CHAPTER 1090: ALLY

From the shadows of the strange trees, a being emerged. They were graceful, glowing faintly in the gloom, and moving as though the air carried them forward.

Their form floated above the ground, neither male nor female, but something beautifully balanced between both.

Their face possessed the calm symmetry of nature. It looks soft yet powerful, serene but also filled with quiet strength.

Their clothes seemed grown rather than woven, formed from overlapping layers of tree bark and long, flowing leaves that shifted gently with each motion. Upon their head rested a crown of intertwined branches and young brown leaves, simple but intricate.

Erend immediately recognized them. They were Thar’Zul-Vekar, the ancient Forest God. But unlike the last time he had seen them this time their expression was different.

When he and Eccar had come before, the god’s face had been twisted with fury and grief and the air had burned with anger. Now, their aura felt calm like a forest after rain.

A soft smile curved their lips as they approached, and the oppressive atmosphere lightened with each step.

Erend smiled back unconsciously, unable to hide his relief.

"It’s good to see you like this," he said quietly.

Thar’Zul-Vekar landed a few paces away from them. The moment their feet touched the cracked ground, faint ripples of green spread outward, and new sprouts pushed through the dead soil.

Then, to Erend’s surprise, the god stepped closer and embraced him.

Erend froze, caught off guard. For a being of such power, their touch was gentle. He felt like being wrapped in the warmth of sunlight through trees.

He hesitated only a moment before returning the gesture. For the first time, it truly felt like peace had taken root here.

"I’m glad you came back so soon, my friend," Thar’Zul-Vekar said softly, their voice carrying a tone both ethereal and grounded, like wind through hollow bark. They released him and turned slightly, their eyes falling upon Aesa. "And who is this?"

Aesa didn’t bother with a smile. She stood still as stone, her blue eyes sharp, measuring the god in silence.

She didn’t sense hostility but her instincts didn’t allow her to lower her guard easily. She waited for Erend to speak.

"This is Aesa," Erend said. "She’s a Dragonborn, like me."

"Ah," Thar’Zul-Vekar murmured, their smile returning. They inclined their head toward her with regal grace. "Another born of unimaginable power and scale. Welcome, child of the ancient line."

Aesa gave a small, polite nod in return that was short and deliberate.

The god’s gaze lingered on her for a moment, as if reading the weight of her soul, then turned back to Erend.

"So, what brings you back to my realm?"

Erend’s expression grew serious again. "There’s a new threat rising. Something from beyond the worlds. We’ve seen signs like dark movements spreading fast and far stronger than anything before." He paused, meeting the god’s gaze. "We came to ask for your help."

Thar’Zul-Vekar’s expression softened with thought. The faint golden glow around their body dimmed slightly, replaced by the deep, warm hue of amber.

"The balance trembles again. That thing... is moving again," they said slowly. "I’ve also felt it... even here, in this wounded plane. Shadows ripple across the roots of reality."

"If those shadows reach this place again, they’ll destroy everything you’ve rebuilt," Aesa said. "We’re not here to beg just to make sure that doesn’t happen anywhere else."

The god turned to her, eyes gleaming faintly. "I know."

Erend nodded. "We can’t win this alone. Your strength and your connection to the essence of nature can help stabilize what’s breaking apart. We will need your help when the time comes."

For a long moment, Thar’Zul-Vekar was silent. The wind whispered through the dead leaves around them, carrying faint echoes of life.

Then the god closed their eyes, spreading their hands. Vines began to rise from the soil, weaving into patterns of light that pulsed with his energy.

"Very well," they said at last. "If the Dragonborn once brought ruin to this realm, then let another bring renewal. I will aid you. My power will reach beyond this plane and lend strength to your cause. Just tell me when I need to act again."

The air shimmered as Thar’Zul-Vekar’s essence flared and faint runes glowed beneath their feet.

Erend could feel the power gathering. It felt deep, ancient, and pure.

But then, the god’s eyes opened again, their tone shifting into something grave. "But you must know this, what you face is not of this world or any that breathes under sun or moon. Remember that these beings were once manipulated a Dragonborn like you to destroy my world."

Aesa frowned, starting to feel anxious.

Erend’s jaw tightened. "All the more reason we’ll need every ally we can get."

Thar’Zul-Vekar’s smile returned, faint but resolute. "I will be here."

Erend smiled and nodded. "We’ll stay in touch. There’s still a lot we need to prepare."

Thar’Zul-Vekar gave a gentle nod, their expression understanding. "Then you must go. I can feel the weight on your shoulders, Dragonborn. You and your kin are bound to greater problems and enemies than most can ever comprehend."

They paused for a moment, then added, "Tell Eccar and Krono that I wish them strength and good fortune as well."

"I’ll tell them," Erend replied. He took one last look at the god and the fragile, growing forest around them.

Then he raised his hand and the air in front of him shimmered. The energy rippled outward, opening a circular portal that hummed with power.

Aesa stepped closer beside him, giving Thar’Zul-Vekar a brief glance.

"Let’s go," she said.

Erend nodded.

Together, they stepped into the portal. Light engulfed them, and in an instant, both vanished and leaving only the faint echo of their departure.

Thar’Zul-Vekar stood alone once more in the hollow silence of the forest. The portal faded into the distance, and the wind returned, carrying the scent of ash and faint green life.

The god looked up toward the crimson clouds swirling above, a heavy sigh escaping their lips. Their eyes dimmed slightly as thoughts turned dark.

"I hope this cycle of destruction not repeat," they whispered.

Fear stirred deep in their chest for the worlds still untouched by the corruption.

"I will lend everything I can," they murmured, closing their eyes as their hands pressed into the soil. "No more worlds will fall to that being’s desire for destruction."

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