Tave continued walking through the forest, their steps unhurried, casual, more like a relaxed stroll than an actual hunt.
And truth be told, this forest did feel peaceful. At least, compared to the ones he had traversed before. This place, in contrast, carried a stillness that almost felt sacred. The trees stood tall and ancient, as though quietly watching every creature that passed between them. It felt less like wilderness and more like a sanctuary.
"I thought this island didn't have a forest," he said at last, as they walked side by side across a gently sloping glade.
"Oh… not surprising for someone who's never set foot on this island before," Aura replied, her tone light. "This has been the homeland of the forest elves for thousands of years. Most of the land has been left to grow naturally."
She turned her calm, steady gaze toward him. "We forest elves live with the forest. That's why they call us forest elves, you know."
