Leong turned to see Aeron, Aegeus's younger brother standing in the doorway his mix of surprise and confusion.
"Aeron" Leong said, his voice hushed "I.... I needed some air. I'm going for a walk".
Aeron's brow furrowed with worry." But you're injured you should be resting ".
Leong shrugged, trying to sound casual"I'll be fine. I just need sometime alone".
Aeron hesitated torn between his duty as Leong guard and his desire to help a friend. Finally he sighed and stepped aside allowing Leong to pass. "Be careful, Leong" Aeron said softly "and don't stay out too long "
Leong nodded, a grateful smile on his lips "Thanks Aeron, I'll see you later".
With that he slipped out into the night, the cool breeze washing over him like a balm. He took a deep breath savoring the scent of trees which were never enough till he took off and disappeared into the forest.
He reached syrena forest and began to wonder here and there because he didn't want priest Melbourne to discover his presence.
He reached deep in the forest and found a small bunny he played around with the bunny until a subtle change of atmosphere caught his attention. The air grew cooler, and an otherworldly silence descended upon the glade. Before he could react , a shimmering figure emerged from the trees, a being of ethereal beauty and ancient power.
The mythical being a sylph like creature with flowing iridescent hair and eyes that mirrored the depth of the forest floated gracefully towards him. Her presence was both mesmerizing and unsettling, her very essence radiating a magic that was old as the forest itself.
"Who are you?" Leong asked his voice steady but filled with awe
The sylph smiled, her voice like the gentle rustle of leaves in the breeze. "I'm Elaria, guardian of syrena. I've watched over these woods for centuries, and now over you, Leong of red eyes".
Leong stood cradling the bunny protectively" why have you come to me? "
Elaria expression turned solemn her eyes reflecting the depth of her ancient wisdom "you carry a great burden and an even greater destiny. The forest has spoken of your struggles, your courage , and your longing for acceptance. I come to offer guidance and perhaps a glimpse into your true potential".
Leong felt mixture of gratitude and trepidation. "What must I do?
Elaria extended a hand,and from the air around them,tiny motes of light began to gather, forming intricate pattern and symbols that hovered in the air."trust in yourself and the bond you share with your brother. There are forces at play that seek to divide and conquer,but united,you possess the power to overcome them. Seek the heart of syrena,a relic of immense power hidden deep within this forest.it will aid in your battles to come".
Leong nodded, determination hardening his resolve."I'll find it and protect my family,and my kingdom".
With a final, knowing smile, Elaria began to fade, her form dissolving into the ambient magic of the forest. "Remember Leong the light within you is stronger than any darkness you face".
As the sylph disappeared, the normal sounds of forests returned, leaving Leong alone with the bunny once more. He stroked the creature's soft fur his mind racing with Elaria's words. He knew he had to return to priest Melbourne and Lawrence.
Leong stood, cradling the bunny gently before setting it back on the ground. "Thank you little one for the company," he said softly "now I've a mission to complete"
With a heart full of determination and a mind filled with ancient wisdom, Leong made his way back through the forest ready to share his new encounter , and the new quest that lay before him with his brother and priest Melbourne. The journey was only just began.
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Meanwhile Lawrence and Aegeus having discovered Leong's disappearance from the infirmary set out guards in search for him. Their footsteps echoed off the palace walls as they combed the grounds, their hearts heavy with worry.
"He couldn't have gone far" Aegeus said his voice tense with concern" we need to find him before he gets into trouble"
Lawrence nodded, his gaze sweeping over the courtyard in search of any sign of his brother. The night was quite, the only sounds was the distant hoot of an owl.
Suddenly, Lawrence's eyes caught a glimpse of movement near the edge, a flash of white long hair disappearing in the shadows.
"There" Lawrence exclaimed pointing towards the figure darting into the darkness "that's Leong"
With a burst of speed, Lawrence and Aegeus raced towards him as they pursued their wayward brother into the night.
"Leong" Lawrence bursted, relief flooding through him at the sight of his brother safe and sound. "Thank the stars we found you, we were so worried"
Leong smile faltered after he saw his brother's gaze, his eyes filled with guilty. "I'm sorry Lawrence, I didn't mean to cause you any trouble. I just needed sometime alone".
Lawrence reached out placing a hand on Leong's shoulder with a mixture of concern and affection "it's alright, Leong. We're just glad that you're safe. But you have to promise me that you won't wonder off like that again. You had us all worried sick . Mother won't rest till she hear you're back safely as well as father he couldn't stop sending guards "
Leong nodded his gaze dropping to the ground in shame "I promise Lawrence, I didn't mean to make you worry"
Lawrence pulled Leong in a tight embrace his heart overflowing with love for his brother "that's all that matters Leong , just stay by my side everything will be alright".
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