Whispers of Magic

Chapter 5: Opportunity

The warning about secrets in the forest and the advice to return to the city linger in my thoughts. Is there something hidden here unknown even to the elves? Or is the immoralis -the human- simply cautious for reasons I don't understand?

The moonlight filters through leaves, casting patterns on the ground I walk across. The encounter feels significant, my mind swirling with questions.

Approaching the outskirts of Aurelia, the city's familiar structures come into view. The silhouette of the city looms over me. The council's decision regarding the unexpected outcome of my Arcane Manifestation weighs heavily on my mind. How will they interpret the lack of an alignment, and what implications does it hold for my role as a potential Sentinel?

At the city gates, the Sentinels stationed there give me a nod of recognition. Music and laughter reach my ears, and I realize the celebration for the Arcane Manifestation is still in full swing. Entering the city, I head home first to change clothes before proceeding to the council chambers and hopefully apologize to Seraphine.

Reaching my home, I stand at the doorstep, the unresolved conflict heavy in my mind. Inhaling deeply, I push open the door, greeted by the familiar scent of herbs and potions that fill the living quarters above the apothecary shop—my home.

Soft magelight casts warm hues on the wooden furniture and alchemical tools. The silence, amplified by my mother's absence, makes the space feel emptier.

My gaze sweeps the room, searching for any sign of my sister. "Seraphine?" I call out, the name lingering in the stillness. No response comes, and the unspoken words I wish I shared with my sister burden me.

Moving through the living quarters, I check each room, hoping to find her presence. The apothecary workspace, a memory of shared laughter and healing concoctions, now is a mess of open tomes I've been reading. Each step echoes on the wooden floor, emphasizing the solitude surrounding me.

Standing in the empty living room, I feel the sinking weight of realization. Seraphine might have stayed with Amarna, and the opportunity to apologize and seek understanding slips through my fingers. Regret settles in the quiet space, a reminder of the distance between us.

I stride into my room and hurriedly shed the weight of the ivory robes clinging to me from the manifestation ritual, opting for attire that provides freedom and agility. My training clothes, a fusion of supple fabrics and protective gear, mold seamlessly to my form, emphasizing practicality over ceremonial grandeur. The outfit is a muted gray, blending with the shadows of the evening, a stark contrast to the ivory from earlier. Grabbing my weapons, I feel dressed for the challenges awaiting me in the council chambers.

Leaving the depression of my empty home, the pathways guide me through the city's intricate architecture and toward the Council Chambers, the need to reconcile with Seraphine pressing my mind with every step. The soft murmur of the night breeze carries conversations and discussions among the elves at the different stalls and food vendors.

I weave through the diminishing crowds nervously, my shoulders slightly hunched, a stiffness stretching from my neck to my back. Most elves are beginning to turn in for the night after such an eventful day.

As I reach the council chambers, the massive doors stand before me, symbolizing authority and decision-making. Apprehension takes hold of me, and my breathing emerges in shallow bursts.

I need to get a grip on myself and get this over with.

Taking a deep breath, I open the doors and enter the dimly lit room. The council elders are gathered around the large circular table, multiple expressions adorning their faces. The room is charged with heavy pressure, and I wonder if they can sense the storm of emotions within me.