Boy, the Hinterlands are no place for one of your level. A Gold-Ranked [Adventurer] hesitates to tarry too far west in the [Sovereign]'s land, but you and your friends judge yourselves able? Pah. It'd be a week before you all stumble to the domain of some primeval creature. Pray they would only kill you, boy... There are those with abilities far more torturous than mere death.

-Alastair Stormwell to his grandson, recorded 412 A.S.

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Kaitiaki looked over her charge as she carried him limply on her shoulders, desperation and despair building equally in her heart. She knew it was very likely he would die before she could find aid, but it didn't matter. Her oath to protect him aside, the guilt of her failure was what pushed her forward. Never had she paid such a terrible price for her arrogance.

As the sun's light faded past the horizon, Kaitiaki struggled onward through the dense woodland. Moving carefully to keep the bulk of her ward from further damage, she fought through the untamed greenery of her surroundings. Her shame burned through her veins, as she forced one foot in front of the other.

Her will against her doubt.

Her hope against her fear.

Wishing for fate's kindness.

Searching for salvation.

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Adam gasped, barely able to think through the pounding in his skull. This was worse than any headache or migraine he had ever experienced, his every thought only brought greater pain. It radiated through every nerve in his body, making him clench every muscle to keep him from screaming his suffering to the world.

Curling himself into a ball, Adam felt a grip on his shoulder. Ravaged by the pain and unable to move, he could barely hear the soft song-like chanting filling the area as an unnatural calm settled into his mind. It neatly detached Adam from his pain, numbing his mind to the agony. Relief washed over him as the pain slowly abated. After several minutes adjusting to the aching, Adam relaxed, uncurling to take in his surroundings.

His first sight was the ceiling, a weave of branches and leaves artfully intertwining, with a large opening in the corner letting in light from above. The leaves were almost comically oversized, seeming to softly glow green in the more shaded space.

Stolen novel; please report.

The second was the figure sitting next to him, her hand steadying his shoulder. Her worry was clear on her face, but as he met her eyes, her distress only fueled Adam's growing confusion. He was certain he had never met her at any point in his life.

Her eyes were distinctive, one the color of polished brass, and the other appearing a bright blue-green. They seemed to glow in the shaded room, reflecting some of the light from the leaves above. Her hair was short and wildy spread, with two shortened braids hanging to keep the hair from her face.

As their gazes met, she searched his face for any sign of recognition. The woman noticed his confusion, and lightly pushed Adam to lay back as she turned to address the shape standing on the foot of the bed.

"You said he'd be different, but I don't think he knows me at all! You're sure he'll be okay?"

As Adam looked for who she was speaking to, he was shocked to see the form of an owl sitting on the bed. The owl was large and thick-bodied, with a pair of feathered tufts on its head. The feathers of its body were a mottled grey-brown, but its face held shades of red with a patch of white by its throat. Its eyes were closed as its head turned to face the woman.

There was little left of his mind when you brought him here, Kaitiaki. What little remains will be scattered memories, as well as his body's instincts. You would do well to treat him like a different person. He will never be the same.

The voice echoed through Adam's mind, though he was certain he had heard no sound. It was like one of his own thoughts, though it carried a different tone.

Adam tried to sit up, but the woman was stronger than she looked, easily keeping his back against the bed.

"What..." He rasped, feeling the dryness in his throat and mouth. "What's happening? Where am I?" 

The woman, Kaitiaki, turned back to him, pulling out a waterskin and offering it as she replied softly. She lifted him up as he started to drink.

"We're safe, Adam. Here, drink small sips. Take it slow, don't want you coughin'. We're in the Hinterlands, somewhere in Wild Woods if I had to guess. These owl-folk found us. They're pretty decent, creepy mind-speakin' magic aside."

Adam followed her advice as he drank, feeling reinvigorated as the strange-tasting water refreshed him. The rest of her words only strengthened his confusion, before freezing him in shock. A thousand questions spun through his head.

"Where's.... wait, magic? How do you know me? I was just at home, but now..."

Once more, a strange voice filled his mind.

I apologize, Adam Sherwood. This is not the life, nor the world you know. Some aspects you may find rather similar, but many will appear completely alien. Including, yes, magic. Know this was not done without reason, Adam. This traversal, this merge... was done because you are needed.