"Is it the your first time seeing elves, young Hestia?" Gulvan inquires. He's clasping my hand in his as if I was his own daughter, ever since we crossed into this place. I noticed how often he referred to me as young which grated on my nerves like a dull blade. I glare at him and snap, "I'm not a child! I have seen fifteen summers, in case you don't know! Enough with calling me young this and young that." Then I slip my hand away from his.

"Oh... and yes, I've never seen an elf before this day." I admit and add, "I wonder if you, old Gulvan, were the best elf for my first encounter."

He erupts into laughter, his eyes sparkling with amusement. I stood there and watch him savor the moment. Gulvan composes himself and says, "Your first time? I see. We live on the same land, but look how divided we are. Who is at fault?"

I am puzzled by his words. I knew the elves lived in thier own realms and kingdoms, far from the human lands. Divided? What does he mean by that? I push the though aside and bring up my father, and his tales of the elves and their kindness.

"Your father was wise to teach you such things. The elven way strives to be benevolent. To ourselves and to other, whether they are man, beast or plant. You've seen Oolang and his kin, who are our allies in this land. It is through our mutual understanding and kindness that we forged a bond between our species. Now, they let us ride on their backs and help us traverse our forests with ease, while we offer them shleter and protection in return." Gulvan explains.

I spot a group of Oolang's kin, lending thier strength to the elves, as they contructed a hut. I gestured to the scene and ask, "And they help you with that as well? What do you call them anyway? I don't recall my father describing a species like them."

"They hail from a forest to the north of your human kingdom, where they are known as Ooribates. Their names, you will soon learn, always begin with 'Oo'. That is the sound they make when they communicate with each other, and thus they earned thier name. Their home became inhospitable a few decades ago, when Tezca's light expanded to their forest, engulfiing it completely."

The king's light had driven them away from their home? The same light that was supposed to protect everyone? Shouldn't they be grateful to be part of his kingdom? I was baffled by this contradiction. I held my tongue for a while, as we made our way to the center.

It felt like a sharp sting. I crossed a threshold and it stang me. A sensation that I couldn't name. I look at Gulvan and he says, "Hestia, how does it feel to have the sun shine on your skin for the first time." Despite the thick foliage, the sun pierced through to where we stood.

I stepped over the border. This feeling I had dreaded to face. I want to retreat to where I felt safe, under the light I had known all my life. But Gulvan catches me by the cloak and drew me closer to him.

"I know it might feel like a menacing touch, but let it soak in for a moment. Sense the contrast and trust that you are safe here too. This is what true sunlight feels like. Nourishing you with warmth that fosters growth. Not the very opposite that you're accustomed to."

I'm trembling, rooted to the spot. I feel like have commited a sin and that there was no turning back from here, but then, Gulvan kneels and wraps me in a tight embrace and whispers in my eat, "Breathe in the fresh air, feel the earth under your feet, and see the very same world in front you. I will take you back if you cannot bear it, but please, try, Hestia."

He lets go of me and holds both my shoulders, looking at me with earnest eyes, "Please, try to understand."

Something in his plea stirred me from my trance. I stop to quiver and try to take it in. My senses feel strange. I look up and see the same sun, but the light is different. It isn't evil, that I'm sure of, but I couldn't shake off the weird feeling that surrounded me.

"I'm okay now, but I still feel uneasy. But I think I understand what you mean. People travel in and out of the kingdom all the time. It's normal, but is was just a sudden change for me." I say, try to persuade myself as well.

"You still do not comprehend, yet. But I admire your courage to stand here. I can only fathom how hard it must be for you. He says, taking my hand again. "See that tent over there, I will introduce you to someone who will be in charge of looking after you while you stay here. Lets go."