Chapter 44

Etson - 5:45 PM

The Mills and I were back in the streets within a half hour. It had taken me longer to calm down than I had hoped, and I realized that I was taking things too easy.

The biggest jitters I felt from Regression Imbalance came from the Safari Resort, both acting out as a supposed villain and in the fight with Thomas. After that there was the incident with Pustibule, but I attributed that more to the angelic splinter than to the Imbalance. Even the second meeting with Thomas’ group and the meeting with Father Alexander went well enough.

However much I didn’t want to admit it, I clearly wasn’t out of this phase yet. Given the chance, I would have kept going until their healers were dried out and none of them could move. Dealt with the threat perhaps not swiftly, but efficiently. Put the fear of their fake god in them with cold brutality that easily could have ended up in deaths. I realized now that I was going at the main scenario situation in too cavalier a manner. Kayla was right to stop me.

As I wheeled through Etson, I glanced over at my companions. Jeff was on his bike with Corwin happily running alongside him. Kayla was standing on bike pegs situated on the rear wheel, holding onto Jeff tightly. With his enhanced stats, I only had to slow down a little bit for him to keep up comfortably.

I appreciated their support and their willingness to question things. Wanting to keep their morals was big, too; Jeff calling me out for potentially killing people stuck with me. They were obviously ready to follow me into the thick of things but they were the kind of friends that would call me out on my bullshit rather than echo my sentiments, even if it meant being dropped. Solid friends that could anchor me. Exactly what I needed.

My attention turned back to the road and I avoided the obstacles in my path. We were nearing Etson National Forest, the home of the Vespae. Few people were brave enough to venture to this side of the city on the off chance that they would come across an enemy patrol. It wasn’t something anyone had to worry about, however; the Vespae would stay in the forest until the next scenario started.

Until then, this side of the city was effectively free game for those willing to traverse it. Even though it was a prime hunting ground, it wasn't our destination. We were heading towards the forest itself.

The buildings were getting more sparse the closer we got. Eventually, we found ourselves surrounded by trees planted in neat lines. As our party walked further along the road, the tree pattern started being more and more sporadic as we made it into natural forest and out of alley cropping.

"On the right," Jeff called after a mile or so. The old, faded sign that was hard to see in the dimming light marked a small parking lot for the Roy Standlick nature trail. We stayed on the road as we entered the parking lot.

"We have about an hour of sunlight left, do you have enough time?" Kayla asked as we came to a stop. She pulled out a bowl and a bottle of water, filling it for Corwin before offering the rest to Jeff.

"Yeah, there's plenty of time," I said. "It's just a bit of flower arrangement, not even rocket surgery."

"Wow, that sounds harder than rocket science," Jeff joked. He finished off the water and tossed the empty bottle into his inventory along with the bike.

"Yeah, rocket science is a science and rocket surgery is an art. That's why they made a movie about Apollo 13. It was field surgery." Jeff and I chuckled while Kayla rolled her eyes, but we could tell she enjoyed it.

I walked towards the nature trail and started pulling flowers out of my inventory. Kayla started taking them out of my arms. "Come on, psychic boy, you direct and I'll place them. How're your hands feeling?"

"Like I really shouldn't have punched people today," I admitted. Half of the flowers in my inventory were now free from it, and I eyed Doctor Pustibule’s Demonic Scalpel for a moment before swiping the menu closed.

"You said a semi-circle away from the forest, right?" Kayla asked even as she started laying them down.

"That's right. Save the red ones for the middle, but the rest are free game."

Corwin started sniffing the flowers, but a call from Jeff had him bounding back. Kayla worked diligently at the space where concrete transformed into a dirt path.

Just as I told them on the way, everyone stayed well onto the pavement. The protectors of the forest were already watching us though I couldn't, and wouldn't, see from where. Any of us aside from Corwin going off the safety of the pavement would be swiftly dealt with.

So Jeff and I watched as Kayla arranged the flowers into what was essentially a large doormat. Blues, whites, and yellows comprised the outside while reds almost exclusively made up the inside.

Kayla looked back as she held the last flower. "How does it look?"

I approached and looked over her shoulder. Raising my hand and using Push and Pull, I gently fixed some of the imperfections. Not because it was necessary, but because the perceived extra care we put into it would look good on us.

"Okay, lay it," I said.

With a nod, Kayla set the final red flower into position. Immediately, the wind started picking up from within the forest. Trees swayed and branches creaked as the wind whipped at our clothes. The flowers remained as they were, untouched by the sudden gale.

Leaves rushed towards us from out of the trees. The wind shifted, carrying them around us in a small tornado. Kayla and Jeff looked apprehensive while Corwin barked, but no one moved. After a few seconds, the leaf tornado left us and flew over the still untouched flowers to create a curtain.

The curtain dispersed, revealing a gorgeous woman with skin the color of tree bark and vine-like hair. She wore Spanish moss across her shoulders, but it did nothing to hide her exaggerated curves and ample hips. For all intents and purposes, she might as well have been naked.

"You stand before this forest's mother," she said, looking at each of us in turn. "Your offering has been seen, but must be turned away. Leave, humans, before the trees begin to object more harshly." At her words, the trees surrounding us began to shake, twist, and bend to her will.

"Dryad," Kayla whispered in awe. I was impressed by my companions. They were obviously nervous, but they didn't pull their weapons. The act of doing so would have ruined any chance of a positive relationship with the forest.

Taking a step forward, I bowed. The wind was quiet after her arrival, but I could still smell her; she smelled of an apple orchard on a brisk October day. "I greet this forest's mother, and beg for attention."

She looked me over with a critical eye, but the trees began to slow into a slight shiver. "The human may have some of this mother's attention, in accordance with the rules of the forest. But the mother warns the human to be quick."

"The mother is very gracious," I replied, rising from my bow. "This human's name is Anthony, and my companions are Kayla, Jeff, and Corwin. We are aware of the dangers in the forest, but we must reach Wolvensden."

"This mother has already told the humans that they must be turned away," she said. "This mother's forest is not to be sullied by the likes of man."

I held my tongue at that, but only for the moment it took for the impulse to make a joke to pass. "Forest mother, it is of my understanding that your forest is already being sullied by beings of another type."

The dryad bristled, narrowing her eyes at me. She took a step backwards. "This human may approach the forest's mother."

I reached down and pulled off my Heelies of Hermes and swiped away the notification that I unequipped them. The socks came off next and I lamented that I was able to do so because they weren't magical. I took a step into the middle of the flowers and stood still.

"How does this human know of this situation?" The dryad asked as she slowly circled me.

"This human's city will be under attack by the Vespae soon," I explained. "The Vespae have already attempted to push into our homes, but we have beaten them back. It is to our understanding that humans would not be the first to be subjugated by the Vespae."

As I spoke, I had to ignore the dryad entering my personal space. She placed her foot on mine, prodded my cheek, pulled my hair, and even went under my shirt to touch my back. Her skin was softer than it looked, and it would have no doubt been distracting to any other young man.

"This human is interesting," she finally said. "This forest's mother would know what you plan to do."

"This human plans on freeing the denizens of the forest, the Kobolds, and the forest mother, Serranras, from the clutches of the Vespae."

The forest around us suddenly fell still; trees stopped shaking, the wind ceased blowing, and any animals we had heard fell silent. It felt like the whole area was suddenly watching us. Serranras took a step towards me, pressing her chest against mine as she stared me in the eyes.

"How does this human know the name of this forest's mother?" she asked from inches away. Her breath smelled like cider.

I didn't flag. The dryads were well known for not understanding personal space, and I warned the others that this might happen. "This human cannot say, but knows that the Vespae have threatened the forest mother's life if she does not help them. We humans want to help."

Serranras took a deep breath, as if breathing me in. She looked at Kayla and Jeff. "Does this human speak for all?"

Kayla bowed first. "This human speaks for all, forest mother."

Jeff bowed after. "These humans wish to help this forest's mother."

The dryad tilted her head at Jeff and eyed him with interest. I dry swallowed; I had seen that look before, though normally I was on the receiving end of it. This could be interesting.

"These humans would like nothing more than to help free this forest and its mother from the tyranny of the Vespae," I said. Being this close was starting to be uncomfortable. "This human understands that this forest's mother has no reason to trust us with the location of her tree, but please allow us to free the Kobolds as a test. These humans are very capable fighters, and only want to save the city from war."

Serranras' attention finally shifted back to me. "Anthony, Kayla, Jeff, Corwin," she said slowly. Her eyes didn't blink as she stared into mine. Finally, the forest came back to life and the oppressive feeling disappeared. "These humans are allowed to visit the Kobolds and free them. This forest's mother must also warn these humans. If the Vespae find out and orders this forest's mother to attack, then I must."

[[Quest: The Trust of the Forest's Mother!]]

The mother of Etson Natural Forest, Serranras, has decided to test you. The forest has changed ever since the Vespae have moved in, and it's no longer in harmony. In order to find out where Serranras' tree is to free her, you must first help the Kobolds.

Objective: Lead the Kobolds out of the forest.

Reward: Serranras' Trust passive, 100 points.

Failure: Dryad's Scorn passive.

Leads to: The Tree of the Forest's Mother

I nodded and accepted the quest. "We understand, mother. Thank you for the opportunity."

The dryad reached for me and stroked my cheek with the back of her hand. Though I couldn't see it, I knew it would look like I had a green tattoo across my face now.

[[Notice]]

You have received a gift from Serranras. For the next 72 hours, you will never get lost in Etson National Forest and your sight will remain clear no matter the circumstances.

I backed away, and Serranras beckoned Kayla towards her.

Kayla stepped forward after taking off her boots and socks just as I had. She was short enough that her head barely passed Serranras' shoulders, which was a sight I found very amusing. While I put my shoes and socks back on, the dryad carefully caressed Kayla’s face.

Jeff was next after his wife left the flowers. His shoes and socks were already off in preparation, but he still had to look down at Serranras. The dryad pressed herself against Jeff like she had me. Instead of brushing her hand against his cheek, she reached up with both hands and pulled his head down. Jeff was surprised, but soon found himself nose to nose and forehead to forehead with Serranras. She breathed in before letting him go.

"Oh, um, this…" Jeff stammered. "This human thanks the, uh, this forest's mother."

Serranras smiled and gently pushed him back. Jeff made a hasty retreat, and she turned her attention to Corwin. Reaching out a hand, the dog immediately trotted up to her. Serranras smiled as she placed a hand on him. When she removed it, a clear hand print was left on his face and muzzle. Corwin wagged his tail.

The dryad looked up at all of us. "This forest's mother urges these humans to go during the night when the Vespae patrols are easy to fool. This forest mother wishes luck to all who step foot amongst the trees."

"These humans shall do all they can for this forest's mother," I said, bowing again.

Serranras offered me a small bow in return before the wind picked up again. This time the flowers fluttered in the wind, obscuring the dryad for seconds before flowing into the forest. Serranras was nowhere to be seen.

We all looked at each other after that. "Is this permanent?" Jeff asked, rubbing his face where Serranras had touched him. He started heading back to the center of the parking lot and we followed him.

"If we don't complete the quest then it'll turn red and it'll stay that way forever. When we complete it, then it'll only show up during meetings with other dryads," I explained. "Not many forests have them, but basically any national forest will have at least one."

"I know you said she'd be curvy but I'll admit I didn't take you seriously enough," Kayla said with a chuckle. "Talk about a complete male fantasy. I wonder what part of the system looked at dryads and decided to go with that."

"All dryads are like that. Actually, all nymphs are like that, not just the tree spirits." A thought passed through my mind, and it only took a second to commit myself to a golden opportunity. "At least they won't try to steal your man now that Serranras has claimed him."

"Yeah, he is a handsome…" Kayla blinked and slowly looked away from Jeff and towards me. "Pardon? Claimed my husband?"

I snickered. "Jeff, you want to read off the notice you got?"

"Oh, let me pull it back up," he said, swiping the air. "Notice. You have received a gift from Serranras. For the next 72 hours, you will never get lost in Etson National Forest and your sight will remain clear no matter the circumstances. Animals and monsters of the forest will not attack you unless provoked. If you call, there is a chance Serranras will answer."

"Wow, alright," Kayla said. "And how do you know about that one, psychic boy?"

"Oh, you know, reasons," I said, smiling slyly. "Don't worry. He'll probably get an offer but she won't push things if he says no. He will, however, get a better buff. I was hoping to get it, but eh. Guess I can't compete with the pure animal magnetism that is Jeff."

"Amen to that, Ant."

"Kay, Ant, I'm right here," Jeff said. "Don't talk about me like I'm a slab of meat."

"Slab of meat doesn't really fit in this context all things considered," I teased.

"You just ignore Anthony, okay?" Kayla soothed as she pulled Jeff down into a hug.

"You're awfully calm for someone whose husband just got claimed by a monster girl," I said, still teasing but focusing more on the sky. The sun should be going down soon, but I was trying to gauge how much time we had.

"From her?" Kayla laughed. "Psychic boy, please. I'm more than comfortable with both my body and my relationship. If anything, you're just upsetting Jeff."

I glanced down from the sky to Jeff to see him smiling at his wife. He looked like a puppy staring at his favorite person. Suddenly, he looked away and pouted. "Oh yes, so upset. How could you, psychic boy?"

Snorting, I looked back at the sky. "You two are great. Never change, yeah?"