Chapter 2 - Chapter 2: The Guardian of the Forests

** The forest of whispers swallows Kael as a hungry beast. Twenty trees, covered with fluorescent moss that pulsed with a weak light, lifted around him, his leaves hoping indescribable secrets. The air was dense, full of the smell of wet land and something more ... a sweet, almost imperceptible perfume that tried to attract his attention. Shadows danced around him, indefinite forms that seemed to watch him, whispering doubts in his ear. * "You will never get it," a voice hissed, so low that it was hardly audible. * "Your father died in vain. You're just a boy." * Kael closed his fists, feeling the harsh grip of his sword. Rorik's spirit echoed in his mind, a lighthouse of courage. "Stay firm, my son. The forest tests, but does not destroy those whose purpose is true." * He continued to advance, passing through a stream that reflected the trees as if they were portals to another dimension. It was then that he heard a different sound: the metallic tinkling of cheerful tools and laughter, cutting through the forest sinister whisper. Following the sound, Kael emerged in a clearing illuminated by a camped fire. Around him, a group of Halflings - beings low stature, curly hair and abundant beards - worked with enthusiasm. Some met metal on a large block of stone, others dug around gigantic roots, drawing bright ores. His faces were warm and smiling, a shocking contrast with the hostile environment. In the center of them, a halfling stood out. ** Caiden Chilton **, as Rorik's spirit identified him instantly. He had curly brown hair that fell shaggy on a round and time marked face. His green eyes glittered with an intelligence and goodness that went beyond his unpretentious appearance. A prominent scar, which began below the left corner of his eye and sailed diagonally through his left cheek, ending in the right chin, counted a bravery story and possibly of a broken heart. Caiden stopped working when he saw Kael, his friendly smile radiating heat in the cold of the forest. "Welcome, traveler!" His voice was serious and resonant, surprisingly deep for someone from his stature. "You look lost between these whispers. I'm Caiden, guardian of these woods and our mining friends here." The other Halflings stopped what they were doing, looking at Kael with curiosity, but without hostility. Some even waved. Kael approached cautiously, keeping the sword discreetly in a defensive position, though his instinct said that Caiden was not a threat. "My name is Kael," he said, his voice rigid. "I'm from Arkan. My village ... it was destroyed." Caiden's expression changed to sincere sadness. "Ah, unfortunately, this is a common story lately. These nox monsters do not stop. But are you okay? Do you need food or shelter?" Kael denied his head, but his stomach snoring. Caiden realized and called one of the Halflings, which brought a bowl of hot soup and a piece of hard bread, gently offering him. "Eat," Caiden said. "Strength is needed to face what comes ahead. And you will certainly face something, Kael de Arkan." As if to confirm his words, the shadows around them intensified, whispering louder. Kael felt a chill, but Caiden just shook his head, a gesture that made the shadows back slightly. "The forest is sensitive," Caiden explained, sitting next to Kael. "She feels intentions. Your ... anger, pain, determination ... everything resounds in it. She will test you, but you can also guide you if you learn to listen to it." Kael swallowed a sip of soup, the heat radiating for his frozen body. "Why are you here? Miners in a haunted forest?" Caiden smiled, showing unequal teeth. "We are the guardians of the forgotten lands. We protect what remains of beauty and life in this dark world. These mines contain a rare mineral, 'forest star'. It is not only valuable; it is vital. He feeds our forges and strengthens our defenses against ... come at night." He looked directly at Kael. "You seek revenge, are not you?" Against those who destroyed his village. " Kael frowned. "Yes. And destroy the talisman of the shadows. My father ... He told me to destroy him." Caiden inclined his head, considering. "The Talisman ... an old curse. They say he lies in the ruins of Eldor, north, through these same woods. Dangerous path. But if his determination is as strong as his pain, maybe the forest allow you to pass." He raised a hand, and a small blue flame 跳 了 起来 (jumped) on his palm, illuminating his marked face. "I would be careful with the power you seek, Kael. Not all power is worthy to be conquered." Kael felt a shiver. It was the first time someone but his father explicitly mentioned the talisman. Caiden knew more than it seemed. "Do you know Umbrax?" Kael asked, bass. Caiden frowned, flame blue flame. "I know your shadow, he's ... a complicated being, he seeks power, but forgets the cost. That talisman ... corrupts. It turns. Never saw anyone using it and staying whole." He looked at Kael seriously. "If you intend to destroy you, do it with heart purity, my friend. Otherwise you can become the next Umbrax." Caiden's words echoed in Kael's mind while he finished his meal. The forest of whispers was not just an obstacle in his path; It was a character test. And Caiden, with his striking scar and penetrating green eyes, was more than a simple guardian. He was a guide, a prophet of the woods, and perhaps the key to navigating not only by physical dangers, but also by the abyssions of the soul. With a wave of thanks, Kael got up, taking his sword. "I'll walk alone from here," he said. "But I thank you for your hospitality and advice, Caiden." Caiden smiled again, but this time there was an underlying sadness. "Good luck, Kael, that the forest be kind to you. And remember ... Not all shade is enemy. Some are just ... forgotten." Kael took a step out of the clearing, but before disappearing between the trees, he turned. Caiden still watched him, the blue flame in his winking hand like a star lost in the night sky of the forest. "The journey begins," * whispered Kael to himself, entering deeper into the whispers of the forest of whispers, the ghostly (ghostly) Caiden murmur echoing in his heart: * "Look not only to destroy the evil, but understand where he comes from." *