--------///----Eclina's POV----\\\--------

After the fights with the drakes, Mr.Garris brought me and my bird friend back to the clearing with the tree. We started learning more about how to use elements... Well it was mostly me learning since my bird friend hadn't manifested his elements yet. Because of that, he mostly hung around and practiced what he could with his fire and lightning without doing anything that would damage the clearing. Occasionally we would fight each other for a little bit and work on our fire together. However it was about another month after the drakes that something big happened.

(Garris) " Both of you come over here for a moment. "

We were a bit away from the tree but Mr.Garris was at the base of the tree just laying down. Me and my bird friend looked to each other and stopped our spar to go over to him. When we came over, Mr.Garris looked over to my bird friend and put a claw on his head. Mr.Garris had been doing that for a while now but he didn't tell us why he was doing it.

(Garris) " I'll tell you now but you two must promise not to overreact. "

(Eclina) " Huh? What is it? Is it bad? "

(???) " ... Is there something wrong with me? "

(Garris) " It's nothing bad. In fact it's the opposite. "

(Eclina) " Huh? "

Me and my bird friend looked at each other and then back to Mr.Garris.

(Eclina) " I promise. "

(???) " ... Me too. "

(Garris) " Good. I should be able to create a new eye for you now. HOWEVER! I am uncertain on the effectiveness of said eye. It may be better then the last one, it may be worse, or it may be the same. There is even the chance it may be a failure all together. The venture will require nurishment and plants from the forest to help. And that is where you come in Eclina. "

When Mr.Garris said he could fix my bird friends eye, i got excited but i had to keep myself from acting on it. My bird friend was stiff and hadn't reacted much other then widening his good eye. When Mr.Garris said "however", was when i had to make sure i was paying full attention.

(Eclina) " I get to do something? "

(Garris) " Of course. The area i'm intending on sending you isn't a dangerous location so you won't have to worry about hunting or being hunted. "

(Eclina) " Really? Where do i have to go? "

(Garris) " There's a grove of Dryads that live in the forest. They've made a portion of the forest a peaceful territory for any who choose to enter. They should have the herbs necessary to keep this one unconcious while i repair his eye. Now come here for a moment. "

(Eclina) " Ok? "

I walked closer to Mr.Garris, and when i did he put the claw that was on my bird friends head onto my head. It glowed white for a bit and then the light moved onto me.

(Garris) " The grove is an hours travel at the least, however when you get there and encounter a Dryad just channel light into yourself and the Dryads will know i sent you. You can also channel light into yourself to find the direction of the grove. The closer you get to the grove the more dense and diverse vegitation you'll- Do you have a question Eclina? "

(Eclina) " Umm... What's a Dryad? And isn't the forest supposed to be neutral? Why's there a place that isn't? "

(???) " Aren't Dryads the tree people? "

(Garris) " Correct. To answer your quetsion Eclina, Dryads are the pinnacle of a trees life. All plants have a form of evolution that takes centuries to happen yet that evolution isn't guarenteed to happen in the first place. The forest is meant to be neutral yes, however the dryads play a role in helping species that are close to extinction. Due to their natural disposition to peace, Dryads make excellent guardians to beasts that may not exist out in the world. "

(Eclina) " Ouuu! Wait... All plants? And trees can evolve? "

(Garris) " Yes, yes they can. All forms of nature can evolve. Trees have the pinnacle evolution known as Dryads. They are creatures with intelligence on par with us, bodies and organs made entirely of wood or fauna, and abilities tied to the nature element. Flowers can evolve into sprites, beings with small bodies made of flora and wings similar to that of a butterfly. Even things like rocks and boulders have the chance to become a golem. These evolutions are rare yet depending on the enviornment they may be more populous. " 

(Eclina) " Ouuu! I wanna see! I wanna see! Can i go see now?! "

(Garris) " *Snort* Yes. You can go now Eclina. When you get there, ask them for a Hypnos flower and some life fruit. "

(???) " ... Be safe big sis... "

(Eclina) " I'll be fine! Bye! I'll get it! "

I waved bye with my tails and started to run. But i didn't get far without Mr.Garris shouting out at me.

(Garris) " OPPOSITE DIRECTION! "

(Eclina) " Oh. OK!  "

I turned around and started running the other way. I still didn't know where i was supposed to be going so i made sure i turned my light tail on... Wait...

~ Can't I just run over the trees so i don't get lost? ~

I waited a few seconds and turned on my air tail and started running up into the sky. It took me a bit to get past the trees but when i was, i could see way past the horizon... But it was all trees so it wasn't anything that special. I put some light onto myself and got a feel for where i was supposed to go. The light told me to go towards the the big river so i did. I ran for a while and even ran up to some birds who flew faster when they realized i was around.

It had to have been atleast an hour later when i reached a part of the forest where the trees and their leaves looked a bit bigger and greener then the ones from earlier. I started running down into a clearing i saw from the sky. It took me a bit of time to get to the ground but when i did i couldn't help but just stare at the surroundings. The clearing i ran down from was in clear view from a lake that was connected to a branch of the big river that ran through the forest. All around the lake were flowers of all kinds of colors, grass that felt smooth to walk on, the fruits in the area had a nice scent that wafted all around the place.

While i was looking i noticed that there weren't really any beasts around. Mr.Garris said there should be Dryads and beasts around but i didn't see any. Suddenly i smelled something like a tree start to move behind me. I turned around and saw my first Dryad. She looked like a normal person would except for her skin being wood, her hair being free flowing vines and ivy, her eyes were some kind of green lights with an iris in the middle, and her body was covered in a twisting dress of vines and flowers. She looked me over while i was doing the same, then suddenly it seemed like something dawned on her.

(???) " You've been sent here by Lord Garris, haven't you young one? "

(Eclina) " Yep! How'd you know? "

(???) " I can see the trace of his light. What does our lord require? "

(Eclina) " Ummm... Oh! We need some Life seeds and a Hypnos flower! "

(???) " Understood. Follow me young one. "

After that she turned around and started walking towards the thick parts of the forest. I followed after her annd kept looking around at all the flowers that i never saw before. There was even a weird thing that despite looking like a plant, it had some nasty looking teeth. But while we kept walking i only noticed a few other beasts around. There weren't even any other Dryads around either.

(Eclina) " Where's everyone else at? "

(???) " If you are refering to other Dryads, they are helping a new sister come into the world. If you are refering to beasts, the oldest among them are assisting another group of sisters in maintaining the health of the forest. "

(Eclina) " The whole forest? "

(???) " That would be correct. Do you wish for clarification? "

(Eclina) " Yep! "

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(???) " Very well. As Dryads, we are the most attunted to nature and are the most capable in seeing it maintained and healthy. We are capable of knowing whether the enviornment we reside in is in pain or danger. We were born in this forest and we prosper here. It is only right we keep our home healthy is it not? "

(Eclina) " Ouuu. Yep! Where are we going? "

(???) " We are going to the closest field where Hypno flowers reside. The life seeds will not be far off. "

(Eclina) " Ok! "

We kept walking through the grove until we reached a field of different kinds of flowers. There were flowers of super bright colors all the way down to flowers that looked kind of dull. The scent of the field was amazing to smell and just relax in. The Dryad kept walking into the field and plucked a flower with vivid light and dark purple leaves that had rings of pink that seemed to be moving but at the same time it wasn't.

(Eclina) " Whoa! That's so weird. "

(???) " Hypnos flowers can all be said to be "weird" young one. Now wait another moment i'll harvest the seeds. "

(Eclina) " Ok. How do i... Nevermind. "

I was worried about how i was going to hold it but then i had the idea of just using air to hold it. After i did, the Dryad walked deeper into the field and walked up to a tree with pure white fruit growing on its branches. She pointed to the branch and the fruit just popped off and fell into her hands. From where i was, the fruit didn't seem that big. It was probably around the size of an apple. She started walking back up to me and held out the fruit.

(???) " Considering your method of transporting the flower, i would advise you take the whole fruit instead of just the seeds. "

When she said that, i couldn't help but turn to the flower i was holding in the air and look conflicted. She had a point so i started wondering about how i should actually carry them. Then i had an idea. I started turning my light tail off and started turning my earth tail on. After a few seconds and my earth tail was on, i made a ball of earth and encased the flower and fruit in it.

(???) " Hmm. Quite an interesting characteristic. What an odd progenitor you are. "

(Eclina) " Huh? You know what i am? "

(???) " Correct. Yet at the same time, wrong. I know you are a progenitor yet your species eludes me. "

(Eclina) " How'd you know? "

(???) " As a Dryad, we know of anything that has happened in our vicinity while we were still trees. When i was still a sapling i was rooted near the Grand Silver Arbor. Due to this, i experienced the aura and life force of the progenitors. Your life force is similar to that of a progenitor, weaker, yet similar. Most of my sisters would be able to sense the same as those who were near the Grand Silver Arbor at the time of the progenitors passing became the first Dryads. "

(Eclina) " Huh? But why are you so far away from the tree then? "

(???) " Once upon a time, this section of the forest was a wasteland. After the progenitors passing, the forest grew, constantly increasing and becoming stronger. However the life force from them did not spread to all corners of the forest. This portion was neglected and dying. It truly was a survival of the fittest area. Me and my sisters travelled here and took it upon ourselves to restore the life into our home, and after quite some time, we succeeded. All you see before you is the result of our effort. " 

(Eclina) " It's awesome! Everything's so nice around here! I'm gonna come back sometime, will you play with me when i do? "

(???) " Thank you for the compliments young one. And i would be honored to spend more time with you. "

(Eclina) " Yay! Thanks Ms... What's your name? I never asked for your name? I'm Eclina! "

(Ordellia) " I go by the name Ordellia, young one Eclina. "

(Eclina) " Thanks Ms.Ordellia! I'm going now, bye! "

(Ordellia) " Goodbye young one Eclina. "

After that, i started making my air steps and ran up into the sky. Even being as far away as i was now, i could still see the big tree. I made sure to make my ball follow me and keep it from rocking too much so the seeds or flower didn't get damaged. I ran for another hour at the least and even snacked on a duck or something from a flock i ran into. When i finally made it back to the tree, i saw my bird friend was eating some fresh meat and Mr.Garris was just watching over him... 

(Garris) " Eclina, you've returned earlier then i expected. "

(???) " Bigh shisss! Vhsat's dat? "

My bird friend started talking with his mouth full and kept looking at the ball i had trailing behind me, so i moved it forwards and started to open it for him. I took out the flower and held it with my air while i left the fruit inside the earth ball.

(Garris) " Hoh? You brought back the whole fruit. Any reason why? "

(Eclina) " Ms.Ordellia said too. "

(Garris) " So you met Ordellia huh... If memory serves me right... She should be the 4th original Dryad born in the forest. "

(Eclina) " Ouuu. She knew what i was too! But... Mr.Garris... Do you ever eat? "

(Garris) " Huh? I'd like to address the first part of what you had just said, but to answer the nonsensical question, yes. I do in fact eat Eclina. Now what did you mean when you said she knew what you were? "

(Eclina) " She knew i'm a progenitor! "

When i said that, my bird friend choked on what he was eating and looked at me with a wide eye.

(???) " Sis? Is a progenitor? Really? "

(Eclina) " Yep! I'm amazing right! "

(???) " Yea! Sis is awesome! "

(Eclina) " Hehe. "

(Garris) " *Ahem* If you two are done now, i would like to bring attention to the flora you brought. If this procedure is to go off with as little to no problems, then we must start working on it now. " 

(Eclina) " Ok! But now what do we do? I have the things but what do we do with them? "

(Garris) " First comes the flower. Eclina i'll be covering your eyes, mouth and nose with air, and i'll covering his eyes aswell. If you breath in the scent of the Hypnos flower then you will be knocked unconcious for days. Secondly, i will need you to create a small flame and ignite the stem of the Hypnos flower. "

(Eclina) " Ok. But would i really be asleep for days because of the flower? "

(Garris) " Yes. Hypnos flowers are powerful Narcotics in all stages of their life. The petals of a fully grown Hypnos flower, like the one you have brought, are incredibly potent. Especially to children, like the both of you. "

(Eclina) " Ouu. "

I did what Mr.Garris said and started changing my earth tail off and turned my fire tail on so i could set the flower on fire. When my tail was on, i made a small fire under the flower stem and moved back as it started burning. The flower burned slowly and then picked up speed as it spread higher up the steam. After a bit when it finally reached the petals, a weird smell started coming up but i couldn't really sense it other then that weird part of it since Mr.Garris was keeping me safe from it.

(???) " Thi...is i... "

My bird friend was wobbling a bit and then he just collapsed. I looked at Mr.Garris and he nodded to me.

(Garris) " Now that he is unconcious, we can begin the procedure. I need to focus so please don't interrupt me unless i call for you, ok Eclina? "

(Eclina) " Ok! But what do i do now? "

(Garris) " First, put out the fire. Then i'll need you to go hunt for beasts to feed him while he's unconcious. I'll also need you to bring back water to keep him hydrated. "

(Eclina) " Ok. Do i have to hunt first or can i go get the water first? "

(Garris) " You can get the water first if that is better for you. "

(Eclina) " Ok. I'll be back! "

I ran up and started looking around for the nearest river branch, but before i did i thought i heard Mr.Garris sigh.

(Garris) ~ You forgot to extinguish the flower. I did it for you. ~

~ Oh. That was why. Oopps. ~

(Eclina) " Sorry. "

(Garris) ~ It's fine. When you return do so quietly. I'll be concentrating on recovery of his eye for atleast the entire day. If my concentration is broken then the probability for error will grow. "!

(Eclina) " A day? It's going to take that long? "

(Garris) ~ Of course. I may have some experience in organ repair but i haven't recreated entire organs. I'll be taking the time necessary to make sure i do this correctly. ~

(Eclina) " Then i'll make sure i get all the best water and meat! "

(Garris) ~ Then you'd best be off. I'll be starting now and i'll inform you on the event anything happens. Be safe and hunt well. ~

(Eclina) " I will! "

With that, i went back to looking around for the nearest river branch until i found one. When i spotted it i ran towards it as fast as i could and got there really quickly. When i got over to the branch i could see some fish just swimming around and doing fish things. That's when i had an idea.

~ Can't i just make some really big containers and carry water AND fish with me? Then i could bring water and meat! I'm a genius! ~

With that idea in mind, i started running down and turned my fire tail off so i could use my earth for the big containers. When i finally made it down to the river i was able to use my earth and start making the big containers i thought of. At first i tried to make them as big as i could but at some point i lost control of them and they just broke. Then i tried starting small and just keep making them bigger until i couldn't anymore. At first i did two then i did another two and then finished it off with another one, since i couldn't control anymore. 

My containers were sort of like tree trunks but just a little bigger and the top was open. I was about to put them all into the river but when i looked at it, it looked like it could only take three of my containers at a time. I was a little disappointed but i put three of them in anyway. They started getting full really quickly and despite the fish trying to swim back out, nothing much was happening. When they were full i swapped them out, but since there were only two in the river. the fish avoided them easier. It was annoying but i just let it happen because it would take longer to just try to catch the fish. 

After they were full, i covered the tops of them with more earth so none of the water leaked or any fish jumped out. When i lifted them though that was when i found out i had a little problem. Since i filled them all up they were way heavier then earlier. I could lift them but they'd follow behind me way slower then i wanted. Luckily i wasn't that far away from the big tree but this was going to take a while. I lifted them up and started making my way back. It took me atleast a half hour to even bring them there.

When i got back, i saw Mr.Garris with his eyes closed and his claw on my bird friends head. His eyes were closed and he didn't really notice me coming. When i landed i set the containers of water and fish down as quietly as i could so i didn't bother Mr.Garris. I wondered what else i should do... Then i decided on hunting for more meat just incase the fish in my containers weren't enough. I took off to the sky and thought about where i could get food. I was stuck between getting drake meat or looking for something else. I was worried about if i could safely kill one and if i carry the whole drake even in my containers.

I was also stuck on going back home and getting something like a trick deer. I knew the area around home better then anywhere else but i didn't know what else around home would be tasty. I thought about it some more and decided on trying both. But home first because home was safer. I ran up higher and kept going until i couldn't go up anymore, and started looking. I knew home was far but i remembered that it wasn't that far from the entrance of the forest. If i found the entrance then i would find home.

I spent some time looking around before i found what i was looking  for. The road we took when we all left the forest for the first time. I started running home and got happy about the thought of being there again even for a little bit. I kept running until i made it home. Our den... I wanted to stay here for longer... I wanted to take a small break but i had to go back to hunting... I could come back later... But staying in the den was nice... I'd have to ask Mr.Garris if i could come home more...

(Eclina) " I miss it here... "

I kept looking around home for a bit longer but i had to go. I left our den and tried to follow the track mama took me on the first time i hunted a trick deer. I looked around for more tracks and eventually found what i was looking for. And from the looks of it i found a herd full of trick deer somewhere close by.