The elder's presence was overwhelming yet strangely comforting.
After our talk, he slowly stood and turned toward one of the elves waiting nearby.
> "Give the human a place to stay," Elder Aelthar said softly. "He's exhausted, and the forest seems to have accepted him. Let him rest for now. Tomorrow, we shall talk again."
The young elf nodded immediately and gestured for me to follow.
Lynelle stayed behind, speaking quietly with the elder, her tone serious. I couldn't hear what they said — only that the elder's final words echoed softly through the chamber:
> "Watch him closely, Lynelle. The threads of fate are already moving."
A few minutes later, I was led to a small wooden house made entirely of glowing white timber, as if carved from moonlight itself. Inside, it was warm, clean, and smelled faintly of flowers.
> "You can stay here for now," the elf said politely before leaving.
I finally sat down on the bed — it was soft, too soft. My body, used to sleeping on dirt and roots for months, felt awkward resting on something so peaceful. For the first time in a long while, my mind began to calm.
The door creaked open. Lynelle entered, carrying a towel and some clothes.
> "You should clean yourself," she said softly. "There's a tub behind that curtain. The water is already warm."
I blinked, caught off guard. "A bath?"
It felt like a word from another life.
She gave a small smile, brushing her long silver hair behind her ear.
> "You've been fighting for months, haven't you? Your aura feels… heavy. The forest water will help you recover faster."
I stood, unsure how to respond. "Thanks… I guess."
She hesitated before stepping closer. Her emerald eyes studied me, sharp and curious.
> "You're really not from this world, are you?"
I froze. "...Did the elder tell you?"
> "No," she said quietly, shaking her head. "Your presence gives it away. The mana around you doesn't flow like ours. It's… wild, unstable. But also powerful."
She placed the folded clothes on a chair and turned toward the door.
> "Rest, Haru. You'll need it. The elder has plans for you tomorrow."
Before she left, she glanced back once more.
> "Oh, and one more thing—don't touch the blue crystals near the tub. They react to aura."
I raised a brow. "React how?"
> "You'll find out," she said with a small grin before leaving, the door closing softly behind her.
For a moment, I stood there in silence, staring at the faint light glowing through the curtain where the bath waited.
Maybe… just for tonight, I could finally relax.