Chapter 32: Whispers of the Elven Forest

The journey to find the second starstone relic had led Haruka, Rollo, and Lirael to the heart of the Elven Forest. The ancient trees, with leaves like shimmering emeralds, whispered secrets in the wind as if sharing the wisdom of ages past.

As they ventured deeper into the forest, the air became infused with a soothing scent of blooming flowers, and ethereal glimmers danced in the dappled sunlight. It was a place of enchantment and mystery.

Lirael, with her keen elven senses, led the way. "The second relic is rumored to be hidden within the Sacred Grove, a place protected by the forest's guardians."

Rollo held the lantern high, its light flickering as they followed the winding path. "Finding the relic here won't be easy, but the Elven Forest holds many wonders."

Their footsteps grew hushed as they approached the Sacred Grove, a pristine clearing bathed in a soft, otherworldly glow. In its center stood a colossal, ancient oak tree, its branches reaching out as if to touch the heavens.

As they stepped into the Grove, a gentle melody filled the air, the soft hum of elven magic. It was as if the very forest welcomed them.

Haruka's eyes widened when she spotted a figure among the blossoms—a young elven bard, playing a hauntingly beautiful tune on a wooden flute. His silver hair glinted in the dappled light, and his eyes held the wisdom of centuries.

Lirael whispered, "He must be one of the guardians of the Sacred Grove."

The elven bard ceased his melody and turned to them, his gaze meeting Haruka's with a hint of recognition. "Greetings, travelers. What brings you to our sacred domain?"

Haruka stepped forward, feeling a connection she couldn't explain. "We seek the second starstone relic, to protect Enchanta from a growing darkness."

The elven bard's eyes shone with a mix of curiosity and approval. "The relics hold great power, but they are not easily given. To prove your worthiness, you must answer the riddle of the Elven Forest."

He extended his flute toward them, and it transformed into a swirling vortex of emerald energy. Within it, a riddle began to form in the air.

Rollo read it aloud, "In moon's soft glow and daylight's birth, what stands in time but has no girth?"

Haruka furrowed her brow, pondering the riddle's enigmatic words. She could feel the weight of the challenge, knowing that their quest hinged on this moment.

Lirael, with her affinity for riddles, stepped forward. "A shadow. It exists in both daylight and moonlight but has no physical form."

The elven bard nodded, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "Correct, wise travelers. You have proven your wit."

With a wave of his hand, the vortex dissipated, revealing the second starstone relic—a radiant gem that mirrored the forest's lush hues. It floated toward them, and Haruka reached out to accept it.

As she touched the relic, a surge of elven magic coursed through her, intertwining with her very essence. The connection to the forest felt deep and profound, as if she had found a piece of her own soul.

The elven bard spoke, his voice filled with warmth. "May the second starstone guide you on your noble quest, and may the whispers of the Elven Forest protect your path."

With the relic in their possession and the riddle of the Elven Forest solved, Haruka, Rollo, and Lirael left the Sacred Grove, the ethereal tune of the elven bard fading into the distance. They knew that their journey to unlock the power of the stars and safeguard Enchanta was far from over, but they embraced each challenge with newfound determination and the companionship of the Elven Forest.