A smile appeared on the old woman's face once more and she hugged Alaenor, whispering to her softly, "Thank you, dear. I am glad that the gods brought you here today to guide me."

Alaenor closed her eyes tightly as she leaned into the older woman's embrace. In a matter of days, Euphemia felt like a mother to her which reminded her of her own mother. She felt warmth spreading through her body as memories of her family flooded her mind. Her mother, her father...

Her smile began to fade slowly as she forced back the tears that threatened to come out.

She opened her eyes again after a moment, turning to look at the elder woman. "So... let's get out of here before we get attacked again."

The elder woman hummed with a curt nod, "The council members are gathering survivors outside of Starfall. Perhaps we should go with them instead." With that, they both left the area and used a safer route towards the main gate of the city, avoiding detection from their invaders.

They soon arrived at the meeting point, and as soon as they emerged from the forest a crowd had gathered, many people looking extremely nervous and fearful of those who were approaching.

After exchanging greetings, the group took the opportunity to sit down on the grassy lawn and wait for the council to arrive. After a few moments, however, one member of the council spoke first. "I have received word from the Capital," he said, his voice filled with urgency and worry.

At this, the tension in the area grew exponentially.

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"It appears that there is unrest in the Capital."

"What?" someone shouted angrily from somewhere. "How is that possible?" Another responded with the same question, causing the atmosphere to grow even heavier.

"According to our informant the attack on the city was carried out by some group called the Seekers of Magic. They claim that they came out of nowhere to raid the town, kill everyone in sight - most particularly people who wield magic and then leave without a trace, never to be seen again."

That last part caused several people to shout, anger and confusion evident on their faces. All of these events were very unexpected to them and were all making things even worse. Alaenor frowned in response, having never heard of any kind of organization called the Seekers.

"The Seekers of Magic? Why would they come and attack us?" One woman questioned.

"Yes, but I do not know..." another responded.

"But how could they do something so cruel?" Another woman asked.

The council members discussed among themselves for a bit while Alaenor remained silent, trying to understand exactly what was happening. Then a thought struck her mind as she thought about the incident with Euphemia back at the sanctuary. Confusion can be seen on her face as she recalled the golden glow surrounding them both earlier... did she unintentionally use magic at that moment? As far as she knew, not many of Starfall's citizens wield magic besides the healers which puzzled her.

"The Seekers of Magic... They say that their leader is a man named Cain..." a man beside Alaenor muttered.

The name was unfamiliar to her but she decided not to ask about it. That could wait until she was able to get some information for herself later.

The discussion among the council continued, but the longer they talked about it the more unsettled the atmosphere turned. Alaenor overheard the discussion among the council about where to seek shelter first and foremost. They could not stay out in the open overnight, they would have to make camp somewhere close to the capital. Some people agreed with the suggestions, but some people disagreed. However, no one dared disagree with the council.