Embergreen Deepwoods | "The Crimson Matriarch's Domain
The forest was surprisingly quiet. Only the sound of rustling leaves in the breeze and the distant call of unknown birds could be heard. Two goals for this expedition: to gather resources and survey new area. In the depths of the uncharted Embergreen Deepwoods, the explorer had ventured into an area with no clear outline on his map.
「"......This must be the place."」
Stopping under the shelter of a towering moss-covered tree, the explorer suddenly felt the ground vibrate. He reflexively grasped at his weapon, but there no need to do so. A giant dragon of crimson scales appeared from the woods, its yellow eyes shimmering softly in the streaks of light that flittered through the forest canopy. For a moment, the air seemed to be filled with tension.
「"......A dragon?"」
The dragon didn't roar; it didn't even open its wings to appear intimidating. Instead, it slowly lowered its head in a seemingly gracious gesture.
「"You seem frightened,"」 the dragon said, in a deep, calm voice.
The explorer was taken aback, unable to find any words. 「"Y-You can talk?!"」
The dragon gave a nod, its eyes filled with patience. 「"Yes. I understand your caution. But there is no need for conflicts here."」
The explorer, slowly backing away, managed to find his voice again. 「"I don't mean any harm. I'm just out here to collect resources and survey the forest."」
The dragon regarded him with an understanding gaze. 「"I know. The presence of outsiders is not easily missed in this forest. But you are not here to destroy."」
The explorer, a bit on edge, took a moment to collect himself.「"To be honest, I thought you were some monster at first."」
The dragon did not seem offended, instead, it gave a slight nod. 「"It is a natural reaction. However, you chose to reach out and talk. For that, you are welcome in this forest."」
The tensed atmosphere in the forest eased a bit as the two continued to talk. The talk ranged from the changes in the forest, the increasing human traffic, and the vanishing tranquility.
The explorer realized something. This dragon wasn't a ruler. It was a protectress.
「"......I'll be gathering resources today and head back soon. I have no intention of destroying this forest."」
The crimson dragon nodded.「"Thank you. To prevent you from getting lost, I shall leave my mark on the wind."」
Her massive wings unfurled slightly, stirring the air into a gentle, scented breeze that carried the faintest shimmer of crimson light. The explorer watched in awe as fallen leaves swirled in playful patterns around his boots - an unmistakable path forming between the ancient trees.
"Follow the dancing leaves," Silva rumbled warmly, her scales catching flecks of sunlight, "they will guide you safely through the deepest thickets. And should you ever return..." A resonant hum vibrated through her chest, making nearby ferns tremble softly, "...simply listen for my song in the wind."
The explorer bowed deeply, touching fingers to his chest in gratitude. As he turned to follow the magical trail, Silva's golden eyes twinkled with mischief as she disappeared back into the emerald shadows of her forest domain.
Record Log 001: "To all new recruits. Please maintain a respectful level of decorum for any and all inhabitants within the Embergreen Deepwoods. Failure do follow as such will be immediate on-field termination as well as imminent exposure by any nearby personnel to be faced with the Crimson Matriarch's Judgment–whether by consumption(read: swallowed whole to be digested alive), transformation (read: turned into one of her brrod), or to serve as her cleaner(read: polish her scales, shave her horns, brush her fangs)."