Whims of a Quiet Dreamer

Chapter 15: The First Quest

Sithu stepped back into the magical world of Nymbrelis, greeted by the rich scents of a feast waiting for her. Everywhere she turned, there was food unlike anything she'd ever imagined. The trees around her bore fruits of every color—deep purples, golden oranges, and vivid reds—that shimmered in the light. She reached out, plucking one and biting into it. The taste was a perfect blend of sweet berries and juicy peaches, so refreshing it seemed to melt on her tongue.

In another corner of the forest, something even more enchanting caught her eye—a candy and chocolate forest, like something out of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Rivers of caramel flowed between trees made of cotton candy, and branches were heavy with chocolate-covered fruits. Sithu couldn't resist. She grabbed a piece of chocolate bark and savored its rich flavor, laughing with delight.

Ravi and Savannah, two of her new friends, appeared by her side. "Come on, we'll take you to the chefs!" Savannah said, pulling her excitedly along. They walked to an open kitchen where chefs, dressed in bright aprons, were busy preparing all sorts of dishes. "They can make anything you want," Ravi added with a grin. "Even food from Earth."

Sithu thought for a moment. "Can they make pizza?" she asked, recalling one of her favorite meals.

Within minutes, a fresh pizza was placed before her, the smell of melted cheese and herbs filling the air. She took a bite, her eyes widening at the burst of flavors. "This is the best pizza I've ever had," she declared between mouthfuls.

As she enjoyed her meal, the queen approached, her graceful presence quieting the children. "May I sit with you, Sithu?" she asked, her voice kind and warm.

Sithu nodded eagerly, still filled with questions she desperately wanted answers to.

"I know you're curious about many things," the queen said gently. "One thing you must understand is that while Nymbrelis orbits much more quickly than Earth, time here flows differently. The way we age is not the same as it is on Earth. You are actually three times younger than your age on Earth. That's part of why you've always felt like you didn't belong there. You are different, and this world reflects your true self."

Sithu nodded, trying to absorb everything. "And what about the Krevathians?" she asked, remembering the queen's earlier mention of them.

The queen smiled. "It's the opposite for Krevathians. They are three times older than they seem. Their wisdom and manipulation give them the power to disrupt and corrupt others. Krevathians destroy the harmony of the universe, and when they infect a planet—like they have with Earth—it causes a ripple effect that touches other worlds."

Before Sithu could ask more, the queen shifted her tone. "There are many great challenges ahead, far more difficult quests than you can imagine. But for now, I want to give you a smaller task, something manageable, though not without importance."

Sithu leaned in, listening carefully.

"Your student Finn," the queen continued, "is also a Nymbrelan, though he does not yet know it. He is still very young, and because of this, he cannot access our world. However, like you, he has a soulmate, and it is essential for him to find that person."

Sithu's mind immediately flashed back to the old lady who had connected her with Jaren. "Like the old woman who helped me?"

"Exactly," the queen said with a smile. "She, too, was a Nymbrelan. Your task is to help Finn find his soulmate, just as you were helped. Though this quest may seem small, it is not without great value. It will guide him through the trials of Earth and prepare him for when he can join us in Nymbrelis."

Sithu took a deep breath, realizing the weight of this responsibility. She thought of Finn—quiet, often lost in thought, and always on the outside looking in. She would help him, just as she had been helped.

The queen's smile was filled with warmth and trust. "You are capable of this, Sithu. Trust your heart, and the path will reveal itself."

Sithu nodded, determination and a newfound sense of purpose filling her. This was her first quest, and she knew it was just the beginning of something much bigger.