Ashes Whisper

Chapter 61 : Sanctuary

As Elara reached the palace, her eyes were met by Ortwin patiently awaiting her arrival. Overwhelmed with joy, she rushed towards him, exclaiming, "Ortwin!"

Ortwin, with a warm smile, responded, "Ah, Elara, it has indeed been a long time."

Elara, still beaming, asked, "How have you been, Ortwin?"

Ortwin chuckled and replied, "I've been well, but hmmmm."

Elara, intrigued, inquired, "What is it, Ortwin? Is there something on your mind?"

Ortwin, after a moment of contemplation, remarked, "You've changed, Elara. Your journey has molded you into a stronger version of yourself."

Elara, humbly surprised, said, "I hadn't realized the extent of my transformation. Oh, the artifact you mentioned to bring along, it's here with me."

Ortwin continued, "Good. But for now, Elara, you should rest. Your journey has surely taken its toll."

"Yes, you're right, Ortwin," Elara sighed.

Ortwin, noticing the concern on Elara's face, inquired, "What's the matter, Elara? Why the long face?"

Elara hesitated before expressing her worry, "You know, Ortwin, I've been thinking. I made it to Sanctuary, but what about the others? I have no idea where they might be."

Ortwin, with a reassuring smile, replied, "Worry not, Elara. Your friends' fate has already been set. Everyone has their own role, and it is only you who are destined to arrive."

Elara nodded, finding comfort in Ortwin's words, yet a lingering concern still etched in her eyes.

Ortwin continued, "Anyway, Elara, it is time for you to return the book I gave to you." Upon hearing those words from Ortwin, Elara decided to return the Book of Revelation to him.

At night, as Elara couldn't sleep Elara stepped outside, letting the cool night air embrace her. The cosmic spectacle felt like a revelation, a breathtaking masterpiece unveiling itself for her eyes alone. This celestial panorama, a symphony of lights, became a profound moment of solace and wonder, marking her first encounter with such a celestial event.

As Elara immersed herself in the mesmerizing celestial display, a gentle voice broke the silence, and Ortwin emerged from the shadows. "It's beautiful, isn't it?" he remarked, his words carrying a profound understanding of the cosmic wonders that unfolded above.

Elara, captivated by the celestial display above, responded to Ortwin's remark. "Yeah, it is beautiful."

Ortwin nodded with a wise smile. "That's the power of the creator of Sanctuary."

Intrigued, Elara couldn't help but inquire further, "The Creator of Sanctuary?" Her curiosity sparked, eager to unravel the mysteries concealed within the tapestry of Sanctuary's origins.

Ortwin continued to narrate the ancient tale with a sense of reverence. "Yes, Endrurth, known as the god among dragons. You may be familiar with the origin of Ashes Whisper. Axnir sought peace instead of challenging the dragons, and he formed an unbreakable bond with the Dragon. That dragon is Endrurth. Their friendship was profound, a connection that transcended the boundaries of their respective worlds."

Elara posed another question, "Ortwin, if Axnir sacrificed himself to become The World Tree, where is Endrurth?"

Ortwin's eyes held a depth of sorrow as he delved into the past. "The notion of Axnir sacrificing himself to become The World Tree was met with resistance from Endrurth. She couldn't bear to lose her dear friend, but Axnir explained it was his duty to seal away Azathoth. After Axnir's sacrifice, Endrurth, burdened with grief, decided to create Sanctuary. In an act of unparalleled sacrifice, Endrurth, too, merged her essence with this sacred land, becoming an integral part of Sanctuary." The weight of history and the echoes of profound sacrifice hung in the air as Ortwin recounted this poignant chapter of their world.

Elara, absorbing this revelation, asked in awe, "You mean... this Sanctuary is a manifestation of Endrurth herself?"

Ortwin nodded solemnly, "Yes, Endrurth became the very essence of this land, eternally safeguarding it." The air was thick with the reverence for the sacrifices made to preserve the delicate balance of their world.

Ortwin continued, "Now, let me show you where Endrurth resides." With a snap of his fingers, both he and Elara found themselves on a mysterious small island surrounded by an endless sea. "Behold, that is Endrurth," Ortwin declared, gesturing towards a colossal dragon statue, its body adorned with moss and various forms of life. The upper part of its body served as the foundation for Sanctuary.

Elara stood in awe, her eyes widened with wonder and admiration at the sight of Endrurth's petrified form. The dragon's statue, covered in the embrace of nature, symbolized both the passage of time and the eternal connection between the dragons and Sanctuary. The air around them carried a sense of reverence for the living monument that embodied the sacrifices and legacy of their world.

"Well then, Elara, see you tomorrow," said Ortwin as he snapped his fingers, bringing them back to the palace.

The next morning, Elara stood outside the palace, contemplating the profound connection between Endrurth and Sanctuary. Lost in her thoughts, she was interrupted by Ayzaer, who descended from the sky and approached her. "Ashes Whisper," Ayzaer called out.

Elara responded with surprise, "Ayzaer... what is it?" The air carried a sense of anticipation as Elara awaited Ayzaer's message.

Ayzaer continued, his voice resonating with a mix of solemnity and sincerity, "About the events of the previous day, I extend my deepest apologies for my actions. My duty is to safeguard this sacred place from any potential threats."

Elara, with a serene expression, acknowledged Ayzaer's words through a subtle yet understanding smile. The atmosphere held a delicate balance between acknowledgment and forgiveness.

Amidst this moment, Ortwin strolled towards them, his movements graceful and purposeful. "Ah, Ayzaer, what brings you to this encounter?" Ortwin's inquiry carried a playful undertone, causing Ayzaer to shift from seriousness to a hint of bashfulness. "No," Ayzaer asserted, denying any particular interest in Elara. Ortwin chuckled, appreciating the lighthearted banter.

Turning his attention to Elara, Ortwin conveyed, "Elara, regarding the artifacts you've gathered throughout your journey, The Overseer wishes to meet with you." The mention of The Overseer added an intriguing layer to the unfolding narrative, leaving Elara curious about the secrets that Sanctuary held. The air seemed charged with anticipation as Elara contemplated what awaited her in the presence of The Overseer.

Elara, fueled by curiosity, inquired, "The Overseer? Who are you talking about, Ortwin?"

Ortwin, with a sense of gravitas, began to unravel the mystery. "The Overseer is none other than the triumvirate ruling over Sanctuary. Bahamut, Lord of The Skies, Grendel, The Champion of White, and Tiamat, The Champion of Black – these three Elder Dragons, once rivals in power, played crucial roles in the epoch when their might contested that of Endrurth. Together, they, along with Axnir and Endrurth, waged a fierce battle against Azathoth. Following their victory, a solemn promise was made to Endrurth: to safeguard and govern Sanctuary."

"Anyway, Elara, your time has come. The Overseer wishes to see you. Follow me," declared Ortwin. As Ortwin led Elara toward the meeting with The Overseer, they approached colossal doors intricately carved with the history of Axnir, Endrurth, and Sanctuary. The doors, larger than the actual dragons, stood as a testament to the monumental events that shaped this mythical realm. Ortwin, with a wave of his hand and a spell cast toward the imposing doors, initiated their opening, revealing a passage to the sanctum within. The air buzzed with anticipation as they stepped into the presence of The Overseer.