It's been days since the group started marching towards the capital.
The sun dipped low in the sky, painting the horizon with hues of orange and gold.
The Realms of Isantanah stretched endlessly before them, an archipelago of islands interwoven by winding rivers, vast straits, and channels teeming with life.
The very air hummed with the vibrant pulse of nature, as trees towered, their branches stretching far into the sky, while the ocean, calm and deep, embraced the land like a long-lost lover.
Elliot, Amiyan, and their band of companions trekked through the dense jungle, following Quizig and his warriors.
They're moving at a steady pace toward the capital city, where they would be identified and reunited with their families.
As the day drew to a close, the group made camp by the side of the road.
The flickering fire cast warm, dancing shadows on their faces, and the sound of the jungle—the chirping of distant creatures, the rustling of leaves in the breeze—mingled with the crackling of the firewood.
Wuxian, a young man from the Realm of Xia, sat by the fire, and in a practiced rhythm, he sharpened a sword he claimed during the chaos.
Altan, a towering figure who claimed to be from the distant steppes of Tangli, set up makeshift tents, his massive hands moving with surprising delicacy as he tied the ropes.
Roshan, the lively one who was said to hail from the faraway Realm of Parthemia, was already teasing Amiyan about his apparent inability to cook anything that didn't resemble charred meat.
"Are you sure this is food, Amiyan?", they asked with a mischievous grin, holding up a burnt piece of meat. "This is so hard, I'm pretty sure this could double as a weapon."
Amiyan scowled, but it was clear he was used to Roshan's teasing.
"I'm doing my best, alright! I've never done this before" he grumbled. "How about you cook instead, Roshan."
"Sure.... next time" they said, taking a bite of the charred meat and wincing. "Next time, I'll cook you the most delicious stew you'll ever taste", Roshan added smugly.
The banter continued, lighthearted and filled with laughter.
Even Elliot found himself grinning, his heart lighter than it had been in weeks.
Despite the weight of what happened, the camaraderie of the group gave him hope for the journey.
After a while, Maya, one of the clerics, spoke up. "Alright, enough fooling around," she said with a smirk, though her eyes held a deeper understanding.
The group quieted down, and Maya settled herself by the fire, the flickering flames casting a soft light on her face. "You all have been curious about where we're going right?" she said. "So, let me tell you what I know."
The others leaned in, intrigued.
"The Realms of Isantanah are vast. Its an archipelago, a network of islands that was created as the root of the Great Tree stretched across the sea, lifting up sand and rocks that became the foundation of countless islands", Maya began, her voice calm and steady.
"In the center of this realm stands the great tree, the very heart of our the realm. Its roots sink deep into the ocean, where coral and sea grasses flourish, providing shelter for countless marine creatures. Above, its branches are home to birds of every kind."
"And in the heart of the tree, the palace of Maguaien, the Water Archon, stands—a symbol of her power and benevolence."
Elliot imagined it: a towering tree that pierced the very sky, its roots reaching into the deep blue, and at its heart, a palace that radiated power and grace. It felt like a place of dreams.
"The capital, where Maguaien resides, is a city of harmony," Maya continued.
"It's where all paths converge. Where the rivers, the straits, and the channels meet. It binds everything together—the land, the sea, the sky. It's a peaceful place, despite the occasional unrest in the outer realms."
Wuxian raised an eyebrow. "Peaceful, you say."
Maya chuckled softly, shaking her head. "Every city has its share of shadows. But Maguaien is a just ruler. Her wisdom flows through the very currents of the realm. No one is beyond her reach."
Roshan, ever the optimist, smiled brightly. "I'm excited to see it! The grand palace, the great tree, the rivers. I've heard stories from the merchants about how beautiful the City of Waters is. I can't wait to see it for myself."
"You'll see it tomorrow," Maya replied with a grin. "The journey is almost over, and then we'll get to rest. We've all earned it."
The group relaxed a little, each person lost in their thoughts for a moment.
The fire crackled as they ate, bantering lightly and teasing one another.
Roshan and Amiyan were deep in another round of friendly jabs, while Wuxian silently observed, his eyes scanning the treeline.
Altan remained as stoic as ever, but there was a small, satisfied smile tugging at the corner of his lips.
Elliot watched them all, feeling a sense of peace settle over him.
These were his companions now.
Together, they had fought side by side, freed children from the clutches of their captors.
And now, they were heading to the capital to find the answers he needed.
"If this world has gods that could create entire realms, maybe one of them can tell why I came to this. Perhaps even send me back home", he thought.
"Tomorrow, we'll be in the city," Roshan said, a gleam of excitement in their eyes. "And we'll be finally able to get some proper food. You know, food that doesn't taste like it was made by a toddler."
"Don't start," Amiyan retorted, but the twinkle in his eyes betrayed his apparent annoyance.
Roshan laughed and raised their water in a mock toast. "To food, to friends, and to the future," they said in light voice.
"Let's see if it lives up to the stories", Wuxian added dryly.
"Tomorrow," Maya said, a smile tugging at her lips, "we'll see it all for ourselves."
With that, the group fell into easy conversation again, their laughter filling the air.
The night grew deeper, and the fire began to die down, but the warmth of friendship lingered in the air.
Tomorrow, they would reach the capital.
Tomorrow, the next chapter of their journey would begin.
And whatever it held, they would face it together.