<strong>The Beauty of Nature</strong><br/>"Oh, no, you mustn't do that." An arm looped around Helia's to guide her away from her goal. It was purely a sentimental form of restraint, utterly useless against a determined adventurer. "The tree is sacred and protected from harm."<br/>Even less effective was the forest nymph delegated to stop Stanis. He could have carried her over one shoulder. "If you turn back, I'll tell you the stories of the forest," she pleaded. "If you go no further, I'll feed you white honey. If you return where you came, I'll wear your ring."<br/>Neither had ever needed to exert herself. They were as soft as the flowers blooming all around the Life Tree, and though they possessed antlers, they were as timid with them as the claws of human fingernails.<br/><br/>The stag lowered his head. By the same degree the beetles had grown huge and the forest blooms erupted with life, he had grown beyond the seasonal limitations of any Amberdale deer. Outside of the tree's nurturing shade, even his powerful neck could not have supported those antlers. With a snort, he brandished them at the young adventurers.<br/><br/>There was just enough space in the straight path between the trees for the stag's horns to form a twisting, spiny wall from one side to the other. A strong black hoof stomped in threat, and the forest nymphs gave up convincing Helia or Stanis. The creatures climbed up the generous handholds of the stag's antlers and down his back on the other side. It was trusted that neither adventurer would do the same as the stag bore down on them both. Uncomfortable prods of horn scooped against Stanis' weight and began to force him back.<br/>"It was very brave of you to come this far, but he is too strong for you," a forest nymph taunted from safety.<br/>"Goodbye!"