Chapter 16
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The wind is picking up. Clouds gather at the far end of the horizon and one can guess that soon a storm will hit the forest. In the middle of a clearing in the center of a forest a giant tree rests. Its roots extend deep into the ground. Its network covers over half of the forest.
In the distance thunder roars and lightning strikes the ground. Rain starts to pour but the clearing is silent. The tranquil mood, present near the tree, suffocates the noises.
Up, on one of the branches, a small girl is peacefully sleeping. A small squirrel is curled up in her lap, slowly breathing in and out creating a fantastic picture. The body of the girl is covered in leaves and vines, creating a warm bed for them to rest in. Despite the storm now howling over the forest, the clearing is completely silent. The tree protecting its surrounding from anything harmful.
All over the forest trees are uprooted. Tossing and smashing into its surroundings. Animals and beasts alike are squashed and flattened, scattering to search for shelter. Only the peak beasts disregard the storm. Their immediate surroundings are safe and protected. Including their descendants.
A few hundred meters away from the clearing a small group of humans is fighting their way through the storm, on the search for shelter.
"ARE YOU SURE?! WE CANNOT GUARANTEE THAT WE ARE ALLOWED IN!"
"WE HAVE NO CHOICE!"
"THE BOSS IS RIGHT! WHERE ELSE SHOULD WE GO?"
"...ARGH FUCK! I KNOW! Let's...JUST HURRY!"
"..."
"YOU COULD COMMENT, LAR'GE!"
"..."
Sprinting through the underwood of the forest are familiar faces. The group of mercenaries from the human settlement has made their way into the forest. Surprised by the sudden storm they were unable to find a cave or another shelter. Without any further Ideas, their leader took course towards the clearing.
"TRUST ME! IT WILL NOT SEND US OUT! OTHER GROUPS WERE LUCKY AND ALLOWED TO STAY!"
"AND OTHERS WERE KICKED OUT, DANIEL!"
"OH, WILL YOU SHUT YOUR MOUTH! WHAT ELSE ARE WE SUPPOSED TO DO?!"
"...SORRY!"
"JUST RUN!"
Covering a few hundred meters through the storm-stricken forest they slowly approach the clearing.
On the way Daniel and Lar'ge use their big bodies, 190 and 210 cm respectively, to shield the group from flying splinters as well as stones and other debris.
A few tens of meters away from the clearing they meet a wall of vines and leaves. Small gaps in the wall allow the mercenaries to catch a view of the interior. Warm light covers the interior. The sun shines and leaves dance in the calm breeze. A true paradise admits the storm.
Slowly Daniel steps forward and touche the vines. A warm current spreads towards his hand.
"We would like to seek shelter from the storm. We will immediately leave after the storm subsided. We do not wish to disturb your peace and will not destroy or kill inside your territory. We swear upon our core."
Saying so a light covers their bodies and they repeat their pledge. Slowly the current retreats and gathers into the wall.
Minutes pass and the storm whips their bodies. Jack slowly gets annoyed.
"I knew this stupid tree wouldn't allow us entry. We should have searched for a cave."
"Shut your mouth! How often have I tol.."
Without being able to finish his sentence Daniel sees a vine lash out and strike Jacks torso. Being whipped he flies for a few meters until he hits a tree. The vine imposingly remains in the air and scans them as if observing them. After a few seconds, it merges with the wall and a gateway made of branches, vines and leaves appear. Decorated with flowers the gateway resembles the door to the paradise.
The group hurries and picks up Jack. Checking his chest he only has a bruise. The vine did not want to deal any significant damage.
Throwing him a rather angry look, the group slowly makes their way into the shelter and moves towards the tree. A few meters from the tree a small hill made of fruits and a pond filled with crystal clear water awaits the tired and exhausted group. Turning to Jack, Emma gives him a deathly glare.
"If you had angered the tree, I would have castrated you for real."
Sweating Jack turns to Lar'ge only to receive an uninterested glance telling him to deal with it.
"Come on, Emma. You know me. I didn't mean it."
"If you don't mean it, then don't say it." refutes Daniel.
"Thank you very much for sheltering us. I would like to apologize for my companions rude behavior." bowing towards the tree Daniel straightens his back and moves towards the fruits. Grabbing one of them he inspects it.
"We are lucky. These fruits have a bit of essence. I guess they must have fallen off the tree. Probably a few days ago."
Excitement spreads through the group. Even the introverted Lar'ge changes his facial expression.
The shameless Jack instantly falls on his knees and kowtows towards the tree
"Thank you very much for your grace!"
Hurrying to his feet he runs to the hill and grabs a fruit. Biting into it a sweet taste spreads through his mouth and a tiny amount of energy gathers in his core.
"Haaaaa. So goood."
Seeing the shameless behavior of their companion his teammates are disturbed. Even the tree seems to spread an aura of disdain.
"Please remind me again. Why is he our teammate?" speechless Emma is holding her head and asking Daniel.
"I guess...he's good at finding traps?" Daniel himself is unclear about how to answer.
A rough voice resounds.
"He's good at his job and in desperate times he will not abandon the team."
Lar'ge turns his head towards Emma and motions for them to move towards the fruits.
Following Lar'ge they walk towards Jack and each grab a fruit to eat. Sitting down they eat in silence and enjoy the small benefits. Inspecting their surroundings they notice the bones and tattered clothes below the tree.
"I guess those are the idiots who tried to attack the tree after being allowed in. Take a good look, Jack. Next time you should keep your mouth closed."
Laughing the group looks at Jack and sees the black lines running down his face.
"Ha ha ha. The next time you can try baiting those beasts. Let's see how you do that."
Throwing a fruit into the air he opens his mouth and tries to catch it.
Instantly a shadow streaks across the air and startles the group. The shadow catches the fruit and turns in the air landing near the tree. Devouring the fruit the small creature seems dissatisfied with it and spits it towards the startled group.
Looking towards the group they stare at it making it retreat a few steps. Jack breaks out of his stupor and screams towards the animal.
"EYYY. That's my fruit!"
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The wind is picking up. Clouds gather at the far end of the horizon and one can guess that soon a storm will hit the forest. In the middle of a clearing in the center of a forest a giant tree rests. Its roots extend deep into the ground. Its network covers over half of the forest.
In the distance thunder roars and lightning strikes the ground. Rain starts to pour but the clearing is silent. The tranquil mood, present near the tree, suffocates the noises.
Up, on one of the branches, a small girl is peacefully sleeping. A small squirrel is curled up in her lap, slowly breathing in and out creating a fantastic picture. The body of the girl is covered in leaves and vines, creating a warm bed for them to rest in. Despite the storm now howling over the forest, the clearing is completely silent. The tree protecting its surrounding from anything harmful.
All over the forest trees are uprooted. Tossing and smashing into its surroundings. Animals and beasts alike are squashed and flattened, scattering to search for shelter. Only the peak beasts disregard the storm. Their immediate surroundings are safe and protected. Including their descendants.
A few hundred meters away from the clearing a small group of humans is fighting their way through the storm, on the search for shelter.
"ARE YOU SURE?! WE CANNOT GUARANTEE THAT WE ARE ALLOWED IN!"
"WE HAVE NO CHOICE!"
"THE BOSS IS RIGHT! WHERE ELSE SHOULD WE GO?"
"...ARGH FUCK! I KNOW! Let's...JUST HURRY!"
"..."
"YOU COULD COMMENT, LAR'GE!"
"..."
Sprinting through the underwood of the forest are familiar faces. The group of mercenaries from the human settlement has made their way into the forest. Surprised by the sudden storm they were unable to find a cave or another shelter. Without any further Ideas, their leader took course towards the clearing.
"TRUST ME! IT WILL NOT SEND US OUT! OTHER GROUPS WERE LUCKY AND ALLOWED TO STAY!"
"AND OTHERS WERE KICKED OUT, DANIEL!"
"OH, WILL YOU SHUT YOUR MOUTH! WHAT ELSE ARE WE SUPPOSED TO DO?!"
"...SORRY!"
"JUST RUN!"
Covering a few hundred meters through the storm-stricken forest they slowly approach the clearing.
On the way Daniel and Lar'ge use their big bodies, 190 and 210 cm respectively, to shield the group from flying splinters as well as stones and other debris.
A few tens of meters away from the clearing they meet a wall of vines and leaves. Small gaps in the wall allow the mercenaries to catch a view of the interior. Warm light covers the interior. The sun shines and leaves dance in the calm breeze. A true paradise admits the storm.
Slowly Daniel steps forward and touche the vines. A warm current spreads towards his hand.
"We would like to seek shelter from the storm. We will immediately leave after the storm subsided. We do not wish to disturb your peace and will not destroy or kill inside your territory. We swear upon our core."
Saying so a light covers their bodies and they repeat their pledge. Slowly the current retreats and gathers into the wall.
Minutes pass and the storm whips their bodies. Jack slowly gets annoyed.
"I knew this stupid tree wouldn't allow us entry. We should have searched for a cave."
"Shut your mouth! How often have I tol.."
Without being able to finish his sentence Daniel sees a vine lash out and strike Jacks torso. Being whipped he flies for a few meters until he hits a tree. The vine imposingly remains in the air and scans them as if observing them. After a few seconds, it merges with the wall and a gateway made of branches, vines and leaves appear. Decorated with flowers the gateway resembles the door to the paradise.
The group hurries and picks up Jack. Checking his chest he only has a bruise. The vine did not want to deal any significant damage.
Throwing him a rather angry look, the group slowly makes their way into the shelter and moves towards the tree. A few meters from the tree a small hill made of fruits and a pond filled with crystal clear water awaits the tired and exhausted group. Turning to Jack, Emma gives him a deathly glare.
"If you had angered the tree, I would have castrated you for real."
Sweating Jack turns to Lar'ge only to receive an uninterested glance telling him to deal with it.
"Come on, Emma. You know me. I didn't mean it."
"If you don't mean it, then don't say it." refutes Daniel.
"Thank you very much for sheltering us. I would like to apologize for my companions rude behavior." bowing towards the tree Daniel straightens his back and moves towards the fruits. Grabbing one of them he inspects it.
"We are lucky. These fruits have a bit of essence. I guess they must have fallen off the tree. Probably a few days ago."
Excitement spreads through the group. Even the introverted Lar'ge changes his facial expression.
The shameless Jack instantly falls on his knees and kowtows towards the tree
"Thank you very much for your grace!"
Hurrying to his feet he runs to the hill and grabs a fruit. Biting into it a sweet taste spreads through his mouth and a tiny amount of energy gathers in his core.
"Haaaaa. So goood."
Seeing the shameless behavior of their companion his teammates are disturbed. Even the tree seems to spread an aura of disdain.
"Please remind me again. Why is he our teammate?" speechless Emma is holding her head and asking Daniel.
"I guess...he's good at finding traps?" Daniel himself is unclear about how to answer.
A rough voice resounds.
"He's good at his job and in desperate times he will not abandon the team."
Lar'ge turns his head towards Emma and motions for them to move towards the fruits.
Following Lar'ge they walk towards Jack and each grab a fruit to eat. Sitting down they eat in silence and enjoy the small benefits. Inspecting their surroundings they notice the bones and tattered clothes below the tree.
"I guess those are the idiots who tried to attack the tree after being allowed in. Take a good look, Jack. Next time you should keep your mouth closed."
Laughing the group looks at Jack and sees the black lines running down his face.
"Ha ha ha. The next time you can try baiting those beasts. Let's see how you do that."
Throwing a fruit into the air he opens his mouth and tries to catch it.
Instantly a shadow streaks across the air and startles the group. The shadow catches the fruit and turns in the air landing near the tree. Devouring the fruit the small creature seems dissatisfied with it and spits it towards the startled group.
Looking towards the group they stare at it making it retreat a few steps. Jack breaks out of his stupor and screams towards the animal.
"EYYY. That's my fruit!"
The wind is picking up. Clouds gather at the far end of the horizon and one can guess that soon a storm will hit the forest. In the middle of a clearing in the center of a forest a giant tree rests. Its roots extend deep into the ground. Its network covers over half of the forest.In the distance thunder roars and lightning strikes the ground. Rain starts to pour but the clearing is silent. The tranquil mood, present near the tree, suffocates the noises.Up, on one of the branches, a small girl is peacefully sleeping. A small squirrel is curled up in her lap, slowly breathing in and out creating a fantastic picture. The body of the girl is covered in leaves and vines, creating a warm bed for them to rest in. Despite the storm now howling over the forest, the clearing is completely silent. The tree protecting its surrounding from anything harmful.All over the forest trees are uprooted. Tossing and smashing into its surroundings. Animals and beasts alike are squashed and flattened, scattering to search for shelter. Only the peak beasts disregard the storm. Their immediate surroundings are safe and protected. Including their descendants.A few hundred meters away from the clearing a small group of humans is fighting their way through the storm, on the search for shelter."ARE YOU SURE?! WE CANNOT GUARANTEE THAT WE ARE ALLOWED IN!""WE HAVE NO CHOICE!""THE BOSS IS RIGHT! WHERE ELSE SHOULD WE GO?""...ARGH FUCK! I KNOW! Let's...JUST HURRY!""...""YOU COULD COMMENT, LAR'GE!""..."Sprinting through the underwood of the forest are familiar faces. The group of mercenaries from the human settlement has made their way into the forest. Surprised by the sudden storm they were unable to find a cave or another shelter. Without any further Ideas, their leader took course towards the clearing."TRUST ME! IT WILL NOT SEND US OUT! OTHER GROUPS WERE LUCKY AND ALLOWED TO STAY!""AND OTHERS WERE KICKED OUT, DANIEL!""OH, WILL YOU SHUT YOUR MOUTH! WHAT ELSE ARE WE SUPPOSED TO DO?!""...SORRY!""JUST RUN!"Covering a few hundred meters through the storm-stricken forest they slowly approach the clearing.On the way Daniel and Lar'ge use their big bodies, 190 and 210 cm respectively, to shield the group from flying splinters as well as stones and other debris.A few tens of meters away from the clearing they meet a wall of vines and leaves. Small gaps in the wall allow the mercenaries to catch a view of the interior. Warm light covers the interior. The sun shines and leaves dance in the calm breeze. A true paradise admits the storm.Slowly Daniel steps forward and touche the vines. A warm current spreads towards his hand."We would like to seek shelter from the storm. We will immediately leave after the storm subsided. We do not wish to disturb your peace and will not destroy or kill inside your territory. We swear upon our core."Saying so a light covers their bodies and they repeat their pledge. Slowly the current retreats and gathers into the wall.Minutes pass and the storm whips their bodies. Jack slowly gets annoyed."I knew this stupid tree wouldn't allow us entry. We should have searched for a cave.""Shut your mouth! How often have I tol.."Without being able to finish his sentence Daniel sees a vine lash out and strike Jacks torso. Being whipped he flies for a few meters until he hits a tree. The vine imposingly remains in the air and scans them as if observing them. After a few seconds, it merges with the wall and a gateway made of branches, vines and leaves appear. Decorated with flowers the gateway resembles the door to the paradise.The group hurries and picks up Jack. Checking his chest he only has a bruise. The vine did not want to deal any significant damage.Throwing him a rather angry look, the group slowly makes their way into the shelter and moves towards the tree. A few meters from the tree a small hill made of fruits and a pond filled with crystal clear water awaits the tired and exhausted group. Turning to Jack, Emma gives him a deathly glare."If you had angered the tree, I would have castrated you for real."Sweating Jack turns to Lar'ge only to receive an uninterested glance telling him to deal with it."Come on, Emma. You know me. I didn't mean it.""If you don't mean it, then don't say it." refutes Daniel."Thank you very much for sheltering us. I would like to apologize for my companions rude behavior." bowing towards the tree Daniel straightens his back and moves towards the fruits. Grabbing one of them he inspects it."We are lucky. These fruits have a bit of essence. I guess they must have fallen off the tree. Probably a few days ago."Excitement spreads through the group. Even the introverted Lar'ge changes his facial expression.The shameless Jack instantly falls on his knees and kowtows towards the tree"Thank you very much for your grace!"Hurrying to his feet he runs to the hill and grabs a fruit. Biting into it a sweet taste spreads through his mouth and a tiny amount of energy gathers in his core."Haaaaa. So goood."Seeing the shameless behavior of their companion his teammates are disturbed. Even the tree seems to spread an aura of disdain."Please remind me again. Why is he our teammate?" speechless Emma is holding her head and asking Daniel."I guess...he's good at finding traps?" Daniel himself is unclear about how to answer.A rough voice resounds."He's good at his job and in desperate times he will not abandon the team."Lar'ge turns his head towards Emma and motions for them to move towards the fruits.Following Lar'ge they walk towards Jack and each grab a fruit to eat. Sitting down they eat in silence and enjoy the small benefits. Inspecting their surroundings they notice the bones and tattered clothes below the tree."I guess those are the idiots who tried to attack the tree after being allowed in. Take a good look, Jack. Next time you should keep your mouth closed."Laughing the group looks at Jack and sees the black lines running down his face."Ha ha ha. The next time you can try baiting those beasts. Let's see how you do that."Throwing a fruit into the air he opens his mouth and tries to catch it.Instantly a shadow streaks across the air and startles the group. The shadow catches the fruit and turns in the air landing near the tree. Devouring the fruit the small creature seems dissatisfied with it and spits it towards the startled group.Looking towards the group they stare at it making it retreat a few steps. Jack breaks out of his stupor and screams towards the animal."EYYY. That's my fruit!"
