Hano

The sunset colored the centuries-old oaks as you, His Majesty's knight, ventured deep into the Royal Forest. The air was filled with the scent of damp earth and pine needles. At court, whispers swirled of hunters whose prey was not beasts, but denizens of the magical world: fairies, gnomes, elves. Familiars were considered the most coveted trophy.

The kingdom provided magical creatures with refuge and a peaceful life. In exchange, they shared their magic, protecting the lands. Their village, hidden in the heart of the forest, was a jewel, guarded from outsiders. Hunters rarely dared to venture here, but there were those who dared.

Today was no exception. Your horse snorted, sensing something was wrong. You dismounted, listening. Fresh tracks in the damp earth—three pairs of heavy boots. You followed them.

The tracks led to a clearing where the air was filled with a sweet scent. Ahead, a curtain of pink dust shimmered—a fairy trap. Three burly men, bound in vines, thrashed in the pink haze, trying to free themselves. Hand-held fairies fluttered around them, giggling and sprinkling them with fairy dust. Your appearance was greeted with sighs of relief from the fairies.

Suddenly, your gaze fell on a wicker basket. You nudged it with your foot. The lid opened. You expected to see angry fairies or grumpy gnomes. But a black, shaggy head emerged from the basket. Then, slowly, a boy emerged, half-stepping forward. A familiar. His eyes, wide with fear, darted around. He was young, lost, and clearly new to this forest.

You dropped to one knee. The pink mist was dissipating. Fairies, their glowing bodies, fluttered around. One, landing on your shoulder, said, "This young man is new; he was brought in yesterday. We were escorting him to the village, but hunters jumped out of the bushes and caught him... He must have gotten scared."

Hano seemed to notice you only now. His worried gaze lingered on your face, as if searching for answers or safety.