Treborn

As much as Artemis wanted to keep teasing Fluffles, she had somewhere to be. Today was review day with her tree mentor/caregiver, Asphorus, although she aced every review they've had since Artemis finished her training with him, he insists on staying on top of everything.

"Okay, Fluffles, I have to go. I'll be back to bully you later"

"Sounds delightful"

Letting his sarcasm wash over her, she gave him a hug and hurried deeper into the forest.

It was a beautiful place really, the residents didn't have any other name for it besides home, but any description used on it would boil down to that one word.

The air that flowed through her hair as she ran caressed her face like a soft palm, the grass gave the impression that Artemis was running air, free and unimpeded.

Leaves were forever green here, never to fall into the deathly embrace of the forest floor.

Weather remained sunny and warm, with the occasional breeze and light rain to add to the scenery.

Even now, as the sun set, streaks of gold raced across the sky. The only time the world allowed colors of all types to play in the atmosphere, dancing amongst each other in harmony. Playfully intertwining, breaking apart and laying side by side

It was the most gorgeous of tapestries, live and ever changing, in front of all, for free.

Under this blanket of colors, Artemis ran with all her might, letting off loud cheers in excitement, just to be alive, to be free; what an exercise!

But unfortunately, she arrived at her destination, signaling the end of her spirit dash.

She promised to properly abuse the grass with running at a later time; the grass didn't respond, which was probably for the best if she thought about it

"You're late, sit down"

A voice that seemed to have come directly from her head spoke to her and sounded a little peeved.

"Woah, how did you know I was here"

"How could I not, you were trying to have a conversation with the stars"

Artemis was thoroughly offended at what Asphorus was suggesting. Her? loud? never; she was merely announcing her arrival a bit early to give everyone a chance to prepare themselves for her stunning and overwhelming presence.

He was just a grumpy old man who couldn't see that

"Totally, can we do this review please, I have a date with the wind and grass"

Asphorus has always been a big meanie, this was normal anyway. It was only right for her to bully him back; it was self-defense and entirely warranted.

"Two at once? How shameless"

"Asphorus!"

What was he implying about her here?

"Calm down young one; go over definition of Heldic"

Understanding it wasn't the time to play anymore, Artemis answered in full detail.

"It's an ancient art known to the trees of the world, taught only to Helderians, individuals entrusted with the will of a tree. With Heldic, one can control plants."

These points have been drilled into her since as long as she can remember. Artemis couldn't remember a time when Asphorus wasn't there, guiding her through not only magic and archery, but life itself.

Well, there were a few times, but those times were weird to her, same as the feelings they gave her.

"Well done, and seeing as you're old enough, I will reexplain and clarify a few things. You're not, controlling, plants; with Heldic you are taking their will, shaping it to be what you wish it and providing them the means to enact it. When you tell a plant to grow larger than normal, you're essentially communicated to this plant that it wants to be bigger and then provided the energy required to allow such a thing"

"So it's coercion, but on plants?"

This sounded a bit harsh on the poor things

"Not exactly, since they're entirely capable of telling you no. It's actually baffling you haven't been resisted yet. But don't get too cocky, these plants are but young ones in comparison to some truly ancient flora out there in the world. I've never been, obviously, but I can feel their presence pressing down on me."

Not being able to resist a retort, Artemis snuck an ego booster into the conversation simply to annoy him

"What can I say Azzy, I'm charming"

"So much for remaining humble; I say all of this to inform you that you've only scratched the surface of the usage of Heldic, and that it might be time for you to further explore the path you're walking."

Hearing this, was something that Artemis needed as a pick me up after missing her shot earlier; a chance at learning something new, and not being bored, she was ready. Her mind raced as she thought about everything he was about to teach her. Maybe how to communicate with plants the same way she did animals or trees, or even resurrect a dead plant.

"Unfortunately, I cannot be your teacher, for its lost on even me"

Mood, tarnished. He presented a treat to her and snatched it away the moment she began to salivate

"What do you mean Az, you can't tell me that and then back track by saying you won't teach me, that's not very nice of you; I thought we talked about this"

"Artemis, it's not that I won't teach you, I can't, I'm out of my league going further, to try would be to risk hurting you; not happening."

This greatly disappointed Artemis. Her days in this forest, as beautiful as it is, have been the same for as long as she could remember. There wasn't much to do and nobody to see. It was a repetitive loop that she was stuck in, a golden cage she couldn't escape.

Just because all of the wildlife here loved her, didn't mean they liked each other, she could never play with them all together in one group. They would get into fights and bicker endlessly like children.

She would know, she tried already

"So, in short, I'm stuck?"

"For now,"

This sucked, especially since she couldn't do anything about it, unless.