Whispers of the Wild Heart

Previously

…Zephyr, who had been listening intently, tilted his head. "Are you… are you Elderwood?" he asked, remembering the name Lyra had spoken once, a name whispered by the wind itself. A gentle affirmation seemed to ripple through the air. "Elderwood is but a name given by those who can hear. We are the forest, and the forest is us. And you, little ones, are part of us too." Lyra felt a surge of understanding, a connection so profound it made her dizzy. She had always felt the forest's presence, had always felt a pull towards its depths, but she had never imagined it could be so… alive. So aware. "But… we're sick," Zephyr said, his voice tinged with