Michrinor: The Fates of The Heirs

Chapter 10 - Clarity

The morning air was cool and fragrant, with the scent of forest trees and damp soil lingering in the breeze. Ava slowly opened her eyes, momentarily disoriented, before the memories of the previous day rushed back. She sat up, taking in her surroundings, the towering trees of the Beli Forest rising far above her head. Her companions were already up and about, bustling quietly as they dismantled their makeshift beds.

The waterfall nearby shimmered in the morning light, its waters a mesmerizing greenish-blue. Pearl and silver stones lined the banks, catching the sunlight and casting a gentle glow across the forest floor. Small, fish-like creatures with legs like frogs hopped onto the large purple flowers that floated on the water, snapping up flittering insects before diving back into the stream.

Ava's stomach rumbled, reminding her that the little bread she had eaten the night before hadn't been enough to fill her. As if on cue, Boondell approached her, a gentle smile on his face as he held out a pink fruit speckled with small green spots.

"You must still be hungry," Boondell said kindly. "Would you care for an arlink?"

Ava accepted the fruit, turning it over in her hands. "What's an arlink?"

"A nourishing fruit," Boondell replied. "Quite good for an Indririam."

"An Indririam?" Ava repeated, furrowing her brow. "I have no idea what that is. I'm just, you know, human. From Texas."

Boondell's confusion mirrored her own. "Human? Texas? These names are still unknown to me. Are they near Smoreri?"

Ava shook her head, unsure how to answer. "I don't think so. Honestly, I don't know where that is."

Seeing her frustration, Boondell decided to let the matter rest for now. "No matter. Here, allow me to peel this for you," he said, carefully removing the pink outer layer to reveal the white, seed-speckled flesh inside. He handed her a piece.

Ava took a cautious bite, her eyes lighting up as the sweet, tangy flavor hit her tongue. "Wow, this is really good," she said, smiling. "Thanks."

Boondell nodded, pleased to see her enjoying the fruit. "Eat your fill. We have a long journey ahead."

As Ava finished eating, Boondell signaled Armol, who was standing by the stream, to join them. Armol approached, his expression contemplative.

"Armol," Boondell began in a low voice, "You said you are not aware of this Tesos or Humans?"

Armol's gaze drifted to the flowing water as he considered Boondell's words. "No, these names remain foreign to me. But her ignorance of our world, coupled with her appearance here, raises a question—could she be the one from the prophecy?"

Boondell's eyes narrowed. "The prophecy? You believe it might be her?"

"I cannot say for certain," Armol admitted. "But the signs align too closely to ignore. We must be cautious. Before we take her to Doreperth, I would ask her a few questions."

Boondell nodded in agreement, and together they approached Ava, who was finishing her meal. They sat down before her, brushing aside stray leaves and twigs as they settled in.

"Ava," Armol began, his tone gentle but serious, "may we ask you a few questions?"

"Sure," Ava replied, curious and a little nervous.

Armol pointed to the top of her shoe. "Do you have a mark on your foot, here?"

Ava blinked in surprise. "Yeah, how do you know about that?" she asked, feeling a bit uneasy. "Can you see through clothing? Are you guys reading my mind or something?"