Several days had passed since Ian and Gerude mastered the summoning and transformation of their Famuli. In the calm that followed, they continued their magical training with Helel and Ereshkigal. However, Thalindra, who usually watched over them with great care, had been pacing restlessly lately, as though waiting for important news.
That morning, as usual, they were in the courtyard of Thalindra's home. The sky was clear, and a gentle breeze carried the scent of wildflowers. Suddenly, their attention was drawn to a large white owl perched on the front fence. Its large, golden eyes glowed softly, watching them intently.
Gerude paused in her training and stared at the bird with curiosity. Helel and Ereshkigal stood alert, ready for whatever might come.
The owl moved gracefully, its body twisting as it transformed into a tall, elegant woman clad in a long silver-white robe. Her silver hair cascaded beneath her hood, and her face exuded wisdom, her eyes sharp. She walked toward the door of Thalindra's home and knocked softly. Ian and Gerude, along with Helel and Ereshkigal, did not take their eyes off her.
"Beast-shifter," Ereshkigal whispered, his tone laced with suspicion as he eyed the woman.
Knock… knock… knock…
The door opened, and Thalindra appeared, her face breaking into a relieved smile. "Eroid! You've finally arrived," she said, as though a weight had been lifted from her chest. "Come in."
"Sorry to keep you waiting," Eroid replied calmly, shedding her fur cloak to reveal simple yet graceful attire beneath. "I bring a message from Marcus."
Inside the living room, Thalindra prepared some herbal tea and light snacks. They sat facing each other, letting the silence fill the room for a moment before the conversation began.
Thalindra broke the silence, her expression serious. "How is he? Is he still in hiding?"
Eroid nodded slowly. "Marcus is well, but still cautious. He received your message and agrees to meet, along with the children."
Thalindra fell silent, processing what she had just heard. "Where?" she asked, her voice heavy.
Eroid glanced out the window for a moment. "The Ancient Mountain of Orlanthe. A safe place, far from the kingdom. He wants to meet there."
"Orlanthe…" Thalindra sighed deeply, recalling the dark past. "It's been so long. So he really wants to meet Ian and Gerude?"
Eroid smiled faintly. "Yes. After learning they are children of Gaia and Gram, he has no reason to refuse. They are not just heirs to power, but great hope in the struggle against the kingdom."
Thalindra nodded slowly, remembering the time she spent with Marcus, Gaia, and Gram in the Lumen Noctis organization—secret warriors against the Veldron kingdom. "What about the movement of the spirit of the universe? Did he mention it?"
Eroid looked at her seriously. "Marcus said the spirit of the universe is beginning to stir. Its movement can be felt throughout the world. He believes Ian and Gerude are part of the balance disrupted by the kingdom. He wants to make sure they are prepared—both in strength and heart."
Thalindra sighed. "I've been training them, but their journey is still long. Yet I'm sure they have great potential."
Eroid smiled softly. "You've always believed in hope, Thalindra. That's why Marcus and I have always trusted you. Don't worry. We will face this together."
Thalindra returned the smile, now more resolute. "I'm glad you're here, Eroid. Your presence makes me feel that everything will be alright."
Eroid sat back, stirring her tea with a gentle motion. "Marcus asked me to convey one thing before the meeting at Orlanthe. Do you know what it means when the spirit of the universe moves?"
Thalindra looked at her tea as if searching for the answer within it. "Yes," she replied softly. "It means the balance of the world is starting to collapse. If Marcus can feel it, the problem is much bigger than we thought."
Eroid nodded. "Exactly. Marcus believes this is the result of what Veldron has been doing all along. They are not just destroying the physical world, but shaking its magical structure. Nature is no longer balanced. That's why Ian and Gerude are the key."
Thalindra looked at Eroid, confused. "Why them? They are still young, still learning. I don't want them to bear a responsibility that even we, with our experience, can hardly shoulder."
Eroid smiled faintly, though there was a weariness in her eyes that she couldn't conceal. "They weren't chosen, Thalindra. They are the choice itself. The blood of Gaia and Gram flows through them. It's more than just a legacy of power, it's a great responsibility."
Thalindra fell silent, contemplating. The soft sound of the wind was the only noise filling the room. "I know," she finally replied. "But that doesn't make it any easier. They don't fully understand what they've inherited."
Eroid leaned forward, her gaze sharp. "Then teach them, Thalindra. You've always been a protector and a good teacher. Marcus entrusted this message to you because you are their guardian now, just as you once protected us—Eroid, Marcus, Gaia, Gram, and all of Lumen Noctis."
Thalindra remained silent, allowing the words to sink in. There was only silence, before she spoke again, her voice quiet. "I hope I won't disappoint them. Just as this world has disappointed us."
Eroid stood and stepped toward Thalindra, placing a hand on her shoulder. "You won't disappoint anyone, Thalindra. You've survived in this harsh world longer than anyone I know. They are lucky to have a protector like you."
Thalindra met her gaze with determination. "Then we must make sure they are ready. Marcus wouldn't agree to meet if this wasn't truly important."
Eroid smiled, full of conviction. "You're right. Orlanthe will be a new beginning. Though the road ahead is difficult, I believe the light and darkness within Ian and Gerude will bring the balance the world needs."
They exchanged looks, then turned back to plan their next steps. Outside, the sun began to set, casting its golden glow on the trees surrounding Thalindra's house. Inside, their conversation filled the room with resolve—preparing to face the great storm that seemed inevitable.
**
The night grew late, and the flickering oil lamps danced softly on the wooden walls of Thalindra's home. The simple dining table was laden with dishes: fresh vegetables, warm bread, and tantalizing slices of roasted meat.
Eroid sat gracefully, his elegant owl-feather cloak draped across the chair. His face was calm, his eyes scanning everyone present, his smile never fading. Ereshkigal, in her human form—tall and regal—sat next to Ian, carefully reaching for a cup of tea. Every movement exuded a soothing aura, though her eyes hinted at tremendous strength. She took a bite of bread, savoring it slowly.
Helel, the Famulus of Light, sat opposite, gently tasting the vegetables set before Gerude. The light on his body was dimmer, but his eyes still sparkled with curiosity. "Sometimes we forget, even the Famulus can enjoy human food," Gerude said with a faint smile.
Ereshkigal, gazing seriously at Gerude, replied, "We are more than mere creatures of darkness or light. We are part of this universe, we feel, and in some ways, we are connected to you. Sometimes, we just need time to understand what it means to be human."
Ian paused for a moment, a piece of meat in his mouth. "I think I'm starting to understand. We're all connected by a force greater than what we see."
Thalindra, sitting at the end of the table beside Elara, listened intently. "You are right," she said softly. "The force that maintains the balance of the universe—Ereshkigal and Helel have their roles in keeping that balance."
Eroid nodded slowly, his gaze still focused on the developing conversation. "Tonight is important. What we do here will determine the next step. Markus is waiting in Orlanthe. We will meet with him."
The dinner, warm with camaraderie, became a pause between worlds fraught with threats. Meanwhile, Helel took a sip of tea and glanced at Gerude. "We are always watching over you. We are not just protectors; we are part of your journey," he said, his voice gentle yet firm.
Ereshkigal, who had been quieter, added, "Sometimes within our strength, there are weaknesses. We want to be part of a better world, alongside you."
Thalindra smiled wisely. "I believe you can. We all have a part to play in every step we take."
However, the conversation paused when Ian and Gerude exchanged glances and then asked, "Thalindra, Eroid, who exactly is Markus?" Ian continued, "We've heard his name several times, but no further explanation. Why must we meet him?"
Gerude added, "Yes, we need to know more, especially considering the importance of this journey."
Thalindra set down her spoon and looked at Eroid for a moment, asking for permission to explain. With a nod from Eroid, Thalindra sighed and began speaking. "Markus is the former warlord of the kingdom of Veldron. But the story behind him is darker. His family was killed in an attack by forces that were supposed to be his allies. He feels betrayed by those who were meant to protect him."
Thalindra stopped, locking eyes with Ian and Gerude. "It was not just the loss that changed him, but also the hatred for the kingdom that betrayed him. That is what led him down the dark path, seeking vengeance against them."
Eroid interjected, "Markus is a powerful fighter. His decision to betray the kingdom is part of a larger fate. We, who are connected to the spirit world, know that a person like him—driven by purpose and strong beliefs—will be the key to a great change."
Elara, listening carefully, smiled mischievously. "Ah, so he's the one who was hurt and chose revenge? Classic, like the hero's tale. But does he know that revenge often brings even greater destruction?"
Thalindra smiled patiently. "Revenge doesn't always bring the desired outcome, Elara. But Markus is also aware of his losses and wants to destroy the corrupt kingdom of Veldron. We must work together to decide if this meeting will bring change or make things worse."
Gerude, curious, asked, "Why does Markus want to meet with us? We are just two young people learning magic."
Eroid looked at Gerude, his voice gentle but firm. "Because you are children of Gaia and Gram. Your parents are part of the great legacy of this world. This meeting is about more than just you two; it's about how the world will transform, about our roles in the balance of the universe."
Ereshkigal, who had been silent until now, looked down slowly, then raised her head. "This meat... fills me more than I expected," she said, surprised by the unfamiliar taste.
Elara laughed. "So even Ereshkigal can enjoy human food? Maybe there's a soft side to you."
Ereshkigal merely gave Elara a flat look. "We can appreciate moments like this, but we must not forget our main purpose."
Ian looked at Eroid and Thalindra, serious. "So, will this meeting bring change? What should we prepare for before meeting Markus?"
Thalindra nodded. "You will face more than just a casual meeting. Markus does not come empty-handed. Prepare yourselves, for this is a big step toward our goal—to destroy the kingdom that has oppressed many."
**
A few days after Eroid left, preparations for the journey to the Ancient Mountain went smoothly. That morning, the atmosphere in Thalindra's house was filled with the hustle and bustle of preparations. In the backyard, Elara stood before a pile of items ready for the trip to Orlanthe's Ancient Mountain. With confident movement, she began chanting an ancient spell.
"Artemis Valdoria Kavaal, Aetherion Zeraith, Fostara Neumon." Immediately, the sack before her trembled and opened wide, ready to accept the supplies she had arranged. Quickly, Elara packed large items like tents, food, and cooking equipment into the enchanted sack. Even a cow and some chickens made it in without difficulty.
Ian and Gerude, watching it all, could only stare in disbelief. "Is... is this possible?" Ian muttered, astonished. Gerude chuckled, still in shock. "It's like a magical space," he said, shaking his head.
Elara laughed softly. "This is basic magic, darling. No need to be shocked. I've got it all under control, so relax. Even if you were carrying a giant rock, it could fit in here." Casually, she recited another spell, "Drazaith Herenas, Opthana Lumes," and the sack shrank down to the size of a fingernail. She slipped it into her robe pocket.
Thalindra emerged from the house, carrying a pile of clothes. "Is everything ready?" she asked in a calm tone.
"Yes, Thalindra," Elara replied with a smile. "They just need to hand over their stuff. I'll take care of everything." Ian and Gerude quickly handed over their gear, still amazed by Elara's abilities.
Meanwhile, in the front yard, two Famulus, Helel and Ereshkigal, were playing. Helel, glowing brightly, was chasing a frog, while Ereshkigal, dark as night, tried to catch a small bird. The two of them laughed cheerfully, creating an odd yet entertaining contrast. However, their laughter stopped when Thalindra called them inside.
Thalindra stood in the doorway, gazing at the sky, which was starting to cloud over. "We must move quickly," she said in a serious tone. "Our time is almost up."
Elara turned, noticing the change in atmosphere. She gripped her robe pocket tightly, ensuring the magical sack was secure. "This spell is enough," she murmured quietly, though there was a slight hesitation in her voice.
With preparations nearly complete, the group was ready to begin their great journey to the Ancient Mountain of Orlanthe.