Frela was in high spirits.
Over the past fortnight, she'd discovered her seemingly inept magic possessed unexpected practicality. Though still unable to execute formal spells, she could effortlessly conjure dense magical projectiles perfect for waterfowl hunting, rabbit snaring, and occasionally ambushing her elder brother.
The elves remained occupied with matters beyond mortal comprehension, often disappearing for extended periods. Yet Prince Ancar maintained their eight-year instructional rhythm, continuing to impart essential knowledge for young elves. Fueled by her previous humiliation by the Lacewings, Frela's learning efficiency had skyrocketed - she now read elvish texts with growing fluency.
"Your Highness, these are elven secrets," Reminisce protested for the umpteenth time in the siblings' presence.
Mensile maintained his characteristic stoicism while Frela grinned unabashed.
Through eight years of shameless wheedling and strategic flattery, Frela had coaxed lessons in martial arts, incantations, and alchemy from the elven prince. While Ancar's "human peasant as exotic pet" mentality played its part, her relentless dedication formed the true cornerstone of this unconventional education.
"You'll enter Mushroom Forest tomorrow," Ancar remarked casually, amber eyes glinting with mirth. "Despite its whimsical name, remain vigilant."
Frela leaned forward eagerly. "Tell us more!"
"Legends claim central continent's humans originated there millennia ago," Ancar explained. "Though diminished to a tenth its original size, it still spans a hundred noble estates."
"Mortals honor ancient pacts to avoid conflict here," Reminisce interjected coldly. "Not virtue, but fear of primordial forces preserves this sanctuary."
The alleged greedy humans maintained their respective poker face and cheeky grin.
"It serves as ideal refuge for your current predicament," Ancar continued. "There exists an isolated settlement of ancient descendants within. I visited once, generations past."
Frela's mind conjured images of hulking proto-humans clad in pelts, complete with protruding jaws and matted hair.
"Rest early," Ancar concluded. "Frela, prepare twenty glow vials tonight."
Frela: "..." Some rest this'll be!
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Dragging herself forward with raccoon-eye shadows, Frela collided with her brother's back for the twenty-third time as towering smooth-barked trees blotted all sunlight. Ancar distributed the cursed glow vials.
Upon removing stoppers, their party witnessed surreal wonder - mushrooms ranging from foal-sized to hoof-dimension emerged playfully from behind trees. Drawn by the glowing solution, cerulean and tangerine fungi multiplied into a kaleidoscopic gathering.
"Living mushrooms!" Frela twirled delightedly, giggling as plushy caps bumped against her legs.
"Those immobile ones at the estate were alive too," Mensile deadpanned.
"Observe." Ancar tilted his vial, depositing luminous green droplets on a mushroom's cap.
"Shoo-shoo-shoo >V!" The illuminated fungus wiggled ecstatically, showing off its glowing crown.
Frela's heart melted. Selecting the most perfectly domed specimen, she angled her vial - only for a larger mushroom to bodycheck her target aside, intercepting the glowing prize.
The rejected fungus drooped visibly. Frela swiftly scooped it up, emptying her entire vial over its crest.
"Shooooo~!" Emerald eyes crinkled with joy beneath the radiant cap, the grateful mushroom nuzzling Frela's cheek and transferring glowing speckles.
As the mushroom mob surged forward, Mensile wordlessly offered his unused vial. Frela distributed droplets with impartial glee until Ancar elevated the game - ten uncorked vials floated around her, dispensing glowing prizes at varying intervals while dodging enthusiastic jumpers.
Surrounded by undulating mushroom waves under the elven prince's golden halo (which somehow outshone filtered sunlight), Frela found herself speechless with wonder.
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"They're Fungis - ancient, delightful creatures."
Their glowing entourage eventually dispersed, though Frela's special admirer followed until its radiance faded to distant starlight. Even Mensile succumbed to their charm, flicking a particularly bouncy specimen's cap. Only Reminisce remained aloof, hacking through foliage with increasing ferocity.
Frela's gaze flickered between the disgruntled elf and amused prince before lowering demurely.
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Mushroom Forest's modest name belied its vastness. After three nights camping, Ancar's aerial reconnaissance brought hopeful news - smoke plumes signaled nearby settlement.
Harsh conditions amplified tensions. Post-Fungi farewells, Reminisce's disdain escalated daily:
Night One: Campfire smoke wafting her way prompted immediate separation demands.
Night Two: Her "accidental" fireball singed Frela's hair during combat practice.
Night Three: Complete refusal to acknowledge the humans' existence, her expression oscillating between "buried alive" and "walking corpse" grimness.
Night Four found Frela practicing parries by firelight when Reminisce suddenly aimed her staff westward, combustion spell crackling. Even Ancar tensed as rustling foliage betrayed an approaching presence.
"Identify yourself!" Ancar commanded.
The answer came in human form, stepping into firelight with effortless grace that stole breaths.
For before them stood incarnate beauty.