The beautiful young woman skipped down one of the tree-lined paths of the place that she called home, her song of happiness echoing through the forest. She felt warmth on the back of her head and turned, basking in the sunlight that shone through the forest canopy. Her arms spread wide as she seemed to embrace life. The sun's light glistened on the ruby brooch that she wore at her neck, while her light-green dress blew in the strong wind that came down from the high branches of the trees, and the long strands of her flame-red hair floated like a cloud behind her. Her eyes opened, revealing light-green eyes that sparkled in the sunlight. Lowering her arms to her sides, the young woman walked up to a nearby oak and then...she walked through it.
Flitting through the trees in this ghostly manner, the young woman arrived at a small glade. She looked around at it. It was a small area of grass with some trees around it. She made a sweeping gesture with her arm, and felt the energies of the earth before her shift in response the gentle nudging she had just given it. Where once was an empty field, now a field of purple wildflowers sprouted. Settling down amidst the flowers, careful not to crush any of them, she put her back to a tree and recieved a small startle as a bluebird alighted on her shoulder. The bluebird chirped to her sweetly, and she smiled at him. The bird spoke of the normal bird matters: the little ones he was so proud of, the joy of waking to a new morning, the beauty of the forest, and so forth. The young girl smiled and said "What is your name, sweetie?"
The bird looked up at her, then his eyes widened and he bowed. He chirped "Sunstream."
"Well, Sunstream, I am Serenia Summerglade. It gives me much happiness to meet you. Please consider me your friend." Serenia smiled gently.
Sunstream felt a warm glow in his heart as he looked upon her smile. He began to speak of his life, and as he did, Serenia began to think back on her own life. Serenia closed her eyes and let her mind wander. Her thoughts turned to her childhood. From her earliest years, she had lived here, in the Forest of the Dryads. The other Dryads had raised her and taken care of her, infusing her with their dedication towards nature and life. But she had surpassed them. Her love of life and of nature was far deeper than theirs, much more ingrained into the very essence of her being. Serenia had spent much time exploring the far reaches of the Forest...and of herself. She had developed her powers to phenomenal levels, and she had made many friends amongst the animals. All her life, she had worn a mystery at her neck in the form of the ruby brooch she always wore. No one knew where it had come form, or why it seemed to bond to her. All that was known was that the brooch was semi-sentient at the very least, and it was always on her, never permitting anyone else to touch it.
Sunstream looked up at her and said "My friend, are you all alright?"
Serenia nodded and smiled. "Yes Sunstream. Something troubling to me has come up and I wish to explore and contemplate this by myself."
Sunstream bowed. "As you wish. I will return to my family now."
Serenia nodded and said kindly "Go in peace."
Sunstream bowed once more, spread his wings and flew away.
Serenia stood and began to walk, the flowers forming a path for her. The flowers whispered their greetings, and Serenia responded, but her heart wasn't in it. She was thinking. Why don't the other Dryads seem to like the fact that I have developed my powers? I am using my powers to bring life and happiness to all. Why am I then avoided? Is that so wrong? Serenia felt moisture flow down her face and realized that she was crying. Since the beginning of the world, the Dryads have protected and supported nature. Why is it that now, when all I want is to fulfill that purpose, I am shunned?"
Serenia continued to walk alone for several hours, lost in thought, until she saw what appeared to be a black shape pass through a tree ahead of her. Serenia walked up and smiled. "Hello! I am Serenia Summerglade! Who are you?"
The other Dryad gave her an appraising look. "I am Trici Winterleaf." she said coolly.
Serenia smiled again, as was her usual habit. She noticed that this Dryad was dressed in an odd way. All Dryads wore dresses like her, only with varying shades of color. This Dryad wore what looked like a black suit of some kind that fit her snugly and high black things on her feet that covered a good part of her legs. Strapped to her waist was a wooden handle with a strange piece of metal protruding from it. She had a strange looking pouch strapped to her other waist. Serenia looked into the other Dryad's blue eyes and the cold, calculating look. Serenia blinked rapidly and averted her gaze.
"Trici, why do you wear such odd clothing?" Serenia could not meet the other Dryad's eyes. Because of this, Serenia could not see the contempt that they held.
"Because these clothes suit me for traveling and combat."
"Traveling.....combat....I do not understand." Serenia looked puzzled and confused.
"Of course you don't. You're a typical Dryad. I bet you've lived your entire life in this forest and have no idea about the outside world do you." It was a statement, not a question. Serenia felt a sense of hurt at the coldness in Trici's voice.
"Of course. All Dryads live in the Forest of the Dryads." Serenia frowned as a thought prickled in the back of her mind, then it hit her. "What 'outside world' do you speak of, Trici? The Forest is the entire world."
Trici shook her head and her long blonde hair flew out around her. She began to laugh a cold, mocking laughter. "You really don't know, do you?" One look at Serenia's confused face and she had her answer. "Typical. That's what needs to change about this entire species if it is to survive..." Trici trailed off, and then looked at a now-frightened Serenia. "What a waste of life and powers you and the others are..." Trici gave her a withering glare, and then passed through a beech tree to the side of Serenia's path of flowers and left.
Serenia felt filled with confusion, hurt, and sadness. Knowing of no other way to release her feelings, she began to cry, wandering through the forest blindly. The plants and animals seemed sad when they sensed her sadness, and they tried to comfort her, but to no avail. Serenia had been hurt too much and was now unconsolable. Serenia wandered far from the places she usually went to, losing all track of time. Finally, exhausted, she collapsed against an ancient elm tree, put her hands before her face, and sobbed. Why must people be so mean to me? I did nothing to them! The tree stretched forth its' branches, holding her close as her emotions poured through her and out of her eyes. For hours she wept, crying out at least some of the pain and hurt which she had kept bottled up inside. As the last tears began to roll down her cheeks a booming noise echoed through the forest. The noise sounded as if it came from somewhere close. Fright and curiousity combatted in her, but her curiousity got the best of her. She stood, dried her tears, and began to walk towards the sound of the noise. In her excitement and curiousity, she did not quite register the soft pad of a wolf in the underbrush behind her. She disregarded the slight shadow of a hawk in the trees above, and the rustling sounds of a oak a few feet away. She was completely unaware of her friends watching over her, originally from compassion, and now because they were wary of this noise. Their friend was so nice, but she was so very uncautious. Someone had to watch over her, and protect her from this danger, whatever it was.
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