Dawn Of Jaide

Among the Unknown (Part 1)

Amberfalls stretched out before them, a vast panorama bathed in the soft glow of the sinking sun. Its royal purple hues lent an ethereal beauty to the land, making it seem as if it had sprung straight out of a fairy tale. Jaide and Gwen paused at the cliff's edge, captivated.

Jaide's eyes widened in awe. "Is this really Amberfalls?"

Gwen, her face etched with a hint of melancholy, nodded. "Yes, but don't be lulled by its beauty. Hidden within are pockets of despair, places where joy has become a luxury and mere survival is the order of the day."

They began their descent into the valley below, but their journey was soon halted by a soft whimper. Among the brambles lay a wounded creature, its large, luminous eyes filled with pain. Gwen knelt beside it. "A Turan," she whispered. "Guardians of Amberfalls. This young one has seen more pain than any creature should."

Jaide bit her lip, "What could've done this?" Gwen's eyes darkened. "I have my suspicions." Jaide's brows furrowed. "So, what do we do?"

"We camp tonight night," Gwen decided. "I'll gather some firewood, Start a fire. You stay here i'll be back shorty."

As Gwen disappeared into the thick canopy, Jaide focused on the injured Turan. She offered it some of her meager rations, her gentle touch bringing solace to the wounded being. The peaceful moment was shattered by a rustling in the bushes. From the shadows emerged two familiar faces—Quentin and Ezra.

"Jai!" Quentin exclaimed, his eyes reflecting his concern and joy.

Jaide sprung to her feet, a whirlwind of emotions. "What are you guys doing here? You should be back home!" Quentin shrugged. "Where you go, we go."

Ezra added with a smirk, "Didn't think you could have all the fun, did you?"

Her anxiety gave way to a small smile. "It's not a game, guys. It's dangerous." "We know," Ezra replied. "But we've always faced challenges together."

Quentin's gaze scanned the area. "Where's Gwen?"

Jaide's eyes darted to the forest unease apparent. "She should be back any minute. She'd gone to get wood for a fire."

In the distance, an owl hooted, heralding the coming night and the unknown challenges it would bring.

***

The Amberfalls Valley was tranquil, the stars above casting a serene glow upon the inhabitants below. As Quentin laid eyes upon the Turan, his face mirrored a mix of amazement and curiosity. Ezra nudged him, his brow furrowing. "Ever seen anything like this before?"

Jaide replied, "It's called a Turan. Gentle, majestic creatures, but this one's hurt."

As Quentin and Ezra cautiously approached the creature, their tentative strokes elicited soft, melodic purrs from the Turan, leaving a ripple of laughter in the air. But this ephemeral moment was broken by the swift return of Gwen, her warrior instincts on full display as she quickly cornered Quentin and Ezra with her gleaming blade.

Gwen's eyes darted, filled with suspicion. "Who are you?"

Jaide rushed forward, her hands raised in a calming gesture. "Gwen, they're with me, they're my friends."

Gwen's skepticism was evident. "What do you mean?"

Quentin chimed in, "It's a long story, but we followed Jaide. We mean no harm, we just want to help."

Reluctantly, Gwen sheathed her weapon, her expression a mask of apprehension. "I remember you. The gate's magic is intricate and unpredictable. But this...this makes no sense. Never mind it for now, sleep, we have a long journey in the morning."

As the camp settled, with the Turan now resting peacefully and Jaide deep in slumber, Gwen maintained her vigil. Quentin, restless and filled with questions, approached her.

"Can't sleep either?" he asked, seeking camaraderie.

Gwen's gaze remained distant. "Too much on my mind."

Quentin hesitated before plunging in, "Jaide hinted at her position in this realm and all but can you tell me more about it?"

Gwen sighed, looking deep into the flames. "She is to be our leader in the great war ahead. A symbol of hope we've yearned for, for decades."

Quentin whispered, "That's a lot for her to bear."

Gwen nodded, "It's not just her journey. Yours has just begun as well. The gate chose you for a reason. I'm not sure what for yet but you must remember that." Getting up she adds, " I must make my rounds now, get some sleep."

With that, Gwen disappeared into the woods, leaving Quentin with a thousand thoughts.