Thalira Estom, 17, Human-Hybrid Dryadkin (Wildborn)
The younger tribe women whispered in fascination at the sight of the unfamiliar Wildborn family, while the older women reacted more subtly. Though they tried to remain composed, the shock was evident in their eyes. Other Wildborn had only ever been mentioned in stories told by their elders.
Immediately, Vorani stepped forward and bowed, causing the other tribe women and children to follow.
"Welcome back, Eryndra."
She placed one hand sideways across the center of her chest in respect.
Thalira had told Vorani countless times that such formalities were unnecessary, but Vorani refused to stop.
She straightened and turned toward the newly arrived Wildborn family.
"We welcome you to our camp."
Dron and his mother, Bezi, bowed their heads slightly with warm smiles. They themselves had never known there were Drayadkin other than their own kind.
They have fur, Dron thought with surprise.
Immediately, Norenshi stepped toward Sachi, who guided her to her personal mudhut. It served both as her dwelling and as the tribe's "anahng"—their equivalent of an infirmary.
Sachi had a terrible habit of refusing to sleep whenever she had a patient, and because of this Morino constantly nagged her.
Thalira led Dron and his family to an empty area of the camp while Vorani, Yesama, Amisna, and Morino followed. Meini remained by the fire with the children.
Thalira raised both her hands upward and pushed them apart.
The ground responded instantly.
A large block of earth rose from the soil and spread outward. She softened it, shaping it into the frame of a mudhut before hardening the structure once again. Stepping closer, she carved an entrance and several openings near the top to allow fresh air.
When the Autumn Wildborn peeked inside, they found the hut hollow.
The little girl clapped in delight and ran inside, giggling happily.
Her brother and mother stood outside in astonishment. They had never seen an ability like this before. Truthfully, Avide had been the only one among them capable of wielding an elemental ability.
Thalira stepped inside and modified the interior, forming beds from compacted earth for the family to rest on. She also created small basins of hardened clay that would hold water for washing hands or faces.
"We thank you—" Bezi paused, realizing she had never learned the name of the one who saved them.
"Thalira," she introduced gently. "My name is Thalira."
"I heard them call you Eryndra," Dron said, stepping forward. His sister continued playing with the clay basin.
"Mmhm." Thalira nodded with a smile.
"But... you look so young."
"How dare you question our leader!"
Morino marched forward menacingly, pulling a bone dagger from the strap on her thigh.
Dron quickly hid behind his mother in fear.
SMACK!
"I don't think he meant anything by it."
Amisna stepped forward while rubbing her fist.
The interaction caused little Aryn to giggle with amusement.
Amisna grabbed the unconscious Morino and bowed to both the guests and Thalira before excusing herself.
"You can have a look around the camp," Thalira said, stepping aside.
"Vorani will be your guide."
Vorani stepped forward proudly.
"She will also let you know when dinner is ready."
⸻
Later That Night
"Eryndra... may I speak with you?" Vorani asked.
"Sure."
Thalira paused her playtime with Emish and handed him a small cube she had shaped from earth. She figured learning simple shapes might help him later.
Inside the hut stepped Yesama and Sachi as well.
Normally Sachi would never leave her patient, but Bezi had forced her to rest, practically shoving her out of the anahng.
For some reason, Vorani had felt an unbearable itch beneath the fur along her shoulder since the cliff incident earlier that day.
She scratched the area again.
What is happening?
"Something crazy happened today," Vorani began, scratching again.
"Crazy?" Thalira raised a brow.
Other than discovering another tribe, I don't think anything else crazy happened.
"You won't believe your eyes," Sachi said enthusiastically, though her expression remained completely straight.
Yesama pushed Thalira toward the forest while the others followed.
"We wanted to show you where it happened."
"After you left the camp," Vorani began, "Bai followed behind saying he had to go."
Thalira nodded.
"Mesno followed to keep an eye on him. You know how Bai is."
Thalira nodded again, her curled finger resting against her lips.
"They were taking—"
"She manipulated the wind," Yesama interrupted impatiently.
"Mighty Lior."
She slapped her thigh.
"You manipulated the wind?" Thalira blinked.
Her mind struggled to process the information.
Suddenly Cloud appeared beside her with a glowing banner behind him.
CONGRATULATIONS!
He shook her hand enthusiastically while holding a tiny award.
"Congratulations," he said proudly.
"You have unlocked the third affinity—Wind."
"Say cheese."
A camera flashed before disappearing.
Thalira stared blankly.
Was the theatrics necessary?
"Yes," Cloud replied quite seriously.
"Now let me explain."
He pulled out a chart and ruler.
"There have also been some updates."
Updates?!
"Wind affinity," Cloud began.
"The element of motion, direction, and freedom. Unlike earth, which grounds the body, wind lightens it."
"Those who awaken wind affinity gain heightened agility and balance. Their muscles become lighter, their steps faster, and their instincts sharper."
Thalira noticed something strange.
The fur along Vorani's shoulders had changed slightly.
It was thinner and softer than before, almost feather-like.
Cloud nodded.
"Physical changes are part of the update. Wind-affinity Wildborn develop lighter coats and streamlined bodies suited for swift movement. Their fur may grow softer and slightly pale or silver in tone."
He flipped his chart.
"This affinity is often found among tribes that dwell in high elevations."
"Mountain regions, cliffs, and strong winds shape their culture."
"They become scouts, messengers, and aerial hunters—those who guide others through dangerous terrain."
Cloud tapped the chart.
"So yes... there is likely an entire tribe out there somewhere who specializes in wind."
Thalira blinked.
So if this is the third... what was the second?
"The second?" Cloud tilted his head.
"Oh! The second affinity was Wood."
"Wood affinity represents structure, endurance, and the shaping of forests. It allows Wildborn to control branches, bark, and living timber."
"The Autumn tribes typically awaken this element. Their coats often gain bark-like textures along their limbs and their antlers grow in shapes resembling branches."
"So there's no sequence to gaining them?"
"No."
Cloud shrugged.
"Father thought it would be funnier if you couldn't predict what affinity came next."
Of course he did.
"And another thing."
Cloud rummaged through his fur and produced a small book.
"This is your Affinity Training Guide."
"It records exercises for each element and updates automatically whenever a new affinity awakens among your people."
He handed her a second book.
"And this is the Survival Tool Guide."
"It contains instructions for crafting tools, clothing, weapons, shelters, and other essentials from natural materials."
"The knowledge inside will expand as your tribe grows."
"We can't expect you to know everything."
Thalira's eyes watered dramatically.
Is Lior doing this because I told him no that one time?
"Uh... no."
"Eryndra?"
Vorani's voice snapped her back to reality.
"Oh! Sorry about that."
Thalira shook her head.
"I think I need to... pray to Lior regarding this."
"I'll discuss everything in the morning."
Before anyone could question her, she hurried deeper into the forest.
She had a lot of work to do.
⸻
Northern Amorian
Bel'ro – Council of the Drayads
"We are gathered today to discuss our infestation problem."
The words came from Head Councillor Vishka, his voice cold with irritation.
Vishka was the spirit of a Yew Tree.
His towering form resembled a massive ancient trunk. Dark bark covered his limbs like natural armor, and his antlers branched upward in jagged shapes resembling old roots twisted toward the sky. His eyes glowed faintly crimson within the shadow of his hooded bark-like cloak.
Yew trees were ancient and enduring.
So was Vishka.
He stood as the First Elder of the Council, responsible for overseeing all matters of the Grove and ensuring the council remained united.
"We have good news, Elder Vishka," said Roben.
Roben was a Birch Tree spirit. His bark-like skin bore pale white patterns with black markings, and thin leaves of green and gold grew along his shoulders like layered feathers.
Birch spirits were known for adaptability and intelligence.
Roben served the council as Chief Recorder and Strategist, organizing reports and maintaining records of the Grove's affairs.
"We captured several Drayadkin in the eastern region of Amorian—Heis."
"Heis," repeated Croino slowly.
Croino was a massive Oak spirit, thick-bodied and broad. His bark resembled heavy plates layered across his round torso, and his antlers curved like the sturdy branches of an ancient oak.
His fingers were adorned with rings set with precious stones.
Croino oversaw the Grove's Treasury and Resource Management, controlling the wealth, trade goods, and natural resources stored within Bel'ro.
"Heis?" he repeated thoughtfully.
"Isn't that where those Wildborn that resemble plants hide?" asked Yova.
Yova came from a lineage of majestic Cedar spirits.
Tall and elegant, her bark carried a deep reddish hue and her antlers swept upward in regal arcs like carved pillars. Even seated, her posture radiated authority.
Yova served as the council's Keeper of Law and Ceremony, responsible for maintaining judicial order and preserving sacred traditions.
"You are correct, Senior Councillor Yova," said Laica as she sipped her tea.
Laica was a Willow spirit, slender and graceful. Long leaf-like strands flowed from her antlers and shoulders like living ribbons that swayed even without wind.
She oversaw Diplomacy and External Relations, negotiating with neighboring forest territories and other nature-aligned beings.
"Those disgusting savages," spat Vahr.
Vahr was the spirit of Holly, his bark dark and sharp like thorned armor. Jagged leaf-shaped protrusions lined his shoulders and arms, giving him a permanently hostile appearance.
He commanded the Grove's Military Enforcement and Defense, leading patrols and raids against perceived threats.
"You call them savages, yet they are the same kind as us," Laica said calmly.
"I wonder what that makes you?"
"Do not compare me to them!" Vahr slammed his hand onto the stone table, causing the forest chamber to echo.
"As much as I despise those... creatures," Yova said sharply from behind her fan, "this is neither the time nor place for such behavior."
Vahr huffed and sank back into his chair.
"Enough."
Vishka's voice cut through the room.
"Roben. Bring them here."
"Yes, Elder."
Roben bowed and disappeared into the forest.
Moments later he returned with a guard dragging several prisoners.
The Wildborn were in terrible condition.
Their fur—once meant to resemble lush spring growth—was coarse, dry, and tangled. Leaves clung to it like dead foliage, and patches of their coats were matted with dirt.
Bruises and scars marked their bodies.
Chains bound their wrists.
"Is it necessary to keep them chained?" Laica stood abruptly.
"We wouldn't want them escaping," Croino said with a sneer.
"1...2...5...6...8," Yova counted calmly.
"There are eight."
The prisoners trembled beneath the council's towering forms.
"Send them to the Rooted Dungeon," Vishka ordered.
"We will decide their fate later."
The guard bowed and dragged them away.
"If that is all," Vishka said, striking the gavel, "this meeting is adjourned."
⸻
Vishka's Office
"Someone has come to visit you, Elder Vishka."
His assistant appeared beside him.
She was a young Aspen spirit.
Her bark-like skin was pale and smooth, and her antlers were thin with countless small trembling leaves. Aspens were known for their quick minds and sensitivity to movement.
She served as Vishka's personal secretary, managing council schedules and correspondence.
"Where are they?" Vishka asked.
"Inside your office, my lord."
Vishka entered the chamber and sighed.
"Olor."
"What have I told you about coming here in that despicable form, Esahn?"
"But this is the form I use for my mission, father," the figure chuckled.
The Drayad's body shifted.
Bark darkened.
Branches twisted.
His true form emerged.
Esahn — the spirit of a Black Locust.
Black locust trees were parasitic survivors, capable of spreading aggressively and overtaking other growth.
Amai had granted him a rare ability.
He could absorb the essence of other Drayads and assume their form.
Olor had already fallen victim to this power.
"Yes, your mission," Vishka muttered as he sat upon a couch grown from intertwined roots and moss.
Sprout servants rose from the soil and prepared tea.
"How is it progressing?"
"The women left the tribe," Esahn said casually while biting into an apple.
"They what?!" Vishka shouted.
"They left."
"Then why are you here?"
"What do you mean?" Esahn raised a brow.
Vishka sighed.
"You infiltrated the camp to destroy them from within. Now you will simply abandon the task?"
"I never said that."
Esahn tossed the apple core out the window.
"All I said was they left."
"I still have yet to mate with one of their females."
Vishka grimaced in disgust.
"Please keep those conversations outside my office."
"I already have someone following them," Esahn continued.
"He should return soon with information."
With a grin, Esahn leapt through the window and transformed once more into Olor's stolen form.
Silence filled the room.
Vishka placed his cup down slowly.
What could have driven the women to abandon their tribe?