Under the gentle canopy of a sprawling tree perched atop a small hill near the town, Eliss and her friends laid out a simple yet delightful picnic. They spread a soft blanket on the lush grass, arranging their favorite snacks as they settled in for a leisurely afternoon. The hill offered a panoramic view of the city below, its rooftops glistening under the sun, providing a beautiful backdrop to their gathering.
As they nibbled on their treats, the conversation flowed freely, laughter mingling with the gentle rustle of leaves in the breeze. It was Liora who steered the conversation toward dreams and aspirations. "So girls, what do you want to do once you get older?" she asked, her eyes twinkling with curiosity.
Rowena, always the romantic, responded first, her voice tinged with whimsy. "I just want to have a simple life. Find my prince from a fairy tale, and live in a palace. Not much." Her words were light-hearted, and her friends chuckled at her dream, appreciating her consistent desire for a storybook ending.
Esabel, whose passion for the arcane was well-known among her friends, spoke next. Her eyes lit up with the excitement of a true scholar. "I want to explore magic. Find new spells, decrypt ancient books, and maybe create my own magic," she explained earnestly, her enthusiasm palpable. "There's so much about magic that we still don't understand, and I want to be at the forefront of new discoveries."
"Fascinating," Liora murmured, genuinely impressed by Esabel's ambitious plans.
Tara, whose compassionate nature was evident even at a young age, shared her vision next. "I want to help others. There are so many kids in slums that barely can eat. We are blessed to live in rich families. I want to spread that blessing to others." Her voice was soft yet firm, her resolve clear. The group fell silent for a moment, struck by the nobility of her aspirations. "Wow," they murmured collectively, nodding in agreement and admiration.
Then all eyes turned to Eliss. She took a deep breath, gathering her thoughts. "I want to become strong, explore the world, see new places," she began, her voice filled with a wanderlust that had always been part of her spirit. "Imagine, girls, 'Legends about Eliss' or 'Eliss who discovered new world' that sounds amazing, doesn't it?"
Liora, who had always shared a special bond with Eliss, laughed and quickly added, "In that case, this should be called 'Legends about Eliss and Liora.' I also want to be an adventurer too. And who better to do it with than you, Eliss? You will be the mage that protects me while I charge at the enemy." Her words drew hearty laughs from the group, but there was a serious undertone to her jest. Liora and Eliss had always been particularly close, their friendship a deep bond forged by shared dreams and complementary spirits.
As the afternoon wore on, the girls continued to share stories, dreams, and laughter under the shade of the tree. The warm glow of the sun, the soft breeze, and the chirping of birds created a perfect symphony that underscored their joyful gathering. Once the sun began to set lower, they gathered everything and got to rest early as tomorrow was a big day for all of them.
The dawn of a new day brought with it a palpable sense of excitement and apprehension. Eliss, dressed in her newly donned leather armor, felt both its protective embrace and the weight of the forthcoming adventure. As she made her way to the meeting spot, her steps were quick and purposeful, a reflection of her eager yet anxious spirit.
Upon arriving, Eliss was surprised to find only Liora already there, her unmistakable reddish-brown hair catching the morning light, her hand waving energetically as she spotted Eliss approaching. Liora's wide smile was a beacon of comfort. She was in leather armor with a sword on her waist.
"Hello," Eliss greeted, her tone mixed with surprise and curiosity. "Where is everyone?"
"They should be here sometime soon. You are actually ahead of time," Liora responded, her voice light, betraying none of the nervous excitement that Eliss felt bubbling within her own chest.
As they sat waiting for the others, Liora's expression turned reflective, tinged with a hint of nostalgia. "Eliss, it's been a long time. How long have we been learning together—nine, ten years?"
"Ten years, I believe," Eliss replied, her mind flicking through a decade of shared experiences and adventures in training.
Liora's eyes softened, her smile warming with the memories. "I'm so glad that you also want to explore the world. Truly, I couldn't imagine a better person to go with than you."
"That's true," Eliss said enthusiastically, her heart swelling with mutual affection and anticipation for the adventures that lay ahead. "Going with you will add another level to all these experiences. I also couldn't imagine a better person than you." Their shared dreams of adventure had always been a central strand of their friendship, binding them with aspirations and hopes for the future.
Their heartfelt exchange was interrupted as the rest of their group finally arrived. Tara, Esabel, and Rowena approached, each dressed in combat attire that marked the seriousness of their upcoming mission. Their arrival signaled it was time to depart to the gathering place.
Together, the group of friends walked towards the bustling assembly area where many other people were already congregating. The atmosphere was charged with a mixture of anticipation and solemnity as mages and warriors alike prepared for the unknown. They all stood in lines, awaiting their turn to step through the portal that would whisk them away to their mission's starting point.
Adjacent to the portal stood a figure that commanded immediate attention. Cloaked in an elaborate garment that whispered of power and mystery, he held a staff that seemed to pulse with an inner light. This was no ordinary mage; his presence exuded a formidable aura that made the air around him thrum with energy. He was known to be the strongest mage present, and his reputation as one of the mightiest in the entire mission was undisputed.
His eyes, sharp and discerning, scanned the crowd periodically, assessing the readiness and resolve of those he was about to lead. To Eliss and her friends, he was both an emblem of the incredible potential of their chosen path and a stark reminder of the dangers they would face. His silent vigil over the proceedings added gravity to the moment, making the reality of their departure all the more tangible.
As they waited their turn, Eliss and her friends exchanged looks of encouragement and quiet resolve. The powerful mage's silent watchfulness, the buzz of conversation around them, and the looming portal formed a backdrop to their own personal reflections on the threshold of a journey that would test their bonds and their bravery.