The days that followed were packed with the most intense training, and they learned of the rich heritage linked to the Heartstone. The Elves taught them ancient magic and balance between light and darkness. It was a lesson that sank into the very core of Sarah's soul.
But day after day of training weighed on Sarah with the weight of impending trials. The leader of the Elves had warned them beforehand, that they must battle the shadows if they were to defeat the darkness over Eldoria. Every child was to face his fears; and Sarah could feel her heart racing at what each awaited.
It was a very long day of training, and a couple of evenings later when Elara found Sarah looking particularly contemplative, she approached her. "Ready for what's coming?" she asked softly, concern plain on her face.
"I don't know," Sarah confessed, barely whispering it. "What if I fail? What if I really do fear things I can't face?"
Elara rested her reassuring hand on her shoulder. "We are in this together. Whatever happens, we'll stand by each other. Remember you have the Heartstone with you."
As they spoke, before them came an otherworldly being of light, shimmering and shaking of form. "It is time to begin your trials," the being said in a melodious voice. It eased the nerves. "You must face your shadows, but do not fear. The light within you will guide the way."
The group nodded at that, a determination sparking in their hearts. The figure beckoned them to follow, and they did so into a serene glade bathed in golden light. Around them the atmosphere changed, and Sarah could feel a humming in this power, so great a force that it resonated within her very being.
"You'll enter the world of your shadows," he said. "Each of you will face inside yourself your fears. Only by embracing the truth of who you are, can you then come out stronger."
One by one, the children stepped forward, into the glade with a mix of excitement and trepidation. As Sarah waited her turn, she felt a knot of anxiety twist in her stomach. What would her shadow look like? What fears did she have to face?
Finally, it was her turn. She breathed deeply, crossed the threshold of the clearing, and stepped into the light as the world shifted about her.
She found herself standing in a dark, distorted Eldoria, the colours dull and muted, the lively pulse of life stilled to an overwhelming sense of despair that had settled across the world. Shadows lurked in darkest corners and the wind whipped past her with icy caress.
"Welcome, Sarah," a voice echoed, smooth and haunting. "You have come to face your deepest fears."
Sarah spun round. Her heart was racing as she addressed the figure; shadowy and formless, yet carrying herself like doubt incarnate. "What are you?" she demanded, in an attempt to steady her voice.
"I am the fear that lives within you," the figure replied, its voice full of mockery. "The fear of failure, of losing those you love. You are not strong enough to protect Eldoria."
"No!" Sarah shouted back, her voice ringing with defiance. "I am strong. I have the Heartstone, and I won't let you control me!"
But what if you fail? What if your friends get hurt because of your weakness?"
Sarah's heart cut through with doubt. "No… I cannot think that way."
"Then prove it," taunted the figure. "Face your fears. Show me your strength."
Resolute determination surging within her, Sarah focused on the Heartstone's glow and drew strength from its warmth. "I will not be denied! I will not be stopped!" she chanted, rising up against the darkness within the room.
With each passing moment, the shadows receded back into the corners; the figure staggered as the light could envelop it. "You think you can defeat me?" it taunted, though its tone had a tremor betraying its doubt.
"Yes!" she bellowed, her voice strong and unrelenting. "I am more than my fears! I will protect my friends and Eldoria!"
With a final burst of energy, she flung the light forward, dispelling the darkness around her. The shadow shrieked as it tore apart into smoke and echoes as the world turned back into the glade.
Panting, Sarah comes out into the light, pounding in her heart from adrenaline. The ghostly figure smiles at her. "You have been to your shadow and lived. You will always remember this day-let it strengthen you into the battles ahead."
Into this scenario came back the others from their trials. For Sarah, renewed purpose sprang into being. Each one had confronted his fears and made stronger through shared struggles his bond to and with others. They had proven to themselves that the forces of friendship and courage could overcome even the darkest shadows.