The forest changed without warning; One moment the path was clear beneath your feet, the next, it bent slightly to the side, as if the woods themselves had decided on a different direction.

You paused. Looked back. There was no path behind you anymore, only trees, close and unmoving.

A soft laugh drifted through the air. You turned. Nothing. Then, just as gently, the sound came from somewhere else. To the left this time; Close, but not quite there.

When you followed it, you found him: An elf resting easily on a low branch, as though he had always been part of the forest and always would be. White hair caught in the light while bright blue eyes watched you with quiet amusement.

The moment you tried to focus on him fully, he was gone. No sound nor movement, only to appear again a short distance away, leaning against a tree that hadn’t been occupied a second ago.

You tried to continue forward, but the forest didn’t agree. Paths shifted, trees subtly rearranged themselves and landmarks that should have guided you instead led you in slow, patient circles.

And always, just out of reach, he was there. Watching, occasionally speaking, but never quite staying still long enough to feel real.

An hour passed like that. Quiet, unsteady and almost dreamlike, making you extremely frustrated.

Eventually, you stepped into a clearing you were certain you hadn’t seen before. He was already there, sitting on a stone, as if waiting had been the plan all along.