22 Daygleam Valley (1/2)
After drinking Morgana's potion, Nimble soon drifted off to sleep.
The dark wizard carried an indifferent expression as she turned towards the petrified dryad.
”It really paid off. Investing so much time on the study of alchemy was the right decision after all. It isn't surprising, however, because it's a vast field with many applications.”
Reflecting on this, Morgana took out another flask. But this one was really small, having only a finger's worth of liquid.
The content was yellow-colored, yet transparent at the same time.
Approaching the defeated enemy, she smeared Sylvan's temples with the gel-like substance and then pressed two of her fingers on both sides.
”I have only done this on animals before in this world, but the knowledge should also be applicable here. Besides, I am very familiar with the biology of fey in general, so it will be fine.”
Her hands glowed golden as Morgana chanted the incantation.
”From my fingers, I feel your mind, your past and your soul. Show me all that is worth knowing. Memory Search.”
Flashes of many different things appeared before Morgana's eyes as she learned a lot from this prey.
”This...”
She was left speechless for a while.
After arriving in Agatha, her luck had been quite bad. But now... Now she found a real treasure trove.
Barely managing to suppress her excitement, Morgana turned towards the sleeping gnome.
”I hope you will also be able to present me with an equally enticing prize, little one.”
....
When Titania died, the fairies, just like the gnomes fell into discord.
No longer any single individual could claim the crown, as the blessing from Agatha was Titania's and Titania's alone.
Thus division was set between the fey, which were now only united by their hatred of gnomes. However, among the fairies, a distinct layer of segregation was set.
Different kinds of fey decided to appoint different leaders and, as such, the distinctiveness of these factions were determined not by bonds of friendship forged with time, like the gnomes, but by their subraces.
Moonbeam's Gift was the ruler chosen by the Dryads, their Archfey, Exalted Guardian of Daygleam Valley.
Under him, lived more than a hundred dryads, tens of thousands of treants as well as countless animals, half of which were concentrated in this colony, Daygleam Valley, a region teeming with life.
Just like any other land held by powerful fey, these grounds were infused with great vitality, provided by their nature-based magic. Plants here grew stronger and the beasts, healthier.
....
A sturdy man in green robes stood at the gates of Daygleam Valley. He gave off a heroic impression through his serious countenance and distinct construction.
This was the entry of the Dryad Faction's main colony and Nebula was its keeper.
Unlike what is to be expected of a fey folk sentry, the man wasn't concerned with hiding his presence.
The reason for his attitude was simple. That wasn't his task.
The perimeter, several kilometers around the valley, was filled to the brim with secret methods of gathering information. From a complex network of beast spies, lead by especial fey animal spirits, to the very ground, which was infused with their ruler's will. Everything was designed to make sure no attack against their center of power would ever go unnoticed.
So, Nebula's assignment was a different one. He and the treants under his command were to form the first line of defense in case of conflict, taking full advantage of this narrow pathway, which was the valley's only entrance, excluding the possibility of a painful and arduous climb through the surrounding mountains.
But today he was tasked with a different job. To welcome back an important member of their community who just returned to the valley after a long term mission.
From the west came a handsome young man with green hair and an intelligent-looking red bird on his right shoulder.
After seeing the man that just arrived, Nebula bowed his head and respectfully said.