Haden leads you out of the tunnels and into daylight. You gasp as you step into the shadow of giant red- and green-leafed trees. Guardians pass through doorways carved into massive trunks, and above, people traverse walkways high in the canopy on ringed branches. The trees seem to grow according to architecture, making arches and doorways. The trunks of some trees form columns for platforms and balconies, and the smaller branches provide shelter and respite from the heat and rain. It is a remarkable scene.
As you take in the surroundings, the daily goings-on of the citizens of Ridoan come into view. Children laugh and play on sturdy branches, balancing on beams and swinging from vines with ease. Some are gathered in small groups, attentively listening to elders teaching them about the flora and fauna of their world. Men and women work together in open kitchens, the aroma of roasting meats and fresh herbs wafting through the air. They chat and laugh as they prepare meals, their hands skillfully moving with practiced precision.
Nearby, warriors—both men and women—sharpen their weapons, preparing for a hunting party. The sound of whetstones on blades mixes with the murmur of conversation. Elderly warriors sit in a circle, regaling younger listeners with tales of great hunts and sharing critiques of the previous night's meal. Their stories are filled with dramatic gestures and hearty laughter.
In an open field, guardians practice with bows and arrows, their shots precise and fluid. They take turns aiming at targets, offering tips and encouragement to one another. Teen boys and girls climb the thick vines that twist around the tree towers, training to reach the highest platforms under the guidance of experienced leaders. Their movements are swift and agile, displaying the strength and skill honed through years of practice.
The entire community moves with a sense of purpose and harmony, each person contributing to the vibrant life in this tree-bound world.
You enter the biggest tree and appear inside a massive hall, filled with people and statues of animals. As though sensing your presence, a man in flaming red armour watches you approach.
"Hi, Pater," Haden says with a sigh and a coy smile.
"Pater?!" you think, You are a little taken aback. This is Haden's father? You have never seen her like that. Subservient and submissive.
As you're introduced, the Chief of Ridoan, Chief Garrow of The Marsh, maintains a stern expression. He listens silently as Haden explains that you're visiting the Voek towers that have appeared on the different islands and on a quest to restore the balance that has been causing problems across Solea. He seems quite proud that his daughter is on such a quest and smiles nodding as he hears all the details of our journey thus far. She asks her father if a tower has appeared here on Morian as well?
"So," he says. "First you sneak off without warning to study with a Eldonian no less and you spend till reading Eldonian books before our own great history, and then you ask for my help." The Chief crosses his arms. You interject hearing the accusation as a negative, "actually the Library of The Arcanum holds a vast wealth of knowledge of everything in Solea not just Eldonian history" Haden looks at you sternly and mouths the words "Not helping!" Talik seems distracted by a retinue of warriors who have just returned from a run in the forest. They are strong and sweat covered and very muscular as they run past the door to the great hall chanting a rhythmic call. "Talik." you interupt her daze, "A little support here please! Haden did the right thing in joining us back in Eldonia right?" Talik realises the importance of the conversation and says," Yes chief, most of what we have achieved so far would not have been possible without such a well read and well trained warrior such as your daughter." The chief proudly huffs pushing out his jaw and says, "Yes, she is a fine young Guardian but she has much too learn." He turns back to Haden and says, "Yes, a tower has appeared. My watchmen are scouting the area. There's no need for you to be concerned we don't detect any danger from the tower."
Haden reddens, embarrassed her father is not showing trust in his abilities. "But Pater —"
"It's in the Ruined Lands, a place that represents a far greater danger than any tower from the past" he adds. "Under my orders, you and your friends will remain here protected by my warriors." Aslter as a more senior member of our group says "But chief the tower's appearance is connected to a great imbalance across all of Solea and must be aligned, this problem is bigger than just one town or island and we are combining our abilities to solve it."
You four teenagers need to save all of Solea? Ha! I have warriors that can do that, enough of this talk, my decision is final, you stay and Haden must resume her training so that one day she will be as great as her lineage before her." He smiles and slaps Haden on the back heartily.
Find 10 unique ways of saying dad... they can't be the same as any names already mentioned. They can be "pet" names or other languages enter them in Thy Quests to move on.
Next: E5Q1 Chief's Orders