The Forest Spirit's Wish

My dear one, you say you are curious about the birth of our kind? Well, let me tell you a story. Many ages ago, there was a forest filled with forest spirits who cared not for the world around them. They frolicked and played, making use of their magic forms and powers to do as they wished without consequence. Time, hunger, age, and death were strangers to them as they were immortal beings.   But, one forest spirit found herself fascinated by the world around her. She spent most of her time observing the life of the forest and those who lived in or around it with curiosity. And the more time she spent watching the world, the more she became aware of how small her existence was in comparison. She began to feel alone among her kind, and yet she could not leave as she was bound to the forest she called home. As time passed, her awareness grew, but so did this loneliness.   Until she a day came where she came across a beautiful being taking a stroll through the forest. She could tell this being was powerful and magical/ But the forest spirit had never seen anything like this being. This being reminded her of the fleshy creatures that could not see her kind, and yet something was different about this being. With overwhelming curiosity spurring her forward, the forest spirit approached the being. At first the forest spirit was worried she was invisible to the being just like she was to the mortal creatures. But the being took notice of the spirit and asked her;   "Forest spirit, why are you not with your own kind?"   The forest spirit stared at the being, before turning her attention to a badger that approached the being and sniffed at them. She moved closer to investigate the badger. "...You are more self-aware than the other forest spirits. This quality is rare among your kind." The forest spirit looked up at the being, who motioned for the forest spirit to grow closer. When the forest approached, the being smiled warmly. "We have found each other at a wonderful time. I have been pondering on creating something new in the world/ And you appear to be all alone with your wisdom, would you like to help me?" The concept of words was so new to the spirit, she would always hear the mortal beings make sounds, but she could never understand them. But this being, the forest spirit understood so clearly. With a nod, the forest spirit approached the being.   "As you seem to be fascinated by the physical world, I could create a body for you. A physical form that is free to explore, speak, and observe as much as you desire. I could make you agelessso that you may see as much as the world as you would like, but you will be able to die with your physical form. Do you wish for a new physical form?" The forest spirit looked back into the depths of the woods, recalling how meaningless her life felt the more she observed of the world. She then looked back at the being,who began to speak. "I will give you seven passings of the sun overhead to think further on this. When I return to this spot, you may let me know of your choice." And then the being disappeared into the woods.   The forest spirit waited and pondered about this offer, watching the living creatures of the forest more closely to see what their lives were like. And the more she observed, the more she was willing to become mortal in spite of the dangers. And as she waited, the other forest spirits neither noticed nor cared about her absence, which increased her loneliness and gave her more resolve to become something physical.   When the time came, the forest spirit eagerly awaited at where she had met the being. She looked in awe as the being faded into view and kneeled to look eye to eye with the forest spirit. "Have you made your decision." The forest spirit showed her approval, and was gently scooped up by the god. "I feel your desore, and so I will give you a physical form. Let me know what you wish to be, and I will create the form of your wishes." The god leaned in, and the forest spirit then felt connected to them. The fascination the forest spirit felt with all the forms of life made her wish for a form to matched that of the social bipedal beings, while having the appearance of plant life she felt so connected to. The forest spirit also wished that the form could be somewhat malleable to allow change much like all lifeforms went through. And above all, she wished to represent the deity with her appearance- to appear grand and majestic.   With a smile, the deity waved their free hand to create the form wished for by the forest spirit. The forest spirit watched with excitement and interest as the deity carefully sculpted a two legged creature out of bark-like flesh and flowing leaf-like hair. When the god had finished, they then took the forest spirit and placed her inside of the body. "When you awake, I shall grant you a wish in thanks for your help in inspiring me." The spirit's vision faded to black as the god's reassuring words lulled them to sleep.   When the forest spirit came to, her senses were flooded with the feeling of touch, smell, and taste. She felt... alive. Everything was new and different, and it was as if the world she had observed for so long was finally real. She was helped to her feet by the god, who smiled and put their hand on the forest spirit's shoulder. "Once you are ready, I shall grant your wish. I have also given you the knowledge of language, so you may never find loneliness again." The forest spirit smiled and moved her body around, enjoying the sensations and things she could have never done before. And then her attention was brought to the animals that now recognized her. Bugs flew away from her movements, chipmunks watched cautiously from the trees, and a mother fox nearby ushered her young away from the spirit.   Upon seeing the mother fox, the spirit knew exactly what she wanted. Speaking for the first time, the Spirit said to the god: "I want to be able to create life, like those around me. So that I may pass on my gift, my story, and my love to my descendants." The god nodded and approached the forest spirit's form once more, forming a glowing seed in their hands and offering it to the forest spirit. "Hold this to your heart, and take it in. You shall be able to create a race of your own, one that will be able to spread and grow like the branches and roots of a tree. You may become their mother, and share your love and nurture to each child that is born." The forest spirit took the gift from the god, and held it close to her heart. It then entered her body, and she then gained the knowledge and ability to create her own loved ones. The spirit and god said their goodbyes, and parted.   And that is how our race started, my dear one. From the gifts that the god Leia gave me.