The magic was too strong as it flooded through me.
My mindbecamethe woods once more. The magic poured out of me, encouraging new growth throughout the land. I couldfeelas tiny trees sprouted to life. But it wasn’t enough.
I became aware of a yearning that existed deep in the earth. The ground itself called out to me as roots erupted from the dirt. I screamed, my voice little more than air, as they tangled themselves around my ankles. My heart pounded in my chest as I was dragged back into the woods.
My fingers scrabbled for a handhold as the wind whispered in my ears.We have lost all the others. We won’t lose you too. Stay with us.
The ground cried out, its deep voice almost primal as it reverberated through me.Stay with us, Protectress. Let us nourish you. Weneedyou.
And then, all the life within the forests of Ithenmyr cried out to me all at once. Their voices traveled thousands of kilometers, ringing in my soul as they spoke to me.
The land’s voice was eternal, ethereal, and ancient. It was deep and earthy and filled with power.
One word echoed through me, over and over again, until it was the only thing I heard.
Stay.
Stay.
Stay.
Roots continued to climb over my body as the rushing currents of magic increased in power. I gasped as they threatened to pull me under. Somehow, I knew that if I gave in to their call, it would be the end.
There would be no coming back if the earth claimed me for its own.
In the back of my mind, another thought rose to the surface.
This isn’t what I want.
As I battled my will against that of all the natural life in Ithenmyr, something else flickered in the peripherals of my consciousness.
Bursting through all the green and brown was something hot and fiery. It was burning. The fire was summoning me, calling me towards it.
The scent of ash and smoke and trees filled my lungs, but it didn’t scare me. Instead, it made me feel… safe. Warm. Cared for.
I pushed myself towards that feeling of safety.
My body grew warmer as I neared the heat, but the earth itself was fighting my every move.
No, it screamed, pouring the depths of its rage into every word.Don’t leave us. Not again.
I’m sorry,I cried out to the land.Please, I can’t stay. I don’t want to.
In response, the roots tightened their grip against me. The wind howled against me, battering my body.
Weneedyou.
“I won’t leave you,” I whispered. “I promise.”
The moment the words left my mouth, a tingling sensation ran up my arms. I looked down as matching dark green whorls appeared on both my wrists. They flashed for a moment before disappearing into my skin.
We will hold you to your promise, Protectress of the Woods.
Then the bright green light faded as the yelling grew louder. I tried to move, but I couldn’t. Every one of my limbs felt too heavy for my body.
My eyelids fluttered shut as the magic that had been coursing through my veins disappeared all at once. My chest tightened and my heart pounded as darkness crept into my vision.
I was stuck within a shell of myself.