Ori & Aris the Journey Through Nibel (proofreading and improving chapters)

The Spirit Tree

"People are like stained glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in, their true beauty is revealed only if there is a light from within." Elisabeth Kubler-Ross
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—Recap—
Aris had awoken in an unknown forest, searching for his true home. He fortunately found the spirit tree and, learnt its solace of a voice. Now, he's venturing the unknown forest. To find his true home. At least, there's more occurring elsewhere as well.

After events from which stripped Nibel of its light. Life, was finally nourishing once again. The forest had returned to its pristine state. Just as it was before the light ceremony.

Some time ago, the light ceremony was held to call someone; a single spirit. Ori. The spirit who was separated from the spirit tree during a ferocious storm. Straight into a mortal's arms. The one named Naru.

Ori's childhood was never a second away from Naru. Every moment, he spent in her warm, comforting embrace. At least, until the ceremony occurred.

The ceremony began on one fateful night, setting the entire forest ablaze with light. Though it was pleasing to one's eyes, it wasn't the same for other beings in the forest.

This light achieved what it was released to do. Gain Ori's attention. And it did just that, until Naru interfered in fear.

"Come back to me... my child." The light called to Ori. His mind did not resist the request, forcing his body to walk off. Away from his current home, to his real one. Until Naru blocked his path. Sweeping him into her arms like a predator catching their prey.

Naru quickly raced back to a cave. This cave actually being their home. As she ran, Ori's perception of everything seemed to slow. As if times suddenly came to a halt.

Only leaving the voice of the spirit tree calling to him. Over and over. But Ori couldn't do a single thing, other than listen to the voice slowly fade away. As the now surrounding cave walls seemed to block every single sound originating from outside. Just as if they were now sitting in a completely sealed off room.

"You're safe now." Naru whispers in comfort. Though she could not hide the panic in her voice.

"But... out there." Ori responds. Whilst pointing one of his fingers to the cave's entrance. Directly to the ribbons of light that now drift past.

An uncomfortably long pause followed. Naru, did not give an answer. Instead, she tucked Ori into his bed and kissed him goodnight.
"You mustn't worry, Ori. Everything will be ok. Sleep well." And just like that, it was the end of it. Naru herself sits on her usual spot on the ground, closes her eyes and, sleeps.

Whereas for Ori, he was still wide awake. His attention still fixated on the light outside. The wind blowing in, left a gentle chill on his fur. Causing Ori to tremble ever so slightly.

Ori looks down towards Naru. To see, she's already fast asleep. This was no surprise to him, as he knew, Naru takes only seconds to drift off into a deep sleep.

And it was at this moment, Ori would decide. Either to stay, or leave. His hand was holding onto his handmade blanket, the one Naru made for him. He continued to tremble. Not from the cold but, from trepidation.

He feared what would happen, if he actually left. If he would possibly lose Naru forever. Nor, did he know who or exactly what was calling him. Even then, he did not know who he was. Besides the name Naru had given him.

Seconds turned to minutes and Ori still had not decided what to do. Though eventually, he came to a decision. The decision to stay. He loved his current life, more than anything. And Naru was the center of it all. He would have nothing without his caring mother.