“Do not fear, little lass, you are safe amongst the trees…”

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“Who said that?” Karigan took a deep breath, trying her best to calm herself. Getting startled and tearing blindly through the Wood wouldn't help matters. She would end up getting lost. If I can get more lost than I already am, she thought. This place is so strange, it isn’t anything like the Wood by our home.

“You’re no longer in your Wood, but never fear. There are those who will guide you inside the twisting trees…”

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“Okay, this is getting old fast!” Karigan glared into the darkness, wishing she could punch the female voice toying with her. “If I’m not in the Wood anymore, where the hell am I!?”

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“The Forest of Ferrês, child,” the voice sang. “Follow the light—it will reveal your purpose here…”

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The Forest of Ferrês? Scratching her head, she pondered why that name sounded familiar. I think Ralph told me a story about this place. Deep in thought, a flash of light blinded her. Prancing just inches from her face was a bluish orb. Is that a wisp? Once her eyes adjusted, she realized that the orb had a small, human-like form. “By the gods! Are you a fairy?”

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A giggle was her reply. The light faded away, and before her floated a beautiful fairy the size of her palm. Her fluttering wings were bluish in tone with white decorative patterns. She had short, cropped hair and leaves for clothes that sparkled in the darkened forest. Karigan smiled. It was a rare sight to see such a creature. Ralph’s words hit her as the memory flooded back.

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“Beyond our lands, beyond the mountains, lies a forbidden forest to the journey of man. Deep within lay creatures of magic, from shape shifting beasts, to fairies and more…”

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