Lina lay on her side, the campfire crackling softly nearby, its warmth only partially offsetting the cool night air. Her thoughts lingered on the story of Almira’s confrontation with the volcano. The idea of the earth trembling beneath her feet unsettled her, the very foundation of life itself shaking and cracking—a reminder of how fragile even the strongest things could be.
As her eyelids grew heavy and her breathing slowed, her mind drifted, slipping seamlessly into a vivid dream.
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THE GLEN
She stood in a glen bathed in dappled light, the towering trees around her whispering softly as a gentle breeze danced through their branches. The scent of moss and rich earth filled her senses, grounding her in this serene, almost sacred space.
Lina glanced down at herself and noticed she was older, no longer a child but a woman, dressed in flowing white robes. Her hand reached out, brushing against the rough bark of a massive oak tree. Its surface felt ancient, its presence a quiet strength she couldn’t quite explain.
A smile crept across her face as the tranquility of the glen filled her. The soft rustling of leaves felt like a lullaby, lulling her into a sense of perfect peace. Then, a spark of mischief lit in her chest, and her smile turned into a grin.
Slipping off the sandals on her feet, she took a step forward, then another, until she was running. Her long braid came loose, her hair catching the wind as she darted between the trees. She felt free, unbound, and alive in the cool dimness of the wood.
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THE ENCOUNTER
As she ran, her laughter echoing through the glen, she didn’t notice the root protruding from the ground. Her foot caught, and she went sprawling forward, her pristine robes tearing and staining with dirt. She groaned, brushing off her scraped palms, but the laughter bubbling in her chest didn’t cease.
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She pushed herself up and continued her run, her spirits undampened. But as she rounded a tree, she collided with something—no, someone. The force sent them both tumbling down a small hill, rolling until they landed with a splash in a shallow stream at the bottom.
Her heart leaped in panic as she scrambled back, water dripping from her robes and hair. Before her stood a tall figure, his clothes soaked and his dark hair falling in wet strands across his face. She stammered out an apology, bowing deeply, her words tripping over themselves in her rush.
And then he laughed.
It was a deep, hearty laugh that filled the space around them, breaking through her embarrassment. She froze, pushing wet strands of hair from her eyes as she looked up at him. His face was young and handsome, his dark eyes sparkling with mirth.
Her initial shock turned into irritation. Scowling, she slapped a handful of water at him. He blinked in surprise, then grinned and retaliated, sending a splash her way.
Before long, they were chasing each other through the stream, laughing like children. Lina felt something she hadn’t in a long time—a pure, unadulterated joy, the kind that made her forget all her fears and burdens.
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AWAKENING
When she woke, her breath came in short gasps, her chest rising and falling as though she had truly been running. For a moment, she lay still, the remnants of the dream lingering in her mind.
The peace of the glen, the playfulness of the encounter, and the unrestrained laughter—it all felt so real. She brought a hand to her chest, feeling her heart pounding beneath her fingers.
It wasn’t fear she remembered from the dream, nor the unease that had crept into her thoughts before falling asleep. It was something else—something she hadn’t felt in what felt like ages. It was the joy of being alive.
Lina closed her eyes again, a small smile playing at her lips. For once, she let herself savor the feeling, knowing the challenges of the waking world would soon demand her attention. But for now, she held onto the dream, the memory of laughter echoing softly in her heart.