Morning arrived with a gentle chorus of a distant water fall, stirring the companions from their slumber. Brandon, still bleary, stretched and yawned as he emerged from the burrow, they had slept in. Max, Enzo, and Antonio were already bustling around the campfire, preparing breakfast from the meat they had hunted the previous day.
“Good morning,” Branden greeted, his voice still carrying traces of sleep.
“Morning!” Max responded cheerfully, guiding Branden towards the fire where Antonio and Enzo greeted him with smiles.
They congregated around the crackling fire, luxuriating in the aroma of cooking meat and the warmth of the flames. Amidst bites of food, the conversation twisted to their plans now that they were out of the enchanted forest.
“Branden, what do you plan to do now?” Enzo asked, his curiosity piqued.
Branden pondered for a moment before replying, “I’m not entirely sure yet. My kind isn’t known outside of that forest, but I’ve always dreamed of traveling, seeing the world, exploring new places.”
“that sounds like a great adventure” max replied. “would you mind if I tagged along”
“count me in too,” Antonio added ardently. “it’ll be great to explore the world with you.”
Enzo grinned. “if everyone is going, I might as well join. I don’t feel like going home just yet.”
“And ill come too,” max declared, echoing the sentiment. Brandon couldn’t contain his enjoyment at the prospect of having his new found friends accompany him on his journey.
After finishing their meal and dowsing the fire, the friends set off through the forest, soon discovering a distinct path leading in a direction they desired to go. As they walked, the topic of age arose, prompting Brandon to reveal he was turning 19 soon.
“Your turning 19 ‽” Enzo exclaimed sceptically. “You look more like your 15 or younger.”
Brandon frowned, slightly taken aback. “Seriously? I know I’m not the biggest guy, but do I really look that young?” he asked, looking at all of them for confirmation.
Max and Antonio chuckled, avoiding eye contact but confirming Enzo’s observation with their amused expressions upon their faces.
“Yeah, I actually thought you were close to 12,” Enzo teased, unable to resist.
Brandon rolled his eyes light-heartedly, his pride slightly wounded but not enough to dampen the mood. They continued along the path, Enzo occasionally throwing good-natured jabs at Brandon, earning amusement from max and Antonio.
As they neared the edge of the forest, sunlight filtered through the trees, casting a warm glow over the twisting path ahead. The four friends emerged from the dense vegetation into a immense, open landscape stretching before them, submersed in the morning sun.
Taking in the extensive view, Brandon couldn’t help but feel a rush of excitement and gratitude. He turned to his friends, a wide smile spreading across his face. “Here we are, guys. Ready to face whatever might come next?”
“Absolutely,” Max answered, his eyes skimming the horizon with eagerness.
Enzo nodded, a grin of eagerness mirroring Brandon’s. “Let’s see what adventures await us out here.”
Antonio chimed in; his voice filled with optimism. “Whatever challenges come forward, we’ll face them together.”
With rehabilitated purpose and a sense of solidarity, the four companions set fourth, stepping onto a path that led away from the forest of Eleon and towards the unknown. As they ventured into the immense world beyond.
YOU ARE READING
Hidden truths (bl)
FantasyA tale unfolds of a journey from strangers to friends and eventually lovers, where the narrative weaves the delicate threads of connection. In this story, the protagonists navigate the intricacies of their relationships, transcending the boundaries...
