EverRealm

Journey to the Crystal Caves

"I just admire him as a sorcerer," Elora whispered defensively, then immediately regretted acknowledging Miri's implication.

"Of course you do," Miri replied with a gentle smile that didn't quite hide her amusement. "His... magical technique must be fascinating to study."

Elora felt her cheeks burning. She glanced across the clearing where Cedric and Sofia were deep in conversation, their heads bent together over a map. Cedric's profile was outlined against the moonlight, his slender fingers tracing something on the parchment while Sofia nodded attentively.

"He's not what I expected from a royal sorcerer," Elora admitted quietly, watching how the breeze ruffled his two-toned hair. "He seems so... unsure of himself sometimes, but then there are moments when he's brilliant."

Miri's expression softened. "The most interesting people are often full of contradictions."

Koa chirped and hopped closer, tilting his head at Elora as if analyzing her.

"Don't you start too," she told her bird, who merely blinked his large eyes innocently.

"H-Hey, Cedric! Miri told me something very interesting!" Elora shouted, quickly running over to him and Sofia. Miri followed behind her at a more leisurely pace, still smiling that knowing smile that made Elora want to disappear.

The sudden interruption startled Cedric, causing him to drop his wand which he had been using as a pointer. He fumbled to catch it, nearly tripping over his robes in the process.

"What is it?" Cedric asked. His expression was curious, one eyebrow slightly raised in that way that always made Elora's heart beat just a little faster. Sofia looked between them with interest.

"Did you learn something about your past?" Sofia asked eagerly, her eyes bright with hope for her new friend.

Elora took a deep breath, grateful for the chance to change the subject. "Miri, tell them what you told me about the crystal caves."

"Legends says that high in the mountains around here, there is a crystal cave. The magic is said to be so concentrated that it forms crystals."

Sofia's eyes widened with wonder, and Cedric leaned forward slightly, his attention completely captured. Elora felt a small twinge of relief as the focus shifted away from her.

Sofia gasped softly. "I've read about crystallized magic in my studies, but I thought it was just in fairy tales!"

"The people around here say that even with a small shard, it can double a sorcerer's power." Miri explained.

Cedric's eyes widened. "Double? That's... that's extraordinary." He turned to Elora, something like excitement flickering across his face. "With that kind of magical enhancement, we might stand a chance against Vana's creatures."

"That what I was thinking." Elora spoke, smiling a little, finding his excitement cute. The way his eyes lit up when discussing magic always gave her a warm feeling.

"But with such a powerful cave, wouldn't there be some kind of guardian?" Sofia wondered.

Miri nodded. "The caves aren't unprotected. Legend says they're guarded by creatures made of the same crystal—sentinels that test the worthiness of those who seek the power within. Not just anyone can take the crystals. They must prove their intentions are pure."

"How does one prove that?" Sofia asked, her brow furrowed in concentration.

"That part of the story varies," Miri admitted. "Some say it's a test of courage, others say the guardians can see into your heart."