Mysteries in Moonlight

As the days turned into weeks, Adira, Captain Avra, and Zagan tirelessly pressed on with their search for Karasi. They combed through forests, traversed rugged terrain, and questioned villagers in every town they passed.

One evening, they set up camp in a clearing deep within the woods and they gathered around the crackling fire.

Zagan dug inside his backpack and pulled out a bag of marshmallows, which piqued Adira's interest. 

"What are these?" she asked. 

"These are marshmallows and we're going to roast them over the fire," he replied.

She accepts the stick Zagan handed her. She skewered a marshmallow and held it over the flames, watching in awe as it toasted to a golden brown. 

"What are you both doing?" Avra chimed in. 

"We were roasting marshmallows."

"Oh, roast marshmallows, it's been a while since I had one. Could you just pass me one?"

"Pay me first!" Zagan remarked. 

"Why would I? I am the one who gave you money earlier."

"How certain are you that your money is the one I used to purchase these marshmallows?" he stated, grinning at her.

"You're broke, Zagan. Just gave me one." she replied making Zagan roll his eyes as he handed the marshmallow to her making Adira chuckle at their banter. 

With that, they enjoyed their toasted marshmallows together. 

After they finished eating and chatting, Avra and Adira went into the tent they had made earlier and slept together. Zagan, who was inside his tent, suddenly rose up since he couldn't fall asleep. So he simply strolled around.

As he wandered through the darkness, he found himself greeted by a surprise visitor. A large dog bounded towards him, its tail wagging eagerly as it approached.

Chuckling at the unexpected encounter, he knelt down to greet the friendly canine, who wasted no time in showering him with affectionate licks.

Suddenly, a voice rang out in the darkness, calling for the wayward dog. He turned towards the sound.

"You naughty dog, where did you go this time?" the young man called out, his tone equal parts scolding and affectionate.

He watched as the dog's ears perked up at the sound of its owner's voice.

"Your owner is looking for you," he said as he gently patted its head.

"You should go back to him."

"Amir! you naughty dog!" the man exclaimed as the dog bounded back to its owner. 

The man's presence was marked by an apologetic smile.

"Sorry about that," the man said.

Zagan rose to his feet, a smile still lingering on his lips. He turned to face the young man who had called out to the canine, his expression friendly and open.

"Amir has a habit of wandering off when he gets too excited." 

"He enjoys sneaking at night. Did he bother you?" he added. 

"No trouble at all," Zagan replied.

The man's expression relaxed as he extended a hand in greeting.

"I'm Alias," he introduced himself.

"Zagan," he replied as he returned the handshake with a firm grip.

The two exchanged small talk for a few moments, their conversation flowing easily beneath the canopy of stars overhead.

"I just couldn't seem to settle down, thought a walk might clear my mind," he remarked. 

"I know the feeling," Alias replied with a rueful chuckle.

"Funny how a simple stroll can turn into an unexpected adventure."

Zagan's curiosity piqued, and he leaned in slightly, prompting Alias to elaborate. With a sigh, Alias recounted how his evening had taken an unexpected turn when Amir had managed to slip free from his leash during their nighttime walk.

"Next thing I knew, I was chasing after him through the woods."

As the two of them wandered through the peaceful night. Alias's gaze drifted to the sleek blade hanging at Zagan's side, and a spark of curiosity ignited within him.

"Are you a swordsman?" he inquired, his voice tinged with fascination.

Zagan's chest swelled with pride at the question, his posture straightening imperceptibly.

"Indeed, I am," he responded with a hint of cockiness creeping into his tone.

"In fact, I'm considered one of the youngest and most skilled swordsmen in our training camp."

Alias's eyes widened in awe, a myriad of questions bubbling to the surface. With a mixture of reverence and admiration.

"I remember one duel in particular," he began, a gleam of mischief dancing in his eyes.

"My opponent was skilled, no doubt, but I knew that victory was within my grasp."

As he recounted the duel, Zagan painted a vivid picture of strategy and cunning, describing how he had lured his opponent into a false sense of security before striking with precision and speed. With a cocky grin, he emphasized the importance of outsmarting one's adversary, not just outmatching them in skill.

"Swordsmanship isn't just about strength and agility," he explained.

"It's about using your intellect to outmaneuver your opponent, to anticipate their moves and exploit their weaknesses. That's what separates the truly great swordsmen from the rest."

Alias listened with rapt attention as Zagan regaled him with tales of his victories in duels, his eyes shining with admiration for the skilled swordsman before him. 

"I've always admired the skill and discipline of swordsmen. I've often dreamed of learning the ways of the sword myself." Alias confessed. 

A knowing smile graced Zagan's lips as he listened to Alias's aspirations.

"If that's your desire, then Ariadne Tower is the place for you," he declared confidently.

"As a soldier of the tower, you'll have the opportunity to hone your skills and become a formidable swordsman in your own right. They'll welcome you with open arms."

As the two talked and walked, Alias considered what Zagan told him. As they move deeper, the dark forests they've been walking through begin to brighten.

Zagan's eyes widened in astonishment as he took in the breathtaking sight before him, the cavern aglow with the warm light of countless lanterns.

Alias grinned as he watched Zagan, who appeared amazed by what he was seeing.

"This is my home." he remarked. 

"This is your home?" Zagan echoed incredulously, his gaze darting from the radiant cavern to Alias with a mixture of awe and curiosity.

Alias chuckled at Zagan's reaction, nodding proudly as he gestured toward the luminous expanse before them.

 "This is where I live," he confirmed.

"It's incredible," Zagan murmured, his voice filled with genuine admiration. 

His attention was drawn to a particular sight that caught his eye. There, behind a large rock, stood a girl, her eyes fixed on him with a skeptical gaze.

He turned to Alias, a puzzled expression on his face.

"Who is she?" he asked as he gestured towards the girl behind the rock.

Alias furrowed his brow in confusion, following Zagan's gaze to the spot where the girl stood. However, all he saw was the unassuming rock.

"What are you talking about?" he replied, his tone tinged with uncertainty.

"I don't see anyone there."

Zagan's eyes widened in disbelief as he turned back to where the girl had been standing, only to find her gone without a trace.

"But she was just there," he insisted.

"I saw her, clear as day."

Alias shook his head in disbelief, his gaze scanning the area for any sign of the mysterious girl.

"I don't know what you're talking about, Zagan," he replied, his voice filled with uncertainty.

"There's no one here but us."

Despite his reassurances, Zagan couldn't shake the feeling that he had seen something out of the ordinary. The image of the girl with her glistening white hair lingered in his mind.

Is she a ghost?

A hooded figure approached Alias, their presence commanding attention. They whispered something to Alias, who nodded in understanding, his expression serious.

"I need to go," Alias said, turning to him with a regretful smile.

"Master's calling me," he added. 

Zagan nodded in understanding.

"It's okay," he replied.

"I should probably head back to my friends anyway."

As Alias prepared to leave, he turned to him once more, gratitude shining in his eyes.

"It was good to meet you," he said sincerely.

"I hope our paths cross again someday."

With a wave goodbye, Alias disappeared into the depths of the cavern, leaving him alone with his thoughts.

Zagan returned to his campsite and settled into his tent for the night.

[...]

Zagan emerged from his tent, the tantalizing aroma of cooking fish greeted him, mingling with the crisp morning air. He found Adira tending to the campfire, deftly turning the skewered fish over the flames.

"Good morning," she said as she noticed his presence.

"Morning," he replied. 

In the distance, he spotted Avra. Clutched in her hands was a freshly caught fish, its size impressive even from afar.

"This one's a big catch, Adira!" Avra called out, her voice ringing with pride as she joined Adira by the fire.

Adira chuckled in response, she then accepted the fish from Avra as her fingers deftly began the task of cleaning and preparing it for breakfast.

As he settled on the tree stump, Avra glanced over with sarcastic greeting,her words dripping with playful mockery as she addressed him.

"Well, look who's finally graced us with his presence," she remarked sardonically, her tone teasing.

"His royal highness is awake, I see. Good morning to you too, Zagan."

Zagan's response was a simple sneer, his amusement evident as he shook his head in mock exasperation.

"Thanks," he replied as Adira handed him a cooked fish skewer after their meal was done. 

As he savored the flavorful fish skewer handed to him by Adira, his mind drifted back to her missing sister. 

"Does your sister have hair as white as snow?" he began. 

Adira paused mid-bite, her gaze locking with Zagan's as she registered his question. Slowly, she nodded.

"Yes, she does," she replied.

"Why do you ask?"

"And is she around the same age as Lucius?" he pressed.

"Yes, she is," she confirmed.

"I think I've seen her," he declared.

His words cut through the air like a bolt of lightning. The camp fell silent as Adira and Avra exchanged startled glances, their hearts pounding with anticipation. For Adira, the possibility of finally finding her long-lost sister.

"Where did you see her? Who was she with?" Adira demanded eagerly, her voice trembling with emotion.

"Cave. Cavern Residence"

Adira's brow furrowed with confusion as she processed Zagan's revelation.

"A cave? In Asvattha?" she repeated, her voice tinged with disbelief.

"But I've lived here my whole life, and I've never seen or heard of any cave in these woods."

"I know it sounds strange, but I saw it last night," he insisted.

"Alias took me there."

"If there's a chance your sister was there, we have to investigate," Avra chimed in. 

"Alright, let's go find out what's in that cave," she said resolutely. 

"Finish your food first before we proceed," Avra remarked. 

As they finished their meal, the trio exchanged knowing glances, a silent understanding passing between them. They rose to their feet as they prepared to embark on the next leg of their journey.

As the trio ventured deeper into the woods. Adira's eyes sparkled with excitement as she eagerly followed Zagan, her heart pounding with anticipation at the prospect of finally finding her sister.

However, her excitement turned to disappointment as Zagan led them to what appeared to be a dead end—a towering rock mountain loomed before them, blocking their path with its imposing presence.

Adira cast a disappointed glance at Zagan.

"Are you sure this is the right place?" she asked.

Avra's expression mirrored Adira's skepticism as she turned to Zagan, her tone edged with frustration.

"Are you playing some kind of joke on us?" she demanded, her patience wearing thin.

He shook his head adamantly, his eyes flashing with sincerity.

"I'm not joking, I swear," he insisted, his voice tinged with frustration.

"I saw it here last night, clear as day."

Avra's skepticism only deepened at Zagan's insistence, her disbelief evident in her expression.

"Zagan, there's nothing here but rocks and trees," she remarked incredulously.

"Are you sure you weren't just dreaming?"

Adira intervened, her voice calm and soothing as she sought to diffuse the tension.

"Let's not dwell on this now," she suggested.

"Let's just focus on finding Karasi. She could be nearby."

But Zagan couldn't shake the feeling of frustration that gnawed at him, his certainty challenged by the doubt of his companions.

"I'm not lying. I saw it with my own eyes. " he reiterated.

"Let's just head back to the town" Avra suggested. 

As Avra suggested they abandon the search in the woods and head back to town. Reluctantly, Zagan tore his gaze away from the rocks as they began to make their way back through the forest.

His eyes scanned the forest floor, his mind still lingering on the mysterious cave that seemed to have vanished into thin air. Suddenly, he froze, his eyes widening in recognition as he spotted something in the dirt.

"Wait," he exclaimed, his voice tinged with excitement.

"Look at this!"

Adira and Avra turned to see what had caught Zagan's attention, their curiosity piqued. Adira approached him, her eyes narrowing as she inspected the ground.

"It's a footprint," she remarked, her voice filled with curiosity.

"But... it looks like a dog's."

Avra, however, seemed unimpressed, her expression weary as she dismissed his discovery.

"It's probably just a stray dog," she remarked, her tone resigned.

Zagan's excitement waned as he realized that his companions were not sharing in his enthusiasm.

"But it's Amir's footprint," he protested.

"He was with us last night, I'm sure of it."

However, Avra simply gestured to a nearby dog, its tail wagging happily as it bounded through the undergrowth.

"Is that the dog you're talking about?" she asked.

Zagan's heart sank as he realized that the dog before them was not Amir, but a completely different animal.

Doubt began to creep into his mind as he questioned the validity of his own memories.

Maybe he had been dreaming after all.