In the early morning, I awoke to find my attire meticulously laid out by my ever-reliable handmaiden, Lily. The day's anticipation hung in the air, and a hearty breakfast awaited me.
I understood that my parents might not wish to see me off personally, so I decided to go kiss my baby brother before I left.I placed a kiss on his cheeks making sure not to wake him
"Could you deliver this to my parents?" I said, handing the letter to Lily.I wrote it last night before going to bed
"Of course, Lady Elara, but wouldn't it be better to see them before you leave?" she inquired, concern etched on her face.
"No, I know my parents; they will prefer it this way," I replied, casting a glance toward their chambers.
I began my preparations by donning the sleek, form-fitting black leather outfit, which seemed tailored to my every curve. The material clung to my figure, exuding an air of confidence and danger.
As each piece of the ensemble fell into place, I felt a surge of empowerment, as if the attire itself held the promise of adventure.
Next came the tall and imposing boots made from the finest leather. I pulled them up my legs, feeling the soft rustle of the material against my skin.
With the boots securely in place, I moved to a small wooden table in my chamber. There lay my most cherished possession—The dagger.I wanted to name it after the one who gave me but I didn't want to draw attention to myself
Carefully, I strapped the dagger to my thigh using a series of leather bands.
In the dim light of my room, I stood tall, my leather-clad figure radiating an aura of allure
After bidding farewell to Lily, I left my home with only a satchel slung over my shoulder.If I made it to the Academy in one piece my family will send out my luggage
I headed in the opposite direction of my family's residence, making my way to the forgotten library on the outskirts of town. I paced myself trying not to use all my strength before she started
Upon my arrival at the library, it was bustling with people, each carrying their own assortment of supplies. I spotted Dain in the crowd but couldn't find Lauretta. I approached Dain and inquired about her
"Where is Laura?" I asked, using our nickname for her.
"I have no idea. I thought she was going to come with you," Dain replied, scanning the surroundings for her.
While we searched for Lauretta, my gaze unexpectedly locked with Baelor, who took the opportunity to approach me and aggravate me with his presence.
"You seem really anxious. I'm sure I can help you with that," he taunted, his face twisted with a smirk.
"I would rather die," I retorted, my disgust evident. Baelor leaned closer, whispered in my ear, and added, "Be careful what you ask for, princess." He then pulled back and tilted his head,
"Stop being a Dick Baelor"i spat out
"That's not the way to talk to your husband"he said as I walked past him letting out a low laugh "In your dreams" i yelled
Dain, who always enjoyed our banters, simply stood there with a smile on his face.
A few minutes later, Lauretta arrived, her cheerful demeanor a stark contrast to the tension in the air. As the group gathered, Lord Fireheart, appeared as if from thin air, commanding our attention.
"The journey to the Academy is no easy feat," Lord Fireheart began, his presence silencing the bustling crowd. "To reach it within the allotted three days, aspiring students must traverse the treacherous Mistwood Forest. Beware of the voices that may call to you; resist such temptations.
You will cross the cursed river, where 50 boats await at the shore. The first to reach them will be fortunate. The rest must find their own way. The final path is to cross the bridge. Good luck, future riders."
With that, Lord Fireheart departed, and the library erupted into movement as everyone dispersed. I thought out loud, "We all know the route from the library, head south, right?" I assumed that Dain and Lauretta would leave with me, but when I looked around, they were nowhere to be seen.
As we all waited around the library, anticipating our departure, Lord Fireheart returned with a quiet but commanding presence. "And Cadet, for your sake, wait for my signal command before leaving. Once you leave the library, there is no veil of protection over you," he warned, looking across the room at wide-eyed faces.
Lord Fireheart's advice was straightforward; he emphasized that starting the journey in the dark would attract dangerous creatures. He assured us that he would give a clear signal when it was time to leave. When Thorian inquired about recognizing this signal, Lord Fireheart's reply was simple: "Trust me, you'll recognize it."
Dain was nowhere to be seen.If I could find him then finding Lauretta wouldn't be that much of a challenge
Then I met someone ,he said his name was Jacque. Apparently we were in the same school together as kids but I couldn't remember that face one bit.
"Elara right"Jacque said standing in my path "Yes"I said trying to walk around him
"I'm Jacque"he said extending his hand which I didn't take
"Do I know you?"I asked confused and he shook his head "Well yes I think but we were little"he replied
"Oh nice to meet you"was all I was able to muster as I stepped around him
"I would love to be your friend"he said walking beside me "I have lots of friends,I don't need more "i lied
And he let out a soft laugh "okay then,at least let me be your companion and if by the time we get to the Academy I don't prove I am friendship worthy then we can call it quits"
I didn't have the time and the strength to argue with him so I agreed
Almost immediately I saw Selene "Have you seen Dain or Lauretta" I ask her drawing her attention from the blade she was sharpening and she shook her head
"Elara let's go together"she said more like an order instead of a request and I nodded as she stood up from the boulder she sat upon
"Thorian!!!"selene shouted and waved to get his attention.Seems they are much closer than they appear
As he came close,she went in for a hug
"Have you seen Dain"she asked him and he shook his head
"Hi Elara"he said giving a small wave "Who is this"he asked with his brows raised
"A companion" was all I was able to say.
"Where is your brother"I ask him looking around "He's not interested in all this"he said
Soon after we found Dain having lots of laughs with a group I was sure he just met.Dain could make friends with a rock if given the opportunity
Suddenly we heard a loud bang then came silence
"I am assuming that was his sign" a feminine voice said from behind and every one ran in every direction
I stiill couldn't find Lauretta and assumed she had left