𝕾𝖔𝖚𝖑𝖘 [𝗲𝗻𝗴 𝗩𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻]

★[𝐜𝐩𝐭.𝟎𝟏]★

𝐎𝐫𝐚 𝐏𝐎𝐕:

In deep contemplation, I sat on a moss-covered rock, letting my gaze wander through the forests. The gentle spring breeze rustled the leaves around me, and I tried to decipher the messages it carried. With each passing moment, I felt the warming rays of the spring sun touch my back—a tender embrace from the awakening nature.

Arox, my faithful companion, had not been by my side for a few days, but this was not unusual. Occasionally, he ventured back into the spirit world to visit the souls of his kin. Fifty-seven years ago, I had discovered a portal to the spirit world, and since then, Arox enjoyed taking short trips there.

With a thoughtful sigh, I rose from my seat on the stone and followed a familiar forest path. Along the way, I discovered small plants whose delicate green had unfortunately been destroyed by wildlife. With my gentle fingers, I tenderly stroked the leaves, using my magic to make the small plants bloom again. The colorful blossoming of the dandelions revealed that spring had come earlier this year than expected. A smile spread across my face as I continued my journey; my destination was Alice.

Alice, the owl that could transform into an elf like me. I had found her 164 years ago when she was still a newborn owl chick. Her biological parents had rejected her, so I brought her into my hut to raise her as an adult owl. However, after 10 months, she was no longer an owl but a little girl in her nest, surprising me. She explained that she was Alice, a magical creature. Now she lived alone in the forest, and I granted her the freedom to take care of herself when she became strong enough.

Above me, something darted past, casting a shadow on the ground. I reached out my arm, and the creature gently landed on it as if it were a branch. My arm floated lightly, allowing me to caress it under the beak. Alice clearly enjoyed being petted. On lonely nights, she came through a hole created by Arox in the hut and lay next to me. "Are you hunting?" I asked her. Alice fluttered her wings, a clear yes. I could read her like an open book and saw how she was half-focused on the forest, not to miss any prey. "Why are you already awake? It's only 5 PM," I asked her. She jumped away from me, and shortly afterward, a small woman stood before me, about a head shorter. "I couldn't sleep, so I went hunting for food," she said. Understanding, I nodded.

The sun slowly descended toward the horizon as Alice and I wandered through the dense forest. The soft light of the setting sun penetrated the treetops, bathing the forest in a warm, golden glow. Birds sang their farewell songs as we continued our way, surrounded by the magic of the approaching evening.

Alice, the owl, accompanied me on my forays through the forest. Her wings spread majestically as she glided from branch to branch. Occasionally, she stopped, her sharp eyes attentively searching for prey. The connection between us was deeper than words could ever express. Together, we explored the beauty of nature unfolding in the light of the evening glow.

On our journey, we discovered a clear stream gently flowing through the forest. The air was filled with a sweet scent of flowers and fresh greenery. I could feel the energy of the forest coming alive, and nature seemed to pulse with every breath. Alice landed on a nearby branch fork while I settled by the stream.

Night fell, and the sky turned into a deep blue, adorned with the first twinkling stars. A gentle rustling enveloped the forest as nature fell asleep. Alice, who now sat beside me, lifted her head and stared at the sky. A smile crossed my face as I watched her fascinated eyes.

"How was your outing?" I asked her, although I could already read the answer in her lively eyes. Alice silently told me about her experiences in the air, the sounds of the forest, and the encounters with other creatures.

Slowly, I grew tired and decided to return to my hut. Alice followed me to the door and bid farewell with a hug. I went inside and continued my way to my bed. Tired, I collapsed into it. However, I couldn't fall asleep because I missed Arox too much. The longing for Arox permeated every part of my being. The soft rustling of the leaves and the whisper of the wind only intensified the feeling of emptiness that surrounded me.