The Guardian of the Lost Forest
In the dark, dense woods of Morwenstow, there lived an earthbound entity invisible to human eyes, known as Aywen. Humans had a myth about Aywen, calling him the 'Guardian of the Lost Forest.' It wasn't a tale fabricated out of thin air, though; Aywen did aid those fortunate enough to cross his path.
One day, a young deserter named Alden ventured into this forest. A lowly soldier running from a war he didn't believe in, Alden hoped the forest would provide a secure hideout. He entered the place with apprehension, whispering stories of the Guardian echoing in his mind. Seeming to stretch endlessly in all directions, the all-encompassing green maze sent shivers down his spine.
Days began to blur into weeks, food became scarce, and the unforgiving forest proved to be a brutal adversary. Alden's hopes started wavering, and he found himself incessantly asking, 'How much longer?'.
Just as he was about to abandon all hope, a piercing screech in the dead of night shook him awake. Lifting his gaze, he spotted an abnormally large white stag standing at a distance, effervescent under the moonlight, looking directly at him. Feeling the strange aura around it, Alden intuitively knew that it was Aywen.
Feeling a strange sense of peace, Alden followed the stag, which seemed to make its way adeptly through the forest. With each step that Alden took, he noticed a distinct change in the woods around him. The eerie silence turned into a symphony of various wildlife, and the hostile environment morphed into a nurturing mother nature.
In time, Alden discovered a hidden natural oasis in his path, filled with food, water, and shelter. It was as though Aywen had guided him to the tranquility that Alden needed. His gratitude towards Aywen knew no bounds. Over time, Alden learned to commune with nature, respecting the forest and its inhabitants, while the Guardian silently watched. He had become a part of Morwenstow, the primeval forest now his true home.
However, one day, Alden’s peaceful reclusion was interrupted by the thunderous march of soldiers. As they advanced, the forest's peace quivered under the mark of impending destruction. Yet, Alden stood his ground, determined to protect the haven that had saved him. Clashing vigorously with the invaders, Alden fought with twice his strength and steel determination.
Just as Alden was losing strength, the forest came alive. Enraged by the potential destruction, Aywen roused the woodland into action. The once steady trees began swaying menacingly, the bushes bristled, the fauna went into a panic, and a mighty wind blew. Fearful, the invading soldiers halted, unable to comprehend the paranormal activity.
Soon, the silhouette of the colossal stag materialized in the chaos, driving a wave of horror through the invader's hearts. Dropping their weapons, they fled the forest, tales of the guardian's wrath echoing through their ranks.
With the invaders gone, the forest quieted, returning to its normalcy. Alden, injured but grateful, thanked Aywen. He had saved the forest from man's destructive influence just as it had saved him from death. Alden ended up living in the guidance of the Guardian, till he turned old and gray, his tales of bravery and wisdom echoing for generations.
The story of Alden, who was a deserter-turned-protector, and Aywen, the invincible forest guardian, remains etched in the village saga. The people learned that the forest was not a place for conquest but co-existence. They understood that if respected, the forest returned the favor, and if angered, even the mightiest armies could not withstand it. Hence, the legend of Aywen lived on as the Guardian of the Lost Forest, silently watching and protecting the woods of Morwenstow, always ready to guide a lost, willing soul.