The Chosens footsteps make a soft muffle for each step they take toward Luminal Woods. Before they could venture deeper, one of the chosen stopped them with an extended arm in front of them.
That chosen turned around and smiled, "Alright everybody!" He raised his voice, "I know we're all strangers since we are in the same boat, I think it's about time we get to know one another, starting with our names. I'll start off, I'm Edward. Now who's next?"
"Oh! Me, me!" A chosen raised her hand with a big grin on her face, and soon enough all attention was all on her, "Name's Camille, nice to meet ya!"
"Okay, I guess we're just going in a circle telling each other's name then," A chosen murmured, "Alright then, my name is Jax."
Eventually, everyone took turns saying their names, Jamie, Colin, Lilith, Katheryn, and Spencer.
When it comes down to Viviana she said plainly her name.
"Viviana.." Jamie repeated, "Nah that's way too long, I'm calling you Vee!"
"Please don't."
"Okay!" Edward clapped his hand, "Now that are properly introduced, I think it's best if we were to pair up in search of the Azurims."
"Excuse me?" Spencer crossed his arms, "Why exactly do we have to do that? I think we're more than capable of searching for it ourselves."
"I'm aware of that, but at least this way the likelihood of us getting lost would lessen."
"Ooh! So I guess that big glow light isn't just for show." He pointed behind him and sure enough, there was the temple on top of a hill. A soft blue glow emitted from the building, looking exactly like a glow light.
"And exactly who are you to play leader and decide the best option for us?" Spencer continued, "Do you think we're in high school?"
Edward's brows wrinkled, "Well alright then, go off by yourself if that's what you want. Anyone who wants to be partnered, pick one and we can divide and conquer."
Viviana listened to those bozos nick pick, in all honesty, she sided with Spencer on this. She rather work alone than be in awkward silence with a stranger. Her eyes moved to the side to inspect the others, who all chatted with each other and eventually picked a partner they got along with best.
She slowly extracts herself from the group. It wasn't until she walked good feets away from them did she finally let out a long breath of air.
'So many people. Not only just that but…I actually have to live with them?'
Viviana groaned, maybe if she worked hard enough she could afford a place to live but for now, she should focus on getting those Azurims. She scanned her surroundings, Viviana found herself at the threshold of Luminal Woods, where trees arched overhead, their trunks adorned with moss and flowers that looked familiar yet never looking like the flowers she seemed on earth.
'Hm…what did that guy say again? Didn't those flowers glow in the dark? If so then..'
Then she saw it, a soft blue glow against the trees barks. She walked towards it and saw the flower its petals bathed in moonlight, casting a blue luminescence. The flower's glow seemed almost ethereal, illuminating the surrounding foliage with a serene light. Its petals are delicate and slightly curved.
She stared at it for a moment longer, before she shook her head. She crouched down and gently touched its petals, it's soft and delicate. She wonders if putting it in her inventory will damage it in some ways.
Her hands then went to its root and as she was about to pluck the flower, she saw it again. Only clearer this time, hovering above the flower, were symbols, each distinct in shape and essence. One symbol shone brighter than the rest, its lines curving gracefully, almost mimicking the gentle glow of the Azurim itself. Surrounding it were other symbols—there was one that resembled a drop of water, another a gust of wind, and yet another that took the form of a leaf.
"What the.." She reached out to it but once again her hands phase through them, "Am I going insane?"
"I don't believe so."
Startled, Viviana spun to her left, her gaze landing on an old woman draped in purple robes, the fabric rich and deep as twilight. In her hands, she cradled more flowers, each surrounded by those same enigmatic symbols. The symbols seemed to dance and shimmer with an inner light.
"Who..what..who the hell are you?" She stammered as she rose and stepped a few feet away.
"Please do not be frightened my dear, I am simply an elderly woman."
"Elderly women aren't supposed to be this late in the night, especially in a forest like this." Viviana said the next words firmly, "I'll ask again, who are you?"
"Oh my," The woman placed a hand on her cheek, "you are a cautious one, well I suppose that is good considering you are a Chosen."
Viviana's brows furrowed, "I have many questions yet you're not answering one of them."
The woman sighed, "I suppose you're right, my name is Eldranthia, I've lived around these parts."
"In the woods? That seems rather strange."
"Not for a herbalist is not." She smiled, "Come with me my dear, I'm sure you will find some Azurims along the way."
When Viviana didn't budge, Eldranthia turned and said, "That is, if you want some answers."
Viviana opened her mouth before she just sighed and started following the so-called Herbalist.
‿̩̥̩‿̩̩̥͙̽‿̩͙ˊ⸊ˎˏ⸉ˋ‿̩͙‿̩̩̥͙̽‿̩͙
Eldranthia's cottage was a cozy enclave, walls lined with shelves overflowing with books, jars of herbs, and artifacts. A large, crackling fireplace filled the room with a gentle light, casting dancing shadows across the worn wooden floors. Dried herbs hung from the ceiling, their fragrances mingling with the scent of brewing tea. In one corner, a large cauldron simmered, while neatly arranged on a table were the tools of her trade: mortars, pestles, and vials of potion ingredients. Viviana took it all in, granted she was stiff compared to the elderly woman who was preparing tea with practiced hands, her movements smooth and assured.
Eldranthia finally approached the table with a set of tea, "Okay I waited long enough. How did you know I was a Chosen?"
Eldranthia stirred the cup, "Chosens are a rather special occasion, it's very easy to spot one based on their appearance alone."
Viviana looked down at herself, her attire stood out in the rustic warmth of Eldranthia's cottage. She wore a modern outfit in shades of purple, ensemble included a lightweight jacket, soft, comfortable fabric hugging her form, and practical boots.
"Hm.." Viviana cleared her throat, "Well then can you answer me this? What's…what's happening to me? Why do I keep seeing symbols around..well, everything?"
"What kind of symbols do they look like dearie?" Eldranthia rose from her chair and began to browsed through her collection of shelves.
As Viviana hesitantly told her their appearance, Eldranthia shuffled through her shelves until she brought out a large book, she placed the opened book on the table and pointed at one corner of the page, "Is it something like this?" She asked.
Viviana leaned in closer and her eyes widened, "I—yeah that's exactly it. What is that exactly? What does it mean?"
Eldranthia sat down across from her, "Those—" She pointed at the various symbols on the pages, "—are the properties of a variety of herbs and flora."
She closed the book and Viviana could see the title, 'Botanical Oracle'
"Every plant has its unique properties and effects, usually one must obtain a Verascope to see the essence of materials."
"Then..why can I see them?"
"Well, dearie it's normal for you, given your a chosen."
Viviana tilted her head, "Huh?"
Eldranthia blinked, "Oh dear, Lady Seraphina didn't explain to you yet, didn't she?"
"Explain what?"
Eldranthia sighed, "Every chosen who has arrived in this land has contained a special ability that we Ethyrians, do not have."
"So everyone in my group..has a unique special ability.." She thought about it for a moment before she cringed, "I don't know if that's a blessing or not."
"Well whether it is, it's only up to you." Eldranthia sipped on her tea, "Oh! Right, you're on a quest, aren't you? That Aaron boy must have sent you one."
"You know everything, don't you?" She smiled.
"Well, it's not that hard in this small town." Eldranthia rose, "Now I mustn't keep you here any longer the rest must be waiting for you." The elderly woman helped Viviana up.
"Oh, I don't know about that." She murmured.
"And whatever makes you think that?"
"I.." she began before she shook her head, "It's nothing, thank you for your hospitality Miss Eldranthia."
"Oh don't worry about it dearie and you can call me Eldran if you'd like."
Viviana turned to the door and just as she was about to open it she felt a tap on her shoulder. She looked behind her and saw Eldran holding up the book in front of her.
She extends the book to her, "Here you are my dear."
"Oh, oh I couldn't—"
"Please my dear," She placed the book on her hands, "I insist."
"I…thank you." She smiled.
Eldran smiled back before she nudged the girl forward, "Off you go dearie, you still have flowers to plunk."
Viviana chuckled as she was out the door quickly. Viviana, with the 'Botanical Oracle' now in her inventory, stepped back into the wilderness.