Autumn Wattyr let out a delighted laugh, reaching up to grab at one of the many leaves drifting through the chilly air. It was only September, but the Forest of Auraithia was already changing. The fawn-haired girl paused, watching with awe as a sudden breeze caused the golden leaf to spiral in the air. The softest of smiles crossed her face, and her bright green eyes sparkled with the pure joy of life. Though she'd spent every moment of life surrounded by nature, the magic was just as indescribable to Autumn as when she was a child.
"Hey, focus! I'm not going to carry this team again." The scolding voice of Jasper Whendels snapped her back to the present. All around her, other Dryads were snatching leaves out of the sky, storing them in different burlap sacks. It was a game they loved playing in the forest, though of course it was only possible during the later months of the year.
The rules were simple: There were two people per team. You won by collecting the most falling leaves. Each team was given their own sack, embroidered with their team number. At the moment, a faded orange 7 decorated the mostly empty sack at Autumn's feet. She reached forward, grabbing the leaf that had been so entrancing before. "I'm sorry, Jasper. It's just, nature is so-"
"Beautiful? I know. You say it all the time." He let out an irritated sigh, turning away from her.
Suddenly, a loud, self-assured voice rang through the forest, out of place among the quiet of nature. "Holly Cheruliz, get back on the ground. That's cheating!" The dark-haired girl in question froze, quickly climbing back down the tree. Even against her coco-toned skin, Autumn could see the flush of embarrassment. No one liked being called out, least of all by Callum Wattyr. He was a man they all respected, and wanted to make proud.
All too soon, a reedy whistle sounded. Everyone paused, some eyeing their sacks with disappointment, while others looked hopeful. But the one bearing the number 7 was the most deflated of all. Autumn had caught a few more leaves without getting distracted, but it wasn't enough to win. Everyone in the forest knew about Jasper's competitive streak. The golden-haired boy was so easily riled up, desperate for a chance at glory. Many found it strange that he and Autumn had become close, with her calm and soft attitude offsetting his.
With downcast eyes, Jasper trudged over to the patio. He seemed to be trying to contain his emotions, probably for Autumn's sake.
Right at the very center of Auraithia, there was the Wattyr Manor. It was a large building ready to house thousands, with bedrooms and greenhouses and endless space. It's purpose was to create a home for Dryads.
With cities popping us everywhere, it didn't make for a decent environment for Dryads. Their life-plants would wither from the lack of sun, or be trampled.
But Callum and Cerise Wattyr understood. As Dryads themselves, the couple had sympathy for the struggling of their kind. Using their life savings, the Wattyr's built a nature preserve that doubled as a home for Dryads.
As their only daughter, Autumn had always been told she would do great things one day. Whether it be continuing the Dryad shelter or splitting off to chart her own path, no one knew, least of all herself.
The girl was, pun somewhat intended, a late bloomer. Her magic had yet to manifest, though her life-plant, a magnificent oak tree, seemed to be thriving. As other young Dryads learned to open flower buds and heal damaged plants, Autumn could only watch with envy.
Despite her oddities, no one picked on her for it. Perhaps because of her parents, or the girl's charmingly sweet personality.
Gathered on the front patio, each team counted their leaves. Autumn and Jasper had only collected a measly 28.
