Another world, Celeste

Chapter One

The figure of a Great Wolf whose stature is larger than an average wolf dash past the trees; appearing out of the shadows with its grey fur seeming ominous in the moonlight and reaching the river partitioning the deeper part of the forest where the spirits dwell. Without stopping, the Great Wolf leaps to the other side of the river and touches onto the mundane world of Kana Forest.

Kana Forest is the dwelling of monsters and magical beasts such as the Great Wolf itself. Their habitats are closely monitored and protected by another residence of the forest - elves. The elves established a permanent residence between the entrance of Kana Forest and the river. In the darkness with only the moon illuminating the path, the Great Wolf focuses its attention on reaching its destination; the elves' village, with a sense of urgency while eluding encounters with nearby monsters. In terms of strength, the Great Wolf is stronger than the other monsters in the vicinity; those monsters who show obvious intent in fighting the Great Wolf are easily and quickly annihilated, with magic instead of a direct attack. The cause for the Great Wolf's action is to prevent the monsters from approaching the slumped figure of a girl the Great Wolf is carrying on its back. When no more monsters dare come to attack, it sniffs the air once then resume running until it finally sees the structure of the village's gate in the distance. The Great Wolf alters its pace to a quick walk.

Normally monsters cannot pass through the magical barrier set up around the village. It's to prevent monsters from intruding and trespassers cannot locate where the elves' village is without a proper tool due to illusion magic covering the entrance of the village's barrier, consequently redirecting anyone away from the village. However, the Great Wolf walks into the barrier with ease. A guard on night duty notices a large shadow looming closer.

"Halt!" He shouts.

The Great Wolf steps into the light and more guards draw their swords and archers at the top ready their bows. A female elf steps forward while observing the unexpected visitor until her eyes land on the bracelet on its right paw. The bracelet is enchanted with magic which allows the Great Wolf to view and walk toward the barrier without sounding the alarm.

"Stand down. It is one of ours," the female elf orders.

"Lorelai, that is one of the blessed protectors of the forest. Why is it here?"

Another guard appears behind her.

"Why indeed, Stefan?"

Lorelai ponders without looking away from the Great Wolf.

Right then, the Great Wolf bark once to get the elf's attention and glance at its back. Lorelai interprets it as an indication for her to come closer and when she does, the elf comes across an unexpected sight.

Lorelai first thought is, "Why is a Great Wolf carrying an unconscious human girl?"

Humans often get lost when they accidentally wander into the Kana Forest and it is their job as elves rangers to guide them back to the nearby human town. However, this particular Great Wolf resides in the deeper part of the forest where outsiders are not allowed to set foot into. It has been last seen by the elves five decades ago. Furthermore, there is no human village past this point. Lorelai quickly examines the girl for any injuries and when the moonlight shines upon the unconscious girl, Lorelai's whole body tenses. It only takes her a second to understand why the Great Wolf has come.

"Open the gate!"

Lorelai shouts her order to the guards standing at the entrance. When the gate opens, the Great Wolf follows Lorelai into the village and gives her orders to Stefan.

"Tighten the defences and make sure there are no nuisances following after them."

"Understood," Stefan obeys then raises a question after he glances at the unconscious girl with his keen elf sight. "What will you do about the girl?"