The Forest's Secret

Act 4 | Seeking Answers | Part 1

Ash stared at the glowing symbol on his wrist. He needed answers, and the sense of dread that clung to him only grew stronger. He remembered that Mr. Thompson, the town's historian and the high school history and philosophy teacher. Mr Tompson had an extensive knowledge of local lore and might be able to provide some information about the mark.

Ash decided to seek him out, hoping the historian could shed some light on the strange symbol and the dark goo.

Mr. Thompson's home was a quaint, ivy-covered cottage on the edge of town. Ash knocked on the door, his heart racing with anticipation. When Mr Thompson answered, his curious eyes surveyed Ash's dishevelled appearance and the glowing mark on his wrist.

"Ah, Ash, what brings you here?" Mr. Thompson asked, his voice warm yet tinged with concern.

"I found something in the forest," Ash explained, rolling up his sleeve to reveal the symbol. "This mark... and there was this dark, sticky goo. I thought you might know what it means."

Mr. Thompson's eyes widened as he examined the symbol closely. "This is... troubling," he said, his voice dropping to a whisper. "I've seen this symbol before, but only in old texts about forbidden rites and ancient curses."

He rummaged through his collection of dusty tomes, pulling out a thick, leather-bound book. Flipping through the pages, Mr. Thompson found an illustration that mirrored the mark on Ash's wrist.

"This symbol is called Fexlai," he said, pointing to the drawing, "is associated with a long-forgotten entity known as the Feralim. Legend says it is a guardian of the forest, bound to protect it from intruders. The dark goo you encountered could be a manifestation of its power, a way of marking those who dare to enter its domain."

Ash's eyes widened. "So, what does it want? And why is it targeting me?"

Mr. Thompson's face grew grave. "The Feralim is said to be a remnant of an ancient pact made to protect the forest's secrets. It might see you as a threat to those secrets if it has marked you. You must tread carefully, Ash. The forest holds many dangers, and the Guardian is not one to be trifled with."

Feeling a mix of fear and determination, Ash thanked Mr. Thompson and left the historian's cottage with a newfound sense of urgency. He was hoping Mr Tompson would peek his head out the door and tell him "Sikkeeee you fell for the joke", and that mark was some weird bite mark, and that everything would be okay. Ash kept glancing back in case they did step out. He did not.

This was not the answer Ash was seeking for...