Elspeth had always known she was different. She was an orphan who lived with her aunt and uncle in a small village on the outskirts of the kingdom. She had never fit in with the other children and often found solace in her own thoughts and daydreams.
One day, while walking in the woods near her home, Elspeth stumbled upon a strange object. It was a small crystal, shimmering with a faint light. As soon as she picked it up, she felt a surge of energy course through her body. She could feel the magic flowing through her, and she knew that she was different in a way she had never imagined.
Elspeth brought the crystal back to her aunt and uncle's cottage and spent the rest of the day trying to understand what had happened. She experimented with the crystal, trying to make it glow brighter or change color. She felt a sense of excitement and wonder that she had never experienced before.
That night, as she lay in her bed, Elspeth felt a strange sensation. It was as if the crystal was calling to her, urging her to follow it. She knew that she had to find out more about her powers, and she knew that the crystal was the key.
The next day, Elspeth set out on a journey to discover the truth about herself. She walked for days through the countryside, searching for any signs of magic. She encountered other travelers and villagers, but none of them seemed to know anything about the crystal or the magic that flowed through her.
Finally, on the fifth day of her journey, Elspeth came upon a small cottage in the woods. It was nestled between two tall trees, and smoke rose from the chimney. As she approached, she heard the sound of voices coming from inside.
Elspeth pushed open the door and stepped inside. She found herself in a small room filled with books and strange objects. In the center of the room sat an old man with a long beard, who looked up at her with a smile.
"Welcome, young mage," he said. "I have been waiting for you."