**The Council of the Ancients**
As we walked, the vision of the prophecy continued to play in my mind. I could see the warriors fighting against the darkness, and I knew that we had to be a part of it.
But as we approached the edge of the forest, I saw a group of wise and ancient beings gathered around a large stone table. They were the Council of the Ancients, and they were discussing the fate of the world.
The goddess was among them, and she looked up as we approached. Her eyes were filled with a deep understanding and wisdom.
"Ah, you have returned," she said. "And with the gifts we gave you. You have been chosen to play a key role in shaping the fate of the world."
I felt a sense of humility wash over me as I looked at the Council. They were ancient and wise, and I knew that we had to listen to their words.
The Council's leader, an ancient being with skin as white as snow and hair as black as coal, spoke up. "We have been watching you, and we have seen your growth and your strength. You are ready to face the challenge ahead."
I felt a sense of determination wash over me as I looked at Riven. We were ready for whatever lay ahead.
The Council continued to speak, explaining the prophecy and our role in it. They told us that we had to go to the land of darkness, where the warriors were fighting against the darkness. We had to help them defeat the evil forces that threatened to destroy the world.
And then, they handed us two ancient artifacts. One was a staff that glowed with a warm light, and the other was a shield that shimmered with a silver light.
"These will help you on your journey," the Council's leader said. "But you must remember that you are not just fighting for yourselves. You are fighting for the future of the world."
I felt a sense of weight settle on my shoulders as I looked at Riven. We knew that this was no easy task, but we were ready to face it.
What lay ahead for us now?
To be continued...