Zhilakoa woke up feeling restless, her mind still reeling from the stories Jaya had shared the night before. She couldn't shake off the feeling that something was waiting for her, something big.
As she got dressed and headed outside, she noticed a strange quietness in the village. The usual bustle and chatter were replaced with an eerie stillness. She quickened her pace, her heart beating faster with every step.
Suddenly, she heard a faint whisper in her ear. "Zhilakoa, the time has come." She spun around, but there was no one there. The voice seemed to come from all around her, echoing off the trees.
Zhilakoa ignored the voice and continued to walk to the market, lost in thought, when she saw a familiar figure standing by the old oak tree. It was Eryn, his piercing eyes fixed on her as she approached.
"Zhilakoa," he said, his voice low and mysterious. "We need to talk."
Zhilakoa felt a shiver run down her spine as she nodded, her heart racing with anticipation. They walked together in silence, the only sound the rustling of leaves beneath their feet.
"What is it, Eryn?" Zhilakoa asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
"The Order of the Oak is gathering," he replied, his eyes scanning the surroundings as if searching for unseen listeners. "The crystal's power is growing, and we need to prepare for what's to come."
Zhilakoa's mind raced with questions, but before she could ask any, Eryn continued, "Meet me at the ancient ruins at midnight. Come alone."
With that, he turned and disappeared into the shadows, leaving Zhilakoa with more questions than answers. But she knew she had to trust him, and she couldn't wait to uncover the secrets that lay ahead.
Zhilakoa stood there for a moment, watching the spot where Eryn had vanished. She felt a sense of excitement mixed with trepidation. What did he mean by "what's to come"? And what was the purpose of the mysterious meeting at the ancient ruins?
She shook her head, trying to clear her thoughts. She had to focus on the present moment. She couldn't change the course of events, but she could prepare herself for what was to come.
With a newfound sense of determination, Zhilakoa turned and walked back to her mother's stall. She spent the rest of the day gathering her thoughts, trying to make sense of the strange occurrences. She felt like she was being pulled into a world beyond her own, a world of magic and mystery.
As the sun began to set, Zhilakoa made her way to the ancient ruins, her heart pounding in her chest. She had no idea what to expect, but she was ready to face whatever lay ahead.
As she approached the ruins, she saw a figure waiting for her in the shadows. It was Eryn, his eyes gleaming with an otherworldly intensity.
"Zhilakoa," he said, his voice low and urgent. The time has come for you to begin your training," Eryn said. "The Order of the Oak has been waiting for you, and the crystal's power is growing stronger by the day. You have a crucial role to play in the days ahead, and I am here to guide you on your journey."
Zhilakoa felt a surge of excitement. She had no idea what lay ahead, but she was ready to face it.
"Let us begin," Eryn said, his voice low and mysterious. "Your training starts now."
And with that, Eryn led Zhilakoa into the ancient ruins, where the secrets of the Order of the Oak awaited her. The air was thick with energy, and Zhilakoa could feel the weight of her destiny calling. She was ready to embrace it.
As they walked deeper into the ruins, Zhilakoa noticed a series of intricate yet strange symbols etched into the walls. They were Adinkra symbols, each with its own unique meaning and significance. She saw; Gye Nyame, the symbol of God's omnipotence, represented by a stylized image of a circle with a dot in the center.
Sankofa, the symbol of looking back to move forward, depicted as a bird looking backward with an egg in its beak.
Akoma, the symbol of love and compassion, represented by a heart-shaped image with a curved tail.
Nyame Dua, the symbol of God's connection to nature, depicted as a stylized tree with a crown on top.
Kwabenya, the symbol of strength and resilience, represented by a stylized image of a bent arm with a fist.
Funtumfu, the symbol of unity and solidarity, depicted as a stylized image of two or more people holding hands.
And then, she saw it; a large, prominent symbol of Eywa, the universal spirit and mother goddess of the Na'vi people. The symbol was intricately carved into the wall, its curves and lines seeming to shimmer in the flickering torchlight. It was as if Eywa herself was watching over Zhilakoa, guiding her on her journey and offering her wisdom and protection.
The symbol of Eywa was a powerful reminder of the connection between all living things, and Zhilakoa felt a sense of awe and reverence wash over her as she gazed upon it. She knew that she was not alone on this journey, and that the spirits of the land and the ancestors were guiding her every step of the way. They seemed to pulse with a faint, blue light, and she could feel their power calling to her.
"What are these symbols for?" Zhilakoa asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
"They are the markings of the Order of the Oak," Eryn replied, his eyes gleaming with intensity. "They hold the secrets of our power, and they will guide you on your journey."
Zhilakoa nodded, her heart racing with excitement. She was ready to uncover the secrets of the Order of the Oak, and she was ready to face whatever lay ahead.
Now, Eryn said. Lesson 1...