Chapter 117 - Woodland Grace

Vell knelt, extending a hand, and to Sonder's surprise, the fox nuzzled against his palm.

"Could he be a druid?" Sonder asked, intrigued by the fox's behavior.

"Not quite, Sonder. This is Copse, a particularly smart fox. He's a sign that we're headed in the right direction."

The fox turned, glancing over its shoulder as if beckoning them to follow. Without a second thought, Vell stood, leading them onward, deeper into the heart of the forest.

As if understanding his role, Copse turned, looking back over his shoulder in a silent invitation to follow. Without hesitation, Vell rose to his feet, and they continued their journey, delving deeper into the forest's heart.

Sonder stole a glance at Vell, who seemed calm and at ease, his face bathed in the soft glow of the sunlight filtering through the leafy canopy.

"You know," he began, "druids have a sense of humor. I hope this isn't one of their jokes. Like sending us on a wild goose chase before we get to meet them."

As they walked, Copse darted ahead, weaving through the underbrush with playful energy. Suddenly, the fox stopped and turned back; its ears perked, as if sensing something. Vell and Sonder approached cautiously, the tension in the air palpable.

"What is it, Copse?" Vell whispered, crouching near the fox.

Just then, a guttural growl echoed from the direction Copse had been intently staring at.

A shadow emerged from the thicket—a large wolf, its fur a blend of midnight and silver, with eyes that gleamed like polished gems. The creature stood tall, and its teeth were long and sharp, and it regarded them with interest.

"Stay calm," Vell instructed Sonder, stepping forward with his hands raised in a gesture of peace. "Greetings, Coppice."

"What does it want?" Sonder questioned in a whisper.

Vell didn't answer, instead raising his voice to address the wolf, "It's an honor to meet both Copse and Coppice on the same day."

The wolf's gaze was penetrating, seeming to see past the underbrush and grass directly onto them.

In a surprising move, the wolf advanced, sniffing the air before abruptly turning to trot away, occasionally glancing back to ensure they were following.

With a reassuring nod from Vell, they trailed after the wolf, Copse energetically bounding ahead, a flash of orange amidst the green.

The forest began to change around them, the trees growing taller and denser, their twisted branches forming a natural archway.

After a while, they emerged into a clearing where the wolf came to a halt, its majestic figure contrasting against the backdrop of a vast flower-filled meadow.

In the heart of the meadow, a quaint cottage stood, built of interwoven vines and wooden beams, its roof covered with bright leaves of all colors.

As they neared, the cottage door creaked open, revealing a figure that seemed to be a physical manifestation of the forest itself. A man, dressed in green, stepped out. He was a lively character, his beard resembling a cascade of ivy and his robe woven from leaves that shimmered like emeralds.

"Ah, visitors!" he boomed, his voice reverberating with warmth and cheerfulness. "Oh my, do my eyes deceive me? Vellichor and company! What a delightful surprise! Please, come in! I was about to brew some tea."

Taken aback by the wizard's infectious enthusiasm, Sonder's apprehension melted away. "Are you... the green wizard?" she asked, curious about the man.

"Indeed, I am! You may call me Boscage, guardian of the forest's secrets and a lover of herbal brews!" He made a grand gesture, inviting them to come inside.

Without any hesitation, Vell stepped inside the cozy cottage, which was filled with the inviting aroma of various herbs and concoctions simmering away in pots.

"Have a seat, my friends!" Boscage offered, bustling about as he prepared wooden cups. "I trust Copse and Coppice have been good guides."

"They have," Vell confirmed, easing himself onto a cushion beside a wooden table.