Chapter 122: The Dreaming Realm
Having fortified their position against the darkness, the Keepers gathered once more in the ancient ruins. The air was thick with anticipation as they prepared to delve into the next chapter of their journey. They had learned of a realm accessible only through dreams—a mysterious place that held the potential to aid them in their fight against the shadows.
"I've been thinking about how we can reach this elusive realm," Kael said, his brow furrowed in concentration. "We need to learn how to lucid dream and astral project."
Lyra nodded in agreement. "Lucid dreaming allows us to become aware within our dreams, while astral projection lets us separate our consciousness from our physical bodies. Together, they can guide us to this warped realm."
"But we'll need protection," Aric added, glancing around at their allies. "It's said that the realms we enter in this state can be unpredictable and dangerous."
Elder Maelis stepped forward, his voice calm and wise. "Indeed. We can draw upon ancient practices to gather resources that will aid us on this journey. Many old pagan traditions utilized various tools for protection during spiritual journeys."
The Keepers listened intently as Elder Maelis explained the significance of these resources.
"First, we can gather protective herbs," he began. "Sage is known for its purifying properties, often used to cleanse spaces of negative energy. When burned, it creates a protective barrier against unwanted spirits. (Sage - Purification)"
"Next, we should find mugwort. It's associated with dream work and is believed to enhance lucid dreaming. Placing it under your pillow can help you achieve a state of awareness while dreaming. (Mugwort - Dream enhancement)"
"Salt is another powerful element. It has been used for centuries to create protective circles and ward off malevolent forces. We can use it to create a barrier around our sleeping area. (Salt - Protection)"
"Lastly, we could craft amulets from natural stones, like black tourmaline or amethyst. These stones are believed to provide spiritual protection and enhance our intuitive abilities. (Black Tourmaline - Protection, Amethyst - Intuition)"
With their plan set, the Keepers split up to gather the necessary materials. They felt a sense of purpose, knowing that they were preparing for a journey into the unknown.