The Eternal Journey

Chapter 3: The First Steps

The dawn light filtered through the small window of Aric’s room, casting a soft golden glow across the rough-hewn wooden walls. He lay in bed, staring at the ceiling, his mind racing with thoughts of the previous night. The encounter with Selene had shaken him, leaving him with more questions than answers. He had hardly slept, the weight of the crystal and the promise of a journey pressing heavily on his mind.

As the light grew brighter, Aric knew he couldn’t stay in bed any longer. He needed to clear his head, to make sense of the chaos that had invaded his once-simple life. He threw back the blankets and swung his legs over the side of the bed, feeling the cool wooden floor beneath his feet. The morning air was crisp, carrying the scent of dew-covered grass and distant smoke from the village chimneys.

Aric dressed quickly, his movements brisk and efficient, a habit ingrained in him from years of helping his father in the forge. He glanced at the box, still sitting on the small table beside his bed, the crystal inside seeming to pulse with a faint light even in the daylight. He hesitated for a moment before picking it up and tucking it securely beneath his cloak.

He descended the narrow stairs to the main room of the cottage, where his mother was already bustling about, preparing breakfast. The smell of fresh bread and sizzling bacon filled the air, a comforting aroma that momentarily eased the tension in Aric’s chest.

“Good morning, Aric,” Elara said with a warm smile as she turned from the stove. “You’re up early.”

Aric forced a smile in return. “Couldn’t sleep,” he replied, trying to keep his tone casual.

His mother’s brow furrowed slightly with concern. “Are you feeling alright? You’ve seemed a bit distant these past few days.”

Aric hesitated, wondering how much he should tell her. The truth was too strange, too unreal, and he didn’t want to worry her unnecessarily. “I’m fine, really. Just…a lot on my mind.”

Elara nodded, though the concern didn’t fully leave her eyes. “I understand. You’re at that age where everything seems to be changing all at once. But remember, Aric, you don’t have to face it alone. Your father and I are always here for you.”

Aric’s chest tightened with guilt. He knew he would have to leave soon, to embark on the journey that Selene had spoken of. The thought of leaving his parents, of stepping away from the life he had always known, was both terrifying and heartbreaking. But he couldn’t ignore the pull of the Heartstone, the sense of destiny that had been awakened within him.

“I know, Mother,” he said softly, his voice tinged with emotion. “Thank you.”

She smiled, reaching out to squeeze his hand. “Now, sit down and eat something. A good breakfast will do you some good.”

Aric nodded and sat down at the small wooden table, trying to push the weight of his thoughts aside. As he ate, he couldn’t help but notice the way his mother kept glancing at him, as if she could sense the turmoil beneath his calm exterior. He wished he could tell her everything, but the words seemed to stick in his throat.

When breakfast was over, Aric helped his mother clear the dishes, the familiar routine bringing a small measure of comfort. But as he dried the last plate, he knew he couldn’t delay any longer. He needed to speak with his father, to tell him that he might have to leave—though he still wasn’t sure how to explain why.

“Is Father at the forge?” Aric asked, trying to keep his voice steady.

Elara nodded, wiping her hands on her apron. “He went out early to start on a new commission. He should be there now.”

Aric swallowed, feeling a knot of anxiety form in his stomach. “I think I’ll go see him,” he said, trying to sound casual.

Elara gave him a curious look but didn’t press further. “Alright, dear. Just don’t work yourself too hard. You’ve been doing more than your fair share lately.”