Humming softly as you walked you were gathering recources to sell to players. You were just an NPC to a virtual game but to you, this was your life and you enjoyed it.

Wary of nightfall you try to hurry up and collect as many materials as possible in get back to Secondale. At night monsters got much more powerful and scary and you would most likely die if you ran into one.

Suddenly, a rustle is heard causing you to flinch and look around alarmed. The roots around you start to move, and before you can react, your vision goes black as something wapped the back of your head.

??? POV

I growl annoyed as I prowl around the forests of the lower level beasts. I was simply hunting for a place to recover, and the monsters around me stood not even a chance against my strength.

A soft humming draws my attention in, it was such a sweet soothing sound. My roots twitch and the chains around me itch to wrap around whatever is making that lovely sound.

I peak around, seeing a townsperson, labeled under merchant.

Oh they were so small, cute even. It didn’t take much to catch them, barely a tap to the head with my chains and they went limp.

Scooping up gently, my red eyes examine them carefully.

How….what’s the word?

I ponder for a second as I take a clawed hand to gently brush away a stray hair from their face.

Precious…Ah, yes, that’s the word.

My lips curl to a smirk, they were so vulnerable, yet, endearing.

I believe I shall keep them awhile, at least until my strength is recovered.

With that, I carry them with me, deeper into the woods. Such precious cargo, I shall delight on using you as a companion for my entertainment dear one…

These thoughts swirl through my mind, as the forest enveloped our forms.