As the town's last torch light faded into the night's sky, Lucia stepped into the island's heavy wilderness.
It felt as though whatever was in the ruins, called to her. Never before had she felt less in control of her own body. Wow, she's really ACTUALLY doing this RIGHT NOW.
It felt insane, no, completely mental. She had made sure to bring her own torch, however, in the dead of night in a forest filled with potentially dangerous creatures, there was only so much it could do.
Surely when Cynthia told her of the ruins, she didn't mean to drop everything and risk your life to go immediately.
The entire exchange felt rushed to her. Suspiciously rushed.
The way the Priestess almost cheekily brought up the ruins like it was nothing was strange. She could have sworn it was the same tone the priestess used when simply asking about the weather.
Cynthia seemed to walk out of the tent as fast as she said her bit as well.
Lucia had to admit that the priestess was quite cheeky in terms of personality and likely wasn't trying to drag the whole "I know you're an atheist" thing anymore than she needed to. However, she would have wished for a bit more information before she ventured into the unknown. Though of course, she knew charging right in without even attempting to pry for information was entirely her fault.
Who knows, perhaps Cynthia would have told Lucia after all if she had stuck around for even one more day.
The ruins weren't exactly far from the island, in fact, they were directly on it. If her estimations were correct, back in the ancient times, the island would have still been connected to land.
However, her trip wasn't exactly without risk, the Faurians were prohibited from even leaving the hidden town let alone visiting a place that the government may be scouting.
The safety of the town stemed from its difficult access and rough surrounding terrain. From an altitude it appears to be an unassuming dense forest.
The smell of wet greenery and animal feces combined to create a smell so pungent, it was somewhat hard to breathe.
Lucia's skin was coated in the oils and droplets that fell from the vegetation above her.
She kept telling herself that it wasn't too late to turn back and even tried backtracking more than once. However, in the end the result was always the same. She'd feel an irresistible urge to keep going.
The environment of which she lived her entire life isn't necessarily what one would consider cozy. During the summer, the heat was unbearable and during the winter, it wasn't rare to have an icicle sticking out of your nose.
As you could imagine, the temperature insulation wasn't great on the island. But, Lucia and her father shared one of the largest homes. Others who had larger families only shared small tents, she didn't dare be ungrateful. She never had the opportunity to, although life was humble, no one felt out of place or oppressed. For followers of the red stone, sometimes that's all they really needed.
Fauria Island lacked natural resources, regardless of the efforts to grow them. The Faurians quickly learned outside contact was vital for true advancement. Unfortunately, all they had was themselves for support in this cruel world.
As resources depleted and populations grew, constructing homes for the refugees proved to be difficult.
Even having experienced those struggles her whole life, everything about the forest she was walking through made her unbelievably uncomfortable. She felt the urge to attack her own hair and check every inch of clothing for insects every step she took forward.
She imagined what her father's face would look like once he gets wind of what's happened. Lucia had been shielded from the outside her entire life, to go out so suddenly and unannounced would only worsen her father's condition. She felt incredibly guilty for all of it.
If only she could be half the leader her father is. No matter how many people objected, her father was always on her side. He was a respected and straightforward man, willing to give up basic luxuries just to see his people smile.
His sermons were uplifting and inspiring to all who were listening, even Lucia. When he spoke the words of the Saint King, it was as though they were his own- expressing his love and kindness for all.
No doubt he cared deeply for his daughter. Yet, he was never able to see her struggles to fit in.
"Father-"
Lucia mumbled in a hushed tone while attempting to lift a branch.
"I- I won't let you down"
And so, she pressed forward for hours, which seemed like days.
That is, until she reached her final obstacle. A wave of fright shivered her skin when she saw the river rapids that flows from the largest mountain on Fauria.
She searched for an hour, looking for a way to cross. The only choice seemed to just go through it. Naturally, she knew that was a death sentence for someone as unprepared as her.
The ruins of Valene were no doubt across the river. To be this close to her destination yet so far was frustrating to say the least.
There had to be something…..if what Cynthia said was true, then she had made this trip herself. Cynthia was able to make it across, therefore, there had to be a way.
Lucia carefully eyed her surroundings.
"No way…..i'm NOT doing that" She screamed to herself.
Her eyes locked onto a log that seemed to span across the rapids.
Though risky, she could in theory attempt to grab onto it and slowly inch towards the opposite side.
She knew then that it was the only option she had. As she was telling her feet to walk away, they seemed to be doing the opposite.
If her inner thoughts were to be revealed in that moment, all that would be heard is continuous, terrified screaming.
She hugged the log like her life depended on it and despite the pain of blisters entering her skin, she kept sliding forward.
The muddy water that enveloped her ankles entered several cuts and bruises. Every drop of the harsh current felt like an electrical shock to her delicate skin. She loudly hissed in pain whilst squinting her eyes.
Even when she had at last made it to the other side, the terror still hadn't fully left her. Now the question of the day was how in the saint king's name she would even manage to get back.
She turned her head and in the distance, and gazed at the scarlet flag of the Ancient empire of Elicia waving in the far distance.