Emerging from the oppressive forest into an open plain was like stepping into a different world. The vastness of the sky and the warmth of the sun felt like a long-awaited embrace. We found solace beneath a solitary tree, where we could finally rest.
In a circle, we shared the meager provisions we had left—sips of water and a few fruits. Hunger and thirst gnawed at us, but we knew we had to ration our supplies. Dain, always practical, suggested we try to determine the day.
"We need to know how much time we have before we must cross the cursed river," he said.
As we glanced at each other, it became apparent that none of us had been keeping track of the days since we left the library. Time in the forest felt elusive, but we decided to recount the days to the best of our recollection, marking them on a piece of parchment.
After what felt like an hour of discussion and debate, we reached a rough estimate. We couldn't afford to rest for long. With renewed determination, we set off once more, drawing closer to the foreboding river.
Upon reaching the riverbank, my eyes widened as I spotted a familiar figure. Lauretta! Relief washed over me, but I couldn't believe I had left her behind earlier. Doubt crept in; what if it wasn't Lauretta?
Two boats remained by the river, and Lauretta was already untying one, accompanied by two strangers I hadn't seen before. Dain, never one to hesitate, sprinted ahead, convinced it was indeed Lauretta.
"Lauretta, Lauretta!" we yelled with joy, so loudly that it could have woken the dead. She looked up and hastily got into the boat, ready to paddle.
I, however, held back, still doubting my friend's identity. Dain had run ahead of me, and he was closer to the riverbank.
"That probably wasn't her," I said hesitantly, struggling to make out who was on the boat. My heart ached at the thought of abandonment.
"It definitely was her. We locked eyes, and she looked away. What was that about?" Dain replied, sounding hurt.
"We can hold a pity party when we get to the Academy. We have one boat left, and someone is already untying it,"Selene pointed out. As we looked toward the boat, there stood Baelor, untying his own boat.
As we approached Baelor's boat, he stood there with a smirk on his face, seemingly surprised to see us.
"Baelor,, you made it!" I exclaimed.
Baelor quirked an eyebrow at me. "Well, well, Elara Draconis, I didn't think you'd make it this far. Color me impressed."
I shot back with a confident smile. "Oh, Baelor, you know me. I'm full of surprises."
Baelor chuckled. "Indeed, you are. So, what brings you all the way here? Is there anything I can help you with? Need some survival tips, perhaps?"
Dain couldn't resist joining in, adding his own dose of sarcasm. "Actually, Baelor, we were thinking of a leisurely stroll along the riverbank, but then we saw your charming face and decided to ask for a ride on your boat."
Baelor feigned innocence, placing a hand over his heart. "Well, isn't that sweet of you? But you see, this boat is a delicate piece of craftsmanship. I'm not sure it can handle your... weight."
I couldn't help but laugh. "Oh, come on, Baelor. We promise not to sink your precious boat."
Baelor finally relented, a sly grin forming on his face. "Alright, alright. But you'll have to do one thing for me."
I raised an eyebrow, playing along. "And what might that be?"
Baelor leaned in closer, his voice low. "You have to beg me to let you on board."
I rolled my eyes, but with a playful smile, I said, "Fine, Baelor, we're at your mercy. May we please, pretty please, board your magnificent boat?"
Baelor chuckled, his mock seriousness fading. "Well, since you asked so nicely, hop on."
He looked over everything,his eyes finding someone....new
"Who is that"he asked pointing a finger at Jacque
"A new friend"i said sharply
As we boarded the boat and began our journey across the cursed river, there was a sense of camaraderie among us. We chatted about our expectations for the academy, from the mysterious uniforms to the dragons we hoped to bond with.
I, eager to lighten the mood, started the conversation. "I wonder what the uniforms will look like. I hope they look effortlessly good on me."
Dain, in his characteristic fashion, rolled his eyes. "I heard they're designed for comfort, considering all the training we'll be doing."
Jacque, who had been relatively quiet, finally spoke up. "Well, as long as they don't make me look ridiculous, I'm fine."
Our light-hearted banter stopped,which helped put our mind at ease for the little time that it did.
Once we reached the other side, Baelor's comment broke the silence. "That was easy, too easy, don't you think?"
Selene warned him. "Baelor, don't jinx it." She said with a nervous smile.
Curious about our next destination, we asked what lay ahead. When someone mentioned resting before reaching the academy, we followed the group, walking for a while until we decided to take a break.
We found a cluster of large rocks and, mindful of the need for watchfulness, took turns sleeping and keeping an eye out throughout the night. When morning came, we shared a quiet meal under the rising sun.
Our journey took an unexpected turn when we reached a mountain. Baelor recognized the situation and couldn't help but laugh. "Classic move, father," he remarked, hinting at the surprises set by Lord Fireheart.
As we began our ascent up the mountain, we relied on each other for support. The steep path and unforgiving rocks made conversation both a distraction and a comfort.
Dain, never one to keep his thoughts to himself, quipped, "You know, if I die climbing this mountain, tell my mother I fought off Gremlins to keep you safe. Falling off a mountain is a humiliating way to die."he said gesturing towards me
I finally spoke up, breaking the silence that had fallen over us. "I can't believe we've come this far."
But Selene, always the practical one, turned around and gave us an exasperated look. "Can you just keep it down? We're climbing a mountain here, not taking a leisurely stroll."
Dain chuckled, acknowledging Selene's point. "Alright, alright, no more talking."
So, in silence, we continued our ascent, our camaraderie and unspoken determination driving us forward as we conquered the mountain together.
Once we reached the top, we were surprised to find a large group of people waiting there. No one was sure what day it was, and confusion hung in the air.