That night, after a simple yet warm dinner, each of them retired to their rooms. Gerude, accompanied by her Famulus, Helel ben Shachar, entered her bedroom with light steps, while Ian spent a little more time with Ereshkigal before parting ways to rest in separate rooms.
Although it was late into the night, the silence that usually enveloped the Thalindra house felt deeper, heavier. Helel, lying next to Gerude, had fallen into a peaceful sleep, seemingly undisturbed by anything, including the soft steps Gerude made as she left the bed. Likewise, Ereshkigal, in Ian's room, showed no signs of waking even as Ian stirred restlessly.
The night air felt different. The wind, which usually whispered gently through the trees, now swept through the forest with a more tense energy, as if the land itself was waiting for something. Gerude, lying in her bed, her eyes wide open, stared at the cold wooden ceiling. There was a void emanating from within her, as though the world she once knew was now speaking in a way she had never felt before.
Outside, the forest appeared more mysterious than usual. Tall trees towered, their shadows stretching across the ground. The wind roared, carrying the scent of damp earth that seemed to penetrate deep into her soul. Gerude took a long breath, trying to calm herself, but there was an unseen force, yet palpable, enveloping the world with an almost indescribable energy. The full moon illuminated the earth with an unusual glow, while fog slowly crept, filling every crevice in the forest.
A voice that emerged from within her, soft yet unmistakably clear, whispered her name in a flowing tone full of mystery. "Gerude... daughter of Gaia... come to us." The whisper, though faint, shook her entire body. A strong pull seemed to call her, urging her out of the peace she once felt. Without thinking, Gerude raised her body, slowly opened the wooden door of her room with deliberate yet resolute movement, and stepped into the dark forest, accompanied by the increasingly cold night wind.
On the other side, Ian too awoke, startled by the same unexplainable feeling that had seeped into his soul. Without realizing it, he rose, his steps leading him toward the window of his room. The night world outside appeared darker, more intense than he was accustomed to, and the wind carried a different sensation. He opened the window, and just as Gerude had felt, a thin fog began to creep, enveloping the land and trees that now seemed more alive than before.
The same voice, but stronger, echoed in his ears, "Ian... son of Gaia... we are waiting for you." He felt it, so real, as though it came from the very earth itself. Without hesitation, he stepped outside, crossing the thickening fog and heading into the forest, which seemed more threatening, yet still faced with his determined steps.
In the profound silence, their movements became more attuned to the surrounding nature. The ground trembled beneath them, and the fog grew thicker, enveloping everything. Nothing was clearly visible, but something larger, more ancient, was stirring the world. Within the Thalindra house, the wise sorceress sensed a much deeper vibration, realizing that a greater threat was drawing near. Without immediate intervention, Gerude and Ian would be caught in the dark web of destiny.
**
When Gerude and Ian drew closer to the forest, something strange began to happen. The world around them seemed to change in the blink of an eye, as if they were trapped in a space that defied explanation. The mist, which had slowly been enveloping the land, now thickened into a dense layer that obscured their vision. The tall, sturdy trees appeared distorted, their shadows blurred, as though they were dissolving the very reality surrounding them.
Gerude felt the shift more deeply. Her steps grew heavier, as if the ground beneath her was siphoning her energy away. The world around her seemed to dim, and the once-cool air now felt icy, sharp against her skin. She tried to open her eyes wider, but the thickening mist blurred everything, as though some unseen force was forcibly closing her eyes, obscuring all that should have been visible. The wind that once whispered was now still, leaving behind a haunting silence.
On the other side, Ian experienced the same sensation. His eyes, wide open, searched for signs of the familiar world, but everything had vanished. His once-confident stride suddenly felt as though it were trapped in a narrow space. The mist that surrounded him seemed to blanket not just the earth, but his mind as well. It felt as though his eyes were being forcibly closed by the darkness that came upon him so swiftly, swallowing the world around him into an emptiness.
The voice within them, a whisper full of mystery, grew louder. "Do not continue this journey," the voice said, deeper, more insistent. "Darkness awaits at the end of this path, and you will not be able to face it."
The further they went, the stronger the feeling of entrapment became. The world they once knew, with every familiar detail, now felt distant and unreachable. Each step they took carried them farther from reality, ensnared in shadows that obscured all hope.
Within the thickening mist, they sensed something watching them. It enveloped them with a presence far greater than mere darkness—something that flowed within the earth and the air, something ancient that had long been dormant and was now awakening. And in that moment, they knew—there was no way back.
**
When Ian and Gerude opened their eyes, they found themselves in a strange valley, separated from the world they once knew.
An oppressive silence hung over everything, as though time itself had come to a halt in this place. The thin air felt refreshing, revitalizing them with new energy, stronger than before.
The dark sky, filled with stars, moved slowly, creating a mysterious pattern. The stars seemed to have an incomprehensible purpose, with some shining brightly while others dimmed, yet remained present. Beneath their feet, the valley's ground felt solid but welcomed their steps with an odd warmth, leaving footprints that seemed to vanish immediately.
The large rocks around them appeared to be made of glowing crystal in unimaginable colors.
The plants here were unlike anything they knew. Shimmering flowers danced in the wind, and small grasses glowed faintly, radiating an energy that seemed to flow.
However, the most striking feature was the trees with trunks that gleamed black like metal and leaves of glass in a bluish-green hue. The leaves rustled softly, as if creating a melody crafted by the wind. Some trees even floated in the air, not touching the ground, emanating unseen energy.
"Something is waiting for us," Gerude said softly.
Ian nodded, though the feeling still lingered within him. They continued walking, drawing closer to the darker center of the valley.
When they reached the front of an ancient, majestic building, glowing crystal stones reflected the countless stars above. The structure appeared grand, yet it had no doors or windows. Only a narrow path, lined with large stones, led deeper into a place more profound and dark.
A sound emanated from within, echoing through the unreachable depths, and with each step, they moved closer to a place full of secrets—a place where the imprisoned spirit of the universe awaited to meet them.
**
Their steps felt heavier, as if their bodies were being weighed down by an invisible pressure. Gerude could feel her heart beating faster, her body light, yet something held her breath. Ahead of them stood a massive stone gate, its crystals gleaming in the dim starlight, casting a mysterious atmosphere.
"This place... feels unfamiliar," Ian whispered, his voice hoarse, almost as though speaking to himself. "Should we continue?"
Gerude gazed at the gate, her eyes filled with resolve, though doubt still lingered. "We must. We're searching for answers. There's no turning back."
They moved forward, approaching the stone gate, which seemed to hold countless secrets. The crystal lights grew brighter, casting strange shadows around them. Once they entered, the space within expanded far beyond what they had imagined. The sky opened above them, and the stars shone brighter, illuminating the sorrow that bound their hearts.
At the center of the space stood a grand altar, adorned with ancient symbols radiating an aura of power. But their attention was drawn to the large being standing there, glowing with light emanating from within. Its face was veiled in mist, but the aura it radiated was so potent it almost felt suffocating.
"What is that?" Gerude murmured, her body stiffening.
Ithariel slowly emerged from the mist, his voice soft yet full of strength. "I am Ithariel. A forgotten name, but I know who you are. I know your suffering," he said, his voice trembling with the same sorrow. "You lost your parents, Gaia and Gram, who were slain. And Gorgoyle, who is now trapped in darkness—stronger than you can imagine."
Gerude went silent, the pain rushing back into her heart. "You know about them?" her voice trembled.
Ithariel nodded slowly, though his face remained hidden, they could feel his sharp gaze. "I know everything. I know you long for Siccyl, your lost sibling. A quest that has yet to bring answers. All of this is part of your fate—a fate I can change."
Ian bit his lip, tears welling in his eyes. "What do you want from us?" he asked, his voice full of confusion and despair.
Ithariel raised his hand, a gentle but powerful gesture. "You have suffered. But in that suffering, there is power you can harness. Power to exact your revenge. Power to control this world, to reshape it into a more peaceful one for both of you."
Ian and Gerude exchanged looks, their hearts torn between pain and the desire for vengeance. Ithariel continued, his voice growing more enticing, as if he knew their every weakness. "I can give you the power to destroy those responsible for the deaths of your parents. Power to free Gorgoyle from the shackles of darkness. And power to find Siccyl, if you wish."
"Siccyl..." Gerude repeated the name, longing rising in her heart. "How can we trust you? What makes you so sure we can control that power?"
Ithariel smiled faintly, a sly smile that sent an unsettling chill. "Because you are the children of Gaia and Gram. Their blood runs through your veins. You are the heirs to an unimaginable power. Power that you can control."
Gerude felt her heart race, the doubt fading beneath the temptation Ithariel offered. "Power to change the world... to exact revenge..." Gerude muttered, her mind filled with images of a new world, one that was just and free from darkness.
Ithariel stepped closer, his voice more alluring. "That power is within your grasp. You just need to unlock these chains. The world will be reborn, a world led by both of you. A world that will give you true peace."
Ian felt an increasing urge to follow Ithariel's words, though his heart was filled with fear. "What do we need to do?" he asked, his voice tense.
Ithariel looked at them with a piercing gaze. "Free me, and that power will flow. This world will be yours. You will control your own fate."
Ian and Gerude exchanged a glance, the tension between them unspoken. The doubt that had lingered was finally answered by a decision they felt was inevitable. With a hoarse voice, Ian asked, "How do we free you?"
Ithariel smiled broadly, his grin becoming more cunning. "It's simple," he replied, his voice soft yet powerful. "To free me, you only need to give what's within you—blood from the children of Gaia and Gram. The blood that runs through your veins is the key to everything. With that blood, you will open the seal."
Gerude looked at Ithariel suspiciously. "Blood sacrifice? We can't just... sacrifice ourselves to free you."
Ithariel chuckled softly, the laugh sounding eerie, like the night wind whispering. "Sacrificing your blood isn't dangerous. It's a ritual that binds you to a greater power. Your blood is the blood long disconnected from the roots of this power. Only with your blood can you break this seal."
He moved closer, his face still hidden in the mist, but his voice seemed to touch their very souls. "You have carried this heavy burden for so long. The pain of loss, the pain of sorrow—all of that will vanish once you free me. The power will flow within you, granting you the strength to exact revenge, and to change this world."
Gerude bit her lip, her body feeling cold despite the air being charged with an electric energy. "And what will happen after we give our blood to free you?" her voice trembled, still hesitant but moved by the promise of power.
Ithariel raised his hand, the air growing heavier. "That power, Gerude, will flow directly into you. All the power long locked away will become yours. This world will be under your control. All that was lost will be returned, and all that was broken will be restored."
Ian swallowed hard, unease creeping back into him. "What do you want us to do after you're freed?" he asked carefully, trying to find a crack in Ithariel's words.
Ithariel smiled slyly, his eyes gleaming with ambition. "What happens to the world, Ian, is your decision. This world is already fractured. You, the children of Gaia and Gram, are the leaders destined to unite it. After you free me, you will rule this world and remake it. Your power will be unstoppable."
Ithariel extended his hand, as though offering something priceless. "Your blood is the price to pay. Once this gate is opened, all power will be yours. No one will doubt you. No more loss. Everything you dream of will become reality."
Gerude looked at Ian, confusion in her eyes, but deep pain was there—longing for the lost parents, the brother ripped away, and the sibling trapped in darkness. Something inside her wanted to believe.
Ian swallowed hard, his gaze fixed on Ithariel. "We have to do it, don't we? We have no choice."
Ithariel nodded, his cunning smile widening. "This is your path. There is no other choice. You will decide the fate of this world."
With one last look at each other, Gerude and Ian made a decision they knew could not be undone. They understood, though it was heavy with doubt, that the power Ithariel offered was their only way to change their fate.
"Then, we will do it," Gerude said, her voice filled with forced resolve.
Ian nodded. "We will free you, Ithariel."
And with those words, they stepped forward, ready to face the destiny they had chosen.
**
Ian and Gerude stood before Ithariel, the tension in the air palpable. Doubt and despair gripped their hearts, but they knew that the decision they were about to make would determine their fate.
Ithariel, with a smile full of deceit, spoke, "You two stand on the brink of freedom. Follow me, and the world will open wide before you."
The promise was tempting, yet the pain and vengeance in Ian and Gerude's hearts could not be ignored. Ian bit his lip, his voice hoarse with emotion, "I want to avenge the death of my parents. They were torn from us, and we never got to give them a proper farewell. All of this—our suffering—I want to pay it back with blood."
Gerude, though fragile, felt her anger rise. "We want to save Gorgoyle, our brother, who is in the hands of our enemies, locked away in a place we cannot reach. And my sister, Siccyl—I have to find her. I have to make sure she is okay."
They both stared at Ithariel, filled with pain and burning determination. "We want to restore the beauty of our family that has been lost," Ian said firmly. "I want everything to be as it once was."
Ithariel smiled faintly, stepping closer with a voice soft yet full of deceit. "You can have everything you desire, if you're willing. The power is in your hands, all you need is the right choice. Follow me, and you can see your family whole again."
But before Ian and Gerude could respond, a loud, warning voice broke the tension. "Do not be fooled by this illusion!" Thalindra, someone they knew well, appeared quickly. Her face was filled with concern, but there was an unwavering determination in her eyes.
Ian and Gerude turned, their eyes filled with confusion and doubt. "Thalindra, we have no choice! Our parents are dead, Gorgoyle is in danger, Siccyl is lost... We want to bring it all back!" Gerude said, her voice trembling.
Thalindra approached calmly, gazing at them with complete confidence. "You've been through so much, Ian, Gerude. Your strength lies within you. The journey you've taken so far, the power you've gained—it's all already within you. Remember your famuli, Helel ben Shachar, Gerude, and Ereshkigal, Ian. Their strength is part of you. And not just them—you also have me and Elara. We are here to support each other. Together, we will restore peace to this world. It may not be quick, but we are here to strengthen one another."
Gerude and Ian exchanged looks, their confusion beginning to dissipate. They remembered everything they had been through—the long and difficult journey, the support of their friends and famuli. Slowly, they began to feel the confidence that had once slipped away.
Thalindra continued, her voice firm, "True strength isn't about revenge or changing fate in the wrong way. True strength is in your hearts, in every step you've taken to get here. Trust in yourselves, and do not follow the path Ithariel offers. It will only lead to more destruction."
Ian bit his lip, but this time with a newfound confidence. "We want our family back. But... maybe you're right. Maybe the strength is within us, and not out there."
Gerude nodded slowly, her eyes now filled with determination that rose from within her. "We have to continue this journey. We can't live in the shadow of the past forever. We must find the strength to move forward, together."
Thalindra smiled proudly, her eyes shining with belief. "That is the right path. You are stronger than you think. Your strength will continue to grow, and you will find your way. Trust in yourselves."
However, upon hearing their decision, Ithariel fell silent for a moment before laughing with fury. "So you choose to remain weak? You choose to defy fate? You will regret this," Ithariel said with hatred in his voice. "I will destroy the three of you—Ian, Gerude, and Thalindra. None of you will survive."
Ian and Gerude exchanged glances, worry creeping into their hearts. But before they could say anything, Thalindra stood tall before them, offering them a sense of security with her unwavering gaze.
"Do not worry," Thalindra said firmly. "I will get you out of here safely. Trust in your strength and in me. We will leave Ithariel's dimension, and we will endure."
Ithariel growled with rage, his eyes burning with deep hatred. "You will never leave here. You will perish in this dimension. I am fate, and you cannot escape me."
Thalindra looked at Ithariel with hatred, but also with conviction. "Fate is not yours to decide. Fate is the choice we make. We will choose to stand and fight. You are strong enough, Ian, Gerude. Don't let anyone—even Ithariel—tell you otherwise."
**
Thalindra stood tall before Ithariel, her true strength now revealed. Her eyes blazed with anger, piercing the darkness, signaling there would be no retreat. The air vibrated, as though the universe held its breath, awaiting this battle.
Ithariel sneered. "Thalindra, the old sorceress trapped in outdated wisdom. No one can stop me," he said, his voice soft but laced with venom. A hidden threat lay in his words.
Without warning, Ithariel raised his right hand. "Er'thilash!" he shouted, and a wave of dark energy shot toward Thalindra.
Thalindra remained calm. Swiftly, she raised her staff and spoke an ancient incantation. "Eriom latha na'reithan, essar a'thanim na'korath!" A glowing shield appeared, deflecting Ithariel's attack.
Ithariel laughed cruelly. "Ancient spells cannot stop my power!" "Rith'lar dor'oth!" he shouted, summoning an even more powerful wave of darkness.
Thalindra swung her staff, chanting another spell. "Seth'kanar rithian ven'horath." The space before them opened, swallowing the dark wave. The two forces clashed fiercely, but Thalindra remained steadfast.
Ithariel growled, his anger intensifying. "You have no idea what you're up against. Darkness is a part of the universe, and you cannot erase it."
Thalindra took a deep breath, her gaze locked on Ithariel with wisdom deeper than the age itself. "Your darkness will not prevail. The universe must remain balanced."
Ithariel laughed harshly, mocking her. "I am fate, and no one can defeat me!"
Thalindra raised her staff high, reciting words that shook the air. "Er'thelian shorae nathar... ritho'seth kaliath!" The space around them twisted, and an energy net formed, trapping Ithariel inside.
Ithariel screamed in pain. "You will regret this!" With a swift motion, he created a burst of darkness that hit Thalindra's shield.
Thalindra remained unyielding. "Sa'milath dakar, vhen'ralan!" she shouted, and a fierce wind whipped around them, creating a storm of energy that engulfed them. The pressure from the natural energy grew stronger.
Ithariel was pushed back. The light around him faded, and for the first time, fear flickered in his eyes. "Your darkness will end, Ithariel. This world is not yours," Thalindra said with certainty. "The balance of the universe will defeat you."
With a graceful motion, Thalindra focused all her power. "Vesrithia, nal'shathar ethra'kiah!" The spell burst forth as pure light, obliterating the darkness, and Ithariel became trapped in a narrow space he could not escape.
"Your darkness is over," Thalindra said, her voice full of peace. "Now, we move forward."
After the battle, Thalindra took a deep breath, aware of the limited time. Although Ithariel was contained, the threat was not gone. She cast the Dimension Distortion spell, changing the dimension where they fought. Ian and Gerude felt their bodies pulled toward an unknowable place.
When they opened their eyes, they were back in the central room of Thalindra's house, which now felt peaceful. Silence enveloped them, while their bodies felt drained, as though the journey between dimensions had drained their energy.
Ian stepped back, shocked. "What just happened?" he murmured. Gerude looked around, confused.
Thalindra stood before them, her face calm, though a furrow creased her brow. "You just crossed the boundary of dimensions," she said softly. "The world you saw was Ithariel's prison."
Gerude looked at Thalindra. "Ithariel... who is he, really? Why is he imprisoned?"
Thalindra sighed deeply. "Ithariel is an ancient entity that emerged from the darkness of the universe. His power was once sacred, but greed consumed him. Now, he seeks to free himself and bring ruin."
Ian looked at Thalindra, fearful. "What will happen to us? To our world?"
Thalindra gazed at them, gently but firmly. "You have a choice. You can choose to fight, to protect this world from the darkness that threatens it."
Suddenly, footsteps echoed from the corridor. "Helel and Ereshkigal," Thalindra murmured.
Moments later, Helel and Ereshkigal appeared at the doorway. They looked confused, their eyes swollen as if they had just woken from a nightmare.
"Helel, Ereshkigal," Thalindra said with concern. "You slept longer than you should have. Ithariel's power affected your slumber."
Helel nodded, regret in his eyes. "We couldn't fight it...."
Ereshkigal asked, calm but worried, "What happened to Ian and Gerude?"
Thalindra briefly explained, "They almost succumbed to Ithariel's influence."
Gerude interrupted, before Ereshkigal could ask further, "So, what do we do now? Will we meet Ithariel again?"
Thalindra replied, "Not now. Ithariel is still contained, but we must be cautious. His power still lurks."
Thalindra then approached the fireplace, reciting another ancient spell. "Vornas lathar uthar..." The words flowed softly, and slowly, the dark energy enveloping the house began to unravel. Soft light replaced the darkness, and Helel and Ereshkigal felt free from its influence.
Ereshkigal sighed in relief. "Thank you, Thalindra."
Thalindra nodded, looking at Ian and Gerude. "Our work is not done. We must be ready for an even greater threat."
"So, what do we do now?" asked Helel, determination in his voice.
"The first step," replied Thalindra, "is to prepare ourselves. We must stop Ithariel before he frees himself and destroys this world."
They stood together, knowing that the battle against the darkness was drawing near.
That morning, despite the sun having risen brightly, unease still haunted Ian and Gerude. The events of the previous night—the mysterious battle with Ithariel—continued to linger in their minds, raising more questions than answers. Yet, under Thalindra's guidance, they tried to calm themselves.
After a comforting breakfast of warm soup and buttered bread, they followed Thalindra into the backyard. The morning atmosphere was calm, though their anxiety couldn't be hidden.
Thalindra stood before them, her eyes full of focus. "Today, we will focus on summoning and controlling your famuli. Remember, they are a part of you—their energy is directly connected to the power within you."
Ian glanced at Ereshkigal, who stood quietly beside him. Gerude also turned her attention to Helel ben Shachar. They knew that controlling a famulus was not just about summoning them, but understanding the bond that existed between them.
"Start with a simple summoning," Thalindra instructed, her voice soft but firm. "Focus your mind on the energy within you. Feel your famulus. They are there, connected to you."
Gerude closed her eyes, trying to recapture the feeling she had when Helel first appeared. The light emanating from Helel was mesmerizing, but this time, as she recited the incantation, only a faint flash of light appeared, quickly fading. No form manifested.
Disappointment settled in Gerude's heart, but Thalindra stepped closer, offering guidance. "Gerude, remember, this is not just about the words. Helel is the manifestation of the power within you. Feel the connection."
Taking a deep breath, Gerude tried again. This time, Helel's light began to appear, brighter and more stable, though still not perfect.
**
As dusk arrived gently, the sky turning orange before fading to darkness, the energy in the yard remained ablaze. Though the day was nearly over, the air was still charged. This time, Gerude and Ian felt more connected to the power within them.
Gerude raised her hand with confidence. "Sothara lumae'rah..." Helel's light now appeared gracefully, larger, brighter, and filled with strength. The light seemed to form majestic wings behind Helel's body. These wings shimmered brilliantly, sparkling like thousands of stars intertwined, creating countless patterns. Helel appeared even larger than before, his form glowing like the rising sun, his aura felt like a stream of light that never dimmed. His shape had become more perfect, resembling an extraordinary being of light—radiant white wings extending in all directions, emanating pure, magnificent light. Just as when he was first summoned by Gerude, Helel had returned to his true form as an unparalleled being of light.
Gerude felt a profound transformation within herself. Her skin shimmered softly, glowing like silver metal reflected by the sun. Her eyes now sparkled brightly, showing sharper clarity. Her slightly pointed ears, her slimmer, more graceful face, marked a deep change within her. Her body now felt lighter, as if Helel's power had flowed energy into every fiber of her being. The armor covering her was made of light itself, adorned with living, glowing ivy flower engravings. This armor added to the elegance and power now residing within her. Her staff had transformed into a symbol of her power—a golden staff adorned with intricate ivy vine carvings, glowing gently, merging with Helel's aura.
"I am ready," Gerude murmured, looking towards Thalindra, who smiled proudly.
**
Ian too felt a significant change. The failed summoning of Ereshkigal had now succeeded. The darkness flowing from Ereshkigal's form was immense. Ereshkigal appeared in all his grandeur—tall, with skin shimmering like obsidian, jet-black hair flowing gracefully, and dark red eyes piercing with a sharp gaze, surrounded by a mysterious aura. Ereshkigal had returned to his true form, the enigmatic guardian of darkness, just as when he was first summoned by Ian. The darkness enveloped Ereshkigal's body like a thick mist, dancing in the air, surrounding this being with an elusive, trembling presence.
Yet, more surprising was the transformation within Ian. His body had grown taller, his muscles more defined, his figure now firmer and stronger. His skin seemed to glow with a purple hue, as though he were not merely a sorcerer, but a warrior from another dimension. The armor now covering his body resembled that of a warlord—a dark, solid, and majestic suit of armor. Made of glowing, dark metal, it bore the emblem of a dragon on the chest, as though ready for an unavoidable battle.
The long sword now replacing his staff shone with an extraordinary dark aura. The hilt was entwined with the tail of a jet-black dragon, a symbol of the powerful bond with the darkness within him. The red crystal at the base of the sword emitted a chilling, trembling dark aura. The blade was etched with twin dragon motifs, as though prepared for an inevitable union in battle. This sword, though fearsome, possessed an incredible strength and beauty.
Ereshkigal stood beside Ian, exuding a thick, dark aura filled with power. Together, they looked like a pair of warlords from the realm of darkness, ready to face anything in their path.
With Helel and Ereshkigal by their sides, Ian and Gerude felt more than just human—more than just sorcerers. They had become something new—stronger, more connected to the magical world, and more prepared to face whatever was to come.