Lirien sat cross-legged on the floor of her cozy house, the smell of freshly cut wood filling the air as she carefully fletched her arrows. She knew all too well how dangerous the outside world had become. The darkness that had been creeping into their forest was now a tangible presence, and the creatures that spawned from it were growing increasingly aggressive.

Lirien had seen her fair share of battles over the years, but this was different. Their hunting grounds were shrinking, and they were being forced into conflicts with the goblins. The little beasts weren't much of a threat on their own, but fighting on multiple fronts was a recipe for disaster.

As she worked, she couldn't help but feel a twinge of sadness at the state of their once-great society. She remembered the glory days of the Arcadian elves, when they lived throughout the forest in harmony with nature. But over time, their culture had eroded. Humans, Drak, and even the Mekan with their machines had all influenced the younger generations, and the old ways were slowly being forgotten.

Lirien wondered how long it would be until their society was completely unrecognizable from what it once was. Other elven cultures had fared better in a changing world, with the dark elves secluding themselves in the mountains and the nomadic tribes of the plains having little contact with outsiders.

Her thoughts were interrupted by a frantic pounding on her door. With a sigh, she got up to answer it, already feeling the weight of the news that was sure to come. As she opened the door, a young girl named Aranel burst in, panting heavily.

"Elder Lirien, Elder Lirien!" she exclaimed, barely able to catch her breath. "Someone is here! Some strange child is heading right into the corrupted lands!"

Lirien's heart sank. She knew they couldn't leave a child to face the dangers of the corrupted lands alone, but she also knew that sending anyone to retrieve them would be a risky mission. She took a deep breath and prepared herself for what was to come.

Lirien's heart pounded in her chest as she grabbed her weapons and bolted out the door, Aranel struggling to keep pace. "Who is this child, Aranel?" she demanded, not slowing down. But Aranel only shook her head. "I don't know. I was just sent to fetch you."

Lirien had strictly forbidden anyone from venturing into the corrupted lands, knowing that any intrusion could provoke a vicious attack from the monsters lurking within. So who was this reckless child who dared to disobey her orders?

With Aranel clinging on for dear life, Lirien charged down the familiar path on her trusty horse. The wind whipped through her hair as she prayed that they would arrive in time.

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Finally, they arrived at the large wooden barriers that the rangers had erected. The structures were only temporary, as they had to be moved often enough that it made no sense to create something permanent.

As she arrived, a young ranger saluted her. "Faeliv, what's going on?" Lirien snapped, her tone leaving no room for argument.

The man gulped nervously before answering. "A child just appeared riding a Crown stag. We don't know where he came from, but he's out there right now."

Lirien frowned. "And why haven't you brought him behind the barrier?"

Faeliv stood at attention. "We tried, elder Lirien. He ignored our calls. Your orders were to not pass these barriers for any reason."

Lirien rolled her eyes, her frustration mounting. These young rangers were too afraid of her wrath, so terrified of making a mistake that it led to indecision. She knew it was a failing on her part. Perhaps she had been too free with her admonishing.

Without another word, Lirien brushed past Faeliv and climbed up a small watch tower. She peered out over the barrier, and there he was. The child was far enough away that despite her perfect vision, she couldn't make out any details. But one thing stood out: his long white hair.

A chill ran down her spine. It couldn't be...

Without hesitation, Lirien leapt from the tower, landing in a crouch. "Aranel, Faelvin, with me!" she barked, her voice echoing through the forest.

The young rangers hurried over, and together they climbed over the barrier, advancing toward the mysterious child.

Lirien's heart pounded in her chest as they approached the child and the imposing Crown stag that stood guard. She couldn't shake the feeling that something momentous was about to occur. She remembered stories from her youth about the dryads, a powerful race of protectors that had long since left Arcadia.

The child stepped out from behind the stag, and Lirien couldn't help but notice his striking white hair and radiant skin. His demeanor was gentle, and he moved with an otherworldly grace.

The stag stamped its hoof as a warning, but the child simply stepped forward and placed a hand on the animal's leg. Lirien watched in awe as the Crown stag seemed to relax and bow its head in submission. This child had a power over nature that was beyond anything she had ever witnessed before.

As the child approached, Lirien couldn't help but feel a sense of reverence. The young dryad was dressed only in a light robe made from leaves, and had no shoes or other adornments. His skin was a pale white with a hint of gray in some places, and his eyes were a piercing shade of green.

Lirien took a step forward and then dropped to one knee before the child. Aranel and Faeliv looked at her in shock, but quickly followed suit as they saw her backward scowl.

For a moment, all was silent as Lirien waited for confirmation of her suspicions. When the child finally spoke, his voice was like a soft breeze rustling through the trees. "Please, kneeling is unnecessary," he said gently.

Lirien felt a tear roll down her cheek as she stood up to face the young dryad. Her guess had been correct, and she couldn't contain the happiness that bubbled up inside her. This encounter was going to change everything.