As we entered the Whispering Willow, the familiar shrill of cicadas and the soft murmurs of the forest greeted us. It had been three months since Ishtar, Karim, Haruno, and I had seen each other, and the reunion was a mix of excitement and relief.
"Erik, you rascal!" Karim called out, his voice a blend of joy and mock annoyance. He rushed over and pulled me into a tight hug. "How have you been? Still getting into trouble with Menelaus, I see?"
I laughed, returning his hug with equal enthusiasm. "Oh, you know me, Karim. Trouble finds me no matter where I go. How's the training with the Shadowfen guild brother? I'm sure you've been excellent. I heard rumors you're poise to replace Radagast as guildmaster in no time," I joked.
Haruno sauntered over; her ever-present smirk plastered on her face. "Guildmaster my ass. Karim and the word excellent do not go well, Erik. He's been busy charming girl apprentices instead of learning new spells." She gave me a peck on my cheek.
Karim rolled his eyes dramatically. "At least I'm not like you sister, always trying to outsmart yourself. How many times did that backfire on you again?"
Just like that, and the twins are at it again, just like how I remembered them. Ishtar joined us, his presence calming as always. "I missed you all," he said quietly, his smile gentle but genuine. "Even your constant bickering," he eyed the twins.
"Hey!" Haruno and Karim protested in unison, which only made Ishtar and I laugh harder.
"Did anyone see Bran? I haven't noticed him," I asked the rest, as I looked around.
"Me neither," replied Karim.
"Who cares about that red-head monkey anyway?" Haruno chided.
Ishtar remained quiet. I scratched my head unable to find the right words to say. Sure, Bran was difficult at times, but I truly believe he's more than what he projects himself to be.
After a few more moments of small talks, playful banter and genuine inquiries about each other's well-being, we knew it was time to focus on our mission—to capture the elusive Willow Sprite and complete our first hurdle of the Magi Selection Exams.
"Alright, guys," I said, trying to sound more serious. "We've got a job to do. As much as I'd love to catch up more, we need to split up and complete the task." Ishtar nodded, his expression becoming more focused. "Agreed. The faster we complete this the sooner we can catch up properly," the twins said in unison as if they're reading each other's mind.
"Good luck, everyone," I said.
"Succeed at all costs!"
"See you in the next hurdle!"
"Take care, all of you."
We high-fived before heading in different directions save for the twins as they are counted as one applicant.
I could hear the faint sounds of the twins' arguments slowly fading into the distance until there's nothing but the sound of the birds chirping and the rustling of leaves as the cold wind blows the canopy.
Shafts of sunlight filtered through the branches, casting ever-changing patterns of light and shadow upon the forest floor. It was easy to lose track of time in this timeless place, where the passage of hours felt like mere moments.
The Whispering Willow earned its name from the soft, whispering voices that seemed to emanate from the very leaves and branches of the trees that constantly shifts formation which make it all the more difficult to map the place. No wonder many unsuspecting travelers often find themselves trap inside this forest.
I prepared myself for the task at hand. Sitting cross-legged on the mossy forest floor, I closed my eyes and began to center my thoughts. Breathing deeply, I envisioned the flow of magicules in my body, tiny sparks of energy that coursed through my veins like a bloodstream.
I focused on slowing that flow, calming each pulse until it was barely perceptible. In my mind's eye, I saw myself not as a mage, but as a simple stone—a small, unremarkable rock nestled among many in the forest.
Breathe in.
Breathe out.
Each inhale and exhale became slower, more deliberate, heart slowing to a steady, unwavering rhythm.
My thoughts grew calm, sinking down like pebbles into a still pond.
I let go of my sense of self, dissolving into the environment around me until there was no magic left to detect, only the quiet presence of nature. I stood up prepared to capture the fowl.