Chapter 32 - Return to the Physical

As the last of the dazzling colorful lights swirling around his seated physical form finally began to dissolve and fade into the encroaching twilight shadows gathering in the ancient misty Elven glen, young Eric Emberhart gradually became aware of his spiritual essence fully returning to and merging once more with his earthly body after what felt like an eternity spent journeying in the mystic realms between worlds.

Slowly, gingerly, muscles creaking and protesting after untold hours spent rooted in the meditative pose before the monolith, Eric unfolded his slender legs, stiff from remaining crossed so long in a full lotus position. With great care, he stretched and extended limbs rendered all but numb during his deep trance state, before attempting to rise slowly on feet made unsteady both by pins and needles tingling just under the surface of his skin and a lingering sense of disorientation.

Blinking hard as normal physical sensation and perception continued reacquainting themselves with his conscious mind, Eric raised his gaze to find Lady Feywood, Lady Ellara, and High Priestess Nyfiel standing close by, staring at the newly awakened boy with a mixture of barely-restrained awe and pride gleaming in their eyes.

Still struggling to articulate the profound odyssey his detached spirit had undertaken in those timeless realms beyond the known, into which the High Priestess's ritual had guided him, Eric opened his mouth in an attempt to describe the incredible visions and revelations that still blazed as fiercely as glowing embers freshly etched into his very essence. Yet no words emerged to give shape and substance to the nebulous images and understanding still unfolding in his thoughts.

Sensing the difficulty and frustration of inadequate mundane vocabulary knotting the boy's brow, High Priestess Nyfiel stepped forward with an expression of supreme patience and wisdom well beyond her already incredibly venerable years creasing her wizened features.

"You mustn't strain yourself attempting to relay what you experienced, young one," she advised gently, yet with quiet authority. "For your journey has ventured to cosmic shores that lie far beyond the descriptive limits of our everyday speech and comprehension. Trust only that your spirit has absorbed what symbols and guidance were necessary for the destiny your path now marches toward. In times of need, if you open your heart and mind, understanding shall come."

Letting out a long breath he hadn't realized was knotted so tightly within his chest, Eric gave a small nod to show he understood the truth of her words resonating clearly on a newly formed primal frequency within what felt like his very cells. His gaze drifted downward almost unconsciously until it rested upon his upturned palms, which still seemed to faintly tingle with remembered sensations from handling the runestone pulsating with ancient power before its essence fused into his core being.

Though the details of the epic fate toward which he had been set upon remained clouded, of one truth Eric Emberhart was absolutely certain - a profound destiny had undeniably awakened deep inside him this day, etching its first indelible marks upon his essence. What role he had yet to play in the tapestry of the gods' weaving was unclear, but the path to discovery lay open ahead, and Eric knew with steadfast conviction that when the darkness in its myriad forms fell upon this world, he would be ready to answer fate's clarion call.

For now, there was only time to breathe and integrate the visions into understanding. But the currents of change had been set in motion, and when destiny called for a light in the shadows, Eric's awakened gifts would illuminate the way.