On the outskirts of Atheria's forest, within the confines of the old arena, Arbor and Eva engaged in casual conversation while Aleks' head rested gently on Eva's wooly lap. In the background, Arbor diligently worked on repairing their shattered staff, the pieces scattered across the weathered stones of the arena. The soft rustling of leaves and the distant calls of forest creatures created a serene atmosphere. Arbor focused on the delicate task of reconstructing their staff, spoke with a contemplative tone. "I wonder what Freya went off to do. I hope she isn't mad about the staff." Eva, gently running her fingers through Aleks' hair, looked towards Arbor with a tired reassuring smile. "Knowing Freya, she's probably off handling some urgent matter. You know how she is, always involved in something. I'm sure she'll understand what happened to the staff once she's back." As Arbor continued to piece together the shards of the staff, a distant sound of footsteps and a bright glow could be seen approaching, catching their attention. The rhythmic beats against the ground hinted at someone rapidly approaching the arena. As Arbor hastily worked to piece together the shattered staff, the rhythmic beats of approaching footsteps became more pronounced, accompanied by a growing bright glow. Eva, noticing the light through the foliage, remarked, "Oh, I think it's Freya." Arbor, gripped by a sudden panic, abandoned the meticulous reconstruction of the staff. In a flurry of hurried movements, they began to gather the broken pieces and frantically tossed them off the arena. The shards scattered in all directions, some landing softly on the moss-covered stones, while others found a resting place in the underbrush that surrounded the ancient battleground. Arbor's heart raced as Freya's light dimmed, signaling her approach. They hastily hid the broken staff behind their back, adopting a demeanor of feigned casualness. Stammering nervously, Arbor greeted, "H-hi, master. Where have you been all day? Did you have fun?" Freya, a mix of relief and concern in her expression, rushed up the stairs and enveloped Arbor in a tight hug. "Thank the goddess, you guys are alright," she exclaimed. However, Freya, ever perceptive, sensed something amiss. Her keen instincts led her to the concealed object behind Arbor's back. "Wait a minute, what is it you are hiding?" she questioned. Arbor, attempting to pull away from Freya's embrace, found themselves trapped. Panicking, they briefly considered transforming and making a run for it but quickly realized the futility of such an escape. During this internal struggle, Freya skillfully pried the broken staff from Arbor's hands, revealing the concealed secret. The fragmented pieces of the staff, glinting in the dappled forest light, lay exposed before them. Freya's expression shifted from relief to curiosity as she examined the shattered remnants, her gaze sharp and probing. The swift and precise roundhouse kick from Freya caught Arbor off guard, the transition from standing to face-planting on the floor almost seamlessly. Freya's expression, once filled with concern and curiosity, had now shifted to one of anger and disappointment. "I don't care how close you are to death; don't use my weapons to fight people. I gave you this staff for two days, and now it's broken. Some powerful people made this staff I don't wish to piss off," Freya scolded, her voice firm and filled with frustration. Arbor, with their face against the floor, managed a meek response, "Sorry, mam," while internally wishing for the day to be over, hoping to escape the relentless assault on their person. Arbor, still holding their now-swollen cheek, managed to sit up on the arena floor. Just as they were recovering, Jorma appeared seemingly out of nowhere, saying, "Hey, sis." Eva's eyes, upon seeing Jorma, turned pink in fear. With a swift and mysterious movement, she whipped around, locking eyes with Jorma. Right then, Jorma passed out, falling into a deep sleep on the bleachers, leaving Eva with a perplexed expression. Freya sighed in relief, "I'm glad you're always on your toes, sister, but by the goddess, that power is something else." She then noticed Alek, now in a more feminine form, peacefully sleeping. "I assume you did the same to this silly elf too. What's with their form?" Eva replied, "The form is a long story, but yes, I put them to sleep." With a newfound calmness, Freya addressed the group, saying, "I'm relieved everyone is okay. I trust you can handle the situation with Jorma. However, I need to take Arbor to Atheria. There's something they require." An unmistakable look of fear washed over Arbor's face as Freya started to draw a rune circle. In a desperate attempt to plead their case, Arbor stammered, "I know I broke your staff, but please, I don't think I want a divine punishment for it." Freya, somewhat puzzled, burst into laughter at Arbor's concern. "Just stand in the circle so we can go. This has nothing to do with the staff," she reassured. Arbor, albeit reluctantly, complied, saying, "Okay." As Arbor approached Freya, Freya placed an arm on their shoulder, and in an instant, a bolt of light enveloped them, transporting them away. As Arbor's vision adjusted to the new surroundings, their body rapidly descended towards the peculiar floor made of tree bark. Reacting quickly, they transformed into their fox form, rolling into a compact ball to cushion the landing. The momentum carried them across the surface until they collided with a wall, the impact prompting a reversion back to their humanoid form. Overwhelmed by the unfamiliar faces of the elite legion members who filled the expansive lobby, Arbor's stress levels surged. Accustomed to a life on the outskirts of the forest, where interactions were limited to a small group, the sudden exposure to a multitude of gazes proved daunting. Overcome by anxiety, Arbor instinctively pulled their ears over their face, seeking some form of refuge from the scrutinizing eyes around them. Freya, perplexed by Arbor's sudden discomfort, gently lifted them to their feet and whispered, "What are you doing? Atheria is down the hall." Arbor, their face still hidden by their ears, confessed, "I kind of don't like this crowd; they are all looking at me; it makes me a bit uncomfortable." Freya, comprehending Arbor's unease, reassured them, "Well, just go down that hall, and you will find where the goddess is." With a hint of panic, Arbor questioned, "Wait, you aren't coming?" Freya sighed, "The goddess is a bit mad at me, and I would rather not deal with that now." After a comforting pat on the back, Arbor maneuvered through the legion members, making their way down the hall. The transition from wood to marble marked their path, and a welcoming light beckoned at the end of the corridor. Arbor pushed through the heavy metal door and stepped into an almost entirely white room. A single sappy tree stood in the center, with sap on both sides of the walkway, creating the illusion of a shallow pool. The room exuded an otherworldly atmosphere, and Arbor, in awe, began to walk toward the tree. As they approached, the goddess Atheria playfully popped up from behind the tree. In this manifestation, she bore a striking resemblance to Arbor but appeared older and more feminine, adorned in flowing robes. Arbor, a bit shocked, exclaimed, "You are like me!" The goddess chuckled, replying, "Actually, not many beings are like you. I've assumed this form for your comfort." Arbor, though appreciative, couldn't help but feel a tinge of sadness at the realization. Atheria gracefully ascended the tree, reclining on its branches, and began, "Arbor, I have a certain fondness for you. You bring back memories of a relative from a time long before you or this place existed. Now, I wonder, do you remember the life you lived before you found yourself in my forest?" Arbor began to think and said, "I'm a bit confused by what you goddess. I have always lived here."Atheria's ethereal form held a gentle grin as she replied, "Allow me to share a story that might stir the depths of your memories." And so, the goddess began to weave a tale that began to project itself around the once-blank room.