Arren

The man stood before Emma, his expression a mix of irritation. He embodied a fascinating blend of humanity and magic, with striking cerulean eyes that seemed to hold a depth of secrets. His skin was pale, almost ethereal, and his long, flowing black hair cascaded around him like a dark waterfall. Draped over his form was an intricately designed long black cloak that masked the contours of his body and the shimmer of his hair, leaving much to the imagination.

At first glance, he appeared entirely human, but Emma couldn't shake the feeling that there was more beneath the surface. Hidden away under his cloak were enormous black feathers, soft yet imposing, which remained out of sight. Tiny, wolf-like ears peeked out from beneath his hair, hinting at his otherworldly nature. 

As his piercing gaze locked onto hers, he asked sharply, "What are you doing here? How did you discover this place?" The words felt heavy in the air as Emma sensed the tension brewing between them.

Emma looked at the guy with fear before she could utter a word. Felix who was half unconscious started bleeding more.

The smell of the blood made the guy standing even more irritated.

He turned to Emma, who stood there trembling, dread etched upon her face. With a heavy sigh, he lifted Felix into his arms, cradling him gently as he carried him toward the dense forest ahead—an area Felix had previously pointed out as the home of some residents. Emma reached out to the mysterious young man, but he shot her a sharp glare.

"I am not going to harm your friend. He needs immediate help. You should follow me to my house," he insisted, his voice firm yet tinged with urgency.

Relief washed over Emma like a warm wave. "This guy is actually helping us. Why was I so rude to him? I'm just incredibly thankful," she reflected internally, a flicker of hope igniting within her.

"I'm Emma," she introduced herself, trying to bridge the silence.

The young man offered no response, his back turned as he strode confidently deeper into the forest. 

"Huge trees! They're everywhere, even back in Silverfaden, where Frieda and Felix grew up," Emma observed, her voice tinged with awe.

He remained silent, lost in his thoughts. "What's so surprising about that?" he wondered to himself as the two ventured further into the thick greenery.

As they descended into the heart of the forest, Emma marveled at the small creatures scurrying about. Amongst the underbrush, she spotted the most delightful sight—a mix of rabbits and squirrels, their fur shimmering in the filtered sunlight. They were playfully engaged in a spirited tussle, leaving trails of tiny sparkles in their wake. Emma couldn't help but laugh at the enchanting scene. The little creatures paused, glancing at her with curious eyes before resuming their playful brawl.

"What are these adorable creatures called?" she asked, her curiosity bubbling over.

Once again, no answer came. Emma began to wonder if the mysterious guy was merely shy or perhaps simply uninterested. A hint of embarrassment washed over her for asking.

They walked in silence for a while, but Emma was far from bored. The towering trees stretched high above, their sprawling branches heavy with vibrant green leaves, creating a magical canopy that filtered the sunlight into a soft, golden glow. It was all so mesmerizing that she completely forgot about her hunger and fatigue. Instead, she felt an invigorating energy surging through her veins, bolstered by the beauty of the forest around her.

Glancing back at Emma now and then, the mysterious guy noticed how her eyes sparkled with delight as they ventured deeper into the woods. Finally, they arrived at an open clearing where a colossal tree stood majestically in the center. Unlike any tree she had ever seen, its trunk was wide and gnarled, adorned with intricately carved windows and doors. Branches sprouted in every direction, each supporting small, leafy balconies that seemed to invite visitors.

As they stepped into the clearing, Emma stood in awe, her breath hitching at the sight of the fantastical treehouse. "Is that your house?" she exclaimed, her eyes wide with wonder.

"…"

"Oh! I'm just so utterly amazed," she stammered, tears brimming at the corners of her eyes, overwhelmed by the breathtaking sight of such a magnificent dwelling nestled deep within the forest.

The mysterious guy observed her reaction, intrigued by the depth of her emotion. He stepped inside the treehouse, carefully laying Felix down in a cozy, bed adorned with soft, mossy blankets. 

Emma, still captivated by the wonder surrounding her, wandered around the outside of the treehouse, touching its smooth bark and the lush grass beneath her feet. She ventured around the sides, feeling a surge of energy; she had never encountered anything like this before.

"Can I come inside?" Emma asked, her heart racing with excitement.

There was silence in response.

Deciding not to wait any longer, she stepped into the enchanting interior and was met with an equally stunning sight. The walls seemed to glow with soft, natural light, illuminating the intricately designed woodwork and delicate vines that curled around the beams. Emma wandered into the bedroom, where she found the mysterious guy kneeling beside Felix. His hands hovered over Felix's chest, and a warm yellow light glowed where he touched him, casting an ethereal hue in the room.

Emma's gaze shifted to Felix, and a wave of realization crashed over her. "Felix is in this condition because of me," she murmured in guilt, tears spilling down her cheeks uncontrollably.

She positioned herself beside the mysterious guy, who remained concentrated, eyes closed as he recited an incantation. Emma, fraught with worry, watched Felix and clasped her hands in silent prayer.

Several moments later, the young man finally spoke, his voice breaking the tension. "It will take him a few days to open his eyes."

Startled by the unexpected sound, Emma opened her eyes wide. "So he finally decided to talk," she thought, a flicker of relief mingling with her anxiety.

"How many days will it be?" she pressed.

"I don't know," he replied, his voice steady despite her pressing concern.

"What can I do to help him?" she asked, desperation creeping into her tone.

"Nothing. Just wait patiently," he said, and Emma's worried expression deepened as she looked at Felix, her heart heavy with apprehension. The mysterious guy noticed her concern and sighed, his expression softening.

"I am Arren," he finally revealed, his voice calm amidst the whirlwind of emotions.