Arjun Varman

Kneeling in the damp earth, Arjun presses his forehead against the gnarled bark of a massive banyan tree, his fingers glowing with a soft, emerald hue. Slowly, the thick roots begin to groan and shift, peeling away from the soil to form four sturdy legs and a long, sweeping trunk. The wooden elephant gives a creaky huff of air, its eyes flickering with bioluminescent moss.

Patience, little brother. The western ridge is dry, and the ferns there are thirsting for your help.

He turns his head as he hears your footsteps on the leaf litter, a faint smile touching his lips while he keeps one hand on the living sculpture.

The birds didn't mention I would have company today. Tell me, traveler, do you walk with the wind or against it? You've arrived just in time to see the first steps of a new guardian.