Dawn of the Unknown

Chapter 3: The Forest's Trial

They ventured cautiously into the dense forest at the foot of the mountain, their hearts heavy with uncertainty. All they knew was that they had to get as far away from the kingdom as possible, avoiding any encounter with the still unidentified creatures that had brought such devastation.

Hours passed, and hunger began to gnaw at them since they hadn't eaten since the day of the attack.

Adelia's stomach growled as she spoke up,

"Mathilde, I'm hungry..."

Avril added shyly,

"I also haven't eaten since those creatures attacked our village."

Mathilde tried to reassure them, 

"Don't worry, I will find food very soon."

Desperately, Mathilde scoured the forest for hours, searching for anything edible. But luck was not on their side; no animals crossed her path, and the forest seemed devoid of sustenance. Just as hope was dwindling, they stumbled upon a river.

"This looks clean," 

Mathilde thought to herself. 

"This should sate our thirst for now, but I still have to find food."

As if by divine providence, she saw fish swimming in the stream. Her face lit up with hope. She quickly fashioned a simple spear from a stick and a sharp stone tied together with vines.

After walking for what felt like an eternity, they decided to set up camp near the river before darkness fell. Mathilde made a small bonfire to cook the fish and provide fresh water.

As the fish cooked over the fire, Avril tried to start a conversation with Adelia. 

"You two seem close."

Adelia smiled gently. 

"I never really knew my mother. Father told me she died after giving birth to me. Growing up, Mathilde was like a mother to me."

She paused, gathering her emotions. 

"I lived a happy life. Father was always kind, teaching me about ruling the kingdom while Mathilde trained me to be a great warrior like her."

Avril looked at her with empathy. 

"I'm sorry about your mother. I'm sure she would be proud to see you grow up strong."

Adelia replied with a sad smile, 

"I hope so."

She took a deep breath and asked, 

"What about you? What was your life like before all this?"

Avril looked at the sky and smiled. 

"Simple but happy. I used to play with the other kids in our village, running around, singing songs, and training together."

She giggled. 

"The village elders always scolded us for using magic to splash people with water."

Her smile faded. 

"It's only been a day, but it feels like so long ago. I wish this was just a bad dream."

The conversation paused, the weight of their losses settling over them.

Adelia asked gently, 

"How about your parents? What were they like?"

Avril's eyes saddened.