Älahatta
There are two things that bring a traveller lost in the woods hope: the clunk of a wooden bell and glowing yellow eyes in the distance. These mark the presence of an älahatta.
Älahatta are mysterious creatures that have lived in the forests of Veiama since time immemorial. They are spirits of the trees, somewhere between magical and physical. Shoot one with an arrow and its body dissipates into dust that glows like its eyes, leaving behind nothing but their mask and bell. Pick one up gently, though, and feel its warm and soft fur. No one knows what their faces look like behind their masks.
What people do know is that älahatta are helpful creatures. When someone is lost in the woods, an älahatta will guide them to the nearest group of people, in exchange for a treat. The treat could be a bit of food, a piece of jewellery, or even a scrap of paper folded into an interesting shape. The älahatta are not picky; they just want their efforts to be appreciated.
Travellers who fail to repay the älahatta for their assistance will encounter bad luck in the woods. Hunting trips will fail, roots seem to appear right where they're walking, backpack straps snap. To break their bad luck, the person must seek out an älahatta and offer the payment owed.
Paying the älahatta with treats is also necessary when attempting to cut down a tree where one makes its home. Taking an axe to a tree without bribing the creature with a sweet treat first is how unfortunate loggers learn that there are sharp claws on their furry paws and they can be all-too-physical when desired.
Travellers in the woods must be wary, though. While anyone unfortunate enough to find themselves lost in the Forest would be lucky to encounter a genuine älahatta, these creatures are vulnerable to bloodsap as well and may have become corrupted. A corrupted älahatta will not lead a human to safety, but deeper into the forest, and towards the nearest pack of uhaaki. Corrupted älahatta are easy to discern up close, but from a distance, when all you can see are the glowing eyes beckoning you onward, it's a dangerous gamble.
