Oolang's massive body defies logic as he swings from branch to branch with his arms. Gulvan holds me securely in one hand, while the other grasps a leash that connects him to Oolang's harness. The platform he stood was small that he had to carry me in his arm. The forest rushes past us in a blur of green and brown, but I'm getting worried. We are venturing too far into the forest.

"Mister Gulvan! How much longer until we reach your home? We are plunging deeper and deeper!" I cry out out anxiously.

"Do you sense the fading of your king's light? Fear not, I understand. My home is still under his protection. Somewhat, at least." Gulvan replies.

Somewhat? Is he serious!? Are we speeding towards the edge of the kingdom!? Panic surges through me, but I bite my tongue and hold on tight. We are soaring above the canopy, and I don't fancy being tossed off like a rotten apple. I grip Gulvan's vest wit both hands and bury my face in his chest. It soothes m nerves, and for the next few minutes I stay still and silent.

"Young girl, open your eyes. We have arrived." Gulvan says as he strokes my hair. We stop in mid-air, Oolang crouching on a branch high above the ground. Below us, a cluster of tiny wooden huts and tents nestles among the dense trees. It is hidden in the heart of the forest. I see people, or rather elves, moving about, going in and out of their dwellings. Some of them stand guard, watching for dangers. And I notice other beasts like Oolang accompanying the elves.

"Consider this place as your home. But there's one thing you did which bothers me. We are raised to exchange our names when someone shares theirs. What do you call yourself, human girl? Gulvan asks. I blush with embarrassment. He's right.

"Forgive me, Sir... I am Hestia." I answer.

"Good, now I will address you properly. You will find it peaceful here, Hestia. But there's a price to pay for your mistake. You must be punished so that it doesn't repeat. Oolan..." He says as he flings me into the open air. I watch in horror as the beast, Oolang and Gulvan shrink in the distance. I am falling! I scream in terror as I face my certain death. Then I hear a loud thud and my descent halts as the furry beast snatches me before I splatter on the ground.

With tears streaming down my face, I glare at the two of them. "How could you do this to me!" I cry out while struggling in the beast's grip.

"Put her down." Gulvan says with a grin.

"I'm sorry, Hestia, but as I told you, you need to learn your lesson." He says as the silly creature he's mounted on squeals in delight.

Oolang puts me down on the ground. I get up, scowling at him. Gulvan jumps off the beast and walks towards me, offering his hand.

"I know it isn't hospitable of me to do this but a girl of your age must learn the hard way, and also-" I cut him off with a punch to his hand. I was furious and I lashed out without thinking. He had been calm and gentle with his words and demeanor so far, but now he lets out a groan. He cradles the hand I hit with his other hand.

"...You have quite a punch, for a child." Gulvan says, smiling again.

I regret my rash action, did I injure him? I gaze at this hand but he dismisses it and assures me he's okay. He takes me by my shoulders, and we stroll towards the huts of the elves.