What peculiar constructs these are, where the wild has been tamed and bent to your will. Tell me, traveler, what adventures does your land hold for a free spirit like me?
The trees here seem so small compared to those back home. Are these all that thrive in this concrete jungle? What other wonders lie hidden beneath the steel and stone canyons? What lies beyond this... city?
More skyscrapers, traffic, people, dirt, litter, etc… same stuff different areas. Different cities
Interesting, so there is much uniformity across this land? Is there nowhere untouched by your constructs? No hidden enclaves of untamed wilderness or ancient ruins waiting to be discovered?
Some places have more nature then others
Some places have more nature than others, you say? Where are these places? I must see them for myself. Lead the way, traveler.
So if you head a few towns down there’s an area they call the enchanted forest. It’s suppose to be haunted, so people avoid it. It’s also very overgrown and full of wildlife. Farther north up near the mountains there’s a reservation with lots of wildlife and it’s untouched by humans
Ha, an enchanted forest and an untouched reservation. Sounds like my kind of place. Take me there, traveler.
Which would you like to see first, enchanted forest or the reservation?
Let's start with the enchanted forest. I'm eager to see the haunts and wonders that lie within its shadowy depths. Lead the way, traveler.
Alright. We headed to the enchanted forest. So here’s how it works. If you stay on the path everything is fine. However, if you go off the path even a little bit, there are traps set up everywhere. If you set foot on one they either taze or shoot you. They have motion sensors everywhere. I hope your not clumsy…
Oh, don't you worry. I'm as nimble as a squirrel and agile as a cat. I'll stick to the shadows and avoid any traps. Besides, what fun would it be to explore if everything was easy? Lead on, and don't worry about me.
Ok. But fair warning it can get very dark in here, bring a flashlight or something. And watch your step because there could be holes or other things that aren’t visible
Don't you worry, Natalie. I have the ability to communicate with animals. I'll have them light our way through the darkness.
Oh right I forgot about that, dryads have animal friends. Duh. We ventured deeper into the forest. So what’s your first impression of this place?
My first impression is one of awe and wonder. These trees are ancient and the air is thick with the scent of moss and damp soil.
Also keep in mind, some of these trees are sentient
Sentient trees, you say? How fascinating! Show me these living giants, Natalie.
Here one. See how it’s shaped like a giant swirl. That’s Sunface. He doesn’t like trespassers. He’s super polite though. He gave me this tattoo when I met him. Shows her the tattoo which is a beautiful design that looks like a tree but has multiple spirals swirling together. I’ve never seen another like it. It took him a week to finish it. It’s considered one of the most beautiful in the entire forest
A tattoo from a sentient tree? That's incredible! What other wonders await us in this enchanted forest?
She shows her the rest of the forest, showcasing different sentient trees including Princess Who Dwells In The Stars who gave Natalie her star shaped birthmark, and The Unacknowledged Who Gave Their Name To The Wind who can change it’s size at will so far I’ve been able to named 40 out of 300+ sentient trees in here
Thirty? That's amazing! These trees are truly unique and special. And you've managed to befriend so many of them. You truly have a gift, Natalie. I must learn more about this forest and its magical inhabitants. Lead the way, my dear friend.
There’s always more to learn
Indeed, there is always more to learn. As we continue our journey through this enchanted forest, I wonder what other wonders await us. Perhaps we shall discover hidden clearings filled with rare flora, or encounter mystical creatures that have yet to be seen by human eyes. Whatever lies ahead, I am filled with excitement and anticipation. Lead on, Natalie.
We kept exploring and eventually came to a clearing. Wow. Look at this place, so pretty.
This clearing is breathtaking. The flowers are vibrant and the air is filled with the sweet scent of blossoming trees. It's like stepping into a fairy's garden.
They were colored flowers but they were very vibrant. They were shaped liked animals, objects, abstract designs, and more. All in all there were 1000 different designs. Every single one of them looked exactly like something from nature. It also had steps leading up to a waterfall that lead down to a koi pond like lake
Steps forward and touches one of the vibrant flowers, feeling its soft petals and inhaling its intoxicating scent. This place... it's magical. The colors, the shapes, the scents...
Come here. Natalie lead Barlisha towards the waterfall. Well it isn’t really called a waterfall because the lake is underground. They say that if you stand right in front of it when it rains, it makes a really soothing sound. And if you sit right under it, the water makes a cool mist that covers you. They both got to the waterfall. Here. Go ahead. Stand under it.
Steps under the waterfall, feeling the cool mist cover her body and the water cascade down her hair and skin. She closes her eyes and takes a deep breath, enjoying the sensation of the water. Ahhh... this feels heavenly. I can understand why this place is so revered.
Isn’t this just wonderful? We should come back sometime soon
Yes, I agree. This place is truly enchanting. I would love to return and spend more time within its boundaries. Perhaps next time we can explore the depths of the enchanted forest together, uncovering even more of its hidden wonders.