The morning after the family meeting Shada’s sent a message to his father. Shada learned that his father's name was Theo Drykus.

  His mother went about her day normally, but would take the time between patients to talk with Shada. Shada could only respond with small flashes of light, but the added interaction helped with his feelings of loneliness and isolation..

  When they returned home to the cottage they discovered an unexpected guest in the garden. Surprisingly, it was not his father Theo Drykus, but a strange armored woman. The woman appeared unusual to Shada. She was clearly from a new race, or perhaps species, that he had yet to encounter on Sierrallas.

  Her hair was a cascade of green leaves and appeared to have living blue flowers growing in it. Her skin was light brown like polished wood. She had large eyes and pointed ears. She was slender, beautiful, and alien all at once. Her armor looked to be made of bark, moss, and vines. It was surprisingly form fitting, as if meant to show off while acting as camouflage in the forest. To Shada; she resembled a dryad or fae from Earth mythology. The resemblance to such myths was striking.

  “Greetings Glade Warden, to what do I owe the pleasure of your presence? The family Aseralis abides by the pacts as it has always been since time immemorial,” Shinobin said in her formal voice.

  “Merry met Verdant One, I bring greetings from the Wyldwood Glade and your lover Theo Drykus. He asked me to escort you there as soon as possible to discuss your message,” the Glade Warden replied.

  “Give me a moment, to refresh myself, and I will follow you to the Glade gladly,”

  Without further discussion Shinobin went inside the cottage. She gathered a few things; including the golem. Shada liked to think of the golem as Root. She told Vanestra her plans before returning to the garden.

  Shada was curious why the Warden/Dryad had not been invited inside. The rules of hospitality were not too different on Sierrallas compared to Earth. To Shada's sensibilities it seemed rude, but the Warden didn't seem bothered.

  The duo headed west into the Wyldwood. Despite being conceived there Shada hadn't been back in the Wyldwood proper in the weeks he had been on Sierrallas. The more normal forest, around the cottage, began to shift into the lush and verdant forest he had been conceived in. The trees grew bigger; in both width and height. The underbrush was thicker, the ground was hidden by beds of moss, and flowers were everywhere. There were glowing mushrooms and iridescent insects. Innumerable creatures were hiding here and there. It was beautiful in the evening light as the day turned inevitably to night.

  The Warden and Shinobin moved quickly. Far quicker than anyone should be able to move through such a landscape. The Warden seemed to know just where to place her feet to get the most out of each step. Shinobin followed with little trouble.

  The Essence in the air grew thicker the further west they went. The ambient become more filled with Vital Essence both the plant-like green color and the red of animals. The air seemed alive with Essence.

  Hours into the journey they passed a point where the two women went from a light jog to a full on run. The noises of the forest shifted. Where before the sounds were of mostly small animals, birds, and insects things shifted towards larger more aggressive sounds. The Vital Essence in the air seemed to thicken and the smell of the Vital Essence shifted more towards the animal side despite the abundance of plant life.

  Three times on the last leg of the journey wild animals attacked. Fierce Beasts that the Warden deftly defended against and managed to scare off. It seemed that even magical Beasts had a sense of self preservation. When fighting the dryad moved with unnatural grace and speed. It was like watching a dance.

  At some point, towards the end of the journey, there was another transition. The aggressive sounds of Beast faded away and the forest took on a tranquil feeling. It was like being in the eye of the storm. The Essence was so thick in the air that Shada had to mute his Essence Perception in order to cope.

  A pair of guards greeted them in the new area. One was what Analyze referred to as a Sylvan Elf. The other was more exotic. It was an armored bear. Shada was somehow not surprised when she spoke.

  “Merry met Glade Warden and Verdant One. I am pleased you have arrived safely and unharmed. How was the wild zone tonight?” The bear asked politely.

  “Merry met as always Glade Guards. The night was peaceful. Only three attacks. All easily deterred,” the Glade Warden replied and detailed the incidents.

  “That is good Glade Warden. We worried after the incidents with the wild Beasts becoming more aggressive twice in the past few weeks. Guards were injured during those times. Thank you for your report,” the bear said and then turned to Shinobin. “Be welcome once more in the Wyldwood Glade, may the Guide illuminate your Path Verdant One.”

  After the meeting, at what Shada assumed was the border of the inner glade, they walked through picturesque trails and past various strange structures built in, around, or on the massive trees. Many structures resembled woven baskets or maybe bird nests, but a few wood or stone structures were present. There was an entire town hidden deep in the Wyldwood it seemed.

  It took time to transverse the many paths, but soon they entered what was likely the center of the glade. Like the dungeon entrance there was a large pit with a ramp spiraling into the depths. Unlike the dungeon it appeared mostly unguarded, but just as busy. It seemed that the town was centered around the pit. Shada suspected the Glade Heart must be somewhere below.

  A bustling town square surrounded the pit. They passed through it before going down another path. They entered a mound at the base of a large tree. Shada didn't know what to expect, but a tavern made out of stone and tree roots was not it.

  On one side was an obvious, if strange looking, bar made of wood and living roots. On another side was a small stage where Theo Drykus, Shada's father, was playing a lively tune on a lute-like instrument. The audience was a strange mix of people and Beasts. Theo was the only Wyld Elf.

  The song was in a new language. Polyglotism picked it up and Analyze called it Sylvan Elvish. He would later learn it was the predominant language of the Glade inhabitants. Theo waved at Shinobin, but finished his song before approaching. The song had been energizing.

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  “My lovely Shishi! Thank you for coming! I know your message was urgent, but I had obligations to fulfill here in the Glade. Let’s get a booth and let me feed you after that long run,” Theo said with a charming smile.

  Shinobin appeared to blush and her smile was radiant. “That sounds lovely Theo. We can talk while we eat, but I will need to set up privacy wards. This is for your ears only,” Shinobin told Theo. They embraced warmly as they moved to a booth.

  “Enjoy your time in the glade Verdant One. May we meet again,” The Glade Warden said and then departed. Shinobin responded in kind.

  A willowy Sylvan Elf brought food and drinks to the round table with a C shaped seat set near the wall. The couple, Theo and Shinobin, sat closely. Shinobin activated several enchanted objects on the table to obscure the discussion.

  “So Shishi what did you need to tell me that was so urgent?” Theo asked while sipping a fruity looking drink in a glass cup shaped like a flower.

  Shinobin looked at the table shyly. To Shada, who was used to his mother's confident manner, it was jarring, but endearing.

  “I have some good news, some strange news, and some concerning news. I also have someone I would like to introduce you to,” Shinobin said.

  “Well let’s start with the good news then my sweet! You are acting unusually demure tonight. Where is my fierce healer that chased me through the woods during Frolic?” Theo asked jovially. He seemed to be quite the outgoing and animated type. Making bold gestures and statements.

  “I am not sure how to say this, but…uhhmmm…I am pregnant Theo,” Shinobian said in a stumbling rush.

  “Why Shishi, that's wonderful news! The Aseralis family needed fresh blood! Who is the lucky city man that caught your eye?” Theo asked. It appeared Theo didn't even consider the possibility it was his. The fact that it didn't bother him seemed odd to Shada, but Shinobin had never clearly defined her relationship with Theo to him.

  “That is part of the strange news,” she said while looking at Theo meaningfully.

  Theo looked confused, then contemplative, and then finally dumbfounded. “No…impossible…” Theo said loudly before trailing off.

  “Not impossible dear Theo. Just very, very rare,” she said while smilingly at the rapidly changing expressions on his face.

  “You can't be serious? You? And I? We couldn't have..could we?” Theo looked shell shocked and the normally smooth talking Wyld Elf was almost at a loss for words.

  “I am quite serious. We definitely tried hard enough during Frolic after all,” Shinobin said with a brawdy laugh.

  “But it’s so rare! I only know a single half-elf and I have traveled the world in my time!” Theo exclaimed.

  “Well in a few months you will have met two, but that is only the first part of what we need to talk about. I know it is quite the shock, but I am happy to be carrying your child,” Shinobin said.

  “Wow, this is terrific news! My family will be thrilled! Children, especially half-elves, are highly celebrated among my people. Each a new joy and a blessing from the gods. Half-elves doubly so as they are a bridge between people's! The Elders will be beside themselves you know!” Theo seemed genuinely happy. Shada had not expected this response.

  “Funny that you should mention gods and blessings. That's part of the strange news. I have it on good authority that the Goddess Sierra personally blessed our child. He has a guardian spirit already,” Shinobin said to Theo.

  Theo’s mouth opened, but no words came out. For someone who walked the Social Paths, like Theo, this was a sign of extreme shock.

  “How do you know that? The child hasn't even sprouted yet! It's barely been a few weeks.” Theo looked at Shinobin while waiting for an answer.

  “My grandmother walks the Spiritual Paths. She was able to talk with the guardian spirit. That's how we learned of this so soon. She created a spirit golem for the guardian spirit. I brought it with me. Would you like to meet Shada?” Shinobin asked while placing the ugly doll on the table.

  “Of course, I have only spoken with spirits on rare occasions. To meet my child's guardian spirit would be an honor!” Theo said.

  Shada took his cue and inhabited the golem. The process was smoother as both he, and the golem, had attuned to each other. The shift to his Root form was also smooth, as it was a preset held by the Guide now.

  “Greetings Theo Drykus, I am Shada. It is nice to meet you. I have been with Shinobin and Luca since the night of Frolic,” Shada said while bowing cutely.

  “Wow, that is an impressive little golem you have Shada. Vanestra’s work I presume?” Theo said while examining the small wooden person before him.

  “It is indeed. She made it so I could interact with people more directly,” Shada replied.

  “So tell me Shada, why has the Goddess blessed our child and assigned a guardian?” Theo asked.

  “As you know the System is broken. Many of its functions are offline and it has been centuries since it worked correctly. The Goddess Sierra, in her infinite wisdom, figured out a way to fix it. Unfortunately, the process is complex and requires a very specific type of person to carry out. Your child is that person. The Goddess blessed me and your unborn son with the Traits needed to start the repairs. I will act as his guardian spirit and familiar as long as he lives,” Shada said seriously. Somehow, the responsibility he had been given felt heavier in that moment. The reality of being divinely assigned to changing the world finally settling for the first time in his mind.

  “Wow, that is a lot to take in. You said you have been here since Frolic? Did you see me then?” Theo asked as he processed everything he had been told.

  “I did, I was there as you and Shinobin cuddled under the stars,” Shada said, trying to sound wise and mysterious, which wasn't too hard as he had lived a long life on Earth. He knew how to play wise old man or spirit as the case may be.

  “A divinely blessed half-elf born of a Wylderfolk mother and a Wyld Elf father. It sounds like a tal,e told around the campfire, or a legend in an old history book, but do you have any way to prove that any of that is true and you aren't some malicious spirit playing a trick?” Theo asked in curiosity and only a hint of accusation.

  “I do not have direct proof beyond my word, which was confirmed by Vanestra, and the fact that Shinobin herself has confirmed the pregnancy,” Shada replied somewhat concerned that Theo would call him a liar.

  Of course, the Goddess was listening and decided to make Her Presence known. The booth was briefly filled with Divine light coming from Shinobin's abdomen and encompassing Shada. The single tiny moment had stretched out for Shinobin and Theo. As suddenly as it appeared it vanished as if it had never been.

  If that didn't confirm Shada's words, he didn't know what would. Shinobin and Theo were profoundly affected by the Presence. Shada was less affected due to his past experiences, but there is something both comforting and yet unsettling when a Goddess shares Her Presence.

  The trio sat silently for a time. Shinobin and Theo were holding hands, and sitting close, as they recovered from their religious experience. Theo was the first to speak.

  “I guess that answers any doubts I might have had. You can't fake Divine Presence. Many have tried, but they tend to get cursed for it,” Theo said while gathering his composure. “Shinobin, if the pregnancy was the good news, the blessing and spirit the strange news, what in the world is the concerning news?” Theo asked.

  “Some of the concerns should be obvious. Half elves are coveted. There are many who would come after a blessed half elf. The spirit possesses otherworldly knowledge, but their power is tied to the child’s, so Shada is weak, but growing. Then there is the fact that the dungeon or perhaps the local System is reacting when Shada and I are unwarded. My grandparents are helping me hide them, and making plans to keep everyone safe, but you are the father and I thought you might want input,” Shinobin explained.

  “True, all true. I can help. There are glamours and seemings I can work. I can send word to my family for aid as well. There are Shadows Guards, among my people, that can protect you and the child in secret,” Theo said while considering options.

  The couple continued their discussion long into the night. Shada was mostly ignored, the planning also included the occasional kissing, and other shows of intimacy. He thought it good that they both cared so much for his unborn self, but he thought the extent of their plans were excessive.

  Shada, for his part, planned to continue his training and wondered if he could get access to some Essence Crystals to speed up his growth. Either way he planned to use his Skills and Cultivation to grow as much as he could.