Nothing to Hide

Caiside had seen more than his fair share of the undeserving crowning themselves royalty. Granted, it was only once before, but even that seemed like too much. That also meant that he had had more than his fair share of undeserving ’royalty’ throwing wrenches into his plans. And he had planned on finding another way to talk to the strange sprites of the Greatwood, no matter how many new laws that flew in the face of. It wasn’t like he was going to go about it stupidly. Maybe a little recklessly, after all, it would have been far less suspicious about an elk entering than the woods in the early hours of the morning than a man, but it was a man who walked into them. And who was spat out, no less than twice, but entered again. It was the little rebellions that mattered, especially in the early days. Not that this was exactly meant to be some kind of sacrificial moment, he really did want to go and visit the Greatwoods again. The sprites had said they knew what he was, even as he was now. Caiside couldn’t turn his back on the chance that they were being honest, no matter what Jigano, or common sense, or some new regent said. And when a path opened up to him, a path leading to a shrine, that had to be a sign. Caiside had offerings, fresh berries and shiny trinkets, made of neutral metals, he knew folklore. Gold and copper, no silver or iron. He had himself as well, his chest stripped bare, ready to prostrate himself for the chance of a visit. Rustling behind him made him pause, golden eyes looking around for the source briefly before shrugging and kneeling. Forests rustled. ”I would like to spend some time among you again.” Caiside called out into the trees, not sure what kind of words would summon them. Or if they were even listening. Caiside heir of fire and ash