The forest shifted again but this time Nolan felt the change differently. The air hummed like a low melody running through the branches making leaves tremble in slow waves. Kaelun walked with more confidence now its steps firm and steady.
Nolan followed, feeling lighter than he had since he first fell into this world. The weight in his chest the constant fear of not being enough had loosened. Not gone but no longer choking him.
They walked until the trees thinned and sunlight returned spilling across wide open grasslands. Nolan blinked as he stepped out from the shade.
After so long inside the forest the sudden brightness felt unreal.
Kaelun looked over the horizon.
The path ahead has changed
Nolan saw it too. The plains were not empty. Scattered across the hills were shapes that moved. Some small some large some slow some graceful.
Creatures
Wildlife
Dozens of them
Nolan stepped forward instinctively.
Are they all from this world
Yes Kaelun said But this place draws them because they sense a guardian forming
Nolan froze.
Guardian
Yes Kaelun said gently You carry the echoes of the world Those echoes attract life
Nolan swallowed.
I am not sure I am ready for that
Readiness is a path not a moment
A soft rumble echoed across the plains. Nolan turned and saw a herd of large four legged beasts moving slowly across the grass. Their bodies were shaped like deer but with thicker limbs and long flexible tails. Their coats shimmered with streaks of blue light.
One of the herd members separated from the rest and walked toward them. It lowered its head and sniffed the air near Nolan before making a soft trembling sound that vibrated in his chest.
Nolan crouched gently.
Hey there buddy
The creature lowered itself slowly until it rested its forehead near Nolan’s hand. He placed his palm on its head and felt warmth radiating through its fur.
Kaelun watched with approval.
It recognizes your echo
Nolan smiled softly.
I think it is scared
Then your calm guides it
After a moment the creature stood again and returned to its herd.
Nolan exhaled.
This feels like home
Yes Kaelun said Because you bring what home needs
The wind shifted suddenly carrying distant sound. Not an animal call not the whisper of leaves
Voices
Multiple
Nolan froze.
Are those people
Kaelun listened.
Yes Travelers or settlers But not from your world
Nolan’s heart jumped.
More people
The path opens for more than one traveler Kaelun said You are not the first
Nolan felt something strange inside him anticipation mixed with fear.
What do we do
Kaelun stepped forward.
We meet them
They walked across the plains toward a line of trees where smoke drifted upward from small fires. Nolan could make out tents, tools, animals tied near posts, and figures moving with purpose.
People
Humans
From this world
Nolan slowed.
Kaelun looked back.
Do not fear They will see what the forest saw
Nolan took a breath.
Alright Let’s do this
As they approached the camp the nearest figure turned
A woman with braided dark hair and clothing made from woven hides
She froze when she saw Kaelun
Then her eyes moved to Nolan
She whispered something he did not understand
Kaelun spoke quietly
She says the forest finally sent you
Nolan blinked
Sent me
Yes Kaelun said Your path begins now keeper
Nolan felt the wind shift around him
The echoes pulsed softly under his skin
And he realized
This world no longer saw him as a stranger

It saw him as someone it had been waiting for