The news of the marauding nightmare creatures reminded Kiara and Kaidën of their unfinished task, bringing a stop to the tranquil rhythm of their regional travels. A sense of renewed purpose now drove them, their determination palpable as they convened with Nassaria and Nehru. Nassaria's face etched with worry, her eyes aglow with an ethereal purple light as she conjured her mystical sight, tracking the creatures' with an unblinking gaze.
"I see them. They're launching a series of concentrated attacks and this time...there are some of them in the northern border, and others in the east," Nassaria explained, tracing shimmering violet tendrils with her finger. "The nightmare creatures are headed for the northern border, it appears they are going to the Temple Of Yomugurn and also, the Temple of the Oracles which lies within the Syvn Woods, East. They look unusually different."
Kiara leaned closer, her eyes following Nassaria's finger. The tendrils pulsed with an otherworldy light, "Different?" she inquired, her voice laced with curiosity.
"They are… more organized now, like they are focused." Nassaria admitted. "There's a sense of purpose behind them, a deliberate targeting of specific locations or... perhaps, specific people."
Kaidën, his hand resting on the hilt of his blade, frowned. "Targeting? Why the
Syvn Woods and the Temple of Yomugurn? Who lives there?"
Nassaria sighed. "These places are home to the Oracles of Elara. They're gifted people, blessed with the ability to glimpse into the future. If the nightmare creatures are after them, then the Dreamwalker is after them."
A cold realization dawned on Kiara. "The Dreamwalker is possibly trying to silence them. He doesn't want them to reveal what's coming. If they can truly see the future, then there's much at stake."
The weight of this revelation settled heavily upon them. The Oracles were a vital part of Salakar's defense. Their visions, though cryptic at times, often offered valuable insights into impending threats. Silencing them could give the Dreamwalker a significant advantage.
"We need to stop them," Kaidën declared, his voice resolute as he fixed his gaze on Nassaria and Nehru. "Kiara and I will head East, to the Syvn Woods, protect the Oracles, and face the creatures head-on. You and Nehru will head north, to the Temple of Yomugurn and do the same. Protect the Oracles."
Nassaria nodded in agreement, her eyes meeting theirs. "The Syvn Woods is a place shrouded is a labyrinth of twisted trees and deceptive paths. Be careful. I know you're both powerful but still, be prepared for anything. Nehru and I will head to the Temple of Yomugurn, but remember...you are Salakar's line of defense within the dreamscape. Be cautious."
Kaidën furrowed his brows in thought, determination etched on his face. "We'll keep that in mind, Nassaria. Let's go."
Kiara's eyes locked onto Nassaria's, her voice steady. "We can handle this."
Nassaria replied, her expression calm. "I know. " Kaidën nodded curtly. "Let's go."
As they prepared to leave for the Syvn Woods, Kiara and Kaidën shared a heavy silence, each lost in their own thoughts. Kiara paced, her hands clenching and unclenching. "The Oracles might have seen something important." she said, breaking the silence, her voice tinged with worry.
Kaidën, kneeling to adjust his armour, glanced up, his brow furrowed. "I know," he replied, a deep concern evident in his blue eyes. "We will get to them and find out what it is." They exchanged a look of mutual understanding, understanding the gravity of the journey ahead. Kiara and Kaidën steeled themselves for the challenges ahead.
Nassaria, lost in thoughts, pondered for a moment, then she remembered something. "Wait!" She requested, making Kaidën and Kiara halt for a moment. "There is someone you might meet at the Syvn Woods. A former guardian, named Alora. They say she lives on the outskirts of the Syvn Woods but there's also a possibility that you might find her somewhere within the woods." She added.
Concern flickered in Kaidën's eyes. "A former Guardian?" He asked. His voice laced with curiosity.
Nassaria, her voice gentle yet firm, replied. "Yes. There's something you should know before you go," she began, her eyes reflecting the weight of the past. "Alora was once a guardian of Salakar, like us. She fought bravely alongside Nehru and I, until a devastating battle claimed the life of the man she loved. Overwhelmed by grief, she chose to leave her duties and step away from the life of a guardian. She lives on the outskirts of the Syvn Woods.
Kiara and Kaidën exchanged a look of surprise. Their facial expressions held a look of empathy as Nassaria gave them a map to help them navigate the Syvn Woods and get to the Temple of the Oracles.
Kiara, her white hair dancing in the wind, replied. "That's sad," she said, her voice held a tinge of sadness upon hearing about Alora's loss. "Well, if we cross paths with Alora, we might offer our condolences but thanks for the heads-up."
Kiara raised her hands, her fingers tracing intricate patterns in the air as tendrils of shadow coalesced, forming a swirling blue vortex. The air hummed with energy, and the ground beneath them trembled slightly. Kaidën stepped closer, his face set with determination.
Nehru and Nassaria exchanged a brief, knowing glance. Nehru's staff glowed faintly as he did the same, opening a shimmering portal to the Temple of Yomugurn, and then he nodded to Nassaria, who placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder before turning back to Kiara and Kaidën who were about to step into the portal opened up by Kiara. The silent understanding passed between them was palpable.
The vortex grew, its swirling depths promising a swift journey to the Syvn Woods. Kiara stepped forward, casting one final look at Nehru and Nassaria who nodded in unison, their expressions resolute. With a deep breath, Kiara and Kaidën stepped into the vortex, the world around them dissolving into a blur of shadows and light.
Nehru and Nassaria, their figures quickly disappearing into their portal as they set off toward the eastern border, ready to protect the other oracles from the encroaching nightmare creatures. The shimmer of the portal and Nehru's staff and the determined stride of Nassaria were the last things visible before the vortex closed behind Kiara and Kaidën, plunging them into the unknown.
Kiara and Kaidën emerged from the swirling vortex into the Syvn Woods, the damp earth muffling their landing. Around them, ancient trees loomed, a dense foliage with gnarled branches entwining to create an almost impenetrable canopy that cast eerie, shifting shadows.
The air was thick with the pungent scent of moss and damp earth, each breath heavy with the forest's age-old secrets. As they walked, Kiara conjured up shadowy tendrils that flickered and twitched, as she sensed the potent, unfamiliar magic of the forest. Kaidën's hand tightened around his blade, its soft glow barely piercing the oppressive gloom. They exchanged a look of steely resolve before stepping cautiously into the foreboding maze of twisted trunks and leaves.
Moments later, the sun's warmth a distant memory replaced as they seemed to walk in circles, returning back to the same spot everytime. Doubt began to gnaw at Kaidën. "Are we on the right track?" he muttered, his voice calm. "This forest seems to be actively trying to throw us off course."
Kiara, her shadow tendrils swirling protectively around them, offered an assuring smile. "I would say the same. Nassaria warned us though, but she wouldn't have sent us on a wild goose chase with a map that isn't really helping." She replied.
Kiara and Kaidën moved cautiously through the Syvn Woods, their senses heightened by their demon heritage, resisting the magic of the forest. Suddenly, a wisp of luminescent green smoke drifted into their path, coalescing into the form of a woman and then turning into a woman. The woman stood with an air of serene authority, her presence both commanding and calming. Her long brown hair flowed like a river of rich earth, cascading down her back in gentle waves. Eyes the color of the deepest sapphire glinted with wisdom and a quiet intensity, framed by beautiful and delicate yet strong features that spoke of countless battles fought and won.
Her robes, a rich azure adorned with silver, seemed to shimmer with an inner light, matching the glow of the staff she wielded with effortless grace. Around her neck hung an amulet, its gemstone pulsing faintly with a protective aura, symbolizing her deep connection to the mystical forces she commanded. Despite her appearance, there was a steely determination in her stance, a testament to her unwavering resolve and the formidable abilities she possessed.
Kiara halted, her shadow tendrils curling protectively around her. "You're Alora?" she asked, her voice steady with a tinge of curiosity.
The woman tilted her head, a slight smile playing on her lips. "I am," she confirmed, her voice as soft and elusive as the forest around them. "And I believe you seek passage through the Woods but the forest has a mind of its own."
Kaidën stepped forward, his grip on his astral blade firm. "Yes, we seek the Temple of the Oracles. They're in danger. The Dreamwalker sent nightmare creatures to attack them. We must get to them."
Alora's eyes narrowed, a flicker of anger crossing her serene face. "The Dreamwalker?...He has grown bolder." She scrutinized them for a long moment before nodding. "Very well. The dreamwalker and his nightmare creatures have become a bit of a problem. I will take you there. Come with me."
With that, Alora turned, her form blending seamlessly with the shadows as she led them deeper into the labyrinth of the Syvn Woods.
The journey through the woods became a battle against disorientation. The forest itself seemed to shift and twist, the paths vanishing and reappearing like phantoms.
Alora moved with uncanny grace, her steps barely disturbing the underbrush. Kiara and Kaidën followed closely, their eyes scanning the shifting shadows. The trees seemed to whisper secrets, their branches twisting into eerie shapes.
A sudden rustling ahead made Kiara cautious. Alora raised a hand, signaling them to halt. She extended her staff, its tip glowing faintly, and a hidden path revealed itself, winding deeper into the forest.
As they continued, the air grew colder, filled with an oppressive sense of dread. Kiara glanced at Kaidën, who signalled her to stay calm, his jaw set in protectiveness. They pressed on, the glow of Alora's staff casting its light on the path ahead.
The path twisted and turned, and suddenly, they emerged into a clearing. A shimmering dome of light stood in the center of the clearing, and underneath the dome, a temple. Outside the temple, four figures in white robes moved gracefully, their hair black as the ebony, their faces serene – the Oracles of Elara.
Before the trio could approach, the ground trembled. From the shadows, grotesque creatures emerged, their eyes glowing with a fierce crimson light as they moved with malevolence. Alora's staff flared brighter, casting a protective barrier around them. Kiara's shadow tendrils developed pointed edges, ready for battle, while Kaidën drew his blade, its edge gleaming with fire.
The creatures growled and lunged, but the trio stood firm, prepared to defend the Oracles and fight the creatures head-on.
Alora raised her gnarled staff, its tip crackling with an emerald ethereal energy. "Attack!" she declared.