Tyrone's face held a solemn expression. "Then let us begin. The ritual of remembrance requires courage and heart. Aries you must confront the shadows within and face the truth about your past".
With a gentle gesture,he led her to a glowing crystal,nestled in a bed of velvet. The crystal pulsed with an ethereal light, its facet reflecting the whispers of the ancient ones.
"Place your hand upon the crystal Aries. Let the light of remembrance guide you.
Aries' hand trembled as she reached out,her fingers making contact with the crystal's smooth surface. The room began to fade and a vision unfolded before her...
Aries marvelled as the vision unfolded before her, like a tapestry of memories, she saw her parents... Lyra and Kael, standing hand in hand, their love shining like a beacon. They were powerful warriors, fighting for realm's peace and justice.
As the vision progressed, she saw her own birth surrounded by joy and celebration. But soon, darkness crept in. A rival clan,fueled by jealousy and ambition, sought to destroy Lyra and Kael's legacy .
Aries heart raced as she witnessed the brutal murder of her parents. She saw the ruthless leader Malakai striking down her father and the cruel evil sorceress, Xylara casting a deadly spell on her mother.
The vision was agonizingly clear and Aries felt the pain and horror of that fateful night.
Tears streamed down her face as she realized the truth, she was the sole survivor of her family's massacre.
The vision faded leaving her shaken up, she could feel her rage increasing with each passing moment.
Tyrone's gentle voice brought her back to present.
"Aries the secret of your past are now yours to carry,will you let the darkness define you or will you rise and claim your rightful place?".
Aries couldn't control the feeling of despair she felt at that moment,as recounts what she just saw, she felt heart broken all over again.
"Am sorry Tyrone,I have to go now". She said between sobs.
"I'll come back when am ready to continue".
"No apologies are needed, your heart has borne heavy burden and the weight of your past revealed. Take the time you need to process and grieve but don't let it weigh you down". Tyrone said,his eyes filled with compassion and understanding.
Aries nodded her eyes still brimming with tears, she quickly departed the cottage, the door closing gently behind her.
She stood atop a windswept hill, gazing out the vast expanse of the mystical forest. The vision of her parent's fate still lingered, fuelling her anger. Suddenly a faint whispering echoed through the trees beckoning her deeper into the forest. The ancient ones were calling, their voices carried on the wind.
The wind swept her deeper into the forest, the whispers of the ancient ones growing louder and louder, their voices like a gentle chant in her mind. The words became clearer,a haunting melody that spoke directly to her soul.
"Aries, daughter of Lyra and Kael , your heart bears the weight of their fate. Seek the oracle's wisdom,find the way to redeem your past and seal your destiny's gate".
The wind died down, leaving Aries standing before an enormous tree, it's branches twisted with age. The oracle's presence was palpable and Aries felt an eerie calm wash over her. She moved closer to the tree noticing a symbol engraved in it. As she drew nearer and nearer, the symbol began to glow with a soft light. The oracle's voice whispered in her mind.
"Aries, child of prophecy and daughter of Lyra and Kael. The symbol before you is the mark of remembrance,it holds the secrets of your family's past and the key to unlocking your true potential, touch it, feel it,let it speak to you".
Aries stretched forth her hand to touch the tree, feeling an unexplainable connection to the symbol, it began to shimmer and expand, enveloping her in a warm golden light.
Suddenly visions flooded her mind, memories of her parent's bravery, their unconditional love for her and the tragic events that led to their deaths. The vision shifted, revealing glimpses of her own destiny,a path fraught with danger,yet filled with purpose and hope.
The light faded leaving her changed forever, she felt a surge of determination and courage. Knowing that her parents loved her till their last breath, she was ready to face whatever ever lay ahead.
Something moved behind her...., she stayed still and listened, she could her footsteps and it was getting closer. Her hand instinctively reached for the dagger in her belt. She turned swiftly and attacked only to find out a little bit too late that it was Thrain, fortunately,he was able to dodge the strike on time.
Aries was relieved to see him but Thrain was impressed.
"Wow, your attack keeps getting better I must say". Thrain said walking up to her.
"What are you doing here Thrain, how did you find me?".
"It took me hours though, before I woke up you were gone,why did you leave without me?".
Aries walked passed him sheathing the dagger.
"Well I didn't want to wake you up, you were sleeping so peacefully".
"Don't go anywhere without me again,if anything happens to you,I don't know....". He paused his eyes locked onto hers,they stood there, seconds and minutes dragged by, accompanied by the gentle, rustling of leaves.
"Erm... your life could be in danger, you need protection always". Thrain said jerking back to reality. Aries smiled.
"Don't worry Thrain,am learning from the best swordman,with him I can be rest assured".
Thrain felt a tingling feeling in his stomach,he tried to pushed it aside.
"So what are you doing here,is this where Tyrone lives, inside this tree?". He asked pointing at the gigantic tree.
"No silly,I needed to clear my head. The ancient ones led me here, the secrets of my destiny was shown to me".
"Are you alright,looks like you cried a lot". Thrain just realized how red and a little swollen her eyes were,he tried to touch her face but she moved away from him as quickly as possible.
"Am alright now,I think we should head back to Tyrone's".
Thrain nodded and together they set off towards the cottage,the mystical forest seeming to watch over them with an eerie silence.
Tyrone was waiting patiently at the door post,he knew Aries would come back soon cause the journey ahead needs great wisdom and guidance. As they drew closer to the cottage, Tyrone sensed their presence and let out a dry grin.
"I see... she's not alone this time,she has come with the one true knight,noble and pure...".
He nodded in approval as soon as they came to sight.
"Thrain, the stalwart companion,I see the threads of fate weaving together".
Thrain gave Aries a surprised look that seemed to be screaming "How did he know my name?".
"He's a wizard remember". Aries returned the look.
"Aries you're back, I knew you would come back and I also know that somethings has been revealed to you, come,share with me the revelations. The winds of destiny are shifting and we must navigate the storm together". Tyrone said leading the way.
They entered the cottage, Tyrone gestured to the fire pit, where a small flame danced.
"Come,sit. The embers of knowledge awaits, Aries share your tale and let us unravel the mysteries of your destiny together".
Aries took a deep breath,her voice steady as she began to recount her encounter with the Oracle. Thrain listened intently,his eyes never leaving her face.
Tyrone nodded thoughtfully, his eyes sparkling with ancient wisdom. Aries words kept pouring out like a river.
"They spoke about my parents fate, of the power that lies within me,they revealed the location of the ancient artifacts, the key to unlocking my true potential and they also warned me of the treacherous path, of the trials and battles that will test my courage and wits".
"I see the ancient ones have set you on the path of destiny Aries. You must embark on this journey no matter the danger but you must first of all find kamaita, the sacred dragon. She is going to play a crucial role in this journey of yours. Thrain here,as your noble knight,he will protect you from harm. Together,you shall face the unknown and a forge a new future ".
"Thrain is a knight?" Aries asked, surprised.
"Not just any knight,a noble one ". Tyrone replied, smiling.
Thrain's face turned a shade of crimson, his eyes darting towards Aries then to Tyrone with a hint of protest.
"Well... perhaps Tyrone words were a bit premature Aries, I'm just a humble warrior,no grand titles or noble lineage here, just a sword arm and a willingness to serve".
Tyrone chuckled, his eyes twinkling with mirth.
"Modesty becomes you Thrain but Aries needs to know the truth, you are more than just a skilled warrior, your lineage and honor are beyond reproach. The ancient ones have chosen you for this quest just as they have chosen Aries. Together you both will form a bond that will be crucial in the trials ahead".
Aries gaze lingered on Thrain,her expression a mix of curiosity and wonder. "I see ". She said softly.
"Let's embark on this journey together Thrain, noble knight, we have a destiny to fulfill ".
"So Thrain Aldrid,am calling upon you to become Aries' sole protector and defender,can you be able to handle it?". Tyrone asked with all seriousness. Thrain rose to feet and bowed slightly.
"Yes wise one,I swear,on this day to protect Aries with my life and defend her no matter the situation".