alone, though. A group of women, trusted and respected-some even close in standing to the elder-will be with them. It's their responsibility to guide and protect the girls along the way.
As the time to begin drew near, Seris suddenly ran up to me and took my left hand in both of hers, her delicate fingers wrapping around mine. "Come, big sister! You have to come!" she pleaded, her eyes bright with excitement.
Deep down, I knew I couldn't go with her. If I did, I'd be breaking tradition-and likely angering the elder. I gently pulled my hand back and said, "I'm sorry, Seris, but I have to say no."
Seris let go of my hand. I thought she'd understand-but I was wrong. The excited sparkle in her eyes faded, and in its place stood a girl weighed down by disappointment. Her head dropped, shoulders trembling, and tears quietly welled at the corners of her eyes. Her small hands clenched tightly. "Why? Is big sister not happy?" she sobbed, lifting her gaze to mine.
The sorrow in her eyes pierced me. I wanted to go too-more than anything-but duty held me back.
Even so, I had to try and comfort her.
"It's not that I'm not happy for this day, but..." I crouched down to her level, gently cupping her face in my hands and brushing away her tears. "I have my own duties to attend to-important ones. But I promise, when you return, it'll be just the two of us." I offered her a soft smile and, a promise to which would ease her heart.
"Promise?" Seris asked softly, her voice trembling. Her lips parted as if afraid of the answer, searching my face for truth.
"By the goddess Tiera, I, Aelira, promise to wait for my little sister's return," I said, sealing a vow with a gentle pat on her head. Seris's eyes lit up and a smile returned to her face.
Ding! Ding! Ding!
Just in time, the sound of the bell rang through the air. "Alright, I'll see you," I said, still crouched at her level as I gave her a small wave. "Byyyeeeee!" Seris called out with a bright smile, waving both hands enthusiastically as she turned to go.
Once she disappeared from my sight, I rose back to my feet. A woman—close to my size but older in age—approached me. "Seris, we're about to go," she said gently. I gave a small nod, taking her words to heart. That was my cue. That, and I was off to my duties.
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The younglings, accompanied by their adult counterparts, had entered the forest and were making their way toward the field, staying as close together as possible so as not to stray from their path.
That was fine for them—but up in the treetops, it was a different story. I moved silently above, watching the girls from below as I kept a careful eye on them. So far, everything seemed to be going smoothly on both sides.
And you might ask—what exactly are Aelira's duties? Well, I'll tell you. During every rite of passage ceremony, it is essential that the younglings complete their journey. But what about the dangers that lie in the forest as they cross it? Who watches over them then?
Because the ceremony has been passed down through countless generations, it has become the responsibility of the elders—and the leaders of the present—to appoint a select group of the most loyal and capable among the elves to serve as guardians. This warriors should conduct themselves in a befitting manner, not in plain sight, but as warriors of stealth and silence. From the shadows, these elves—granted the sacred title Spirits of the Forest—guide and protect the innocent souls walking below. They, ever watchful, guide the younglings safely through the forest—offering help without ever being seen, whether through the quiet placement of rations or a timely drop of supplies. And should danger arise—should all other options be exhausted—they do not hesitate to strike. Swift, precise, and unseen, they act only when there is no other choice.
I am one of those warriors. A proud Sylvereen Warrior and protector of the Sylvereen Forest. But I am no ordinary warrior. Ganted the position of second-in-command, I oversee the supervision of our forces. We analyze, calculate, assess, and only deploy when approval is given by my commanding chief.....For now, my team is scattered across the forest, stretched wide in silent patrol. With only a few close by to assist, we distance ourselves on tree branches and watch from above as the younglings make their way below.
As I watched the younglings below, I saw a reflection of myself among them. I remembered my own first time—scared, uncertain, just a wee girl. But even then, I held my ground, made it through the forest, reached the ceremonial site, and passed the rite. So what led me to become a warrior? Perhaps it was my mother. She had once been part of the Sylvereen Forest warriors—only a guard, yes— strong, proud, and always vigilant, she had also made a name of herself. I remember the first time I saw one of the Spirits of the Forest… they reminded me of my mother. And in that moment, I knew, I could carry my mother's legacy —I wanted to be like her. Or better yet… I wanted to surpass her.
Since I was second-in-command, my garments reflected my rank—distinctive tunics and layers that clearly marked my elevated status among the others. My hair was either braided or partially tied back to keep it from getting in the way during movement, with a personal touch added: the sides were adorned with delicate beads and feathers from the rare Killay bird, a symbol of both grace and silent strength in our forest.
The tunic I wore was fitted close to my chest, reinforced with light leather padding that allowed ease of movement while still offering some protection. Over it, a forest-green sash was fastened across my shoulder, embossed with our clan's crest. Around my waist, a wide belt held small pouches filled with essentials,(herbs, flint, and a compact dagger). My leggings were made from supple, bark-toned leather, flexible yet durable for traversing rough terrain. Knee-high boots completed the look, laced tight with vine-thread and softened at the soles to muffle every step (Perfect for moving swiftly and silently).
Like all elves, I carried our signature bow—elegantly curved and carved from moonwood—along with a quiver of finely fletched arrows slung across my back. A slender dagger rested at my side, sheathed in leather and always within reach for close encounters. These weapons alone were the standard for most of my kin, swift and precise. But I preferred to be prepared for more than one kind of fight. Hidden beneath my cloak, strapped securely across my back, was a third weapon—a sleek, double-pronged spear crafted from ironwood and tipped with silversteel.
All these weapons came at a cost. That being weight. Fret not, for we elves are blessed by the goddess Tiera; each of us gifted with unique abilities woven into our very being. Mine is strength, not just of will, but of body. An unyielding force that let me bear the burden of armor, bow, arrows, dagger, and spear with ease. While others would tire, I moved as though unencumbered. My peers, half in awe and half in jest, dubbed me the Sylvereen Beast. A bit dramatic, perhaps? But not entirely wrong. For in every battle, every march, and every rescue, this strength became my edge, and the blessing that defined my placing.
But that strength wasn't my only gift. I had twelve abilities in total—something only a few in our history had ever possessed. It wasn't something I bragged about, but for my people, it was seen as a blessing, and I did my best to honor that by giving back to those who trusted me.
My second ability was a kind of proximity sensor—an inner warning that pulsed whenever trouble was near or fast approaching. It wasn't perfect, more like a whisper than a shout, and only worked on a small scale, meaning I couldn't sense threats from very far. Still, in tight situations or sudden ambushes, it gave me just enough time to react—and that split second often made all the difference.
I activated my proximity sensor, using it to scan the area for any nearby presence. At first, there was nothing—just the usual quiet hum of the forest. But after a short while, I sensed something. I couldn't tell exactly what it was, but it felt... off. Dangerous, even. Something that demanded my attention.
The presence was close—just a few meters away. I couldn't see it clearly, not with my eyes, so I shut them and focused, letting the sensor guide me. That's when I felt it—on a tree branch, still and silent. It was the form of a man, and it....watched.
But watching what?
I asked myself that question, as my heart began to race.
Then it hit me.
My eyes flew open in alarm. "The younglings!" I shouted.
Without hesitation, my instincts kicked in. I grabbed my bow—already strung and ready—and aimed without a second thought.
PYOU!
The arrow shot through the air, flying straight toward its target.
What should have been a clean shot turned into something entirely unexpected. Somehow, the man sensed the arrow coming. I could feel it in the way he moved, just in time to dodge it.
Impossible, I muttered to myself. I knew I hadn't missed; the shot was too precise.
That could only mean one thing—this entity wasn't an ordinary threat. As I gathered my thoughts, a theory formed in my mind: maybe he had a proximity sensor too. It would explain how he reacted so quickly.
Whatever the case, it was clear now that a direct confrontation was the only way to uncover who, or what, I was really dealing with.
The third ability I used was quickness—a skill that let me boost my speed without draining all of my stamina. With it activated, I closed the distance in a flash and made my landing. There, standing right in front of me, was the entity, face to face at last.
Though, how should I put this—there was no one in front of me. Was I seeing things? That's what it seemed like, but I knew it wasn't the truth. My ability hasn't lied to me yet, and this wasn't one of those. I was sure, that someone, is there— just not visible. I couldn't see, but I could sense movement. Something, or someone, was definitely there.
I stood my ground and spoke, my voice firm and commanding as I projected authority into every word. "You there, hiding in the shadows! You cannot fool me! Show yourself!" I waited, but there was no response. A moment passed, and doubt began to creep in. Was I really losing it? Talking to nothing?
Still, I kept my face composed, refusing to waver. Maybe a proper introduction would do the trick.
"I, Aelira, warrior and protector of the Sylvereen Forest, demand that you reveal yourself—or face the consequences of your actions!" I even reached for my spear from my back and raised forth at the entity. Suffice to say, I was hoping that it would comply.
Then it happened. The invisible presence shifted. I sensed the movement and, despite myself, flinched. The not so visible began to take form, revealing itself piece by piece.
I was right, there was something there. My instincts never lied. But when the entity revealed itself, it surprised me yet again. The way it turned visible was like nothing I'd ever seen before. Its body shimmered (like a static screen), shifting until the figure fully appeared. It resembled neither lizard nor human. Faceless, its skin looked like the night sky, and parts of its body were embedded with metallic elements that glinted faintly of some light emitted within. Whatever this being was, it didn't look alive to me. My best guess.....
....The dead resurrected.