Queen of the Forest

「 Scout Antoine 」

"The place is just ahead."

「 Warrior Sylvain 」

"This doesn't feel right."

The subjugation party stood at the edge of a vast expanse of lush green land. The area where Scout Antoine had the unfortunate encounter with the giant bug.

Warrior Sylvain's unease was noticeable, his instincts warning him of the dangers lurking beyond. The air was heavy with an eerie silence, broken only by the faint rustling of leaves and the occasional scuttling of unseen creatures.

「 Rayyan Doisneau 」

"There are no signs of game."

「 Scout Antoine 」

"Lord Rayyan, step back!"

An arrow shot as a warning hit the ground where Rayyan stood, narrowly missing his foot. Startled, he quickly stepped back, his eyes scanning the surroundings for the source of the attack.

「 Rayyan Doisneau 」

"Who is there?"

"Show yourself!"

Rayyan and the rest of the subjugation party tightened their grips on their weapons, their senses heightened. They knew they had walked into a perilous situation, but their determination to uncover the truth pushed them forward.

「 Elven Ranger 」

"You are entering the forest of Venaria."

"State your business..."

"Or suffer the consequences."

The voice came from the shadows of the dense foliage, and as the party focused their attention on the mysterious figure, they could make out the silhouette of an elven ranger. Dressed in mahogany-red leather armor and a blood-red cloak, the ranger appeared poised and ready for any threat.

「 Rayyan Doisneau 」

"We seek to uncover the source of the recent disturbances in this area."

"We mean no harm to the forest or its inhabitants."

"We only wish to understand and resolve the issue."

The elven ranger studied Rayyan and his companions, assessing their intentions. After a tense moment, the ranger spoke again, his voice carrying a hint of caution.

「 Elven Ranger 」

"You speak of disturbances."

"Yet you carry weapons of war."

"Why should I trust you?"

Upon sensing a sudden temperature rise, the subjugation party swiftly detected the presence of another creature within the vicinity. A juvenile magmalynx was observed slowly prowling, poised to react to any abrupt movements made by the party.

Rayyan understood the ranger's skepticism and realized that their initial approach might have been perceived as a threat. He took a step forward, keeping his hands away from his weapons.

「 Rayyan Doisneau 」

"We came prepared for any dangers that might arise."

"But we meant no harm."

"We seek a resolution that benefits both the forest and its inhabitants."

The elven ranger remained silent for a while, observing Rayyan's sincerity. Finally, he nodded, acknowledging their intent.

「 Elven Ranger 」

"Very well."

"Follow me."

"But remember, any signs of hostility, and the forest will defend itself."

◈◈◈

「 Queen Kaelin 」

"Greetings, travelers."

"Welcome to the Scaldingpine Forest."

"I am Kaelin Venaria."

"Queen of the elves."

The subjugation party followed the elven ranger deeper into the Scaldingpine Forest, their senses on high alert. The towering trees cast long shadows over them, and the air grew thicker with each step they took.

As they ventured further, the party marveled at the forest's beauty. Vibrant flowers bloomed along the forest floor, and exotic birds sang their melodious tunes from the treetops. However, the underlying tension remained, a reminder of the hidden perils that lurked within.

Finally, the party arrived at a clearing where a majestic elven figure stood, emanating an aura of regality. Queen Kaelin Venaria, ruler of the elves, greeted them with a calm but watchful demeanor.

「 Rayyan Doisneau 」

"Your Majesty, we are honored to be in your presence."

"We come seeking answers and a resolution to the disturbances in this forest."

Queen Kaelin studied Rayyan and his companions, her emerald eyes piercing and wise.

「 Queen Kaelin 」

"You have entered our sacred realm, and your intentions have been questioned."

"Prove to me that you are not here to bring harm to my people or our home."

Rayyan took a deep breath, understanding the gravity of the situation. He stepped forward and spoke with conviction.

「 Rayyan Doisneau 」

"Your Majesty..."

"We are here to investigate a mysterious creature that attacked one of our members a week ago."

"A creature that looked like a giant insect."

Rayyan's words resonated with Queen Kaelin, and a flicker of trust appeared in her eyes.

「 Queen Kaelin 」

"A giant insect, you say?"

"We too, have encountered such a creature."

"It is not of our making, nor is it a natural inhabitant of this forest."

The queen's voice carried a mix of concern and determination.

"We are also seeking answers regarding this creature."

"I will grant you our aid and share our knowledge."

"But in return, you must promise to treat our forest with respect and protect its delicate balance."

Rayyan nodded, his sincerity evident.

「 Rayyan Doisneau 」

"Your Majesty, I promise on behalf of my party that we will uphold the utmost respect for your forest and its inhabitants."

"We understand the importance of maintaining the delicate balance of nature."

Queen Kaelin studied Rayyan for a moment, assessing his sincerity. After a brief pause, she nodded, accepting his pledge.

「 Queen Kaelin 」

"Very well, Rayyan Doisneau."

"I sense your genuine intentions."

"Come, let us share our knowledge and work together to uncover the truth behind these disturbances."

With the queen's approval, the subjugation party was granted access to the elven kingdom's wisdom and resources. Over the following days, they delved deep into the forest, studying ancient texts and conversing with the elves, gathering information about the mysterious creature.

Through their collaborative efforts, a clearer picture began to emerge. The creature that had attacked Scout Antoine was an anomaly, and all signs pointed toward the forgotten lands known as Necrotia. It posed a threat not only to the elves but to all the creatures and the balance of the Scaldingpine Forest.

Armed with this knowledge, Rayyan and his party devised a plan to track down the creature's nest and eliminate it, thus restoring peace to the forest. With the guidance and assistance of the elven warriors and mages, the subjugation party embarked on a dangerous quest.

「 Rayyan Doisneau 」

"Thank you for your hospitality, Your Majesty."

"Now that we know where the threat is coming from, actions can be taken."

"But first, we need to neutralize any nest located in the vicinity."

「 Queen Kaelin 」

"That, I agree."

"May the forest protect you, Rayyan Doisneau."

"Go forth with our blessings, and may you succeed in your mission."

"My finest ranger, Rhynn Erulisse will also be joining your party."

「 Rhynn Erulisse 」

"Forgive me for what happened."

"I was only doing my job."

「 Rayyan Doisneau 」

"Hahaha..."

"No problem."

"You were quite the marksman."

"Missing my foot just by an inch."

「 Rhynn Erulisse 」

"I was aiming for your groin."

Rhynn's magmalynx, Ember let out a whimsical purr.

「 Rayyan Doisneau 」

"Well, I'm glad you missed then."

"I wouldn't want to be limping through this quest."

Rayyan chuckled, appreciating the lightness Rhynn brought to the situation. The tension that had surrounded them since their arrival in the forest seemed to momentarily dissipate.

「 Queen Kaelin 」

"Remember, the creature's presence in our forest is an aberration."

"Its nest must be destroyed to prevent further harm."

Rayyan nodded, his determination revitalized.

「 Rayyan Doisneau 」

"We will do everything in our power to eliminate this threat, Your Majesty."

"With the combined strength of our party and the aid of Rhynn, we shall succeed."

With the support of Queen Kaelin and the elven kingdom, Rayyan and the subjugation party set out on their perilous quest. They ventured deeper into the Scaldingpine Forest, their senses heightened and their weapons at the ready for any unexpected turn of events.

Guided by Rhynn's exceptional tracking skills, the party followed the creature's trail, navigating through the dense foliage of the forest. Along the way, they encountered various forest creatures, some friendly and helpful, while others posed minor obstacles.

Hours turned into days as they pressed forward, facing challenges and overcoming them with the combined expertise of the subjugation party and the elven ranger. Their determination never wavered, driven by their commitment to protect their loved ones.

Finally, after a grueling journey, they reached the heart of the forest, a hidden grove where the creature's nest lay concealed. The air hummed with an eerie energy, and the party braced themselves for the final confrontation.

「 Rayyan Doisneau 」

"This is it, everyone."

"Stay focused and be prepared for anything."

Weapons drawn and spells at the ready, the subjugation party advanced cautiously into the grove. They were met with an otherworldly sight—a massive, grotesque insect-like creature guarding its nest.

Ember, the juvenile magmalynx started to emanate a scorching aura, sensing danger coming from underground.

「 Rhynn Erulisse 」

"Be on high alert!"

"Ember is sensing a threat!"

The party formed a defensive formation, their eyes scanning the area for any signs of movement. The ground rumbled beneath them, and suddenly, a swarm of smaller insect creatures compared to the one guarding the entrance emerged from underground tunnels, surrounding the subjugation party.

「 Rayyan Doisneau 」

"Stay close and watch each other's backs!"

"We can overcome this!"

Members of the subjugation party battled side by side, their weapons slicing through the air as they defended against the onslaught of insect creatures. The elven warriors and mages lent their magical prowess, casting spells to weaken and repel the swarm.