text: He wasn\`t aware of the deer, before he heard its screams of agony. As he went closer, he could see, an arrow piercing the deer\`s lungs. The heart however, had remained untouched. The gentle brown eyes pleading for mercy. “My poor brother, who has done this to you?” The only thing he could do, was to redeem the animal from its suffering. So he took his bow, shooting with deathly accuracy. It was sad to see the spirit leaving its empty shell, yet it would have been crueller if he had done nothing. He patted the soft nose, “rest in peace, my brother.” Two green eyes from between the trees, made him shocked stepping back. The creature came closer, it looked like a lizard. No, more like a dragon without wings, covered in moss green scales and with a snake like body. He looked around. He was surrounded by them. Suddenly a presence appeared behind him, he wanted to flee but stumbled. His bow fell to the ground and before he could pick it up, a hand enclosed his neck. The grip was not violently, but firm telling him not to move. “Don\`t be afraid of my children, they won\`t hurt you. Unless you have a black heart. You killed the king of this forest, and my husband.” The dragons were now crawling up to him. “You know, there are humans, who kill for fun. And humans, who kill to survive. Which one are you?” “I did not know... he was already wounded, when I found him.” *Liar!* The creatures around him whispered, distrust reflecting in their eyes. Even the wind seemed to be against him, as if it wanted to say that humans cannot be trusted. “Why did you come into my forest, human?” “Because I had no choice, my kind is hunting me.” “And now they followed you, disturbing our balance. In one way or the other, you are responsible for his death!” “So, I can\`t escape death, either you or they will kill me, am I right?” Bitterness swung in his tone, the woman let go of him. He turned around to her, “your actions are your own. You cannot escape the consequences.” “I see, then I would prefer it to be killed by your kind.” “Why? If you leave my realm you are allowed to live.” He shook his head, “my fellow humans will find me, and burn me in place. If you kill me, I may be able to keep my dignity.” The woman seemed sorrowful, “they resent you... for what?” A weak grin occurred on his face. “I reject their faith, I follow ancient path\`s wisdom. Your wisdom, Lady Gaia.” She looked to the deer, “so you really released him from his pain...” One of the dragons was cuddling with his hand, careful he stroked over its scales. “You seek death, to flee from life.” “No, My Lady. To be afraid of death, means to be afraid of life itself. I lived my life as best I could, but my deeds led me to an early end. I can run but I can\`t hide, it is better to face fate. Than to survive as a coward. I embrace death, as I embraced life.” The mother bowed her head, “you are wise for a human. Yet we don\`t kill, like your kind on the battlefield, everything goes its way.” He handed over his dagger, a triskele was carved into its pommel. “I know. Everything is better, than to be executed as a traitor in front of thousands of self-righteous, judgmental, hateful eyes.” He leaned against an old oak tree, the dragons followed. Lady Gaia came towards him. Her divine, green-glowing appearance carrying the light of life, and at the same time the darkness of the night. She embraced him one last time, like a child. “You are no traitor, just someone born in the wrong place. You shall reincarnate in my realm. My brave, wise child.” The dragons sat on his feet, on his legs even on his stomach. One seemed to hold his hand, with his tiny claws. Looking at him, with soothing eyes. He looked upwards to the tree canopies. Such a wonderful view. “What is your name?” “Aderyn.” A fast pain emerged, when she slit his throat. “Now sleep, Aderyn.” Her motherly voice was the last thing he heard, closing his eyes. The wind blew towards him, a gentle, warm breeze of summer air. Carrying his soul away. The goddess placed the dagger beside his body. The dragons bowed their heads, then disappeared into the green. Leaves whirled around her figure, then she too had vanished.