Chapter 4 — Ryn

  You look around, the wild and primitive environment, yet also marked by a tranquil harmony between the Draegnir and nature. The rustic buildings, made of wood, stone, and leaves, are discreet and blend well with the surrounding vegetation. There is a natural rhythm to the place, as if the Draegnir live in balance with what surrounds them, without the chaos of human cities.

  The Draegnir move with a wild grace, and you can see many of them engaged in everyday tasks such as hunting, woodworking, or tending to animals. There is no hurry, no tension, just a calm fluidity.

  Luna, by your side, observes the environment with interest but without seeming uncomfortable. The Draegnir leader, noticing your attention, speaks again:

  “Here, the land gives us everything we need. But we are not peaceful by nature. Only those who respect our land and our way of life are welcome.”

  He gestures, indicating that you may follow, and the Draegnir begin to disperse, returning to their activities.

  “You all have very diverse characteristics. Some resemble wolves, others birds, others cats. What is the reason for this?”

  The Draegnir leader smiles with an almost imperceptible lightness, as if he had been expecting this question. He pauses for a moment and responds, his voice calm but full of wisdom:

  “Each of us is marked by the spirit we carry, by the creature with which we share our soul. We believe that, upon birth, the spirit of the chosen creature guides and shapes us. Some of us have inherited the traits of wolves, for strength and loyalty; others, of birds, for freedom and sharp vision; and there are those with the spirit of cats, for agility and cunning.”

  He looks around, as if seeing in each of his kin the manifestation of these essences.

  “It is not a choice. We are chosen by the land and the spirits. We are a blend of many natures, but each Draegnir carries within them the strength of their creature, whether it be predator or protector.”

  He watches you intently, waiting for your reaction.

  “Each lineage is different, but all have something in common: a connection to nature and the search for balance.”

  “I understand… are you the leader of all, or is there someone above you?”

  The Draegnir leader looks at you with a lightness but also with a depth that suggests ancient wisdom. He slowly shakes his head, reflecting on your question.

  “I am not the leader of all. Here, there is no single absolute leader. We are guided by a council, composed of the wisest among us. Each lineage has a representative, and together we make decisions that affect our community.”

  He pauses, as if pondering his words.

  “However, as the leader of my group, I have the responsibility of being the link between the others and the council. My role is to maintain harmony within our people, but decisions are made together.”

  He looks at you with a serious expression, as if what he says is an important truth.

  “Power here is not in one being, but in unity. That is how the Draegnir have survived and thrived.”

  “Do you give me permission to walk around?”

  The Draegnir leader watches you closely, his gaze sharp and deep. After a brief moment, he gestures with his hand, indicating the space around.

  “You have permission to explore, Duke Petrus, but remember: this is our territory. Respect the space and the laws of our land, as we respect those of your home. If there is something you need explained or if you feel uncomfortable, seek me out or another of the elders.”

  He gives a slight nod, allowing you to move freely, but with an implicit warning that freedom has its limits within their domain.

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  “Enjoy your journey here, but remember that trust is earned by actions, not just words.”

  With that, he steps away slightly, leaving you to explore at your leisure.

  “I am aware.”

  You begin to walk, without a specific destination, allowing yourself to explore the Draegnir territory. As you move away from the group, the sounds of nature intensify—the distant calls of birds, the rustling of leaves in the wind, and the soft murmur of a stream that runs through the area.

  The landscape around you is rustic but beautifully wild. The tall, thick trees intertwine to form a natural canopy, and the ground, covered in dense vegetation, is speckled with colorful wildflowers. Some Draegnir, with wolf, feline, and bird characteristics, continue their daily tasks, such as hunting, fishing, and working with materials from the forest.

  As you walk, you observe the calm interaction between them. The sense of freedom is palpable, but there is also a silent mutual respect that pervades the environment. Here, it seems that every action, every glance, carries a deeper meaning, more connected to the earth.

  You sense that you are being watched, but not in a threatening way. The vigilance seems to be a natural part of Draegnir life. They don’t interfere, but they are aware of your presence.

  Luna is by your side, calm and watchful as always, but remains silent, perhaps respecting the moment of observation and reflection that you seem to be experiencing.

  You see a child with wolf characteristics watching you. You smile, kneel, and extend your hand.

  The Draegnir child watches you from afar, her large, attentive eyes unafraid. She hesitates for a moment before cautiously approaching. The fur on her head is soft, and her curious gaze misses no movement of yours.

  She hesitates a little longer, but gradually draws closer, her ears slightly lowered. She stretches out a small, agile hand, touching yours carefully. Her eyes speak more than words.

  Luna, a little farther away, watches the interaction closely, her expression attentive but not interrupting the moment.

  “What’s your name, little one?”

  You allow her to touch your hand peacefully.

  The Draegnir child looks at you, pondering the question. Finally, she responds in a soft, timid voice:

  “Ryn.”

  She seems surprised by your gentleness. Her eyes brighten, and her posture relaxes. Ryn doesn’t release your hand, observing you with interest.

  “What a beautiful name, Ryn.” You smile. “Can you tell me about here?”

  Ryn smiles shyly, her wolf ears twitching slightly.

  “Here… everything is natural. The land, the rivers… the trees… There is no fear. There is no hurry. Things happen when they must happen.”

  She pauses, reflecting.

  “The people… the Draegnir… take care of what is ours. The forest, the animals, the wind, and the rain. We all have a place. I… will learn to hunt soon. I’ll be like my mother, strong. But time comes slowly.”

  She then looks at you, her eyes full of curiosity.

  “Humans… they are fast. Always running, always doing. Why is that? What makes them so hurried?”

  She waits for an explanation, keeping her small hand on yours.

  “Most of us have a short life and try to live as much of it as we can. Your mother is strong, Ryn?”

  Ryn shakes her head, as if she understands partially.

  “Yes, my mother is strong. She hunts with the elders. She’s as fast as the wind and fierce as a wolf. She teaches me to listen to the land, to understand what it says. She says that when I grow up, I will be strong too, but that I must be patient.”

  She stares at you.

  “But… why do humans hurry so much? Where do they go? What are they looking for?”

  Her gaze is innocent, but deeply curious.

  “Humans have their unique purposes. It’s hard to know the purpose of everyone. I, Petrus, have a purpose. Luna, beside me, has another.”

  You smile and gently stroke Ryn’s head.

  “Tell me more about your mother and your family, Ryn.”

  Ryn snuggles a little closer, appreciating the affection.

  “My mother is… is a leader in our land, a warrior, but she also cares for our home, our people. She comes from an ancient lineage, strong as the earth. What she says, everyone listens to. She teaches me to be patient, but also to fight when necessary. She says that one day I’ll protect our people as she protects.”

  She pauses thoughtfully.

  “My father… he was a hunter, but disappeared when I was very small. Everyone says he was called by the forest, to become part of it. But I don’t remember him, I only know what my mother says.”

  Ryn looks at you with a mixture of trust and longing.

  “My family is small. Just my mother and me. But we are strong. Always together.”

  “That’s nice, Ryn. You love your mother very much, don’t you?”

  You pet her ears.

  Ryn closes her eyes and smiles softly.

  “I love her very much… more than anything. She is all I have.”

  She looks at you with sincerity.

  “I want to be like her. Strong… but also kind. She says strength without kindness turns into fear, and that those who protect should not scare.”

  She presses her head into your hand and speaks softly:

  “You seem to be like that too. Strong… but kind.”

  Luna watches from the distance, silently, with a faint smile.

  “Thank you, Ryn. Your mother is a very wise woman. Can you introduce me to her?”

  Ryn smiles, excited, and stands up, pulling your hand with enthusiasm.

  “I can! She’s near the river now… training with the other hunters. But…”

  She stops, looks at you with a serious expression.

  “You need to be respectful. She doesn’t like those who talk too much without showing who they really are.”

  She holds your hand firmly.

  “Come, Duke Petrus. She will like to meet you… I think.”

  “You can call me Petrus.”

  You follow her through the tall trees and twisted roots of the Draegnir camp.