Fantasy Story: 1.1 - The Forgotten World

Fantasy Story: 1.3 - Meeting the Forest Elder

Somehow Larion was able to run away from the Vampire's Layer. Although he was still scared. The rampaging vibrations under his feet and the howling noises were still evident in his senses. He was fortunate that at least he was able to get out of that miserable place.

However, his confusion didn't subside because he was in another forest, which for some reason, felt very different to Larion than the last forest he visited. It was like he could actually feel the magical aura in the air. However, it was a good feeling and he felt warmer and friendlier here. This place was brighter, almost golden-colored. From time to time, the birds were chirping melodic harmonies soothing Larion's soul. He almost felt as if he had visited this place before, like his never-visited home i.e., he felt nostalgic. However, as much as he wanted to stay there, he had to find someone, a 'forest elder' as suggested by the talking tree who would help him further on his journey.

Even though Larion was not sure who was that elder, he had a rough idea of where to find him i.e., first, he had to find a big tree.

Hence, without taking a break, he continued... at least, that's what he thought he would do but all the stress on his mind and constant moving legs tired him pretty quickly. He looked around for a good place to sit and found a rock to put his butt on it.

"Phew! Finally, a decent place to rest. Now..." Saying this, Larion looked around. "Man, what a beautiful place this is! I can't believe that there's a deadly place just before here. Funny that I can still see that place." Larion looked back and realized he could still see the dark clouds above that vampire's layer.

He remembered his experiences, "No, I don't even want to look back... But wow! A golem. Thank god it didn't see me. I am glad that there was a tree there, but who was that tree, and how did it know about me and my purpose of being here? I guess, I will find it out later. But first, I need to find that elder. Oh yeah, that tree told me that this book has a map." It seemed that Larion had forgotten something important and abruptly started turning the pages of the book.

"This... ummhmm... this... hmmmm... nope... aha!" Larion found a page that looked like a map. Nevertheless, Larion was not able to understand it.

"What's that?"

"Huh? What?" Larion jumped from his place.

"Hey, what happened? Are we in danger?" The same voice came again.

"What-why is it happening again? I can hear the voice but can't see you. Reveal yourself!" Larion shouted. His voice echoed throughout the forest.

"Hey, silly. You almost scared me. Why are you shouting? Is anyone here that is scaring you?" The voice came again but this time, closer. Larion looked everywhere. He turned his neck slowly-slowly towards the sound, towards his shoulder and then he saw something small, something with wings on his shoulder looking at him with confusion.

"Wh-who are you?" Larion asked while trying to be calm.

"Who am I? Isn't it manners to tell about yourself first before asking others?"

"Oh... uhm, my name is Larion and... I am pleased to meet you." He didn't know what else to say about himself.

"Oh! The pleasure is all mine. I am a fairy. Who are you?"

"I just told you."

"Oh! So, why are you here and what's this?" The fairy pointed at the book.

"Uhm... it's a book that has a map."

"A map? So, can it show me anything inside this forest?"

"I guess!"

"Good. Give it to me." The fairy tried to take the book from Larion's hand but he held it strongly.