Morning dew clung to the leaves of the Aetherwyn forest as the wind gently whispered through ancient branches. High above, birds chirped in a melodic rhythm. Somewhere among the trees, Illys walked with calm steps, hands clasped behind his back, cloak swaying with each stride. Perched securely around his left arm was Gryfid, the translucent green serpent with faintly glowing eyes and winglike membranes.
Illys's eyes roamed the forest floor and treetops alike, his voice casual and warm. "That there's a singing swingbird," he said, pointing with his chin to a creature flitting between vines. It resembled a hummingbird, only with a tail of feathered ribbons and a tune that echoed like wind chimes.
Gryfid flicked his tongue, turning his head from side to side in fascination.
"Oh, you like that one? Just wait. This forest's full of odd things. You've only seen the surface, little guy."
They wandered deeper, and Illys knelt beside a mossy log. "See this fella? This îs a Skreetle. Real nervous creatures, always twitching. You try to feed them, and—"
The creature darted away before he could finish.
He chuckled. "—they're gone. Exactly."
Gryfid gave a low hiss of interest.
More animals emerged as they continued their stroll: rat with shifting colors, a fox with antlers, even a flock of butterfly-finned frogs hopping between puddles.
Then Gryfid suddenly stiffened.
His tongue flicked faster, eyes locked ahead.
Illys followed his gaze. "Hm?"
A sleek figure crouched low near a clearing—snow white fur dappled with gray spots, lean muscles rippling beneath. A Paion. The size of a lion, with emerald eyes and an elegant mane
Illys grinned. "Ah, that's what got you excited, huh? That's a Paion. Graceful and strong. Very rare. Very deadly."
Gryfid stared, nodding his head in short, eager jerks.
"You wanna see it up close?" Illys asked, already stepping forward.
The Paion hissed, back arching defensively.
Illys raised a brow. "Easy, now."
The beast lunged—but before its paws could touch him, it slammed into the earth, flattened by an invisible force.
Illys hadn't even lifted a finger.
Wind rippled quietly around him, pinning the Paion in place.
Illys crouched and gently placed a hand on its head. "Hey, there. You're alright. You're just scared, aren't you?"
The Paion's snarls softened into a low purr. It stopped struggling.
Illys gave it a few calm strokes. "Good kitty. See? Not so bad. You don't have to be afraid."
Then, with a gentle wave of his hand, the pressure vanished.
The Paion stayed still for a few more seconds, then rose to its paws. It gave Illys one last look before slipping silently into the forest.
Illys turned to Gryfid. "You shouldn't get so excited about picking on little animals, you know. You couldve turned that one into mush, not a sight id wanna see."
Gryfid coiled tighter and flicked his tongue with a smug hiss.
Later, as dusk blanketed Aetherwyn in indigo, Illys soared through the trees—riding gentle currents of wind beneath his feet. He hovered beside tall branches, plucking ripe fruits glowing faintly with residual mana.
Descending, he landed gracefully, his boots barely making a sound.
He sat against a tree, took a bite of the fruit, and sighed. "Sweet as always. Forest's generous tonight."
Gryfid uncoiled from his arm and slithered into his lap, nudging the fruit with his nose.
Illys raised a brow. "You don't even have a stomach. What are you gonna do with this?"
Gryfid hissed playfully and bit his arm—gently.
Illys laughed. "Alright, alright. You win. One nibble, no more."
He held the fruit up and let Gryfid bite. Nothing happened, of course.
"Told you. You run on mana, not apples."
Gryfid flared his tiny wings, annoyed.
Illys yawned, arms stretching wide. "Alright, I get it. Less talk, more rest."
He lay back in the grass, folding his hands behind his head.
"Stars are out," he murmured. "Look at that… You ever wonder if the stars are just eyes? Watching us? I do. But hey, if they are, at least they've got a great view."
Gryfid curled up on his chest, wings folding neatly.
Illys was already snoring softly.