Will woke up in pain, which is understandable given her injury, but that didn't make it any easier to bear. Her mind was foggy, and every part of her body hurt, whether it was from the ground she slept on or the agonizing pulsing of the wound. Attempting to sit up sent a wave of dizziness through her head, causing her to groan and fall back to the ground. She looked around the cave, blinking away tears. In the dim light slipping through the stone ceiling, uneven rocks and a water stream gurgling around in the depths were easier to see. The embers from yesterday's fire still glowed, but Cedric was nowhere to be seen. She tried calling his name, but her voice only echoed back to her. Once again, Will was left alone, and unexpected anger grew. She tried focusing on the tether binding them together but only moaned as the magic refused to answer her call. The Heart of Kandrakar was dull and lifeless on her chest, a stark contrast to its usual vibrant glow. It sank back inside her body, hidden once more by a painful tug. She was stranded in an unfamiliar world with no idea how to get home, and her only hope of surviving this ordeal was an enemy who wanted to kill her. Will chucked, feeling hopelessness setting in. It was her reckless actions that led her here. There was no one to blame. She took a deep breath and slowly stood up, holding onto the rock wall, stumbling to the water, and taking a few sips of the clear liquid with her stomach rumbling with hunger. It was to be expected, as healing always required many calories, but here and now, it only made her feel worse. Eyeing the wound on her stomach, Will hissed as the skin stretched and cracked, even if it looked better than before. Cupping the water in her hands, she poured it on her injury, crying out from the unavoidable bout of pain. Yet, gritting her teeth, she did it again and again until some of the heat on the skin subsided. Cooling the burn was the best she could do without the proper medicine or magic to rely on.

'And I had a wishful thought that perhaps you died in your sleep...' The voice emanated from the shadows. Alarmed, Will jumped and spun around, quickly regretting the action as the ache shot through her body.

'You wish!' She cursed under her breath, even though her heart raced from the unexpected fright. Cedric chuckled a deep and throaty sound that made her skin crawl.

'If only... while you were taking your beauty sleep, I was doing all the hard work.' He dropped a bundle of logs on the ground, then sat down and took out more items from the makeshift bag made from the vines hanging outside. Soon the fire sparked again, and Cedric put a few smooth, round pebbles inside it. He then brought out some meaty leaves of a plant she'd never seen before, expertly folding them into makeshift cups and scooping water into them before placing them aside.

'I thought you were noble, and all peasant work was beyond you?' Will frowned slightly, looking at how he efficiently continued his tasks.

'The fact that you are useless does not imply I lack survival skills. Considering I am a member of the military, my position did not come to me for sitting idle.' Cedric scoffed and started to mash some herbs between the two rocks. As a soldier and magician from a young age, he trained to adapt to any situation and make the most of it, even with limited resources. He put the green grind into a water cup and scooped a rock out of the fire with a stick, dropping it in. The water bubbled and boiled, emitting a grassy aroma that filled the air, but the cup held, even if it looked fragile.

'Drink. It should relieve the pain a bit, or else you'll be a burden on the road.' He motioned to the strange beverage. Will was reluctant. It looked like sludge and had a layer of ash floating on top. Cedric rolled his eyes, taking a cup and drinking from it himself. 'Happy? It is not poison.' He snapped at her foolishness. 'Even if it appears unappealing to your delicate sensibilities, everything in it is digestible.'

Will frowned and took a soft bowl, cautiously sipping the liquid and feeling a warm sensation spread through her body. It was a bitter but oddly sweet concoction, reminding her of licorice if she ignored the sight of it.

'We have to move. I took a look around and found nothing but wilderness. This region is unfamiliar to me, but there are recognizable roads within the kingdom if we find one.' He looked at her with a strange expression and rubbed his wrists. 'Also, let's get this out of the way,' he sighed. 'You and I both dislike each other, and to be perfectly honest, I could not care less about you, but I have my honor, and I will adhere to it. Regrettably, I have no choice in this matter.' Cedric paused, his eyes fixed on the fire, before continuing. 'For the time being, we must cooperate, but let's maintain a professional demeanor. No unnecessary interactions—I'll save your life, and we'll continue like before—as enemies.'

The tension in the air was palpable. Will knew it was her only chance of survival, but it would be hard to work with her sworn enemy, not after everything he'd done. The uneasy silence followed, interrupted only by the sounds of the burning wood. Finally, she took a deep breath and spoke.

'We don't have to like each other. As long as you get me out of here alive, I consider the debt between us settled and void.' Her words hung in the air, and she could see the calculating look in his eyes. Cedric was a cunning man, but as long as magic tied them together, she could protect herself from the betrayal. Will held his gaze, waiting for a response, and finally, Cedric nodded, acknowledging her terms.

'Fine. First, in this kingdom, you cannot move in your outfit. The Guardians are too recognizable, and it would draw unwanted attention to us. Secondly, you will have to let me look at your injury. We both know it has to be attended to before we do anything else.'

'Why do I have to hide?' Will was confused and slightly annoyed by his suggestion.

'Are you seriously asking that?' Cedric chuckled, looking at her in disbelief.

She shrugged, avoiding his eyes. 'I just don't see why it is necessary.'

'Believe me, you do not want any eyes drawn to yourself. We are not in the capital anymore. This is a wild country, and people here are not as friendly as you might think.'

'Fine, I'll do it.' Will sighed grudgingly, hating the fact that once again, Cedric was making sense. It made her feel like she lacked the necessary skills to be practical in an unfamiliar environment. Even if that were true, the reminders stung her pride. Also, they couldn't afford to be careless, and as much as Will hated to admit it, her injury was hurting her more than she let on. So with a resigned sigh and swallowed pride, Will tilted her head, sat more comfortably on the rocks, and submitted herself to the enemy's grasp.

His fingers were gentle when he checked her burned skin, but closing her eyes was a mistake. Will's breath hitched when the sudden memory of being tied and prodded flooded her mind. She trembled as the goosebumps rose on her skin, feeling the urge to pull away from Cedric's touch. The past torture was still in her mind, and the sudden surge of adrenaline in her body would lead to panic she could not afford. There was no Phobos to comfort her, and such weakness was unacceptable in the current situation. Will took a deep breath and forced her body to stay still, reminding herself that this time Cedric was not her captor and she needed his help.

'I am not a healer, so my knowledge is rudimental, but we need to prevent an infection.' His voice was so close that Will flinched and opened her eyes.

'Don't touch me!' She spat, suddenly feeling extremely vulnerable. She wanted to go home and forget about this nightmare. Cedric hissed, clutching his wrists, and took a step back. He growled and raised his hands in surrender. 'I won't touch you, but I must tend to it and wrap it properly before it gets worse.'

Will trembled, trying to gather her wits, realizing she needed his assistance. She twitched, trying not to let her fear get in the way of medical aid, and raised her head, allowing him to approach.

Once again, Cedric crouched beside her, spreading green goop on her injury with an intense look on his face. Wincing as the cool salve touched her skin, Will admitted to herself that he was right. Getting an infection in the middle of nowhere was not a good idea. Even if her magic prevented most diseases, being careless would lead to trouble, and she was already exhausted.

'We need to bind this...' Cedric said, looking around for suitable dressings. 'I have to tear down your uniform. The sleeves would do.' He suggested it, and Will sighed in resignation, knowing there was no other choice. She remained silent as Cedric's nails grew into sharp claws and ripped the fabric of her sleeve, wincing at the sound of shredding cloth but not protesting as both parts of her uniform were severed. Soon, he cut the sleeve into long strips and looked her in the eyes, tightly binding the wound. Will tried to regulate her breathing instead of crying out as she felt the pressure on her skin where the wrap had pulled the burn. He was efficient and detached, and it was over in a minute, which she appreciated because being touched by him made her extremely uncomfortable. After that, Cedric left her alone, tending to the fire and creating something strange yet again. She watched as he soaked a large lump of burned-out coal in water and pounded it into a paste. When curiosity got the better of her, Will asked, 'What are you doing?'

Cedric lifted his head, and the light from the fire danced on his face. 'Making a dye for your hair.' He replied and continued to work on the paste until it turned into a smooth, black liquid. 'It's either this or mud, but your hair is too bright for soil. Coal will give you a darker shade, which will help you blend in.'

'I refuse!' Will frowned, feeling apprehensive about putting anything on her locks.

'You have no say in this.' Cedric stood up, poured the cold liquid on her head, and rubbed it through her red tresses.

'Fuck you!' She shrieked as the paste dripped down her neck and face. Will tried to wipe it away but only made a mess, so she went to the stream to wash off her skin as much as she could. 'I can't believe you did that!'

Cedric watched her with a satisfied smirk. 'You'll thank me later.' He said it, and Will glared, angry. Even though she knew her hair was too unique for Metamoor.

When the worst residue washed away, Cedric threw her a leftover strip from her uniform and said, 'Tie it around your forehead to keep your hair in place, and put on my coat. The fabric is slightly damp, but the sun will dry it out. I cannot let you out in your uniform.'

Will grumbled but grudgingly followed Cedric's instructions, feeling self-conscious about her boyish and shabby appearance and wondering why it was even necessary in the first place. Seeing her comply with his orders, Cedric also started to change. He stroked a bit of dry ash through his hair several times until the color became less blonde and more gray. Then he quickly braided it and tied the end with a ribbon. His white shirt was next, with a few smudges and tears added to make it look more worn. Then he put it on, rolling the sleeves up to his elbows. With a few dirt stains on his face, the transformation was complete, and he appeared to be more of a traveler than a noble. Then Cedric stood and threw sand on the fire until it was completely extinguished. Will blinked when it went out, trying to adjust her eyes to the meager light from outside. He gathered their sparse belongings and said, 'Let's go. The sun is out, and we have a long journey ahead of us.'

As they walked back to the forest, she could not help but feel a sense of worry about what lay ahead. They were heading into unfamiliar territory without supplies, and maybe danger was lurking around every corner. Will wasn't familiar enough with Metamoor's flora and fauna to keep wandering around without her magic to protect her. Despite her anxiety, she held her head high, following the unwilling companion, determined to get home in one piece, even if it meant facing the unknown.

The forest was alive with sounds when they emerged from the underground. The sun was high in the blue sky, shining through the canopy and casting dappled shadows on the forest floor. There was a wonder of untouched nature around her, with vibrant flowers and towering trees that seemed to stretch up to the heavens. The deeper they went, the stranger the forest became, with things she had never seen, such as big, colorful leaves that did not grow on Earth or unrecognizable animal calls. It seemed they walked without direction, but soon the forest thinned, and they both stumbled upon a clearing. Just as Will was about to enter the glade, Cedric grabbed her elbow and yanked her back.

'Wait,' he whispered, pointing to a group of figures in the center of the clearing. 'Murmurers, the spirits of the forest...'

Will squinted, seeing something out of a fairy tale. The creatures or people were tall, slender, and colorful, with skins like tree bark—some rough, others willowy and soft like flower stems, stripped with patterns or plain but shimmering in the sun. The figures wore no clothes, but their hair was full of roots and blooms, as if they were one with the forest itself.

'They are said to have been created by the Divine Guardian himself. The first beings to be born...' Cedric spoke in quiet reverence as he watched the spirits move gracefully through the grass. Their movements were effortless and fluid, as if the forest spirits were dancing to a silent melody only they could hear. When listening closely, Will heard voices murmuring words in a language she could not understand. It blended with the sounds of the forest, creating a symphony of nature that was both beautiful and mysterious. Will felt a strange calm and awe wash over her as she realized there was so much more to Metamoor than she had ever known.

'Come.' Cedric said, pushing her in another direction. 'Better not to disturb them.'

Will took his advice and turned away from the magical scene to follow him back to the forest, but accidentally tripped over a root and fell. The pain was sudden and intense. Even if her burns bothered her all day, this was nothing like that. She cried out, curling up to protect her wound as tears streamed down her face. Cedric rushed back to her side, annoyance on his face, but soon he halted as the forest went still. The silence was eerie, the entire woodland was holding its breath. He scanned their surroundings, his eyes narrowing on a faint rustling sound from the dense undergrowth nearby. As if growing straight out of the forest floor, the murmurers surrounded them, blending into the rustling of leaves and the ruffling of the grass. His annoyance turned to fear as he quickly helped her up, and they both stood frozen, unsure of what to do next.

'You don't belong here...' In front of them stood a woman with green skin that was fleshed out with yellow stripes, pointy ears, and curly brown hair adorned with meadow flowers. Her voice was soft but clear, like a bell, echoing the words to those standing nearby. Even though only her lips moved, it appeared that others were speaking in tandem with her, creating a circle of repetition around them.

'Pardon our intrusion, o children of the forests. We mean you no harm.' Cedric bowed as low as he could under the circumstances, placing his hand on his heart. Will attempted to copy his movement but hissed in pain and only lowered her head, trying not to offend the creatures. The woman's golden eyes glinted with amusement as she observed their gesture. 'You may speak, but be careful with your words,' she warned. 'We are not easily pleased.'

Cedric nodded respectfully and calmly spoke, trying to appear less intimidating. 'We are lost travelers trying to find our way out of this forest... We only seek a safe passage and would be grateful for any guidance you could offer us.' He continued.

'Liar...' Her laughter carried through the trees. 'You are not lost. You are trespassing on our territory. Safe passage is not something we offer to outsiders.' The murmurers around them growled in agreement. Their eyes were fixed on them, watching every move with suspicion.

'Please, my companion is injured... We are lost and exhausted. We cannot harm you.' Cedric tried to reason with the group of forest dwellers.

The woman approached them both as if she were examining their appearance. Her bare feet made no sound on the green grass, and the circle tightened around them, leaving no room for escape.

'Your companion's injury is not our concern.' Her voice became cold and unyielding, and others nodded in agreement.

'Then we will be on our way...' Cedric said, moving closer to Will. But before he could step back, the woman raised her hand, signaling him to stop. 'You cannot leave,' she said. 'Not until we have determined your intentions.'

'We only want to pass...' Will tried to say but only moaned, clutching her side and feeling blood coming through the bandages. She swayed, her face pale and in pain. The murmurer froze and sniffed the air, her head tilted to the side, and her gaze narrowed as she focused on Will.

'Your scent is familiar...' Her voice trailed off as she studied Will intently until a flicker of recognition crossed her face. 'Oran...' The word was barely audible, but it sent a tidal wave through the assembled creatures. Whispers of disbelief and astonishment filled the air as the creatures exchanged bewildered glances. It unleashed a torrent of conversations around them. Their voices rose in high pitch, creating a cacophony of sounds that made her ears hurt. Will could hear snippets of sentences but could not understand their meaning as her head was dizzy. She saw Cedric clutching his ears and falling to his knees as if in pain. The sheer noise overwhelmed her senses until everything blurred around her. As the panic set in, Will desperately tried to cover her ears, hoping to block out the chaos of noises. When her consciousness started to fade, one tone rose above all else.

'Enough!' It was a commanding voice, cutting through the cacophony with authority. Will strained to focus on the source, her heart pounding in her chest. The voice belonged to the woman standing tall amid the chaos, her words reverberating with power.

'I apologize for the commotion my kin has created. We did not intend to cause any harm with this agitation. Our voices are perceived differently by humankind.' She lowered her head, glancing at Cedric's figure sprawled on the moss. 'Perhaps it was for the best that no one suspicious would be around to listen in on our conversation.' She added it as an afterthought. 'Come, join us in the sun...'. The murmurer grabbed Will by her hand, helping her to stand and almost dragging her weight all by herself. She struggled to keep up with the unsteady steps, her head dizzy from the sudden movement. From the corner of her eye, Will noticed Cedric being lifted and carried over to a more comfortable position on the soft grass. When they arrived at the sunny spot in the middle of the meadow, she closed her eyes to shield herself from the sudden brightness, feeling the warmth seep into her bones. The murmurer's grip tightened, providing her with a sense of stability. When her eyes adjusted to the sunlight, Will took a deep breath, savoring the fresh scent of blooming flowers that filled the air. The rustling of leaves and chirping crickets in the grass provided a soothing escape from the chaos just experienced.

They sat on the ground, and suddenly Will felt herself swaying from exhaustion. It was too much of everything—the overwhelming sensations, the emotional rollercoaster, and the physical demands—and she desperately needed a break from the unforgiving reality. A hand appeared in her line of sight, offering fruit and clear water on plates made of leaves.

'You will feel better after eating...' The words reached her ears, but they sounded muffled and distant, as if from underwater. Will blinked and reached for food, grateful for the small act of kindness. It tasted savory and sweet—the perfect combination of flavors dancing on her tongue—so she ate a few more, feeling energy slowly returning to her body and hunger she couldn't acknowledge before retreating to the back of her mind. The water, even though it looked clear, was filled with the taste of herbs and tartness, flavored more like citrus than anything else. It quenched her thirst in a way she had not expected and cleared away any lingering tiredness from her eyes as if filled with magic.

'Better?' The woman in front of her asked with a small smile. 'That's the least I can do to one bearing the mark.' She bowed her head a little before continuing. 'This food will provide you with more energy than typical forest fare, but I cannot help with your injury as we typically do not require healing.'

Will focused on the beautiful creature before her and marveled at her ethereal presence. Her words and gestures had a sense of grace and wisdom, as if she had lived longer than her appearance suggested.

'I do not understand. What mark?' Will was curious and a bit bewildered by the current situation. Realizing she was being quite rude and staring at the woman, Will also asked, 'What's your name?'

The sweet laughter caught her by surprise, and the murmurer replied. 'I do not have a name... I am a blossom. I am a sapling, a blade of grass on the ground. I am both a child and a spirit of the forest. Regarding the mark, it represents a connection to the divine.' She placed one hand on Will's forehead and another on her chest. 'You possess a great deal of magic, Guardian. It has been a very long time since I last encountered someone like you, that's why you reminded us of Him...'

'Who?' Her confusion grew as she tried to make sense of the murmurer's cryptic words. The woman smiled gently, her eyes filled with ancient wisdom. 'Him... The one who created all things, the Guardian of magic and power,' she explained. 'You carry a spark of His essence within, a rare gift that sets you apart from others.' The creature's words resonated deeply within her, leaving her both intrigued and slightly unnerved.

'Is it Kandrakar's Heart?' Will speculated that the meaning of the conversation might have been lost in translation because it sounded so cryptic. Will recalled Alma speaking about the Meridians' belief in the Divine Guardian and how it was a matter of personal preference to choose which gender it represented since it was undetermined. Perhaps because she was also a Guardian, the murmurers concluded that her abilities had to come from the divine as well.

'You do not understand.' The woman shook her head, her face looking frustrated. 'I cannot explain it to you because I lack the vocabulary of your language.'

Will sensed the murmurer's genuine struggle to convey her thoughts. Despite her flawless speech, there was an underlying complexity to her communication that Will couldn't fully grasp. It seemed her struggle to explain stemmed from a fundamental difference in the way she perceived and expressed ideas, beyond just language barriers.

'I am sorry.' The need to apologize came unexpectedly, even if Will wasn't sure why. The creature's face softened, but her eyes looked like deep pools filled with grief and wisdom.

'This world is dying. Its heart is lost, and the magic is wilting. Do you not see?' The murmurer lifted her head, looking at the sky, and Will frowned, unsure what it meant.

'I do not...' The change in the conversation left her reeling. 'Can you explain more?' Will felt her heart race as if the world had darkened slightly and the afternoon sun was no longer as warm as before. The murmurer let out a heavy sigh filled with sorrow. 'Long ago, this land was brimming with life and vibrant magic. But now, apathy and despair are consuming it. The balance has been disrupted, and unless we find a way to restore it, our world will continue to wither.' Will's eyes widened in realization as she tried to grasp the gravity of the words.

'We were the first to feel the change, and after many years, some of us did not return to our reborn cycle.' The creature gently touched her head, where a large tiger lily sat in her hair. 'This is my sister. She perished and reverted to her previous appearance. It happened repeatedly to my brethren. We are the only ones left. Even if sometimes the magic pools are renewed, it feels different. Artificial and strange, almost sinister compared to our natural habitat.' The murmurer's voice trembled with sadness and longing as she continued, 'We are slowly fading away because we cannot adapt—with His disappearance, our last hope died.' Will's heart ached for the strange creature, even though she couldn't figure out what the real problem was that their existence was facing. The underlying issue was that the magic was fading, but how? Why? She had more questions than answers.

'But you...' The woman once again pressed a palm on her heart. 'Looking at you, I feel hope... Even in its diluted state, your magic appears so familiar and reassuring. Perhaps you are the one who finds the way.' She smiled warmly, with a trace of hope in her eyes. Will's eyes widened at the woman's words, her strange prophecy adding weight to her shoulders. The more she learned about this world, the more confused she became. What was the truth, and what were the lies? Who is wrong, and who is right? If she wanted to unravel the truth, it would require navigation through the web of lies, deceit, and manipulation, but where to begin? Will shook her head, trying to get rid of the uncertainty that had settled on her. First, she needed to get home safely, and then the hard questions would begin.

'Sleep,' the hypnotic voice murmured in her ear. 'When you wake up, you and your companion will be out of this forest... This is the only way we can help you. Be blessed, Guardian, and trust your heart. It will help you in your journey...' Will closed her eyes, allowing the soothing words to wash over her. As she drifted between awakening and sleep, she couldn't help but think that this encounter, however cryptic, was more than she could have imagined. Maybe, just maybe, there was truth and wisdom in the murmurer's words that would help her in the future more than she could comprehend right now. When the strange sensation of being lifted in the air washed over her, Will surrendered herself to the sweet dreams.

The further I get into the story, the more I deviate from the source material... I hope it's still okay and interesting? After all, this is an alternate universe/creation...