Playground of the Gods AU: Compilation Edition

Arrival

The Treebark Dryad almost didn't notice his arrival.

In the dark of the night, as he prepared to rest after a day of harvesting fruits from his orchard, he barely felt it. But it was there. The way the forest bloomed like flowers in spring. The much livelier critters scurrying about in the woods. The louder than usual grunts and groans and growls of hostile mobs. The rush of crystal clear waters, the trembling of underground caverns, the radiant glow of the haloed moon and falling stars.

The world is wide awake with anticipation.

"Anticipation. . . for what?" He hummed, lost in thought as he finally took note of Terraria's sudden vibrance.

It was then he realized.

That feeling. . . familiar and bittersweet.

This isn't the first time, nor would it be the last, though its been a very long while since this world has chosen. Centuries upon centuries.

"Why now?" He wondered, gazing at the heavens from his windowsill. What threat could possibly warrant another?

Then again, he knew he shouldn't be suprised. These lands will always and forever be rife with danger. It's only a matter of time before a hazard or two becomes threatening enough to trouble the local heroes and authorities.

Casting aside the idea of a good night's sleep, the Dryad followed the urge to go out and search the forest. The world is pulling him towards them, that he was certain. He hadn't felt this in years; the need to be by someone's side, to be needed by someone. A memory of a raven haired girl, staring in wonder at the fallen star cupped by her gentle hands, rose from the depths of his mind. A ghost of a smile flashed on his face. He ought to pay her a visit. It's nearly that time of the year after all.

The smell of blood fills the air. . .

The Dryad stopped in his tracks. Then he ran forwards, kneeling beside an unconscious boy lying face first on the grassy ground. He carefully scooped him in his arms, inspecting for any injuries. When he found none, he sighed in relief and carried him back home.

The boy is much younger than expected, barely in his teens, with silver white hair and pale yellowish skin. She, at least, was around sixteen years of age, two years shy of being a full-fledged adult and old enough to know how to take care of herself. This one is practically a child! Who in their right mind would throw a child at some evil threat!?

The universe apparently, he thought dryly.

Muttering old-fashioned unsavory words in his head, he marched past his orchard and into his Living Wood tree residence, careful not to disturb the sleeping boy as he laid him on a spare leafy hammock.

Terraria chose this one for a reason. He just hopes that its a good enough of a reason. Certain worlds have chosen wrong before after all.

∆ ★ • ★ • ★ ∆

"So young, and already burdened with such an arduous task. A cruel world indeed."

The boy woke up floating in an abyss alight with crimson stars. Dazed silver eyes searched for the source of that voice; a voice he surely heard from somewhere before.

A deep, guttural voice that never fails to strike absolute terror onto anyone who hears it, and yet. . . he felt nothing but safety and solace the moment it reaches his ears.

". . . Even with your memories mostly gone, you. . ."

The voice chuckled mirthlessly after a short stunned silence.

"Well, they did say that the heart is not as easily fooled as the head."

The boy frantically looked around, silver eyes now sharp and alert.

That voice, he knew that voice!

So why. . . why couldn't he. . ?

. . . Who are you?

I know you I know you I know–

Why can't I remember?

Your name–! Your name is–!

"Ssshh. You know your purpose. You know what is at stake. That is all you need."

The voice softened to a mellow whisper.

The boy panicked.

No! Wait!

Please. . . don't go too. . .

. . . Too?

Who–?

"Wake up, my little knight. Your journey begins."

And then there was nothing.

∆ ★ • ★ • ★ ∆

The boy opened his eyes, now truly awake, his tear-filled gaze meeting concerned green orbs. He blinked. Those are the greenest eyes he has ever seen. Green like grasses, leaves, forests, nature herself.

". . . You've been crying in your sleep, young one." The Treebark Dryad spoke. The soothing rumble of his tone grounded the puzzled boy, who wiped his cheeks with sleeved arms and shaking hands.

The boy couldn't. . . he can't recall why he's crying, much to his confusion. He doesn't even feel sad, or frustrated. Nothing. Maybe he had a really bad dream?

"Please wait here." With a worried frown, the Dryad stood up to quickly grab some food and water. Its been a while since he actually prepared a meal. Being a type of Dryad, his sustenance comes from the life and will of Terraria itself. No need to bother growing, hunting or gathering food, until now that is. He'd have to brush up on his cooking skills since he's going to have a housemate starting today.

The silver haired child eyed him curiously as he returns with a cup of water and a plate of sliced apricots, which he puts on the table beside the younger's hammock.

"Here. You must be famished." The Dryad offered. The boy stared at the meal blankly, then at him. "Well, you don't have to eat them now if you want– oh where are my manners?" He said sheepishly. "My name is Elmshade, guardian of this forest as well as the owner of the orchard outside."

The boy stared at him for a few moments before replying in a whisper. "Chase."

"Hm?"

"My name."

"He who resides in the hunting grounds, huh?"

The boy shook his head. His name is shorter than that. Elmshade laughed. "That's the meaning of your name, young one."

Chase blinked at him, gears turning in his head, before mumbling a quiet "Oh". He didn't know that. He quite liked what it means; its cool.

The sound of chirping birds and rustling bushes caught his attention, and he turned to gaze at the world beyond the window. A world of incomprehensible horrors and deceptive serenity. A world of secrets and treasures and perils hidden within its vast undergrowth. 

A world he'll soon explore, willed by the world itself.

Elmshade's expression was unreadable, though his smile was oddly rueful and bright. "Welcome to Terraria, Chase."

∆ ★ • ★ • ★ ∆

Notes:
Elmshade: If I have a nickel for every time Terraria sends me a Player to adopt, I'd have two nickels. Which isn't a lot, but its weird that it happened twice.

Chase: *hears the cliche demonic horror movie voice*
Also Chase: *genuine without a hint of sarcasm* That's the most relaxing sound I've ever heard.

Tumblr: https://www.tumblr.com/terrariapgau