Chapter 5: Gathering (Part 1)

previously on chapter 4, we learned a lot about the monarch, and that a few villages were not in the his/her grip, yet Emma and Allysa went to a village and meet the one who rules pacifically in it. Her name Elara. She explained that she could help them to fight against that monarch, She also explained that this was not the only village or city fighting against that person. Now the mission that has been given to Allysa and Emma, is to recruit people of the four corners of the kingdom to help them. but this will be difficult, as Elara did not knew perfectly the list of the village or cities that were on their side, so in a way Emma and Allysa were perhaps walking directly in the mouth of the wolf.

After 'three' weeks of preparation, packing their supplies and food to not starve on the trip, they were finally ready, unfortunately, none of the villagers wanted to accompany them, on orders of Lady Elara, under penalty of arousing suspicion in enemy villages or towns. Their next destination were Havenwood, located in the mountain of "Mysticor Ridge" a mix of wood forest and snow, this place apparently given from the information of Elara, it is safe.

"Are you sure it is safe up there?" Asked Emma concerned.

"Yes, don't worry dear, i know the village chief, he is friendly" Replied Elara to dissipate that concern of the face, and then added

"Even if it is safe please be cautious the ascension will be hard, be careful not falling or..." She apparently judged that it was best to stop that phrase here but her lack of tact made Emma's worry worse, and she noticed it.

"Don't worry, we are protecting each others, isn't it?" Replied Allysa to catch up with Elara's dumpling.

"Yes, y-you are right Allysa, we are going to be just safe" Replied Emma while smiling.

So they took the route to Havenwood, their mission has started, in a way the mission success depends on them, if they die, give up, get captured, it will be over, all over...

2 hours after their departure from the village they reached a dense rain forest, impressive huge trees ahead of head:

"With such height and density, there should be some creatures or monsters in it, isn't it?" asked Emma. 

"What are you scared?" Allysa replied with a funny tone.

"Eyy, you are not trying to make fun of me now, do you?" replied added while pouting.

"Ah, don't worry i would not do that, i know that's not how we treat a girl." Added Allysa.

"What do you mean by that? are you indirectly saying that i am weak?" Emma seemed quite hurt by that. 

"Oh, i am sorry Emma, did not mean to actually mean that." Replied Allysa.

"I will forgive you this time." Added Emma.

They continued to walk into the forest for a few minutes, but noticed or at least lost. Emma noticed it first and shared it with Allysa. 

"Allysa, i think we are lost." 

"How do you know that and what makes you think we are lost?" Asked Allysa.

"Well, let me do something." Added Emma

Emma cast a little spell to mark a tree, to show the evidence of the lost and then added:

"Now let's walk again for a few minutes and you will see what i am talking about."

"Uh, um, okay, let's go" Added Allysa visibly confused.

So they walked again a few more minutes and ended up walking in front of the same tree that was marked by Emma earlier.

"See? What did i told you?" added Emma to support her statement.

"Well, to be honest, i am not surprised by us being lost. All those trees looks the same" respond Allysa.

"I will give you that point" Added Emma

As they were thinking on how to actually getting out of that maze, some kind of sounds of mechanism were actioned, which imprisoned Emma and Allysa without them being able to react at all...and suddenly some kind of half naked men and women went of the bushes, expressing themselves in a way Emma and Allysa could not understand. They were probably some ancient people who lived in those woods.

They opened the cage and directly pointed their sharp weapon in direction of the two children. for safety measure they attached emma and Allysa's hand so they could not fight back. and brought them into a very small camp where they were freed. One of the ancient people started talking to Allysa, but he could not understand a single world, then he started to talk with Emma.

Surprisingly, she replied back and had a conversation of at least 'two' minutes, Someone was who was hidden all this time finally decided to show herself and begin to talk:

"what an interesting human we have here. So tell me human child, How do you know the ancient language of my ancient people?"

As she finished her question a feminine figure appeared.

A Lady with a vision of ethereal beauty, her presence was a living embodiment of the mystic allure of the forest she calls home. her features seemingly untouched by the passage of time. Her skin is porcelain pale, contrasting with the vibrant, earthy colors of the forest that surrounds her. The soft sunlight filtering through the leaves creates an enchanting play of shadows on her fair complexion.

Her eyes were of the color of deep forest green, sparkling with an innate wisdom and a hint of ancient secrets and those who gaze into them are captivated by their depth and mystery.

Long, auburn locks cascade down her back like a waterfall of autumn leaves. Her hair is adorned with delicate wildflowers and leaves, intricately woven into elaborate braids and wreaths. Each piece serves as a symbol of her connection to the natural world and the spirits that inhabit it.

Her attire was a reflection of her reverence for the forest. She were wearing flowing gowns made from the finest natural fabrics, often adorned with intricate leaf and vine embroidery. Around her neck, an amulet carved from an ancient tree's heartwood, said to grant her the power to commune with the spirits of the woods.

Her hands, though delicate, bear the calluses of a ruler who tends to her people and the land with care. Her presence is both regal and approachable, commanding respect from her ancient subjects while exuding a warm and nurturing aura.

In the heart of the forest, she rules with a wisdom that comes from centuries of living in harmony with nature. Her beauty is not just a physical attribute but a reflection of her deep connection to the ancient spirits and the land she governs. She is a guardian of the woods, a protector of its secrets, and a beacon of grace and wisdom to those who seek her counsel.

Took step to Emma and examined her, looking for clues, about the knowledge she possesses.

"I command you to give me an answer you mortal...How do YOU know the language of my people?" she insisted on that question. It almost looked like she was harassing her

"I learned it in a book" Replied Emma confidently

"So it is, i guess then." Replied the lady with an quite authoritative tone.

"By the way, what is your name?" suddenly asked Allysa. 

"My name is not important, but i guess in human civilization it a form of introduction." Replied the lady. She then paused for a few seconds and then:

"Seraphina" she said.

Apparently  Emma and Allysa put feet in a village where an ancient civilisation was living, now they need to justify their presence, Is Seraphina be able to help them in their fight? Will they be executed, or will they need to turn back and go away, so much possibilities Rea the next chapter to know what happened to Allysa and Emma.