After he bathed and ate breakfast, Grahl and Sylvia left early the next morning, arriving before the great tree in no time at all. Grahl was awed by its majestic presence and spent a few moments admiring it. It’s towering height was certainly a breathtaking sight.

Then, his eyes wandered off and fell upon the battered stump beside the tree. He wasn’t sure why, but when he looked at it, he felt like crying. Without thinking, his feet seemed to lead him toward the battered stump. Grahl’s hand slowly reached out and caressed its scarred and weathered trunk while he closed his eyes and spoke a few words.

“The forest misses you, I can feel it. Please, rest peacefully, knowing that you are still loved.”

Grahl removed his hand from the tree and bowed his head as a show of respect. He could feel the sadness of the trees around him as well as the little nature spirits. Even Sylvia seemed to to have an air of sorrow. While he wanted to ask her why she was sad, Grahl felt that asking her would only make Sylvia remember painful things. Grahlgar might have lacked common sense, but he was very perceptive of others.

Sylvia floated over to Grahl and gave him a hug. She felt that if Melia could hear Grahl’s words, she would have wanted to hug him just like this. After a moment of silence passed she released him from her embrace. Grahl was about to ask Sylvia if they had come here to pay respects to this fallen tree, or perhaps it was something else altogether? While he was sure that it was something important, he couldn’t help but wonder. There weren’t very many times that Sylvia decided to take Grahl somewhere out of his ‘safe zone,’ after all. But before he could ask, the spirit of the great tree materialized from its trunk, wearing a complex expression.

‘Little Grahl is just like you...If she were still here, Melia would have loved him just as she loved you. While I could do nothing to help you then, I will at least continue to look after your descendants now...’

The silhouette of someone from his distant past, began to overlap with the figure of Grahlgar. Arboryth’s eyes became moist, as he seemed to see all the bittersweet memories from days long past. Grahl returned the man’s complex expression with a curious gaze. He wondered who this spirit was and also, why his emotions seemed to be in such disarray. The little ogre walked towards Arboryth, bowed his head, then introduced himself.

“Hello, I’m Grahlgar. It’s nice to meet you...though I feel like we might have met before..?”

Contrary to the reverence that most would show in the presence of this spirit, Grahl seemed to act rather casually. Most might feel an imposing aura from the avatar of the great tree, but Grahlgar felt that he was awfully familiar.

“Ah, we have met, many times in fact. Every tree you see, every plant or blade of grass, they are all connected to me. Though they each have their own consciousness, their collective knowledge and emotions are transmitted to me.”

Of course, his power was not omnipotent. While he could access the collective knowledge and emotions of the forest, using the skill actively for long periods of time would drive even him insane. Still, there was no way he would go at length to explain this to Grahl, at least, not yet. And so, he continued on,

“Therefore, while we haven’t met directly, I can’t help but feel as though I’ve known you since you were an infant.”

“I kind of understand, but at the same time, I don’t…”

“Let’s just say I’ve known about you for a long time, but we’re only meeting now.”

“Okay!”

Grahl easily accepted such a suspicious answer and Sylvia could only shake her head. Was it good, or bad that Grahl could accept things so easily? She didn’t really know.

“I’ll leave Grahl with you for now...but if anything happens to him…”

“Rest assured, I will protect him with my life.”

Grahlgar was confused at why Sylvia took him to see this spirit, then decided to leave so quickly. But, since Sylvia was leaving him with this person, it was certain that they were trustworthy. Grahlgar knew that Sylvia would never entrust him to someone who had the intention of harming him.

“Okay, Sylvia, be safe. I promise to be on my best behavior.”

“Haha, Grahl is always well behaved, so I’m not worried about that. Unfortunately, I won’t be able to pick you up for a while. I need to make an important visit. Remember, just head directly to the east from here to get to Aqua’s, just in case something comes up, alright?”

“Yes, I will, if anything happens.”

“Good. Have fun, Grahl. I’ll see you soon.”

Sylvia left quickly after saying goodbye, leaving Grahlgar alone with the spirit of the great tree. Since Grahl didn’t know this spirit's name, he was sort of at a loss as far as how to address him. He couldn’t think of the right words to use, so he ended up just kind of quietly waiting for the other to say something. Thankfully, they didn’t disappoint.

“Well, I realize that it’s a bit difficult for you to interact with me without knowing my name. Since I’m well aware of your personality, I feel that you are a good child who can be trusted. I hope that you continue to live up to that evaluation. Anyway, my name is Arboryth. If you wanted to, I don’t mind if you called me old man, or even old bastard. I’ve certainly been called a lot worse over the years.”

“Ehh?! That’s terrible, I couldn’t call you that! Hmmm...would it be alright if I called you Grandpa Arbor? But, only if it doesn’t bother you. I would understand if you don’t like it though. I’ve never met my parents or grandparents before, but still I think that it would be nice to have a grandpa, even if we aren’t related by blood.”

This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

Although Grahlgar’s tone was casual, his eyes betrayed his deep sadness. While it was apparent that Grahl loved Aqua, Bahamut, Sylvia and Olivia like his own flesh and blood, it didn’t change the fact that a child would always long for a relationship with their birth parents and grandparents. His current family provided a loving home, but it didn’t change the fact that in his heart of hearts, he wished that his family was complete.

Arboryth, hearing little Grahl’s words, felt a heartwarming feeling that he hadn’t felt in quite a long time.

‘He really is...just like you…’

Arboryth thought to himself before he replied,

“Sure, I don’t mind at all. Someone like me is definitely old enough to be called grandpa, that’s for sure.”

“Heheh, thanks, Grandpa Arbor.”

“It’s nothing worth thanking me for.”

Arboryth smiled and then waved his hand, producing chairs made of wood. There was a larger chair for Grahl and a slightly smaller chair for Arboryth. The great tree spirit gestured for Grahlgar to sit before taking a seat himself. With the both of them seated, a giant flower bud sprouted from the ground, then bloomed into a table. On this table, there was a large pitcher filled with fruit juice, two cups, one a bit larger, the other smaller. There was also a large pile of various fruits and nuts, each one nourished with the richest and purest mana. Arboryth filled a cup of juice for Grahl and the other for himself. After making sure that everything was in place, Arboryth’s leisurely demeanor quickly turned into a solemn one. He looked at Grahl seriously, then spoke,

“Grahlgar, the reason why Sylvia brought you here today, is so that I could take you as a disciple. However, I want you to realize the things that becoming a disciple entails before you decide to refuse or accept. After becoming my disciple, most of your education from that point on will come from me. For instance, the basic knowledge of the world; its inhabitants, its history, its languages, you will learn all of it. I will also teach you about human society and what it’s like beyond the forest, for humans and for those like us. Of course you can still learn things from Aqua, Sylvia or Olivia, it’s fine to train with them as well. Then, I’ll teach you a bit more about the forest, along with spirits and the role that we play in this place. Finally, I will teach you life skills. While your caretakers have done...adequately thus far, we can’t have you eating nothing but roasted meat and wearing nothing but loincloths for your entire life. That needs to change.”

“Are there any conditions you want me to agree to?”

“My, my, how shrewd you are for a child of your age. Yes, there are two conditions. First, you need to learn earnestly. If you take these lessons half-heartedly there’s no point in showing up. Second, work hard. Even if you don’t understand things, put in an effort to try and understand. I will never fault you for doing your utmost. So long as you do those two things, I would gladly accept you as my disciple.”

While some of the words that Grandpa Arbor used went over his head, he understood the heart of it. Still he was curious.

“Um, what’s the difference between being your student and being your disciple?”

“If you were my student, I would only casually teach you some things. If you were my disciple, I would teach you with all my heart and soul; I would pass on as much knowledge as I can to you.”

“I’ve made my decision then.”

“Oh?”

“I want to be your disciple! Uh...would it still be okay if I called you Grandpa Arbor though?”

“Of course. It’s quite nice to be called that.”

“Okay, so Grandpa Arbor, I have a question to ask.”

“Go ahead.”

“Are there any other spirits like you, Aqua, Sylvia and Olivia? If there are, where are they?”

“There is only one more spirit like us and he’s a bit of a recluse. Ah, that means that he is someone who likes to be left alone.”

Arboryth tacked on that last part because of the confused look in Grahl’s eyes. From now on, Arboryth would make an effort to expand Grahl’s vocabulary, but not just in one language. Thinking on it now, there was so much for him to teach and so much for Grahl to learn. Arboryth wondered just how much Grahl would be able to absorb in their time together. While five or ten years wasn’t a short amount of time for mortals, it certainly wasn’t very long either. The years will pass quickly for those living fully.

“That spirit is a great spirit of fire, so he lives at the southernmost part of the forest, deep underground within a large lake of magma. A perfect place to hide, for someone who doesn’t like to be bothered.”

“Will I be able to meet him someday?”

“Surely. Although he doesn’t like uninvited guests, I’m sure that he wouldn’t mind having you come over for a visit.”

“How do you know that?”

“The little fire spirits that follow you around. Just as the wind spirits can communicate with Sylvia, the fire spirits can communicate with that one as well. With the amount of time those children have spent with you, that one is probably well aware of your character. Worry not, in time, I’m sure he will seek you out himself.”

“Okay, I’ll wait for that time to come.”

Grahl was already interested in learning more about the spirits. Since Aqua, Sylvia and Olivia, all seemed to be troubled speaking about their pasts, Grahl had never learned much about them besides their affection for him. Learning more from Arboryth might help him to understand a way to help the three of his loved ones cope with their troubled history.

“Alright, little Grahl, it’s about time for you to head back.”

“Eh, already? Really?”

Grahl said after stuffing his face with various fruits and sloshing it all down with a gulp of juice.

“Yes. The only thing you were brought here for today was to either refuse or accept becoming my disciple. Since you’ve accepted, now you should go back and let the others know. You can come back tomorrow morning after you eat your breakfast.”

“Haah, but I really wanted to listen to more of what you had to say...please Grandpa Arbor?”

One would be hardpressed to say if he wanted to stay for the lesson, or the food.

Arboryth was about to acquiesce but suddenly, his cheerful mood vanished. He had split parts of his consciousness to monitor certain areas of the forest. Mainly the areas most frequented by Grahl. In the southern part of the forest, Arboryth could tell from the grass and trees in the south that something bad was happening.

“Grahl, the goblin twins are being chased by a band of rogue orcs. One of them appears to be injured--”

“Where are they?!”

“An area northeast of their burrows, I’ll have the spirits guide you there, now go!”

Before Arboryth could say anymore, Grahl had already shot off into the distance like an arrow from the gods. Watching him depart, Arboryth regretted not being able to follow Grahlgar to assist him. The most he could do was guide him to the twins’ location. He wished that he had power to spare, but with the seal weakening, he could not leave this place freely. Even Aqua couldn’t afford to move very far from the lake anymore. Only Sylvia, who embodied the wind, was free to come and go. Yet of all times, she was unable to help Grahl during one of the times that he needed it most. Arboryth sighed. The only other thing he could do besides guide Grahl, was pray.

“Haah, Sylvia...I’m sorry. The first day you leave him with me, something like this happens and I’m powerless to help. It seems to be the story of my life...I simply hope that he makes it in time and that nothing happens to him.”