The thick canopy of the ancient forest loomed overhead, its leaves whispering secrets as they swayed in the breeze. The air was charged with a mystic energy, each step echoing through the ancient grounds like a silent promise of what was to come. The Forest Inheritance Grounds were sacred—a place where only those chosen by the Celestial Guardians could hope to prove their worth.
Pim, had been transported here by a force beyond her understanding. Her heart thudded in her chest, both from still worrying about nalin even though she knows she is safe and the weight of what lay ahead. She was ready to face the trials, to prove that she was worthy of the inheritance that would solidify her place among the stars.
As she stepped into the clearing, the ground beneath her feet began to glow with a soft, green light. The trees around her parted, revealing a pathway that led deeper into the heart of the forest. With a deep breath, pim took her first step forward with that 'loli' disappeared without a word
Trial of the Wild Wisdom
The path led pim to a secluded grove, where the ancient trees stood tall, their bark etched with runes of power. In the center of the grove was a stone altar, upon which lay a single leaf, glowing with an otherworldly light. A voice, ancient and wise, echoed through the grove.
"To wield the power of the Celestial Guardians, one must possess the wisdom of the wild. Solve the riddle, and you may proceed."
The leaf began to float above the altar, spinning slowly as the voice spoke again.
"I am the guardian of the forest, sheltering all beneath my boughs. My roots run deep, my crown touches the sky, yet I am felled by a whisper. What am I?"
Pim's mind raced as she considered the words. She could feel the weight of the forest's gaze upon her, as if every creature and plant waited for her answer. She closed her eyes, letting the essence of the forest flow through her, connecting her to its ancient wisdom.
"A tree," she whispered, her voice steady and sure. "The strongest tree can be brought down by the softest whisper of wind."
The leaf ceased its spinning and slowly descended back onto the altar. The runes on the trees glowed brighter, and a pathway opened in the earth, leading pim deeper into the forest.
Trial of the Guardian's Strength
The second trial brought pim to a clearing where the earth was scarred with deep gashes, as though a great battle had once been fought here. Standing in the center was a massive stone statue of a creature with the body of a lion and the wings of an eagle—a guardian beast of old.
As pim approached, the statue's eyes glowed a fierce amber, and it began to move, the stone cracking and falling away to reveal a living, breathing beast. It roared, a sound that shook the ground, before charging at her with the speed of a predator.
pim readied herself, drawing upon the celestial energy within her. She dodged the beast's initial charge, her movements swift and fluid. The beast was relentless, its powerful claws and beak aiming to tear her apart. But pim knew that brute strength alone would not win this battle.
She watched the beast, noticing the pattern of its attacks, the way it moved, the slight delay before it struck. Timing her moves perfectly, she dodged a swipe and leaped onto its back, channeling her energy into a concentrated strike. With a sharp cry, she drove her celestial blade into the beast's spine.
The guardian beast let out a final, deafening roar before collapsing to the ground, its form turning back to stone. As it crumbled into dust, a shimmering sigil appeared where it had fallen—a mark of strength. Alara picked it up, feeling its power merge with her own.
Trial of the Eternal Spirit
The final trial took place in a grove that seemed untouched by time, where the air was thick with the scent of ancient herbs and flowers. In the center stood a pool of crystal-clear water, its surface perfectly still. The voice returned, softer now, almost a whisper.
"The spirit of a Guardian must be unyielding, unwavering. Look into the pool, and confront the truth of your soul."
Pim approached the pool and gazed into its depths. At first, she saw only her reflection, but then the water began to ripple, revealing visions of her past. Memories of her failures, of those she could not save, of the moments when doubt had crept into her heart.
She saw herself in moments of despair, questioning her path, wondering if she was truly worthy of the title of Celestial Guardian. The visions twisted, showing her a future where she failed, where darkness consumed everything she had fought for and of course nalin.
But pim did not look away. She had faced these doubts before, and she would face them again. She knew that the strength of a Guardian was not in never failing, but in always rising after each fall. Her spirit, forged through trials and tempered by loss, was unbreakable.
The visions faded, and the water stilled. The grove around her began to glow with a soft, golden light, as the spirits of the ancient Celestial Guardians appeared around her, their forms ethereal and majestic.
"You have passed the trials, Pim," the voice said, no longer distant but close, warm. "The inheritance is yours. May you carry the light of the Celestial Guardians with pride."
As the spirits bestowed their blessing upon her, Pim felt a surge of power unlike anything she had ever known. She had earned her place among the Celestial Guardians, and now, with the inheritance in hand, she was ready to fulfill her destiny.