[[Emerald Hill]]

Emerald

~~~

I watch over a small forest on a hill. 

The rest of the forest has been destroyed by humans and the hill remains only because it is more difficult to access for them.

I have stood watch in this wood for centuries and watched as the seasons changed and new life emerged each spring and winter brought that very same life to a near standstill as the creatures retreated to their hibernation.

After hundreds of years, I had grown complacent. I slept nearly constantly to pass away the sheer tedium of day to day life.

As I slept, the humans slowly, quietly came in.

When I awoke, I noticed the wildlife in a panic, running from the saws and machines.

By this point, a fourth of the forest had already been destroyed, and my power left with each new tree that died.

I tried to deter the humans, but my power was now not enough.

They continued their destruction until they left only the hill.

I am now very small and weak and may as well relinquish my title of guardian.

But I will certainly give everything I have to protect this shell of a once great forest, for if I let what is left die, I will perish with it.