As the sun began to set into the horizon, the desolate 20-acre land was painted in hues of orange and purple. The air was heavy, heavy with expectation. Larin, Tyrs, and Mynta stood at three equidistant points around the lifeless soil, each holding one of these small ornate vials to carry a precious Sinlung Mix, an alchemical concoction made from 60 species of herbs, fungi, bark, and flowers, collected under the auspices of the shamanic council. "This is it," Larin said, breaking the silence. "We won't get a second chance".
Tyrs smiled, her voice low and teasing. "You sound nervous, nephew. Don't worry. We are here to catch you if you falter."
Mynta chimed in with a sly grin, "Though, if you do trip up, I might just laugh first. Then I'll help."
Larin rolled his eyes over their banter. "Focus.".
They began casting the incantations of Sinlung, an ancient spell that would let them speak with the lifeforce of the land itself. Their mana circles erupted to life, intricate and glowing with deep green energy. The air vibrated as beams shot out from their respective positions, converging in the center of the field. The energy spread outward in a wave, bathing the land in a warm, emerald light.
For an hour, they held their positions, their concentration unwavering.
---
As the spell stabilized, Mynta's voice broke the silence, her tone melodic and reverent.
"Leaves fall, Empires fall, only Sinlung survives. Praise be, Praise be. The Lifeline of all that exists on Sinlung. Praise Sinlung."
Tyrs joined in, her voice steadier, like a drumbeat.
"Leaves decay, Empires forgotten, only Sinlung survives."
Larin followed, his voice rising with quiet determination.
"Trees sprout, Empires try again, only Sinlung survives."
The three voices wove together, their harmonies resonating through the glowing green field. It was a song as old as Xiaxo itself, a plea and a promise to the lifeforce that bound all things.
---
As the chorus crested, they flung out their Sinlung Mix and let it splash into the merging light beams. It instantly vaporized and released a sound that reverberated through reality as it cracked apart. For one heartbeat, the whole world plunged into darkness. Their individual circles of mana remained lit, symbols that only they understood flickering weakly against the darkness.
Now an uncomfortable silence seemed to spread within.
An hour had passed while they sat in this trance, their mana restraining the flow of energy back into the earth. Finally, as one, they whispered, "Success." The green glow faded away and was replaced by an almost imperceptible vibration in the soil. When they withdrew as a group, the air around them seemed to come alive, as if the land had finally breathed for the first time in years.
"It's done," Tyrs said, brushing her hands together. "Sinlung has acknowledged our plea. The land will heal."
"But only if you keep your part of the bargain," Mynta added, turning to Tyrapi. "You'll need to perform the Hsa Ritual every five years. Miss a cycle, and the land will revert."
Tyrapi, who had watched the whole ceremony with wide open eyes, nodded seriously. "I will get it done for you. I promise you my word."
Larin stretched and yawned, the tenseness of the ritual still showing in his muscles. "Hopefully, your promise will be something to be made good on, Sinlung not being as soft as we are."
---
That night, they dined with Tyrapi and her family. Her estate, in decline, yet still held within it the shadows of its former glory. Soft, flickering lanterns lit the dining hall, and simple, hearty fare was spread before them: spiced meats, roasted vegetables, and fragrant rice.
Along with Tyrapi came her siblings, an elegant 28-year-old sister named Nerisi and a spirited 22-year-old brother named Tolan. Both were beautiful in their striking appearance, dressed far more revealing than the Kirat Empire's traditional attire outside of the estate.
"I can see where your family gets its charm," Mynta said with a playful smirk, eyeing Tyrapi as she poured wine for the group.
Tyrapi smiled weakly, her gaze lingering on Larin. "Charm is little use when the land has failed. But now, because of all of you, hope has returned." She leaned slightly toward Larin. "You must tell me, how does someone so young become so good? It's. inspiring."
Larin swallowed hard, cleared his throat, his discomfort plain. "Years of training. And a lot of guidance.".
"From your aunts, no doubt," Tyrapi said, her voice warm but with a subtle edge. "Such strong, wise women. You're fortunate to have them."
Tyrs chuckled, raising her glass. "Oh, he's fortunate, all right. Though I wouldn't say we make it easy for him."
"We like to keep him on his toes," Mynta added, her tone light but suggestive.
Larin groaned quietly, focusing on his plate. "I'm sitting right here, you know."
---
As the meal went on, Tyrapi's demeanor became more direct. "Larin, would you consider staying a little longer? I could use someone like you to oversee the land's recovery. Perhaps. you'd find it worth your while?"
"I'm afraid we have other responsibilities," Tyrs interjected, her voice measured. "But it's kind of you to offer."
Tyrapi's eyes didn't leave Larin's. "I wasn't talking to you, Tyrs."
The table fell into a brief silence before Mynta laughed, breaking the tension. "She's bold, I'll give her that."
Larin sighed, his tone firm but polite. "Tyrapi, we'll make sure your land recovers. But my path lies elsewhere."
Tyrapi nodded, though disappointment flickered across her face. "I understand. But know that you'll always have a place here. My family is in your debt."
---
As the night wore on, Larin left the house, hoping for a little peace in the garden. The stars were bright overhead, and the scent of flowers was sweet in the air.
Tyrs and Mynta followed him, their footsteps light on the gravel path.
"Well handled," Tyrs said, leaning against a tree with a casual air. "She's not subtle, is she?
"Not at all," Larin said, shaking his head.
Mynta grinned. "But you didn't entirely hate the attention, did you?"
Larin shot her a glare, though there was no heat behind it. "I'm starting to think the two of you enjoy this far too much."
Tyrs laughed, patting his shoulder. "Maybe. But don't forget, Larin—you have more to give than just magic. Don't let anyone, including us, sell you short."
He nodded, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Thanks. I think.
Standing under the expansive sky of Xiaxoan, the earth around them silent but pulsing with new energy, Larin felt something even a few months of service couldn't give her: peace. For now, their mission here was done.