We continued our journey towards the dryad grove. While we ran into more monsters, none of them were as tasty as the spiders. Our destination was not part of the official map but Lily had a hand drawn marker where it should be.

  “I think this river will lead us to the grove.” Lily said. River might have been a bit too generous, the stream was only about two metres wide.

  We were at the edge of a forest. I could see grassland, rolling hills and snow-covered mountains in the distance. The stream snaked its way through the plains before entering a forest once more.

  “Is the grove over there? In this other forest? The trees certainly look imposing. Especially the big one.” I mused. One massive tree was sticking out of the forest, it looked like a white ash tree and might have been 100 metres tall. It was towering over everything.

  “Maybe?” Lily replied. “The map is not precise enough.”

  “This grassland could serve as a buffer, the same way you clear trees around a castle. You want to have a good view.” Lilith mused.

  “Can’t dryads use trees to spot enemies?” Lucy wondered.

  “I am not sure how much they can do with other trees. They can sense things around their own but one further away?” I shrugged.

  “Maybe the soil is more tasty over there.” Shani suggested.

  I looked at the elemental. Her statement did make some sense. Maybe the grove was built on a source of magic inside the soil.

  As we followed the stream I noticed something. My eyes could see magic underneath us.

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  “I have a feeling there are roots below us. Watching us.” I said.

  “A warning system?” Lilith suggested.

  “And a defensive system as well. We have all seen roots pierce monsters. It seems like a common form of attack for dryads.” I added.

  Suddenly I felt Lilith’s aura. She unleashed it briefly, covering the area. I raised an eyebrow at her.

  “I am just making sure there are no misunderstandings.” Lilith explained. “It would be a shame if the dryads attacked.”

  I had no idea what the usual protocol was in such a situation. Making the dryads aware of our power might make them hesitate. Or it could trigger a strong response. Especially if they felt a demon. But in the end the fairy realm was ruled by might. Maybe showing off a little was normal.

  I focused on my own aura. I did not want a true storm, I did not want to do any damage. Maybe the dryads would appreciate some rain?

  My power flooded the area around us. I could feel it. I could feel the clouds forming in the sky. I could feel the lightning, eager to be unleashed. I could feel the thunder, ready to roar. I tried to calm the destructive instincts. I was the storm, this was my domain.

  How about a brief flash of lightning in the sky? Like waving hello. A gentle bit of thunder, as a greeting. And rain. Life giving rain, as a gift.

  This was a demonstration of my power, but also a greeting and a small welcoming gift. I poured my emotion, my desires, my intention into my aura.

  Dark clouds formed but they did not look angry. Lightning danced in the sky, like a show. The thunder rumbled gently as rain started to fall. Not too much, just a nice refreshing amount.

  “That is some impressive aura work, although I am not too fond of rain…” Lilith commented, then a shield made of fire formed over her head.

  “You would think succubi would appreciate wet t-shirts.” I joked.

  “What?” Lilith asked, looking confused.

  “Uh, never mind. Anyway onwards!” I said with a smile.

  Shani was dancing in the rain with Adhira, both of them giggling. Erin used her fire magic to protect her maid uniform. She grimaced as she worked on looking more presentable. Sir Francis did not seem to care either way.

  Lucy’s tails wagged excitedly. Lily seemed rather happy as well. There was clearly a difference between creatures of the storm and others. Or was it the bond?

  Anyway, besides our group I could feel a reaction from the soil. At first the roots shivered when they sensed my power. Now they were carefully drinking the rain. Could I really feel the roots absorbing the rain, or was I just imagining things? One thing was certain, there was no hostility.

  I smiled and we continued. As we neared the trees I pulled my aura back and let the sun return. The first trees we encountered seemed normal. As we moved deeper I felt more magic. Yet no dryad was in sight.

  I was starting to wonder if they were hiding. Then my eyes widened, as we reached the stem of the giant tree. In front of it were the dryads. About 30 of them. One of them stood out, her skin, or bark, was rather pale. She looked at me with emerald eyes.

  “We greet the storm.” She said, and then all of them kneeled.