Ashes Whisper

Chapter 44 : Rina

The next morning, everyone gathered in the grand throne room of Xu Yuan. Emperor Xu Yuan stood before them, his eyes filled with gratitude and respect as he addressed Elara.

"Ashes Whisper," he began with a warm and appreciative tone, "I understand that on your journey, you sought a particular artifact. Your valor in saving our cherished Dynasty has not gone unnoticed. As a token of my gratitude, I wish to present you with this artifact, which I believe you have been searching for. Please accept it, and may you keep it safe".

Touched by the Emperor's gesture, Elara stepped forward, her eyes reflecting both gratitude and humility. She accepted the artifact with a gentle and respectful bow, then replied with heartfelt sincerity, "Thank you, Emperor Xu Yuan. Your kindness and trust mean the world to me. I will treasure this artifact and use it with the utmost care".

Emperor Xu Yuan's voice resonated with a blend of blessing and hope. "Ashes Whisper, as you embark on your journey, head to the north, you will find the way to the Avalon Kingdom, may you find safety, purpose, and the strength to overcome any challenges that come your way."

As their prepared to leave the Xu Yuan Dynasty, the people gathered to bid them farewell. Gratitude filled the air as the residents of the city expressed their thanks, knowing that Elara and the others saved their home. Cheers, tears, and heartfelt well-wishes echoed through the streets, creating a vibrant tapestry of appreciation for their selfless efforts.

At night, the group had ventured far from the Xu Yuan Dynasty, seeking a peaceful respite. As they settled around a crackling bonfire, the ambiance took on an air of tranquility. Khai, with a curious glint in his eyes, turned to Elara and made a request. "Elara, would you mind bringing out the book here?"

Elara reaching the Book of Revelations with its ever-changing pages, each of which had guided their journey thus far. With a sense of anticipation, she open it, hoping to glean insights into their next steps. However, her expression shifted from eagerness to surprise as she peered at the next page. "Eh?" Elara uttered, baffled. "What is it, Sister?" Mikaela inquired. Elara continued, her voice tinged with uncertainty, "The book... it's as if the next page is empty. There are no signs or clues. I wonder what's going on."

Elara's puzzlement cast a momentary hush over the group. Zarek furrowed his brow, leaning closer to get a better look at the book. "That's odd," he remarked, over the empty pages. "The book has always been our guiding light. Why would it suddenly show blank pages?"

Samael continue "Perhaps it means we've reached a juncture where the book can no longer provide answers. Or maybe it's a test of our own intuition and wisdom." As their busy trying to figure out. Mikaela's sharp eyes spotted a figure in the distance, and she urgently pointed it out to the group. "Everyone, look! There's someone lying over there," she exclaimed. Khai wasted no time. As he approached the wounded figure, he discovered a woman in dire need of aid. Her injuries were severe but Khai's he finally manage to create Amber Stone allowed him to heal her.

Elara couldn't contain her curiosity as she observed the mysterious woman. "I wonder where she comes from," she mused aloud. "I've never seen a human with long ears like hers."

Zarek, knowledgeable about various mythical creatures, chimed in. "A woman with long ears? That sounds like an Elf," he explained. Khai, while tending to the injured Elf, nodded in agreement. "Yes, it's an Elf. I thought they were only a myth, but now we're witnessing their existence firsthand."

The injured Elf slowly stirred and opened her eyes, her gaze filled with confusion. She weakly inquired, "Who are you?" Mikaela stepped forward and answered kindly, "We found you lying on the ground, badly injured. Thankfully, Khai was able to create an Amber Stone and treat your injuries."

The Elf woman's eyes widened at the mention of the Amber Stone. She expressed her gratitude, saying, "Amber Stone? Thank you. I'm sorry for inconveniencing all of you." Her voice held a mix of relief and appreciation

Elara extended a piece of bread to Rina, who accepted it gratefully. Elara then asked with a warm smile, "May I know your name?"

The Elf woman introduced herself with a faint smile, "My name is Rina."

Elara continued, gesturing towards her companions, "Rina, my name is Elara. This is Zarek, a necromancer; Khai, the explorer; Samael, and these are my sisters, Mikaela." The introductions were made in a friendly and welcoming manner, easing some of the tension that had initially hung in the air.

Samael leaned in with curiosity, his eyes gleaming with interest. "So, Rina, where are you coming from?"

Rina, still nursing her injuries but more at ease with their friendly demeanor, began to explain, "I come from Elfhelm, a place where Elves like us reside."

Khai, couldn't hide his surprise. "Elfhelm? I did not know such a place existed. I always thought it was just a myth, like a children's story."

Rina continued to share her knowledge, "We Elves do exist in your world, but we dwell in a different realm, hidden away from human eyes."

Elara, intrigued by the conversation, inquired further, "I see... What happens if a human, like us, can see an Elf like you, Rina?"

Rina smiled gently and replied, "Nothing happens, but we Elves believe that it's a rare moment for humans to see Elves. It requires a special insight to perceive living beings in another realm. However, recently, someone managed to break the seal between our realm and yours, causing havoc."

Samael leaned forward, his eyes filled with curiosity. "A havoc? Have you encountered this creatures?" he asked Rina.

Rina nodded solemnly. "Yes," she began, "They are beings born from chaos, and their emergence is directly tied to the breaking of the seal between our realm and yours."

Elara's eyes widened with realization. "Mikaela, do you remember that the corpses of the Assassin Black Order members turned into Eldritch? Rina nodded gravely. "Yes, Eldritch have the ability to possess corpses and manipulate them, turning lifeless bodies into vessels for their dark existence."

Rina, with a curious expression, directed a question to Elara. "Elara, why is your skin color different from them? It's pale, almost like ash."

Samael chimed in, explaining, "Elara is cursed as Ashes Whisper."

Rina gasped in shock. "Ashes Whisper?" Elara, intrigued by Rina's reaction, asked, "Why are you so surprised?"

Rina continued, her expression thoughtful. "Ashes Whisper... I recall a very long time ago, someone cursed just like you appeared in our realm."

Khai, questioned, "A very long time ago? Just how old are you, Rina?"

Rina responded with a serene smile. "I'm 2500 years old." This revelation left everyone stunned. "2500 years?!" they exclaimed in unison.

Rina chuckled gently. "Yes, 2500 years is still considered young for us Elves. We possess the ability to live for centuries, even millennia."

Elara was intrigued and pressed further. "Rina, regarding Ashes Whisper, do you happen to know about their origin?"

Rina offered her apologies. "I'm afraid, Elara, I don't have much information about the origin of Ashes Whisper. However, what I can tell you is that in our realm, we Elves believe that someone cursed by Ashes Whisper is referred to as a 'Key of Hope.' If you wish to learn more about the origin of Ashes Whisper, I can guide you to Elfhelm and meet our Queen. I'll show you the way."

The prospect of uncovering more about the Ashes Whisper's origin piqued their curiosity, and they contemplated this new journey to Elfhelm.