The sun was just beginning to set, casting long shadows through the ancient forest. The air was filled with the scent of pine and damp earth, a symphony of bird songs echoing through the trees. Ebonheim and Ivera stood before the colossal form of Elmsworth, the ancient Ent who served as the guardian of the forest. His bark-like skin was dappled with the golden light filtering through the canopy above, and his eyes glowed with a soft, green light.

"Ebonheim," he rumbled, his voice echoing through the trees. "You have done well. The forest sings with joy, and the corruption has been purged. For this, you have my thanks."

Ebonheim beamed, her golden eyes sparkling with pride. "It was the least I could do as your neighbor," she said. "My village has a saying: 'A friend in need, a friend indeed.'"

Elmsworth's eyes, two glowing orbs of green light, bore into her. "Indeed, you have," he rumbled. "You have proven yourself to be a goddess of your word, Ebonheim."

Ebonheim smiled and placed her hands behind her as she looked up at him with while doing her best impression of a cute puppy expecting a treat. "I'm glad to hear you say that. So, about that road..."

Elmsworth let out a low chuckle, a sound like the rumble of distant thunder. "Impatient as ever, I see," he said, a note of amusement in his voice. "Very well. You may build your road through my domain."

Ebonheim's eyes widened, a grin spreading across her face. "Really?" she exclaimed, unable to contain her excitement. She let out a whoop of joy, her iridescent hair shimmering as she spun around. "Thank you, Elmsworth! Thank you, thank you!"

Elmsworth raised a massive hand, silencing her. "However," he continued, his voice stern, "there are conditions. You must respect my domain and its inhabitants. Any harm caused by those who travel your road will be your responsibility."

Ebonheim nodded. That seemed like a fair enough condition. "I understand, Elmsworth. I promise to uphold my end of the agreement."

"Good," Elmsworth rumbled, his eyes softening. "Then we have an understanding."

Her eyes sparkling with joy, she turned to Ivera who was floating nearby. "Did you hear that?" Ebonheim exclaimed. "I can build my road!"

Ivera rolled her eyes, a smirk playing on her lips. "We heard, Ebonheim," she said, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "It's not like Elmsworth's voice is quiet or anything."

Ebonheim stuck her tongue out at Ivera, causing the sprite to laugh. "Oh, hush, you," she said, her eyes twinkling with mirth. "This is a big deal!"

The Ent's gaze shifted to Ivera, who stood a little way off, her arms crossed over her chest. "And you, Ivera," he rumbled, "you have also played a part in this. Your guidance and wisdom have been invaluable."

Ivera's lips curled into a small smile, her icy blue eyes twinkling. "I merely offered advice," she said, her voice cool and calm. "Ebonheim did all the hard work."

Ebonheim shot Ivera a playful glare. "Oh, don't be so modest, Ivera," she chided, her tone light. "You were a big help, whether you admit it or not."

Ivera rolled her eyes but said nothing, a faint blush coloring her cheeks.

As they spoke, a soft rustling sound echoed through the forest, and Aelindra, the dryad, emerged from the trees. Her green eyes were bright, her skin glowing with a newfound vitality. She moved with a grace that was captivating, her every step in harmony with the rhythm of the forest.

Elmsworth's gaze then turned to Aelindra. "And you, Aelindra," he said, his voice softening, "you have endured much. Your strength and resilience are commendable."

Aelindra bowed her head, her hands clasped before her. "Thank you, Elmsworth," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I am just grateful to be free of the corruption."

She then stepped forward, her eyes meeting Ebonheim's. "Ebonheim," she said, her voice soft, "I... I wanted to thank you. For everything. You've saved not just me, but the entire grove."

Ebonheim smiled, reaching out to gently touch Aelindra's arm. "I'm just glad I could help, Aelindra. And I'm glad to see you're doing well."

Elmsworth made a sound as if clearing his throat, drawing their attention. "As touching as this is, there is still one matter that remains unresolved."

Ebonheim turned to face him, her brow furrowing. "What's that, Elmsworth?"

Elmsworth's eyes narrowed, his gaze turning to Aelindra. "The device that was embedded in you," he said, his voice grave. "How did it come to be there?"

Aelindra's expression darkened, her gaze dropping to the ground. "I... I'm not sure," she admitted. "I remember a group of humans came to the grove. They were different, not like the villagers from Ebonheim's domain. They wore strange clothes and carried odd devices. They... they did something to me. I've no memory of what happened afterward. When I woke up, I was in Ebonheim's arms."

Ebonheim glanced between Aelindra and Elmsworth. This wasn't good news.

"And these humans," Elmsworth continued gravely, his voice grim, "do you recall anything about them? Their faces, their names...?"

This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.

Aelindra shook her head. "No, I'm sorry. I wish I could tell you more."

Elmsworth frowned, the corners of his mouth pulling downward. "That's unfortunate," he said after a moment.

"When did all this happen?" Ebonheim asked.

Elmsworth turned to face her. "Four seasons ago was when I noticed the taint on the grove."

"Did you sense any intrusion in your domain during that time?" Ebonheim pressed.

Elmsworth gave a slow shake of his head. "Nothing," he said softly, his expression darkening further. "My senses are limited, unlike those of a god. Unless an event causes a great disturbance, the passing of mortal creatures through my forest goes unnoticed."

Ebonheim frowned as she considered this. It seemed like a dead end for now. Perhaps they'd find a lead somewhere else?

Aelindra placed her hands over her chest where the device had been embedded. "Do you think they'll come back?" she asked quietly.

"We cannot rule out that possibility," Elmsworth said slowly, his gaze drifting back to Aelindra. "But I will make certain precautions are taken should any inkling arise. You should do well to do the same for your domain, Ebonheim."

Ebonheim nodded, then glanced at Ivera. "Ivera?" she asked. "Have you any thoughts about all this?"

Ivera shook her head, her eyes narrowing in thought. "Not sure," she said, "the only strange thing I've seen recently was a human riding on top of his mechanical spider. He travels through the forest once in a while, but I've kept a close eye on him and I haven't seen him do anything suspicious."

She must be talking about Roderick. "I know of him," Ebonheim said. "His name is Roderick and he's a traveling merchant that passes through my village. I don't think he's involved but I could ask him about the device the next time he comes over."

Elmsworth inclined his head. "That would be wise. But for now, I believe our discussion has reached its conclusion. I will leave you to your duties, Ebonheim."

"Thank you, Elmsworth. And I will be sure to keep an eye out."

Elmsworth nodded, giving a brief bow before he turned to walk away, his lumbering footsteps soon faded into the forest. Aelindra followed suit after thanking her one last time, leaving Ebonheim and Ivera alone.

As soon as they were gone, Ebonheim turned to Ivera, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Hey! Want to watch me build my road?"

Ivera blinked at her. "What?" she asked, confused. "You want me to come along with you?"

Ebonheim grinned. "Of course. I'll get bored otherwise."

Ivera rolled her eyes, shaking her head. "Sure, sure. Let's go then."

----------------------------------------

The sun was just beginning to peek over the horizon, casting a warm, golden glow over the forest as Ebonheim and Ivera set off. The air was crisp and cool, filled with the sweet scent of dew-kissed leaves and the gentle rustling of the trees. Ebonheim's hands glowed with a soft, green light as she gently coaxed the earth and trees to make way for the road, her movements graceful and precise.

Ivera fluttered around her, her tiny wings leaving a trail of sparkling dust in her wake. Her voice was soft and melodic, a stark contrast to Ebonheim's bold and boisterous tone.

"Are you sure this is the right way, Ebonheim?" Ivera asked, her tiny brow furrowed in concern. "The forest is dense here, and the trees are old and strong. It won't be easy to convince them to move."

Ebonheim chuckled, her golden eyes twinkling with amusement. "I've been told that nothing worthwhile is ever easy. But don't worry, I've got this."

She raised her hands, her fingers tracing intricate patterns in the air. The ground beneath them trembled, and the trees slowly began to part, their branches swaying and twisting out of the path's way.

Ivera let out a low whistle, her eyes widening. "That's impressive."

Ebonheim gave her a pleased smile. "You haven't seen anything yet. I've got a lot more tricks up my sleeve."

As they worked, the two of them shared stories and laughter, their bond growing stronger with each passing day. Ebonheim used her powers to shape the land while Ivera provided moral support and occasional commentary. They laughed and chatted, their voices echoing through the forest.

She found herself growing fond of the sprite, her cheerful disposition and playful teases were a welcome presence in the often lonely task of road-building.

As time passed, the road grew longer, winding its way through the dense forest and towards the western entrance of the valley. Ebonheim's enthusiasm never waned, her laughter echoing through the valley as she worked.

Finally, after a couple more days of hard work, they reached the western entrance of the valley. Ebonheim stood at the edge of the forest, her eyes wide with awe as she took in the sight before her.

The valley opened up into vast open plains, rolling hills stretching out as far as the eye could see. A few scattered trees dotted the landscape here and there, their branches swaying gently in the breeze. The sky above was a brilliant blue, unmarred by clouds, and the sun shone brightly, casting a warm glow over the landscape. A cool breeze wafted through the valley, carrying with it the scent of meadows and flowers.

As she stood there, looking out over the vast expanse of land, Ebonheim felt a sense of accomplishment wash over her. Her first task was done. She had built a road through the forest in hopes of connecting her village to the outside world.

But as she looked out over the plains, a sense of uncertainty crept in. What would this new connection bring? Would it bring prosperity and new opportunities for her village, as she hoped? Or would it bring unforeseen challenges and dangers?

She shook her head, dispelling the doubts. She had to believe that this was the right path, for her and for her village.

Ivera fluttered in front of Ebonheim. "What are you thinking about?" she asked curiously.

Ebonheim gave the sprite a warm smile. "Nothing," she said, returning her gaze to the plains. "I'm just glad we've made progress."

"So, what's the plan from here?" Ivera asked.

Ebonheim gave a thoughtful frown before looking back at Ivera with a big smile on her face. "Wanna visit my village?"

Ivera cocked her head to one side, her tiny eyes sparkling in curiosity. "Your village?" she asked. "Is there anything interesting there besides more humans?"

Ebonheim laughed. "Of course there is. There are a lot of interesting things in my village. While we're there, you could also talk with our druids, I'm sure they'd love to meet you," she said with a wink. "Come on. Let's go."

"Alright, alright," Ivera said, her wings fluttering as she flew beside Ebonheim. "I'll at least humor your wishes some more as thanks for all the work you've done saving Aelindra."