They emerged from the dense forest into a secluded area, where a small village was against the mountainside. Mist clunging to the air, giving the scene a cooling atmosphere. Elaro felt a strange towards the village, as if something was in its borders.
Eldin gestured towards the village's gates. "This is Solmia, one of the oldest settlements in Astia. They rare ancient magic here… and the people are wary of outsiders." As they approached, villagers appeared, watching them with guarded expressions. Some murmured in low voices, their gazes were on Elaro's red cloak and weapon.
An elderly woman stepped forward; her eyes were sharp. She wore a necklace which has a stone in it that glowed lightly with a red hue; one that matched the color of Elaro's flame.
"You bear the mark of the Red Flame," the woman said, her voice was filled with both respect and caution. "Why have you come to Solmia?"
Elaro hesitated, unsure of how much to reveal. "I'm trying to understand my power and to control it. The flame… it's growing stronger, and I don't know how to contain it."
The woman's gaze softened. "The Red Flame is no ordinary power. It is a living force, one that chooses its master itself. But be warned, many who wield it are consumed by its strength. Come with me, child. There is something you need to see."
The woman takes them to a shrine at the bottom of the village, where an ancient stone rested beneath a canopy of red-hued flowers. The air was thick with magic, the light glow of the stone was illuminating the surrounding area with its magical light.
"This shrine holds the stories of those who came before you," the woman explained. "Long ago, the flame was wielded by a warrior known as the Red Knight. He, too, was chosen by the flame, and he brought both salvation and destruction to Astia."
Elaro's eyes widens as she examined the carvings on the stone. Images of a warrior wreath in flame was on its surface, the scenes were depicting both moments of achievement and disaster. She felt a chill inside her as she traced the carvings with her fingers, sensing the echo of the knight's power within the stone.
The woman continues, her voice was heavy with sorrow. "The Red Knight was strong, but his power grew beyond his control. In his final days, he lost himself to the flame's fury, bringing ruin to the very land he sought to protect. His tale is a reminder that the flame is both a gift and a curse."
Elaro feels the weight of the woman's words sinking in. She had always believed that the flame would make her stronger, but now she saw the danger behind her power.
"Is there any way to control it?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
The woman's gaze turned towards her. "Only by mastering the darkness within yourself, you can tame the flame. It is a journey that few survive… and one that may cost you everything…even your life"
Later that evening, as they were preparing to leave the shrine, Karo approached Elaro, his expression was serious. "Elaro, I know you're strong, but this power… it's too dangerous. Are you sure this is the path you want to take?"
Elaro looked down, her heart was feeling heavy. "I don't know if I have a choice, Karo. The flame has chosen me, and I can't walk away from it. But… I'm scared. What if I end up like the Red Knight?"
Karo reached out, taking her hand in his. "Then let me be your protector. No matter how dark things get, I'll be there to bring you back…I promise"
His words fill her heart with warmth. She squeezed his hand, grateful for his support. She knew that as long as Karo was by her side, she had a chance to face whatever comes ahead. But deep down, a part of her wonders if even he could keep her control from the flame's call.
That night, as they prepared to leave the village, the elders gathered around Elaro, their faces were serious. The elderly woman from earlier steps forward, holding a small bottle filled with a dark and shimmering liquid.
"This is the Essence of Shadows," she explained. "To master the Red Flame, you must face the darkness within yourself. Drink this, and it will reveal the truth of your heart."
Elaro hesitated first. She looked to Karo and Eldin, whom nodded encouragingly. Taking a deep breath, she accepted the bottle and drank.
Immediately, the world around her shift. She was no longer in Solmia but in a dark and endless void. Shadows were looming around her; their whispers were filling her mind with doubts and fears.
"Who are you, Elaro?" a voice comes from the darkness. "Do you truly believe you can control the flame? You are nothing but a weak, a pawn of power beyond your understanding." Elaro clenched her fists, struggling against the words. But the shadows continued, their voices were unstoppable.
"You want strength, but strength will destroy you. This flame is a curse, a poison that will consume you until nothing left."
She fights to hold her sense of self, but the darkness pressed in, suffocating her more. Just as she feels herself slipping, a light warmth appeared with a spark of light in the depths of the darkness.
It was Karo's voice who was calling her. She focused on the memory of his words, the warmth of his hand, and the shadows began to disappear, their voices were fading.
The flame within her burnt, burning away the darkness. She felt a rush of power, a fierce and unbreakable resolution that filled her with new strength. When she opened her eyes, she was back in Solmia, the elders were watching her with expressions of surprise and respect. She had passed her first test, faced her inner darkness and became stronger.
The elder woman approached, her eyes were filled with both pride and caution. "You have proven yourself worthy of the Red Flame, Elaro. But remember, this is only just the beginning. The flame will test you again and again, until you are either broken… or reborn."
Elaro give a nod, her heart was filled with both hope and fear. She knew that her journey was long, that the path ahead was filled with challenges that would test her soul. But for the first time, she felt a true sense of purpose, a clarity that guided her like a guiding light.
Karo and Eldin joined her, their expressions were filled with pride and relief. Karo said. "You did it."
She smiled, feeling a new sense of strength and willpower. She knew now that her power was both a gift and a burden, a force that would demand everything from her. As they left the village, Elaro knew that her journey had only just began, and that the true test of her strength was about to come.
But she was ready for it.
To Be Continued