Like nature's own cathedral, a beautiful willow tree stands in the center of the woods, it’s branches reaching for the sky. Glowing symbols, carved into the tree's bark by God's own hand, adorned its trunk, emanating a gentle, otherworldly light that lit up the surrounding woodland.

Athyria's Cradle, as the willow tree was known, served as the forest god's refuge, residence, and prison. Willow had lived in its ancient heart as long as he could remember, caring for the forest and it’s animals with a soft touch. The tree's roots whispered ancient knowledge to him, while its branches whispered mysteries.

Willow's mind went to the mortal who had been roaming in his woods as the sun sank beneath the horizon, bathing the forest in a cozy orange hue. Thane, a regular villager from the nearby village of Brindlemark, is a man of mystery and tranquility. He had been looking for comfort in the forest's heart. The first step in the entanglement of their destinies was the God's curiosity.

From the protection of his willow tree, Willow's eyes appeared to have a life of their own, observing Thane as if they were the shadows of the forest. The deity's hands, as delicate as the petals of the wildflowers, fluttered in the air, producing a soft wind that rustled the leaves.

Although he was unable to see the god he was staring at the trees wallowing leaves making, Thane, a mortal who was both protective and mysterious, appeared to be aware of Willow's presence. The idea of the mortal discovering him frightened and caused him to shake. Thane walked away, his heart burdened by the weight of his own secrets, and continued to stroll farther into the woods, his footsteps soft on the soft ground. In relief, Willow let out a sigh.

Thane, who was oblivious to the deity's gaze, felt an inexplicable connection to the woodland as the night grew darker, and Willow's presence became more potent. His eyes were fixed on the trees as he walked with serene assurance, as if looking for something.

At the same time, Willow was torn between wanting to watch Thane and worrying about being found. What if the mortal was harsh? What if he wanted to harm the forest? The deity begged the tree in a whisper, "Aethyria, protect me...protect me from harm," as his heart raced in his chest.

Willow prayed to the tree, and the tree's branches appeared to bend in as though paying attention to him. The deity had a feeling of peace surrounding him. With a restored feeling of wander, his anxiety gradually gave way to curiosity as he observed Thane.

Willow kept his gaze fixed on Thane, his heart full of conflicting feelings, as the stars began to twinkle in the night sky. He was drawn to the mortal's strength and calm confidence, but he was also afraid of the unknown.

At this tranquil moment, Willow understood that he was about to embark on a significant risk that might alter the course of their existence forever. With his heart racing in his chest, he took a big breath. As though in anticipation, the willow tree's branches appeared to move, and the woodland fell silent, waiting for the deity to make his next move.