As dawn broke over the forest, Felix stirred from sleep, the world around him bathed in soft, misty light. The embers of last night’s fire glowed faintly, and beside him, Eryndor sat cross-legged, his eyes closed in meditation. Felix hadn’t expected to sleep so well out here, but something about Eryndor’s calm presence and the quiet protection of the forest made him feel more secure.

The previous day’s encounter with the Kroven had shaken him, but Eryndor’s guidance—and the Sylvari’s easy mastery over mana—had shown Felix what was possible. He was starting to understand that his journey was as much about patience and respect as it was about skill.

As Felix adjusted his pack and gathered his things, Eryndor opened his eyes, regarding him with a faint smile. “You’re awake early. That’s a good sign. The forest is beginning to accept you.”

Felix chuckled, though he felt a warmth of pride. “I don’t know if I’d go that far, but… it feels different. Less hostile, I guess.”

“Good,” Eryndor said with an approving nod. “When you walk with the land instead of against it, the world will respond. But don’t let your guard down. The path to Ravenspire has many hidden trials.”

Felix felt the weight of his words, knowing that the road ahead was bound to test him in ways he couldn’t yet imagine. But he’d also begun to feel the quiet pull of confidence, like a spark growing brighter each day. “I’ll be careful. Thank you—for everything.”

Eryndor inclined his head, then handed Felix a small vial filled with a shimmering green liquid. “This will help you if you find yourself wounded or depleted. Use it sparingly. Sylvari remedies are powerful, but they are not endless.”

Felix took the vial with a grateful nod, tucking it carefully into his satchel. “I won’t waste it,” he promised.

With a final exchange of respect, they parted ways—Eryndor disappearing into the trees as silently as he’d come, and Felix continuing along the path that would lead him deeper into the forest, toward Ravenspire and the answers he sought.

The morning passed quietly, the forest alive with the gentle sounds of rustling leaves and distant birdsong. Felix’s senses had sharpened over the days of travel, and he found himself attuned to every sound, every flicker of movement in the underbrush. He could feel the hum of mana beneath his feet, like a pulse within the earth, guiding him forward.

But as noon approached, he noticed a subtle change in the atmosphere. The light grew dimmer, and the forest canopy thickened, casting long shadows across the path. Felix slowed, his instincts prickling with caution. He couldn’t shake the feeling that something was watching him, hidden within the darkened trees.

The silence grew oppressive, and then, without warning, a figure darted out from the shadows, blocking his path. Felix’s breath caught as he took in the creature before him—a tall, slender figure with skin like polished obsidian and eyes that gleamed with a faint blue glow. It was a Shadewalker, a rare and mysterious creature known for its ability to move unseen through darkness, slipping in and out of shadow.

The Shadewalker regarded him with an intensity that sent a shiver down his spine, its gaze unblinking and unreadable. Felix took a slow breath, steadying himself, his hand tightening around his walking stick. He could feel the mana pulsing in his chest, ready to respond if he needed it.

The creature tilted its head, studying him for a long moment before it spoke in a voice that was barely more than a whisper. “You carry the scent of the Sylvari,” it murmured, its words laced with something between curiosity and caution.

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Felix swallowed, meeting the creature’s gaze with as much calm as he could muster. “I traveled with one, briefly. Eryndor.”

The Shadewalker’s eyes narrowed, and it seemed to consider him for a moment longer before it stepped aside, allowing him to pass. “Respect the shadows, human,” it said, its voice a faint echo. “They are not always your enemy… but neither are they your friend.”

Felix nodded, his heartbeat steadying as he moved forward, keeping the Shadewalker in his peripheral vision until it faded back into the shadows. He had a feeling that wouldn’t be his last encounter with the strange, otherworldly creatures of the forest.

As the afternoon wore on, Felix grew more comfortable, the earlier encounter fading into the background as he focused on the path ahead. But just as he began to relax, he felt the ground shift beneath him, a subtle tremor that sent a shock of alarm through his body.

He jumped back instinctively, and not a moment too soon. The ground where he’d been standing gave way, revealing a pit lined with sharpened stakes—clearly set as a trap. Felix cursed under his breath, feeling his pulse quicken. He’d been careless, too absorbed in his thoughts to notice the danger.

Before he could fully process what had happened, another figure stepped onto the path, blocking his retreat. This one was humanoid, with mottled, bark-like skin and eyes that glowed with a fierce, amber light—a Treewarden, a creature bound to the ancient trees, charged with defending the forest from intruders.

The Treewarden raised a hand, and Felix felt the air around him grow heavy, thick with the presence of mana. “Human,” it intoned, its voice deep and resonant. “Why do you walk this path, disturbing the forest’s peace?”

Felix swallowed, gripping his walking stick tightly as he met the creature’s gaze. “I’m just passing through. I don’t mean any harm.”

The Treewarden’s gaze was unyielding, its eyes narrowing. “The forest has been scarred by trespassers, by those who take without respect.” It raised its hand, and Felix felt a surge of mana ripple through the air, the ground trembling in response. “Prove your respect… or face judgment.”

Without warning, the Treewarden lunged, its bark-like arms swinging toward him with surprising speed. Felix barely had time to react, channeling his mana into his limbs as he dodged the attack. The creature’s movements were powerful yet graceful, each strike precise and controlled.

Felix steadied himself, focusing on the warmth of mana in his chest, letting it guide his movements. He dodged another swing, then countered with a strike to the creature’s arm, his stick connecting with a solid thud. The Treewarden staggered, its gaze flashing with surprise and, perhaps, a hint of respect.

But the battle was far from over. The Treewarden recovered quickly, shifting its stance as it prepared for another attack. Felix could feel the energy around them intensify, the air thick with mana as the creature summoned its power.

As the Treewarden charged again, Felix braced himself, drawing on the mana within him, feeling it pulse through his limbs, sharpening his reflexes and strengthening his grip. He sidestepped the attack, then channeled his energy into a swift counterstrike, aiming for the creature’s side.

The Treewarden let out a deep, resonant sound, a mix of pain and approval, as Felix’s blow connected. But rather than retreat, it seemed to draw strength from the forest itself, the earth beneath its feet shifting as if responding to its call.

Felix realized he couldn’t win this fight through brute force alone. He needed to show the Treewarden that he respected the forest’s power, that he wasn’t just another trespasser seeking to take without giving.

Taking a deep breath, he lowered his stick and stood still, his posture calm and open. He let the mana settle within him, quiet yet present, a silent promise of respect. “I’m not here to harm the forest,” he said, his voice steady. “I’m only passing through… and learning.”

The Treewarden paused, its gaze sharp and assessing. The tension in the air eased slightly, the mana’s pressure lifting as the creature seemed to consider his words.

After a long moment, the Treewarden lowered its arm, the fierce glow in its eyes dimming. “You have shown restraint,” it said, its tone softened. “The forest will remember your respect… but tread carefully. Not all will be so forgiving.”

Felix exhaled, feeling a rush of relief as the Treewarden stepped aside, allowing him to continue on his path. He gave the creature a respectful nod before moving forward, the encounter leaving him with a new understanding of the world’s power—and the importance of balance and respect in every step he took.