Compulsion of a Flower's Essence Ch. 01

Chapter 1 - Warmest Welcome.

Yet another warm afternoon, despite summer having already passed. Klaia Forest towered over the rich earth beneath. Many humanoids of all sorts would seek out this very forest thanks to its vibrant colours and quality ingredients. Any wise individual with the slightest of knowledge of Klaia Forest however, would tell you never to go in unprepared.

Randithas happily trailed through the main forest path. He smiled, knowing his choice of black jeans and long-sleeved emerald coloured shirt was a risk that's paying off. His dark green hair reaching his shoulders while thin fabrics covered his arms kept him cosy and comforted, without coming close to boiling him underneath. Besides, if the upcoming days got too warm, he could undo his shirt buttons and tie his hair a little.

Less reassuring however was his half-elven travel companion and mentor, Greglas. Not trusting the steady approach of autumn's breeze, he made sure to gear up with notably thicker grey clothing all over. Seems he really hadn't accounted for the extra gear he was carrying. Randithas had held a halberd out of curiosity before so he knew the one on Greglas's back must be really weighing him down! That small bush of light brown hair on his head probably wasn't doing him any favours.

"Yes, Randithas." Muttered Greglas. "I'm well aware there's a sweat drop trickling down my face. No need to mention it this time!"

Randithas predictably smirked. "And your tendency to stagger slightly? It's unlike you, especially given how ready you were to take on this task earlier. Am I going to outlast you in endurance for once?"

Greglas frowned, but didn't seem too disheartened. "Truth be told, I did sustain a minor injury before we set off. That and this package we're delivering is heavier than expected. Figured this crate of herbs and alchemy supplies wouldn't be heavy, but my back is gradually taking a toll. Could probably last the journey but I'll need to rest when we arrive at Longhilt."

"Don't worry Greglas, it's understandable. I'm here to provide an extra set of arms if needed. It may not look like it, but I have been keeping aware of the dangers of this forest. We're said to be brave for even going this far in, though some would say we're just crazy for using this forest as a shortcut."

"Haha, that last part is at least believable!" laughed Greglas in agreement. "Those rumours about people never returning from the forest do seem to be true, but I've been through this forest many times. Provided you keep to the main path and don't delve deep into monster dens, you're all set for a nice enough time!"

Randithas gazed up at the barely visible sky through the towering trees. "I feel like I really haven't thanked you enough for the guidance you've given me. Mentors that don't dehumanise others and instead guide them through focusing on their strengths and interests have been declining.

"No worries Randithas! I can tell how thankful you've been. Though I do worry sometimes. Maybe I'm walking a treacherous path in how I train people. Can't help but fear the correlation is linked to a relevant cause. This safer path through Klaia Forest should be good gradual training, but please don't get too far ahead of yourself! Even out here, pick your fights carefully. Run if overpowered, and don't initiate unnecessary conflicts!"

"Same to you, Greglas!" Randithas smiled. "You're wiser than most, so you can put those fears aside!"

A mild unease crept upon Greglas. "I know I keep telling you this, and I know you enjoy the carefree attitude, but keeping too carefree when you can't sense danger isn't always the best approach. Certainly not in a forest like this."

"Figured you'd say that. But your point is valid, I admit. I'll at least keep more alert for this journey!"

Greglas chuckled a little before letting out a light sigh. "Guess that'll do for now!"

--

Hours passed. The two believed to be reaching their destination soon enough, though it only became more ambiguous the further they went. They'd been taking it in turns to carry that heavy crate on their back, with Greglas baring it notably longer.

"Alright, I gotta rest this weight again!" Greglas said with a tinge of frustration. "Best we find a small area within this path to sit down first. We've lost track of the hours, and I should really try finding that compass in my coat again."

Randithas had no objections, though felt a tad unsafe. Leaves rustled from above, following what sounded like concentrated wind.

"Greglas! Watch out!" he yelled pointing at the sky. None other than a giant silhouette of a bird was swooping down at them.

Both rolled to the side immediately to dodge, Greglas groaning in pain. That ankle injury and heavy load must have not agreed with that rolling maneuverer. The giant raven crashed its talons into the ground and immediately flew forward briefly. In wasted no time in turning round to engage with its prey. Likewise, Randithas and Greglas wasted no time in drawing their duel shortswords and halberd respectively.

Greglas had difficulty standing, but forced himself keep his ground. The raven loomed over them at over 4 meters high, tilting its head in succession to study those in front of it. Greglas had the more promising weapon to strike with, thanks to the range on his halberd, but Randithas knew he'd require a tricky counter strike to the ravens head to stand any real chance. The two adventures spoke little, knowing each other's tactics and thought processes.

Lowering its head, the raven let out low pitched shrieking sounds with low volume, readily aimed to strike Greglas. It dashed forward onto Greglas, just about being stopped by the halberd blade. Seeing it recoil back, Randithas ran forward for a strike of his own, hoping to land on the ravens newly made injury. Immediately once in range of its wingspan, Randithas and Greglas received a hard smack from the beast's wings, one after the other.

It didn't take long for Randithas to regain his bearings and return to the fight. Neither did it take long for Greglas to get captured and taken away. Randithas darted forwards to his struggling friend, but it was no use. He could only run in the general direction, without any sight to be seen of him.

Greglas Daenan wasn't the type to get abducted so easily, though it wasn't worth assuming he'd be safe away from the main forest path as the raven had headed. Randithas still held plenty of stamina despite the harsh heat and distant journey. Least he could do was use it to ensure his friend's safety!

--

Time passed away ceaselessly. Klaia Forest was becoming denser and more clustered as Randithas strayed further from the main path. He had already stored his swords to gain better balance through the bushes and uneven ground, though he likely wouldn't need to draw them again anytime soon. Klaia Forest inhabited many beasts and occasionally small fey creatures, though no sign of immediate danger or the whereabouts of Greglas.

"Dammit!" grunted Randithas, pounding the nearest tree with his palm. "No matter how he is, I've gotten hopelessly lost!"

He gazed all around for reassurance, but little hope could be seen. Greglas had the compass and the greater knowledge of Klaia Forest, while Randithas could only glare at the sky as the tint of sunset approached. There was a surprising lack of dangers right now, though said dangers were probably waiting for the night. Randithas knew for a fact he had to either find his urgent escape now, or conduct a solid plan for surviving the night. Was the sheer density and ambiguity of Klaia Forest the reason for all those missing people?

Weapons tucked away but in reach, Randithas continued onwards, swiftly yet quietly. Sunset gave vague hints of where North was, though also reminded all lifeforms that the deadly night wouldn't wait. His face began to light up as the density became progressively more considerate, hinting at a potential exit.

His path would soon open up to a large open area, seemingly still tucked away deep within the forest. Other than various violet flowers and vines, all that stood in this clearing were a large pink flower just less than 3 meters tall. This huge bulb-like plant stood near the centre, glistening among the remaining sunlight that gladly shone down upon it. Birds and butterflies flew gently around this grove, as if enchanted by the flower's sheer beauty. Randithas was never one to admire flowers, though nature certainly held its own unique gems!

Gradually calming down to let his body catch its breath again, Randithas took in the air nearby. It warmed and weighed his lungs down, a feeling he'd never knew possible just from fresh air and a flowers sweet scent. Moments passed, as Randithas took in the natural tranquillity. He gradually lamented over how no exit had been found, neither would the night wait for him to finish his search.

Still, he'd certainly discovered the perfect place to rest! Little more than a few bushes could provide his cover for the night, though the soothing air and sight could at least give some much needed peace. As Randithas lied down amongst the shrubs, his eyes never left the flower. Despite the situation, he felt joy of all things! Never before could nature be so beautiful and aromatic to him! Before drifting off to slumber, Randithas wanted one closer look at the flower. Maybe he'd even sleep by that if no bugs were crawling upon it!

Gently walking forward, he admired the shining petals amongst the progressing sunset. He took a deep breath in, letting the soothing natural perfume empower his airway. Raising a hand, he gave the petals a gentle and smooth rub, soon with the other hand as well. Delicate as silk yet firm as a tree, this flower was a far more ideal place to rest upon, if only because being so close filled Randithas with pure joy in every sense. Assuming he'd sleep right away that is. He felt the presence of a woman giggling with delight. Was someone hiding behind this flower?

Curious to what could make such a sound here, he began circling the flower. No sign of anyone else. Did he really just hallucinate a sound like that here?

"Been many moons since anyone came to visit me here...." Spoke a soft voiced woman. Her words held a soft elegance much like the flower, but he sensed nobody around. That voice came from here. If not behind the flower, was she...in it?

"Umm, w-who's there? Who am I speaking to?" stuttered Randithas, unsure about how to phrase the confusion. "Are you stuck in the flower? Am I speaking to a flower?"

A familiar delightful giggle passed through the air. "I thought I could sense the presence of a visitor. Seems I wasn't mistaken. I'm so happy!" Spoke the strange voice yet again.

"Okay s-so...are you okay? Do you need help?"

"Ohh, so many questions from my visitor...doesn't that get tiring to you? But if it helps to know, yes, I'm fine. Especially now that you're here to visit!"

Randithas paused to let it all click, though he quickly began to understand. "I guess that answers my other questions then. You're stuck in this beautiful flower, correct?"

Briefly, the flower rotated slightly in response. "Oh, you certainly have a way with words, don't you? Though you're almost correct. I am the beautiful flower!"

An enchanted flower? Humans and flowers ever had a chance of speaking? This was news to Randithas, though his thoughts were interrupted by his own reminder of manners.

"Oh, err, I-I'm really sorry! If I knew it wasn't okay to t-touch your petals without asking I wouldn't have!" he said backing away slightly.

"No no, please don't apologise. It's a form of company I appreciate! Though actually, I reckon I owe you a bit of clarification. Hehe, I'm flattered that you already see me as beautiful from the outside, so perhaps I should show you the rest of me?"

Randithas stood in awe, unsure what to say. Something seemed familiar about this concept of a talking flower, but he couldn't piece it together. Instead, he simply let the petals gently and delicately unfold slightly. His body stiffened at the sheer shock of who stood in this flower.

As the petals slowly unfolded, they revealed the head of a woman with closed eyes, pale green skin, and luscious bright purple hair. Her face shone perfectly in the remaining sunlight, her purple lips smiled with compassion. Her petals unfolded down to her naked shoulders, with delicate vines resting upon them and below, while small pretty lilacs dangled from her earlobes. An assortment of violets seemed to be gently attached to her soft long hair. Randithas gazed up to her in pure shock and delight, taking in all that could be seen of the beautiful woman. She gently opened her amethyst coloured eyes to gaze back upon her guest, and smiled more in adoration.

"Such a fine looking man, too!" she spoke gently. "I'm so overjoyed to finally see another human man again! I take it you have a nice name to compliment your appearance?"

"U-uh-um...R-Randi-..." he stuttered, still reeling over the sight of the flowers true appearance.

"Oh, Randi! What a great name! It suits you well!" spoke the flower, holding her hands up together with delight.

"N-No, it's Randithas! R-Randithas Rowynn. Sorry I, j-just, umm..."

Hearing more from him only seemed to pour more joy into her. Any basic knowledge of her visitor was a treat! "Randithas Rowynn, hmm? That's such a handsome name! A bit of a mouthful though. Randi should be fine enough, right?"

Ordinarily this would frustrate Randithas, but that adorable smile and energy just couldn't be turned down. "Well um...maybe? I-"

"I'm Lilla, by the way! It's an honour to be able to meet you!" she interrupted, her joy uncontainable. Why was she being this friendly? And she feels like it's an honour? It did no good to let these questions pile up unanswered...

"Y-you have a name? I thought that was unheard of in forests." Randithas asked. "That and...wait, you're fluent in the common language?"

Lilla only continued to beam with sheer joy. Her upper cheeks grew more pale and shiny. Was she...blushing?

"My my, we have so much to learn about one another, don't we?" She leaned forwards, some petals on the front unfolding a little more. Lilla let her chest be gently pressed upon the flowery walls, resting her head in her hands. Randithas caught himself staring at said chest for half a second, but couldn't ignore after returning to gaze up at her face. "Where did you come from, my dear Randi? What brought you here to this beautiful forest?"

Lilla stared excitedly into Randithas, seemingly oblivious to the scrambled mess that was Randithas's brain. He tried desperately to focus on her gorgeous face, but to say her huge breasts were distracting was quite an understatement. Not many women he knew of had a chest size beyond a D, and Lilla was really letting her full cleavage show. Surely she knew, right?

Oh right, questions. Must have been a few seconds by now. Randithas gulped as he tried desperately to find the right words....

"U-um....F-Fl-Fletchington P-Pass....it's a nice remote town with a....a lot of good c-connections and um....yeah...." he barely managed. Lilla only seemed to tilt her head, beaming with greater adoration. "O-oh and, yeah, I was traversing Klaia Forest with my friend to try t-to deliver something important to Longhilt...."

"Awww, a long journey, hmm? Seems as if you're in search of a comfy resting spot!"

"Y-yeah and....oh shit....I forgot...." Randithas turned his head round in shock and embarrassment. He'd completely forgotten about Greglas and their path out of here!

"W-what's wrong Randi?" Lilla asked in genuine concern. "Did you lose sight of your friend? I-I can help!"

Randithas looked back up at her, raised up a little and nipples exposed. "A-ah, yes pl-please! But how would you help?"

Lilla stared at Randithas with a reassuring and caring smile. "While I'm firmly rooted here in this grove, on account of being a flower, I can't move. Thankfully, I have many connections with all sorts of kind forest creatures! If your friend is anywhere nearby, they'll be aware and can even help you both leave safely!" She let out a light sigh off to the side. "Only issue is the impending night. I can remain awake to look after you until morning, but until then, everyone else is asleep. We can check for your friend's whereabouts first thing upon sunrise!"

Hearing this lifted many weights of Randithas's shoulders. He still felt close to boiling, but at least he was reassured. He and Greglas would be safe thanks to this beautiful flower woman. Wait...why was he nearly sweating? Was everything about Lilla's presence that alluring?

Lilla shone with another burst of excitement. By this point, her entire upper body was exposed, yet she didn't seem fazed. Randithas was struggling more by the second. Lilla broke the brief silence.

"At the very least, until you're tired enough to sleep here with me, we can get to know each other better! My dear Randi, what do you think about flowers like me? Kinda figured already, since you can barely take your eyes off me!"

"Uhh, yeah, that and I thought you were insanely beautiful even from the outside. W-what type of flower actually are you Lilla?"

"Ah, thank you for asking! Lilla joyfully replied. "I'm an alraune! There exists only a few of us here in this forest sadly, but we're very well loved by all who visit us!"

"Heheh, yeah...w-wait, an alraune?" Randithas stuttered as a flood of realisation surged through him. Didn't he read about one in his bestiary of monsters? Aren't they incredibly dangerous to be anywhere close to?

"Indeed! I'm an alraune! A far more beautiful and precious subspecies of the mandragora plants!" She said with her typical enthusiasm, until noticing Randithas gazing with shock and confusion. "What's wrong Randi? You seem bothered. Are my beloved boobs too much for sweet eyes? You know you can unbutton that shirt of yours, right?

Randithas remembered clear as day now. Many vile monsters ensnare their humanoid prey by luring them in, hyping their emotions, and then slaying them after they drop their guard. Alraunes were detailed in that bestiary, much like treasure mimics and sirens. He'd already delved too deep into Lilla's presence. This place ensured a lack of survival!

"U-uh, s-s-sorry Lilla, I-I forgot so-something very a-arbitrary! I-I can't explain it b-but I'll f-find you again!" Panicked Randithas before falling backwards into the soft ground beneath.

"Ah! Randi! Please be careful! If you need rest then I'll provide you with such! Just don't act recklessly when fatigued!" Lilla reacted, just before Randithas looked upon his boots to find his ankles wrapped tightly in vines.

"G-get away!!" shouted Randithas, drawing his swords quickly and audibly. He sliced the oddly durable vines multiple times, causing them to retract. He bolted back onto two feet, slowly backing away with blades ready. Lilla appeared horrified, upset by the tides of action.

"R-Randi, what's wrong? P-please don't act violently to me! Please don't run either! I-I need you! I've been so lonely!!" cried Lilla, her eyes shining a slightly golden tint.

"No! I know what you are! You devour humanoids! Any comfort you provide is a lie to capture me and consume me! Thankfully I've read much about you, so I know exactly how to kill you should you attempt anything on me!"

Lilla was about to cry, which greatly pained Randithas. Upsetting anyone was never his intention, but he knew when to look past such blatant lies! "NOOOOOO!" yelled Lilla in a panic, as a flurry of vines burst out of the ground in every direction. Each vine reached dashed forward directly, allowing nearly no time to react. That bestiary never described this as such. Could the writers not have researched that far?