The Tree of Life - A Dungeon Story

In a castle on a prosperous kingdom, stood a great Tree.

This tree had many levels and humans could enter it freely. Inside, worlds of wonder would remain untouched for generations until discovered by those with the courage to brave them.

One might feel their hairs standing on edge. Treasures and wonders, who wouldn't want to explore then?

And still, one day this mighty Tree started to lose its radiance.

Time seemed to stop on some of its many worlds, as numerous as leaves.

Then, it started to regress, and the amazing Tree receeded and died.

All those precious resources and powers, lost forever. Only seeds remained, and many bloody wars were fought for them.

From those seeds came sapplings, and those as well were many times lost.

Some would rather destroy such beautiful lives to have them fall in the hands of others.

And from the few that remained, no much growth could be observed.

Some tried to take care of them with tender, gentle care.

Others perfomed acts of extreme malice, and their evil polluted the poor things.

And then, there was me.

As I opened my eyes, so much time had passed already. My own seed was lost for generations, and my brothers and sisters had lived their lives and died as well, as did our mother.

Many lives I have seen and observed, and many times have I cried and laughed. One such as me can inherit memories many, from this and from other worlds. And so I come with wisdom appropriate for my own age.

A tender hand is caressing my small leaves.

- Fret not, little one. I must take good care of yah.

A young woman of noble birth I see in front of me. It seems gentle and heavily guarded by others which stay vigilant.

This soil I'm in has been carefully taken care of and plowed. It is nutritious and cozzy. I can feel my roots being enveloped by its warmt.

- Daughter, has it woke yet?

- I believe so, father.

A man in luxurious garments approaches the young lady taking care of me. I perceive its existence as a mix of desire and peace. Of unbalance and balance. A common human, albeit a little magic flowing on its veins.

- Then I guess it is time for the presentation. Step asside, if you may.

- Of course.

The man stands in front of me, gently presenting itself.

- Greetings, Lord. My name is Alfeit Alkaid Ahrmrath Kaid. I rule over these lands and greet your presence amongst us.

I gently move my leaves. The customs of this time seem to be adequate. A long sleep I've slept, and only those memories of greatest impact have remained for me to remember.

- It indeed is present now!

A little commotion starts. The young lady cries of happiness, and the man in front of me sheds a smile of great contentment.

- Call for the House of Equals. We must perform the cerimony as quickly as possible, so his Lordship is acquainted with our customs.

The man talks to his retainers without taking his eyes out of me. I feel respect on his voice, as well as genuine happiness for my existence.

- Lord, I bid you farewell and wish for our next reunion to be pleasurable. I might be of little value as your companion on this journey, but please accept my daughter as your caretaker.

The man gestures for the young lady to approach, and she bows respectfully.

- Pleasured to make acquaintance, Lord. Thou Lordship might call me Emilia.

I wave my leaves again, and my own understanding of the act is of acceptance. The lady sits happily by my side, and the man leaves with glee on his eyes.

As such, this world welcomes me in grand fashion. Pleasured, I rest my own consciousness and wait for the Day of Investiture.