Alec had gently placed Akana’s shimmering heart stone back on the altar and bid the Elementlet farewell. Her gentle radiance grew slowly, spreading throughout the core of the building with her essence.

As he made his way through the dimly lit corridors of the building, he could sense her presence watching him as he made his way through her halls. Finding the young Elementlet of water on his mind. It was a daunting task, but he knew he couldn't falter. The fate of the younglings and his entire race depended on him.

He heard the echo of children giggling and playing as he neared the topmost halls of the building. He needed to find Farlen as quick as possible and ask for his help. The leader of the village had sent teams to aid both Hope and Karn’s party, surly he would do the same for his kind.

The large open room stood high above the lower decks, a spacious chamber that overlooked the sea and every other direction. On one side, tucked away from the endeavours of adults, sat a spacious teaching room adorned with colourful artwork and scattered art supplies. The room was filled with a group of small children sitting huddled together, engrossed in the day's lesson. Parchment lay before each child, covered in vibrant sketches and doodles.

Alec entered the room, his footsteps echoing against the wooden floor. The children looked up from their artwork, their faces beaming with curiosity as they noticed the stony figure in their midst. Some whispered in hushed excitement, while others stared wide-eyed at Alec's unique form.

Alec smiled as he recognised Finn, the small girl he had first met by the shoreline.

The young girl’s hands were stained with paint and a mischievous grin etched her face, approached Alec. "Who are you?" she asked, her voice filled with innocent wonder.

Alec's stony expression softened, and he crouched down to meet the girl at eye level. "Don’t you recognise me? I’m Alec," he replied gently.

The girl's eyes sparkled with intrigue. "Oh, you got so big!? Hey look,” she said, scrambling through her drawings. She produced a large parchment with a crude picture of a rock man holding hands with a girl. “See?" she asked.

Alec smiled and nodded.

The other children gathered around; their youthful enthusiasm was contagious. They showed Alec their artwork, each piece unique and filled with their own interpretations. Some depicted swirling patterns of colours, while others sketched delicate patterns of nature.

Alec's gaze lingered on the vibrant artwork and innocent faces surrounding him. A spark of hope ignited within him as he imagined a future where the youngling Elementlets could live in peace, just like these children.

"Greetings," Kraid said, as he spotted the stone creature among the children. The Kraven nodded with respect and ushered the stony visitor towards the main desk.

Farlen was hunched over a stack of parchment beside the glittering blue gem.

Farlen looked up from his work as he approached. "Ah, Alec, any news of Akana? Is she..."

"Awake and well, though exhausted from channelling so much power," Alec said quickly, then smiled apologetically.

Farlen's smile brightened, sensing Alec's urgency. "That's not why you're here, is it?"

Alec bowed respectfully. "Forgive my haste, but I come seeking aid."

"Is there a problem?" Farlen asked, concerned.

Alec nodded. "I must depart immediately. There may be a chance to save another of my kind."

Farlen and Kraid exchanged glances, their eyes widening in unison.

"Another Elementlet?" Kraid inquired, his hand stroking his jaw in contemplation. "This is intriguing."

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Alec looked between the two and quickly contemplated whether to reveal what he had gathered. After a moment of hesitation, he pressed on.

"When Akana touched- the Book of the Known, she was engulfed with voices. Among them, one spoke of a dormant Elementlet who may hold the key to discovering a hidden enclave of young Hearts."

Farlen straightened his back, his interest piqued. "How many younglings are we talking about?"

"It's difficult to determine," Alec replied, his voice resonating with a sense of purpose. “But from her excitement, I think a fair few.”

"With the Book at our disposal, if we locate this group of younglings, we can not only save a dying race but also forge a powerful alliance," Kraid mused, his mind calculating the potential benefits.

"They would be formidable allies," agreed Farlen, his gaze fixed on Alec. "Very well. I will offer my assistance. What do you need?"

Alec's stony face broke into a grin. "I only need two things. The first is guidance."

"And the second?" Farlen inquired.

Alec's eyes shifted towards the imposing presence of the large blue gem resting on the desk, his gaze lingering on it for a moment.

"The second," Alec spoke with determination, "that!"

Their eyes fixated on the ominous blue gem, its surface pulsating with power. The room seemed to hold its breath, aware of the hidden danger that lurked within its inky depths.

Farlen, deep in thought, extended a finger as an idea took shape in his mind. With a sense of urgency, he rummaged through his cluttered desk, and produced his green tome. Carefully, he retrieved it and gently placed it beside the gem, opening it to a certain page only he could see.

"Place your hand here," he instructed absentmindedly, his gaze fixed on the ancient text. It was as if Farlen was guiding Alec through an everyday task, unconscious of its significance.

Alec obeyed without hesitation, laying his hand on the designated page. His eyes followed the ink words appeared before him, revealing the spell: 'Event of Searching.'

"Searching?" Alec asked. “Will that really work?”

Farlen nodded, his gaze finally shifting to Alec. "Yes, this passage holds the key to a specific method of searching. It may not work unless you are connected to the young one, but given that you are one of three known Elementlets, there may be a chance."

Alec pondered the possibilities, contemplating the potential of the event. "If this works, could I use it to find the rest of the Elementlets?"

Farlen's expression turned grave. "Finding the trove of Elementlets won't be as simple. They’re most likely be hidden or protected by various enchantments."

Alec's shoulders slumped slightly. "Alright, let's try it."

Farlen nodded, his aged face cautious. "Okay. Start by thinking of the young one, then say the word 'connect'."

Alec's features tensed with concentration then said, “connect.” His voice echoed as the words resonated. Farlen swiftly plucked the blue gem from his desk and gently placed it in Alec's free hand. As Alec’s hand made contact, a dazzling flicker of light erupted from the stone, shooting out towards the distant southeast.

Farlen's eyes widened. "There! A signal! It seems to lead towards the young one."

Alec's stony features softened, a glimmer of determination in his crystalline eyes.

Kraid's questioning tone cut through the room, filled with a mix of surprise and concern. "You mean to go alone?"

Alec nodded with determination. "Yes, I believe I must. I just needed a direction."

Farlen's expression grew solemn as he exchanged a meaningful glance with Kraid. His gaze then shifted towards the group of children immersed in their artwork, their innocent voices filling the air. "I'll find some..."

Before Farlen could finish his sentence, Kraid interjected with a firm tone. "I'll go with him."

Farlen's gaze bore into Kraid's eyes, searching for any hint of uncertainty. Yet there was none. "What about Drell?" he asked.

Kraid let out a sigh, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "That old boy has Lyra to look after him. And I doubt he'll be up and about anytime soon, regardless."

Farlen nodded in understanding. "His injuries will take time to heal fully."

Kraid shrugged nonchalantly. "Besides, I have no intention of sticking around to witness their lovey-dovey antics."

A soft chuckle escaped Farlen's lips, appreciating the Kraven soldier's candidness.

"Fleshlings can be quite peculiar, indeed,” said Alec, who looked more confused than anything.

"What of the other Elders? Should we inform them of our plans?" asked Kraid.

Farlen let out a weary sigh, his shoulders slumping with the weight of the administrative tasks that came with forging alliances. He rubbed his temples, feeling the exhaustion seep into his bones.

"Ah, the joys of diplomacy and coordination," he muttered under his breath.

Alec, sensing Farlen's fatigue. "I understand it can be tiring, Farlen. But remember, with allies by our side, we can accomplish great things."

Farlen looked up, gratitude flickering in his tired eyes. "You're right. It's just... The past few days have drained the life out of me. But don’t worry. I’ll be alright."

Kraid chimed in with a hint of humour. "Don't worry. I'll handle the negotiations with the Elders. You can take a break from the bureaucracy."

A spark of admiration lit up in Alec’s crystalline eyes as he watched them.

"Very well. Kraid will inform the Elders and make the necessary preparations,” said Farlen. “Time is of the essence, and we must have you two ready as soon as possible."