Evin's eyes fluttered open to see concerned faces hovering over him. Allovilde was gripping his hand, her eyes wide with worry.
«Evin! Are you okay?» she asked, her voice trembling.
He sat up slowly, his head spinning. «Yeah, I think so. What happened?»
Njord looked relieved. «You had a strong reaction to the activation. It's rare, but not unheard of. You must have a powerful connection to your pathway.»
Evin nodded, still feeling the remnants of the visions swirling in his mind. «I saw things... visions of places and symbols. It was intense.»
Njord smiled reassuringly. «I’ve actually never heard of someone else going through similar experience, but I’m sure it’s a positive thing for you. Embrace it! The activation is just the beginning, and you have a bright future ahead.»
Allovilde squeezed his hand. «We'll face it together. Whatever comes, we'll be ready.»
As the last members of the group finished their activation, Evin felt a renewed sense of determination. The visions had shown him a glimpse of something greater, and he was eager to discover what his journey would hold. Was the visions of his future ? Or of long forgotten memories – one thing was certain, his adventure had truly begun.
«Now that your pathways are active,» Njord began, «you'll need to learn how to access and understand your new powers. Your marks will be your guide, showing you your strengths, skills, and potential for growth.»
Evin nodded, his curiosity piqued. He watched as Njord demonstrated the process, holding his hand out and focusing his mind. His mark was located in the palm of his hand, and as he demonstrated, the mark started to expand with additional intricate symbols.
«To draw upon your mark,» Njord explained, «simply concentrate on the desire to see it. Your pathway will respond, and mark will expand.»
Evin took a deep breath and held out his hand, mimicking Njord's actions. To his surprise, he could feel that his mark started to expand from beside his eye down towards his neck, following the revelation that he could actually not see any of his new symbols.
Njord looked over at him and said with a laugh, « It’s an unfortunate location in the beginning, but you’ll soon learn to recognize the traces of your mark, even without seeing it. But for now, please let me help you decipher your mark. ».
“Lets see, you’ve certainly been working hard. The mark is recognizing your talents within herbology – just like your parents – shown with the spiraling symbol you have here”, Njord said, as he pointed at one of the spots near Evins ear, where he could feel a warmth shine through.
“You’re also being recognized for tracking, foraging and survival, as shown with the small symbols here”, Njord continued to trace the symbols along his neck.
“I believe you’re off to a good start, keep at it!”
The feeling filled him with excitement, knowing he could cultivate these abilities further.
As Evin had his mark expanded, trying to recognize and study the marks features, a familiar voice called out to him. He turned to see Allovilde staring intensly at him.
«Evin! Isn't it incredible?» She grinned, holding out her own expanded mark.
Evin nodded, a smile spreading across his face. «It's amazing. I can't believe we've finally activated our pathways.»
They sat together on a fallen log, Allovildes sleeve rolled up as they examined the intricate symbols etched into her skin. Each mark was unique—lines and curves forming patterns and symbols that seemed almost alive.
Allovilde traced a set of runes near her wrist, frowning in concentration. «This is the one that represents foraging, right? Ìt’s the same one that you have,» she murmured, then pointed to another symbol along her forearm. «And this… I think Njord said it was animal handling? That would explain the way animals seem to trust me so easily.»
Evin ran his fingers over his own mark, carefully trying to memorize the traces of his symbols.
«Wait a minute! This one!» he said, pointing to one of his marks, «This symbol is similar to the one carved into the door back home, isnt it? I feel so stupid, I bet they’ve told me several times, I need to pay more attention..»
Allovilde glanced at him, laughter evident in her eyes. «Took you long enough.»
Evin nodded, a small grin forming.
Their conversation soon shifted to training and practice, working out how to develop their marks, however - Evin’s mind kept drifting back to the moment his mark had awakened. The images—the voices—they still lingered at the edge of his thoughts, refusing to fade.
«Allovilde,» he said hesitantly, «did you… see anything when your mark activated? Like memories that weren’t yours?»
She tilted her head. «No. Just this strange warmth spreading through me, like a ball of energy sparking to life.»
Evin hesitated before nodding. «I saw flashes of places I’ve never been. People I don’t know. It felt real—like I was living someone else’s life for a moment.»
Allovilde studied him, then placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. «No doubt you’re bound to be a great wizard! Challanging dragons and making the mountains tremble in fear as you travel through their narrow valleys.» Half a grin was forming on her face. «You just need to start paying attention to the simple things first, like patterns on a door, or not fall asleep and start dreaming during important rituals and such.. You know, mundane stuff?», she started laughing.
Evin exhaled slowly, staring down at the glowing symbols on his arm. «You fool, I guess I deserved that…», he said, a smile forming on his lips.
«Ready to head back? Njord is about to continue his lessons.»
Evin listened intently as Njord's voice echoed through the room. The young man leaned forward, his eyes fixed on his mentor, absorbing every detail of the lesson.
«The pathway is a journey of self-discovery and growth,» Njord continued, his gaze sweeping over the eager faces of his students. «A gift bestowed upon each individual at the age of sixteen. It is unique to each person, yet there are commonalities that bind us all together.»
«But it is not a path to be trodden lightly. Each step must be taken with purpose and forethought, lest you find yourself in situations beyond your abilities.»
Njord paused for a moment, allowing his words to sink in before continuing. «You see, the pathway is not just a simple mark on your skin. It is a living entity, capable of growth and evolution. As you journey along your pathway, you learn new skills and gain boons that enhance your abilities.»
Evin nodded thoughtfully, his mind already racing with possibilities. He could feel the mark pulsing beneath his skin.
«But the pathway is more than just a tool for personal growth,» Njord continued. «It is also a reflection of your true self. The skills you choose to learn and the boons you gain are determined by your passions and desires. There are even those who get rewarded based on certain actions they perform.»
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He gestured towards Evin. «For example, if you have a strong affinity for nature and crafting, then your pathway will lead you down a path that allows you to hone those skills.»
One of Evin's classmates raised her hand tentatively. «What happens when we reach the end of our pathways?» she asked hesitantly. «Do they just stop?»
Njord smiled gently at her question. «No, my dear,» he replied softly. «The end of one's pathway is not an ending at all. Instead, it marks the beginning of a new journey – one that leads to even greater potential and power.»
He paused for a moment before continuing in hushed tones: «Legend has it that there are those who have managed to transform their marks into something more, merging symbols and patterns to create new more advanced shapes.» His voice trailed off as he glanced around the room, his eyes filled with mystery and intrigue.
«Consider your strengths and passions,» Njord urged, his voice filled with conviction. «If your heart lies in the realm of nature and crafting, then you must be prepared for the challenges that come with such a path. The regions are filled with dangers, both known and unknown, and only those who have honed their skills and knowledge can hope to reach the pinnacle of strength.»
Evin's thoughts drifted to the countless hours he had spent exploring the forest with Allovilde, learning the secrets of the plants and creatures that called it home. He realized now that those experiences had been more than just idle pursuits—they had been the foundation upon which he would build his future.
As Njord continued to speak, Evin's resolve grew stronger. He knew that he could not simply rely on his natural talents and interests; he would need to work tirelessly to develop the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive on his chosen path.
«Remember,» Njord said, his voice softening with understanding, «there is no wrong way to walk the pathway. Each of you has a unique destiny, a path that is yours and yours alone. Embrace it, nurture it, and let it guide you to the heights of your potential.»
As they stepped out of the classroom, Evin and Allovilde fell into step beside each other, their minds still buzzing with Njord's words. The warm afternoon sun cast dappled shadows across the path, and a gentle breeze carried the scent of blooming flowers.
«So,» Allovilde began, her eyes sparkling with excitement, «where should we start?»
Evin considered for a moment, his brow furrowed in thought. «Well, my tracking skills are getting better. Maybe we could start by tracking some low-level creatures in the forest? I could lead the way, and you could use your bow to take them down. None of us has developed any mastery with weapons, and if we are to progress through the regions, we need to prioritize that. »
Allovilde grinned, her fingers instinctively reaching for the bow slung across her back. «I like the sound of that. And while we're out there, we can keep an eye out for any herbs or plants we can collect. Every little bit helps when it comes to developing our herbology and foraging skills.»
Evin nodded, his mind already mapping out potential routes through the dense undergrowth. «Exactly. We can cover more ground if we split up, but we should always stay within earshot of each other. Just in case.»
As they continued down the path, their conversation turned to the intricacies of their chosen skills to enhance.
Before they knew it, they had reached the fork in the road that led to their respective homes. Evin glanced up, spotting his parents waiting for him on the porch, their faces warm with affection.
«Looks like someone has been waiting for us to return,» he said, turning to Allovilde with a smile. «Lets meet up after we've had something to eat? We can head out to the forest and put our plan into action.»
Allovilde nodded, her eyes shining with determination. «I'm up for that.»
Evin stepped into the cozy warmth of his home, the aroma of Elara's cooking yet again enveloping him like a comforting embrace.
«Welcome back» Thorne said, his voice deep and reassuring. «We know you want to get out there, but before you leave, there is a story we need to share with you.»
Elara gestured towards the dining table, where a spread of Evin's favorite dishes awaited him. «Come, sit.»
As they settled around the table, Elara began, her eyes distant with memory. «I guess I’ll just start, no point i dwelling any more.», she said with a calm voice, her face deep in thought. «It was a sunny day, much like this one. Your father and I were only a couple of years older than you actually. We decided to venture into Aegis Forest for the first time. You've heard the stories, of course, but seeing it is something entirely different.»
Elara paused, her voice tinged with a mix of wonder and sorrow. «The Aegis stretches endlessly, its canopy a thick, green embrace. The ancient trees towered above us, their bark gnarled and heavy with the weight of centuries. The forest floor was a rich carpet of moss and fallen leaves, alive with creatures we couldn't always see but could always feel.»
«The forest seemed to breathe with life, yet there was an eerie tranquility to it, a stillness that felt almost unnatural. The whispers of the wind through the leaves, the distant call of unknown birds—it was haunting and beautiful all at once. It was as if the forest itself was calling to us.»
Thorne nodded, his gaze fixed on the flickering candle at the center of the table. «I still remember the scents that filled the air as we journeyed deeper into the forest. The earthy aroma of the soil, the sweet fragrance of wildflowers, and the crisp scent of pine needles. It was.. Magnificent!»
Elara continued, her voice softening. «We were so focused on our search for rare herbs that we didn't notice the change in our surroundings. It wasn't until we heard the sounds of creatures all around us that we realized we had been surrounded.»
Thorne leaned forward, his eyes intense. «We had inadvertently wandered into the more dangerous parts of the forest. On this day we were a foraging party of four. Your aunt, Elara's older sister, and her husband, both were considered promising adventurers, had agreed to accompany us.»
Elara's eyes glistened with unshed tears. «We stared at each other, fear gripping our hearts. We knew that not everyone would make it out alive.»
Thorne's voice grew somber. «A pack of wolves had encircled us. Baldur, your aunt's husband, drew his dagger and bravely stepped forward to fend off the wolves, giving us a chance to escape. He screamed at us to run. We hesitated, but he kept insisting that we hurry out of there… And so we did.»
Elara's voice trembled as she recounted the memory. «We could hear his screams fading behind us as we ran for our lives. After having ran for as long as we could, we were drained and compeltely exhausted. We slowed to a walk. But the wolves had followed us, and they emerged from the bushes, ready to attack.»
Thorne's hand found Elara's, their fingers intertwining. «Your aunt stumbled on a large root and fell. The wolves were upon her in an instant.»
Evin listened intently, his heart pounding as his parents recounted the tale. He couldn't imagine the fear they must have felt, the anguish of losing loved ones in such a brutal way.
Thorne's voice was heavy with emotion as he continued, «We couldn't save her. The wolves were too many, too fierce. We had no choice but to keep running, even though we were at the brink of collapsing. »
Elara's grip on Thorne's hand tightened. «We finally reached the edge of the forest, our bodies battered and our spirits broken. We collapsed on the ground, gasping for air.»
Thorne met Evin's gaze, his eyes filled with a mixture of sorrow and determination. «We vowed never to venture into the higher regions of Rygr. It was a hard-learned lesson, one that came at a great cost.»
Elara reached across the table, her hand resting on Evin's. «We share this story with you, Evin, not to frighten you, but to remind you of the importance of caution and preparation. The forest is a beautiful place, but it can also be deadly if you're not careful.»
Evin nodded, his mind reeling from the weight of their words. He had always known that the forest held dangers, but hearing his parents' firsthand account made it all the more real.
Thorne's voice broke through Evin's thoughts. «Promise us, Evin, that you will always be cautious when you explore the forest or wherever you might end up adventuring. That you will never venture into areas beyond your abilities.»
Evin met his father's gaze, his voice steady. «I promise.»
Elara smiled softly, her hand squeezing Evin's. «We know you will. After all, you do have a wise head on your shoulders, and we trust in your judgment.»
Evin opened the front door, his mind still heavy with the weight of his parents' story. As he prepared to step outside, his father approached him, a solemn expression on his face. In his hands, he held a sheathed dagger.
«Evin,» Thorne began, his voice low and serious, «there's something I want you to have.» He held out the dagger, the worn leather sheath speaking of its age and history.
Evin took the dagger, his fingers curling around the hilt. He looked up at his father with visible confusion in his eyes.
Thorne took a deep breath, his gaze distant as if lost in a painful memory. «The following day of our venture in Aegis forest, a local adventuring party went in to retrieve your aunt and uncle, this was the dagger your uncle Baldur used to fend off the wolves.»
Evin's eyes widened, his grip on the dagger tightening. He had never known his uncle, but the weight of his sacrifice hung heavy in the air.
«I want you to have it,» Thorne continued, his voice thick with emotion. «Use it to protect yourself, and may it serve you better than its previous owner. »
Evin unsheathed the dagger, the blade glinting in the dim light of the room. It had been carefully sharpened and polished, a testament to the love and care his father had poured into preserving this piece of family history.
He sheathed the dagger once more, his eyes meeting his father's. «I will, Father. I promise to be careful and use this to protect myself and others.»
Thorne pulled Evin into a tight embrace, his arms wrapping around his son with a fierce protectiveness. Evin returned the hug, the dagger pressed between them, a symbol of the bond they shared and the sacrifices their family had made.
As they pulled apart, Evin tucked the dagger into his belt, the weight of it a constant reminder of his promise. He turned to leave, his heart heavy but his resolve strong.
Outside, he spotted Allovilde. She seemed to be preparing to leave as well, her pack slung over her shoulder and a determined set to her jaw. Evin walked towards her, ready to face whatever challenges the forest might hold, with his new dagger at his side.