A lone man covered in robes that seems to be strung together by vines and moss awakens from a deep sleep. He lazily tilts his head to take in his surroundings. A small not written on bark is attached to his robes.

"This isn't what I remember."

He pulls the note and reads it aloud

"Good luck? What the hell does that mean. Where am I?"

He scans the area looking a bit flustered. This was a new place and from what he knew it could be dangerous. Think his best course of action was to see if anyone was around.

"Uh hello I is anyone there I am Kulgor and I seem have woken up and I don't know where I can anyone let me some insight.? If so, I would gladly share some of my pipe weed, I am told it is the finest in all the wilds."

A figure with short blue hair and a neat blue beard emerges from a nearby thicket, brushing off leaves, vines and twigs from his long blue hooded jacket. He lightly curses under his breath as he brushes it off, then looks around.

The mirror smooth pond has a magical sheen, and the willow tree at the water's edge is the largest he has ever seen. Varieties of flowers grow in patches everywhere among the wild grasses, forming concentric circles around the lake.

The man in blue is not quite sure exactly where he is or how he happened to stumble upon this strange mystical scene. He hears a voice call out - the voice of Kulgor - and raises an eyebrow. He walks in Kulgor's direction and raises a hand in greeting.

"Hello there. I am Dalanor Zai of Capitol Landing. I also seem to have found this place unintentionally. I'm actually not sure if we should be here, hopefully we don't have any trouble..."

Dalanor looked around worriedly for a moment, as if he half expected something to make an appearance when he said the word trouble. He turned back to Kulgor with a warm smile.

"Thank you for offering to share your pipe, perhaps I'll take you up on that if we can get out of here. What is the last thing that you remember?"

Kulgor looks smiles at first but then takes note of the man's strange colors. His eyes oscillate between warmth and calculation before the stranger's sight.



"Hello, say stranger... don't take this as a form of accusation but, are you a fey?"



His own hand pointed to his own hair as a kind of inquisitorial gesture.



"I mean if you are there is of course no problem, I simply seem to have found myself in this place and to not know how I got here. Perhaps my love is playing tricks on me again she so does love her games."



His head drifts off to take the surroundings once more. Trying to get his bearings.



"But where are my manners. My name is Kulgor, druid and at the moment it seems wanderer. Pleasure to meet you my good sir and or mam."

At the question of being a fey Dalanor chuckled. "No, not a fey at all, at least not that I know. Though I can understand why you might ask, considering my unusual hair color. I am not sure who your love is, but yes the fey definitely do play tricks and I believe we may have both accidentally stumbled upon a bridge to their domain..."

As Kulgor looks around, so too did Dalanor again, trying to take note of any noticeable paths into the surrounding glade by which he could exit.

Kulgor introduced himself formally and Dalanor nodded in acknowledgement.

"Well met Kulgor. How exactly did you come to be here anyway? If you're also looking to exit, judging by the position of the sun and my basic map of charon[1], I believe civilization is north of here."

Dalanor was surprised enough to find himself in the Sunshade Glade [2], which is not clearly marked on any map. Yet this place was even more elusive... After leaving it, one could search for it and never find it again. The tale of the Fairy Glen [3] which was hidden within the glade is a highly varied tale depending on the storyteller. Knowing the rarity of it, part of him was tempted to explore the area more, but he was not well equipped to handle a fae. It seemed strange and inexplicable to suddenly encounter both this place and another person here, but encountering another in the forest is always a possibility when exploring the wilderness. Perhaps for a place like the Fairy Glen, strange was the norm. Dalanor was inherently suspicious but the man seemed more like an ally, and his first priority was getting out of this place.

---

[1] Map of Charon

[2] Sunshade Glade

SPOILER: Click to show

The glade occupies a very ephemeral part of the valley, some say it's to the south, others say it's a part of the Kingswood. In either case, you will either run into it by happenstance or it finds you. Once within it, you find yourself in a golden hall of permanent autumn. Red and gold leaves with just a tinge of green coat the ground, the trees are a beautiful combination of oak, elm, and poplar.

[3] Fairy Glen

SPOILER: Click to show

If the glade itself was rumor enough, the Fairy Glen is even more mystical. A mirror smooth pond with a willow tree the size of a house by its shoreline are the most commonly reported aspects to the glen. From there details become hazy as it is hard to determine whether people are repeating details in a circle or an actual account from first hand knowledge, no one claims to have been there themselves.

Kulgor walks over to look at the map. He smells of summer flowers and wet dirt. His roves seem to make small movements independent of the man's actions.

"Well, you say this place is north, to me I feels like we are between worlds, half in the wilds and half in the material. So, then I should ask if it is not too imposing how does one come across blue hair. I have seen strange hues but this is almost like the color of a butterfly's wing."

Kulgor eyes skim the map quickly. His irises dance and shimmer with a golden refraction. He is most likely a man but one can't help noticing a slight air of the ethereal around him.

"Well then my good man tell me, is this your first time in the wilds? I have lived here for what seems like two solar cycles then again time doesn't always obey natural laws in such places."

Dalanor raised an eyebrow at the small movements of Kulgor's robes. He wasn't sure if the ethereal air about the man was due to the glade, but it was a curiosity he would keep in mind.

"Hm you make a good point... It might be senseless to think in terms of cardinal directions here. I've noticed that ever since I stepped foot into the glade...". Dalanor rubbed his bearded chin.

"As for my blue hair, that is... a long story... which we may actually have time for, considering our current predicament..."

It wasn't exactly an answer, but it was a topic Dalanor usually tried to avoid.

"First time in the wilds? Well, relatively, yes, you could say that. I have lived in Capitol Landing for most of my life and rarely venture out of Sol City[1] or Maazeric Island[2]. I'm an adjunct professor with the Arcane Academy[3], but currently I am on a temporary leave of absence to pursue a personal endeavor. My quest has taken me to King's Valley and I seem to have found myself alone in the wilderness, getting turned around in this maze of trees... a disconcerting development to say the least."

Dalanor looked around at the glen and sighed. He enjoyed nature thoroughly, and had much respect and appreciation for it, but Maazeric Island was a small dose compared to the massive wilderness in King's Valley. The Sunshade Glade that he crossed to get here was beautiful, but he lost the trail long ago. Despite having a map and basic knowledge of how to navigate during the day by the position of the sun, he seemed to keep getting turned around.

"How about yourself? What brings you here?"

---

[1] Sol City

SPOILER: Click to show

Sol City is the largest city in Charon, home of the royal family and acts as the capitol of Charon. High gold walls rise up from the earth, a sprawling, gleaming city stretches across the island.

[2] Maazeric Island

SPOILER: Click to show

The southern most island that houses the Arcane Academy, a school of wisdom and intellect. Named after an ancient scholar, the island houses the nations best school for learning magic and practicing the arcane arts. From spell casting to enchanting, the Arcane Academy has taught the worlds most powerful mages, most of them now teaching younger generations. The island is known for its magic, being a hub of learning and experimentation.

[3] Arcane Academy

SPOILER: Click to show

The Arcane Academy is a large set of buildings at the center of the island, and houses the best magic school in Charon. Mages, wizards and spell casters come from all over to train and learn the arcane arts. Its a prestigious place that honors tradition and seeks to spread knowledge and wisdom throughout the land.

Kulgor face visible darkened at the question. He seemed to be worried about something, something he read in that note.

"I am not sure, but I am starting to have a bad feeling about it. Last I remembered I had a little tiff with my love. She called be boring and that she needed space. These types of words never bode well for a man."

He shook of the bad thoughts for the moment. And tried his best to focus on the issue at hand.

"Well you see I fell in love with a dryad and as such I found myself in the wilds. Here I learned to commune with nature and be one with creation."

Kulgor pondered for moment.

"Say, if we are no in the wilds and not in the material? Where are we? Well, no matter I have a feeling this scrap of bark is from her tree I have a feeling I should follow its pull."

Kulgor held the bit of bark in his hand and started a low chant.

"There I am feeling a resonance uh.... this direction."

Kulgor pointed in what looks like a random direction.

"Sorry to hear that Kulgor. I have never dated a dryad... although I do know one who is quite- sorry, I digress... Yes what I mean to say is - I hope that you always maintain your capacity to love." Dalanor placed a hand on Kulgor's shoulder in reassurance.

He then raised an eyebrow at the sight of Kulgor divining the direction from the tree bark, but he shrugged and walked alongside anyway, despite his uncertainty if it was the right direction. It seemed as good a chance as any.

The Fairy Glen was not large, or at least the instance of fae reality they found themselves in didn't seem to be large, but as they approached the treeline, Dalanor couldn't help but feel a strange pull to remain within. He shook his head, resisting the mental confusion and pressed on.

The effects on his mind of the fae influence increased as he approached the edge of the glen. His vision blurred and his ears started to ring. His legs and body began to feel heavy, like he was moving through a river against a current, pushing him back.

"It's some sort of barrier! I didn't feel this on the way in, but clearly it doesn't want to let anyone out!" His words sounded muffled to his ears, like he was yelling underwater.

Dalanor turned his head to see how Kulgor was faring.

Kulgor frowned in frustration. Then slipped the bark back into his pockets.

"Damn we are going to have to barter with whoever rules over this place. Tell me you said you are a scholar yes. What do you know of the fey and the courts I need to figure out who runs the show her and hope it is not the great hag. As she will try and make jelly out of our fat. But hey you know what are the chances of that?"

His voice seemed calm despite the current issues. So calm that he sat down and loaded himself bowl of his pipe weed. First taking a deep breath and offering it to the stranger.

"Finest weed in all of the wilds or so I am told. Tell me was the last thing you remember before coming to this place. Maybe they are playing a trick on us and need us to solve a riddle. You never know with fey, they lover their games."

The smoke from his mouth seemed to display vague fleeing shapes. As if telling the story of his past like a broken flip book.

Dalanor stopped his attempt to exit, winded and breathing heavily. He raised an eyebrow at Kulgor who had plopped himself down casually. He shook his head and hand at Kulgor's offering and began pacing.

"No thanks Kulgor, I need to keep an even head to figure out how we're going to get out of here. I would recommend you do the same. If we were to suddenly come under attack, you'll want to have your wits about you."

He stopped pacing for a moment and put his hand to his chin.

"A puzzle..." Dalanor continued to rub his beard. He began to pace again.

"If the fae don't want us to leave, then there is something they want us to do. Or they just want to toy with us."

Dalanor paused and looked around the glen again. "What if there is something we need to find? A clue. Perhaps somewhere in the landscape, or hidden in the boughs of the willow." Dalanor's gaze flitted between the circles of flowers, the willow and then to the pond.

"Unless..." Dalanor looked to Kulgor. "What if your thoughts are what is keeping us here? Your tether to their realm. Do you actually want to leave this place Kulgor?"

Kulgor chuckled at the very notion.

"What do you mean of course I don't want to leave I have spent the last few years in the wild learning the way of nature. I mean who would want to leave. Best wine I have ever tried and the ladies are second to none. I mean despite the constant mocker of the fey what's not to love?"

He tucked his pipe away and stood up.

"However, you may have a point it seems like I am here for a reason and this bark seem to tingle when you talk about it. Here I know keep asking me question about our situation while if focus on it maybe she will speak to me."

Kulgor took the bark in both hands and started to lightly meditate on their predicament. As he softly changed the scholar could observe the bark shimmer ever so slightly.

"Ok...."

Dalanor proceeded to think of questions to ask while Kulgor communed with the bark.

"The most pertinent question is how do we leave? If the answer is not clear, then the next question is why were we brought here? The answer to that question may also tell us how we may leave."

He began to pace again, then sat down.

"Or perhaps these are the wrong questions to be asking. The first question is... where are we? Only by first understanding truly where we are, can we understand why we were brought here."

He rubbed his bearded chin.

"There may even be a question before that. How did this place come to be? In understanding the creation of it, can we then understand what it is, and how we came to be in it."

He stood back up.

"Yes, that is the question Kulgor. How did this place come to be? What does your connection to nature tell you is the answer?"

Dalanor watched and waited patiently, hoping for a direct answer, though at this point he would also be fine with a tingle or a twinkle - anything so long as it provided a clue as to getting out of the glen.

Kulgor's shoulders slummed as he asked the question. He smiled painfully before speaking.

"Welly my friend you were correct. It seems I have been cut off and I just didn't want to accept it. As for who or what or how this place was built or made, I have no idea. Only the arch fey know such things and I doubt they will speak to us. As for us it seems I have been let go. I guess my time here is done and all that's left is for me to accept it."

Kulgor then goes silent for a few minutes. There is unspoken awkwardness about the air.

"Well then it seems a better question is when are we... tell me my friend what year is it in your world? But first I am going to set down I have a bad feel for what you are about to say."

One could see kulgor's whole body brace for impact as the coming words.

Sensing the potential tenderness of Kulgor's situation, Dalanor also sat down across from him and calmly and slowly talked through the history of Charon[1], summarizing as best he could, starting from the Creation of the World to the Age of Progress.

He also explained in more detail on the most recent major events in the world[2], and the appearance and disappearance of magic circles of flowers connected to the fae, along with increased sightings.

An inordinate amount of time passed as they sat there and Dalanor recounted the history he learned well from the Academy. Exasperated, Dalanor finally stood up and stretched his arms and legs.

"So there you have it Kulgor. It is the Age of Progress! Yes there is uncertainty in the world to be sure, but excitement as well. What do you think? Are you ready now to see the world beyond this glen?"

The realization dawned on Dalanor in that moment that perhaps what brought him to the glen was Kulgor. If not Kulgor himself, then maybe the fae - to coax Kulgor to leave and see the world and become reinvigorated once more. It might not be a punishment, or maybe partly but not entirely. More importantly, it was a journey.

Upon completion, Kulgor perhaps would someday return again; after having seen, endured and explored both the hardships and the happiness of the world once more. It was an early hypothesis.

---

[1] Charon History

[2] Part One: The Rings

For a while kuglor stat and said nothing. Then without much warning he stood up and dusted himself off.

"Well then that means I have lost more than 200 years and everyone and everything I know is gone. Turns out I should have listed to the old tales as mortal men and fey never mix well. It seems my love has grown bored of me and now I must return to the world of the material."

He let out a deep sigh as his posture drops. He stood like a defeated old soldier. Yet he would move forward despite the heartbreak. Not like he had many options.

"Well my friend it is time to go you said you come from a great city. Please guide me there I would like to see what has changed snice I have been away."

With his words spent he began walking in certain yet unknow direction.