[ WP ] everybody on Earth has a tree that represents them . Once that tree dies , that person dies too . You work as a lumberjack .

Sequel to [ this ] ( https: //www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/comments/589xoq/wp_im_sorry_for_being_human/d8z7ogy/ ) 
 
 Weeks away from his old home, Forrest caught view of a sight for sore eyes. After days of wandering through grasslands, begging for food from various villages, a wooded land appeared on the horizon. Forrest knew he was unlikely to find what he sought, but he needed a rest in his natural environment. But upon setting foot in the woods, a voice boomed `` WHO DARES ENTER THIS SACRED LAND?'' Wide eyed, Forrest backpedaled what felt like a mile. `` I mean no harm! I mean no harm!'' A giant man leaped down from a tree, battleaxe in hand. The behemoth seemed eight feet tall, and was dressed in plate armor. He walked up until he was uncomfortably close, and looked Forrest in the eye, and said simply, `` I believe you.'' Forrest exhaled a breath he had n't realized he was holding in. `` Who are you,'' he asked. `` I am Cocijo, master of the Life-Woods.'' Cocijo chanted an incantation, and shrunk down to six feet. His battleaxe became a lumberjack's tool, and his armor turned to bark-like clothing, not unlike what the elves wore. `` Too many of the humans nearby come to chop down the trees here. No matter how often I stop them, they always come back. The Life-Woods are a sacred place, in which all men have a share.'' `` What's so special about this place,'' asked Forrest. `` Come with me,'' said Cocijo. Everyone on this world has a tree in these woods. It represents them, keeps them on this Earth. Once the tree dies, that person dies too. You understand why it's so important to guard it.'' Forrest laughed. `` There's no way these woods have a tree for everyone. This place is far too small.'' `` Really,'' asked the lumberjack, smiling. `` Let's go to the center of these woods.'' He took on his massive form and took off, with Forrest on his heels. Forrest struggled to keep up, but persevered. He had navigated far more rugged terrain, he could follow the giant in front of him. Eventually, he put his hands on his knees, and said `` How much further is it? Night's coming!'' `` Oh, it will take a few more days to reach the middle.'' `` Days?!'' `` Do you believe me now? Ah, I'm sorry kid, I was just having some fun with you. You look worn out, why do n't I take you to my home?'' Cocijo snapped his fingers, and the trees shifted to reveal a small cottage. `` Y-you can do that?'' `` Of course! I'm the master of these woods, I can go wherever I want. How do you think I reached you so fast?'' 
 
 It was the best dinner Forrest had in weeks. `` Why are you dressed like that?'' `` What?'' `` Like a lumberjack. If these trees are what you say they are, how could you chop them down?'' `` Do you know what a necromancer is? Of course you do n't no one does anymore. In days of old, evil wizards would use powerful magics to bend the laws of life and death. Back then, I was far more powerful. I fought them constantly, but they never stopped. Eventually, I came to this forest. I learned that the necromancers used it to bind the life of dead bodies, to keep them from the afterlife. And I used my ax, shi, to cleave the trees of the dead. I used my powers to ward off the necromancers. And I made my residence here. It is a good home. I like it. but I constantly chop down the trees that must be chopped down. I constantly watch the balance of life and death.'' For a while, there was no sound but the cackling of the fire. `` Cocijo, can I ask a favor?'' `` Hmm, I've been asked for enough favors to be wary of them. What do you want?'' `` I want to find my father's tree. Surely you can find him. I am on a journey looking for him, and I know that this could help!'' `` Your father, eh? You're a good son. Tomorrow, we'll look for it. Tonight you need your sleep.''
