A Starlit Promise

The Hidden Path

The fading early light of the morning cast long shadows over Alaris as Rylla and Kaelith made their way through the winding streets. Kaelith led the way, seemingly more agitated and less put together than she'd ever seen him, his shadows curling and unfurling just below the surface. Of course, she had noticed his shadows before, but he'd been incredibly keen on keeping them hidden away. Rylla hadn't gotten to the point where she wanted to ask about his magic, especially considering she didn't really understand magic to begin with. What gave her the right to question him about his? 
 
Their first priority was to return to the inn. The sun hung high in the sky, casting a warm, bright light over the busy streets of Alaris as they made their way back. The city was alive with activity, the midday heat reflecting off the cobblestone streets and the hum of daily life echoing around them. Once inside their room, they moved with purpose. Rylla quickly gathered her belongings, her mind racing with thoughts of the journey ahead. Kaelith took a moment to study the map more closely, his magical power briefly manifesting as he traced the intricate lines with his fingertips.

"I've never seen anything like this," Kaelith remarked, his voice tinged with awe. "This map must be centuries old, and it's still intact."

Rylla nodded in agreement, her focus unwavering. "Let's make sure we have everything we need. We can't afford to miss anything."

After collecting their essentials, they ventured back into the central marketplace. The city was abuzz with vendors and townsfolk, each engaged in their midday routines. They navigated through the vibrant market known for its diverse offerings, where they procured supplies for their journey: rations, sturdy boots, and additional maps of the surrounding areas.

Kaelith subtly employed his shadow abilities, melding with the shadows to avoid unnecessary attention as they moved through the crowded market. Rylla, equally vigilant, kept a keen eye out for any useful items.

With their preparations complete and the sky still bright above them, Rylla and Kaelith felt a renewed sense of determination. They departed the city as the sun began its slow descent, heading toward the ancient forest that engulfed Luminara. The forest loomed ahead, its dense canopy offering a foreboding but necessary path to their destination.

As they entered the wilderness, the sunlight filtered through the trees, casting dappled shadows on the ground. The journey into the forest would be long and challenging, but the promise of the knowledge hidden in the library spurred them forward. Each step brought them closer to the answers they sought, the forest whispering secrets as they pressed deeper into its embrace.