Lysdonè | CPN

Calling of Dreams

Elara paced the floor of her room, the vibrant sketches of Ellcries adorning the walls, each image a reminder of the magical city that felt more like home than her own sleepy town of Lysdonè. The memories of glass skyscrapers gleaming in the sunlight and the enchanting gardens filled with flowers of every hue played like a film in her mind. She longed to return, not just for herself but to share the wonder of the City of Dreams with her mother.

"Mom!" Elara called, her voice filled with urgency. "Can we go to Ellcries? Please! You have to see it for yourself!"

Her mother looked up from the book she was reading, her brow furrowing in concern. "Elara, we just came back from the brink of chaos. We need to focus on healing our town first. It's important."

"I know," Elara replied, her heart racing. "But you don't understand! Ellcries is incredible-it's beautiful and magical in ways I can't even begin to explain. You have to experience it! I want you to see the gardens and the light that shines there. It's like nothing here. It's a place of hope."

Her mother sighed, looking torn between wanting to protect her daughter and being intrigued by what Elara described. "I just don't want you to get lost in a dream, sweetheart. Lysdonè is our home, and I need you to be present here with me."

"Please, Mom," Elara pressed, stepping closer. "I want you to see what I found. I want you to feel the magic. It's not just a place-it's a part of me now. And I think it could help us both. We could find a way to heal Lysdonè together."

Her mother studied her face, seeing the determination and longing in her eyes. "It's risky, Elara. What if something happens? What if we can't come back?"

Elara took a deep breath, trying to calm the whirlwind of emotions inside her. "I promise, Mom. I won't let anything happen to us. Nyra is there to guide us. We'll be safe. I need you to trust me."

After a moment of silence, her mother's shoulders slumped in resignation. "You're growing up, and I see how much this means to you. But if we go, we have to set boundaries. We can't lose sight of our responsibilities here in Lysdonè."

"Thank you, Mom!" Elara exclaimed, her heart soaring. "I promise I'll stay grounded. I just want us to experience the beauty of Ellcries together. Please let's go tomorrow!"

"Alright," her mother said, a small smile creeping onto her lips despite her worries. "But we'll go at dawn, and we'll make it a quick trip. We'll return before anyone realizes we're gone."

As Elara prepared for the journey ahead, excitement bubbled inside her. She could hardly sleep that night, her mind racing with images of Ellcries. The thought of sharing the beauty of the City of Dreams with her mother filled her with joy. Elara knew that this experience could strengthen their bond, allowing them to face the shadows that had plagued Lysdonè together.

At dawn, they set out, the world still wrapped in a gentle slumber. Elara felt the pulse of anticipation in her veins as they reached the temple. The air felt charged with energy, and the shimmering portal awaited them, ready to transport them to a place where dreams came to life.

"Are you ready?" Elara asked her mother, glancing back with a mix of hope and excitement.

Her mother nodded, though her expression remained wary. "Let's see this City of Dreams you've been raving about."

Elara took her mother's hand, squeezing it tightly as they stepped through the portal together. In an instant, the familiar sights of Lysdonè faded, replaced by the radiant light and beauty of Ellcries.

As they emerged, Elara's breath caught in her throat. The City of Dreams spread before them, vibrant and alive, more breathtaking than she had ever imagined. She turned to her mother, ready to share this incredible world with her, ready to show her the magic that had forever changed her life.