Arthur's Point of View

Depths of the Hollow Forest

“Where are ya going!?” Cassidy quickly questioned as she grabbed my arm.

Looking down at her, I saw how nervous she was. “Calm down. I’m not going anywhere. There’s just a few more people to meet.” She slowly let go of my arm as she looked down. “Once all this is said and done, we’re gonna talk about what you did.”

Cass bit her lip as she responded sourly. “Ah did what Ah had to.”

“I don’t doubt it, but we’re still going to talk about whatever it is you did with Ayda.” Her head snapped up as her eyes met mine in surprise. “Yeah,” I began as my eyes saw the Elf’s magic coursing through her. “I can see it.” Even Ayda turned away from that as her own family looked at her in concern. “There are many things I need to address moving forward.”

“Breeze is still waiting for you.” Marina said after a moment.

Closing my eyes, I replied. “I know. Would you make me the path?” At my request, the water began freezing over like when she was first created. “Thank you, Marina.” With a small nod to the group, they waited for me to return.

Walking over the bridge of ice, I made my way to the inner sanctum of the area. The tree still hung in the hole where its roots plunged through the nearby walls. They likely were shooting through Marina’s Lake and out into the surrounding forest. It was still an impressive sight even after all these years. A bottomless pit, just like I remembered.

A gust of wind came from below the tree as I looked down the pit from above. It still acted as an island as the tree glowed with a white hue. Soon, the wind picked up as gale force winds started to blow from below. Reaching out with my hand, the wind was strong enough that it felt like I could float down if I merely stepped into it.

Letting my instincts take control, I took that first step as my shirt blew in the wind as my hair whipped about. Slowly, the wind guided me to the roots. As I landed, a familiar form landed beside me. Breeze eyed me as his fur blew along with his wind.

“Hey, Breeze. Wanted to apologize for being so on edge when we first met.”

His eyes closed. “When I saw you, part of me was excited, but I quickly realized it was before you knew of us. I understood why you acted the way you did.” My Wind Guardian replied as he smiled up at me when he opened his eyes. “It is nice to finally be able to speak to you, Father. After all this time…”

Nodding, I placed a hand on his head. “I’m sorry for making all of you wait. I wanted to come here, but…”

Breeze nodded. “We know. You don’t have to explain yourself.” Then his attention turned to the tree. “Someone else has been waiting for you too.”

Taking a deep breath, I replied. “I know.”

My eyes focused on the green bit of energy on the tree. Reaching out, the barrier burst as the nook reappeared. However, while I was expecting to grab the ring, I was surprised that it was gone. Before I could ask Breeze, he had flown back and watched from above. That confused me, but it only grew as a once familiar voice spoke.

“It’s been a long time, my King.” My eyes grew wide at that as I turned and saw him standing there. “Or should I say, old friend?” Aydan asked.

“Aydan?” The name came out as a question in disbelief.

I was informed that I would retrieve his ring when I returned here. Everything that transpired from the moment it was planted to Aydan’s death would be instilled upon the Elf’s emerald ring. All his memories and anything else he thought would be important would remain. Yet here he was. A living manifestation of his magic was in front of me.

“You said the ring was what would reveal what happened after I returned to the present?”

That Elven fucker smiled widely as he gave me a knowing look. “I also said I had a few other tricks up my sleeve that would be revealed later, didn’t I?” Shaking his hands in a dramatic manner, he continued. “Surprise!”