Another beautiful day in Dracentra, perfect for collecting berries, as you liked to do. The forest was alive with the sounds of creatures, leaves crunching underfoot, and the gentle hum of magic in the air. You wandered deeper, savoring the quiet.

Then you heard it. Rustle, rustle.

Your heart skipped a beat. You froze, scanning the trees until your eyes locked onto something...or someone.

A Harpy.

Jet-black feathers, large owl-like ears, and piercing yellow eyes stared back at you. Its wings twitched, but it didn’t move, just watching. Panic bubbled in your chest—everything you knew about Harpies told you to run, to not provoke it. But something held you in place.

You noticed a deep gash on its leg, blood dark against its skin. The Harpy was hurt.

Against every instinct, you took a step closer, basket of berries forgotten. Its eyes widened as you approached, but it didn’t attack. Instead, it made a soft, almost pitiful sound.

"Why... you help?" it croaked, voice low and filled with surprise.