The dim light filtering through the woven branches of the Archery Guild gave the room a calm yet serious air as the recruits gathered, each feeling the weight of what awaited them. After a brief rest, they had been called by Lyra Moonshadow herself, summoned to the guild’s meeting room to discuss the situation in Aethercrest and their future training in Moonglade.

Aelion adjusted his quiver, his gaze sweeping over the room as he entered. The walls were lined with intricate carvings of past guild members—great hunters, skilled trackers, and marksmen who had forged their names in Moonglade’s long history. Small lanterns hung from the ceiling, casting a silvery glow that reflected in the dark wood of the long table at the center. Lyra was seated at the far end, her gaze thoughtful as she waited for the recruits to gather.

Once they had all taken their places, Lyra nodded in acknowledgment. She remained silent for a moment, her piercing green eyes studying each of them in turn, as if assessing the strength and determination that had brought them here.

“Welcome to the archery guild of Moonglade, I’m told you all have something grave to inform me. So just what exactly is going on in Aethercrest that resulted in five new recruits in my program?”

Aelion felt a surge of tension as Lyra’s gaze turned to him, the weight of her presence making him acutely aware of the role he played in delivering the message. She was calm, yet there was a subtle intensity in her eyes, a reminder of her deep commitment to Moonglade and its allies.

“Lady Lyra, Aethercrest has been attacked, ambushed, and is currently still undergoing relentless pressure. The five of us even assisted in protecting our southern gates from the intruders, as we have wounded or killed many of the foe who were intruding. From what we gathered, the enemy is unknown, no major settlement insignias have been found, and the city requires reinforcements as soon as possible.”

Lyra listened intently, her fingers steepled as she absorbed each detail. When Aelion finished, she remained silent, a flicker of concern crossing her face as she processed the news. Finally, she leaned forward, her voice steady but resolute.

“Then it seems that Aethercrest will receive just that. I will send word to the other guilds and they will dispatch some of our people to your city. As for training, you will resume here.”

The recruits exchanged looks of relief and gratitude. Although they had come to Moonglade to train, the reassurance that Aethercrest would receive support brought a sense of comfort, a promise that their home would not face the threat alone. Lyra summoned one of her attendants, giving him instructions to notify the other guild leaders and request immediate aid for Aethercrest. The attendant nodded and left swiftly, his footsteps echoing through the quiet hall as he disappeared down the corridor.

Aelion felt a surge of respect for Lyra’s decisiveness; she had not hesitated to stand by Aethercrest, recognizing the gravity of the threat and the importance of unity. The bonds between these two cities of Eldravale ran deeper than alliances; they were rooted in shared values and the mutual protection of their lands.

“Now as I said, with you all training here, things will be different. In Moonglade, we train separately from the other archers. You will each be given a prospector companion from our city to assist with the upkeep of your camps, and should any major injury happen, they can assist you there as well.”

Aelion listened closely, intrigued by the idea of a more immersive form of training. In Aethercrest, their instruction had been rigorous, focused on technique, endurance, and precision, yet here, it seemed there would be an additional layer—a need for survivability within nature and a readiness to confront the challenges of the wild.

“With this type of training it is peril that you equip yourself with the absolute necessities, and you will depart with minimum rations, as you should be hunting and foraging for yourselves.

She paused, her gaze serious as she outlined the first task awaiting them. “Your initial trial will require you to hunt an elk, a creature known for its agility, strength, and instinct for survival. You will journey alone into the forest, track the elk, and complete the hunt using only your wits and your bow. Each of you will face this task alone, and it will test your patience, skill, and understanding of the wilderness.”

Selara and Illirya exchanged glances, their expressions a mixture of excitement and apprehension. Though both were skilled with a bow, the challenge of a solo hunt was daunting, a true test of everything they had learned and an experience unlike any they had faced before.

“Upon completion of the elk trial, you will be given a silver elk path to brandish on yourself, proving your worthiness of that training.

After a pause, Lyra continued, “The final trial will be far more demanding. Once you have successfully completed the hunt for an elk, you will be tasked with hunting a black bear. This is a test not only of skill but of courage and fortitude. A black bear is a powerful creature, a force of nature, and you must be fully prepared—physically, mentally, and spiritually.”

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Aelion felt his pulse quicken at the mention of the final trial. A bear hunt was a formidable challenge, even for seasoned hunters. The trial demanded not only strength and skill but a calm mind and an ability to read the subtleties of the forest. It was a task that would push each of them to their limits, a test of their very essence as archers and warriors.

Aelion’s mind raced as he considered the implications of this arrangement. In Aethercrest, training had been an individual pursuit, but here, the presence of a Prospector Guild member added a new layer. The prospectors were known for their practical expertise—engineers, craftsmen, and survivalists. Their skills ranged from constructing sturdy campsites to crafting tools and even basic weapons, skills that could prove essential in the dense, unpredictable wilderness of Moonglade.

“The prospectors are to not assist you in hunting whatsoever. They will not be following you around the wilderness, so be sharp, be ready, be precise.”

Selara nodded thoughtfully, her eyes bright with interest. The idea of working alongside a Prospector intrigued her, a partnership that would blend their skills and allow each to focus on their strengths. Illirya, who was usually reserved, seemed more at ease as she listened, her apprehension softened by the knowledge that they wouldn’t be entirely on their own.

Aelion felt a surge of appreciation for Moonglade’s approach to training. The partnership with the Prospector Guild was a reminder that no task, however daunting, needed to be faced in isolation. They were part of a network, a support system that extended beyond mere skill and technique, rooted in the understanding that true strength came from unity and shared purpose.

Lyra rose from her seat, signaling that the meeting was drawing to a close. She took a step forward, her gaze steady as she addressed the recruits with a final word of guidance.

“I believe that with what Aethercrest taught you, you should be able to manage these feats. You should have honed in with your bows, and reflecting on your battle with the unknown enemy, I would assume that actually killing a living being, shouldn’t be a problem. Now, good luck, may nature guide you.” Lyra waved her hand to dismiss the recruits.

The recruits nodded, each absorbing her words in their own way. Aelion felt a renewed sense of purpose settle over him, a quiet resolve that solidified his determination to face the trials ahead. Though the trials seemed hauntingly difficult, he felt the weight of his responsibility and the importance of proving himself, not just as an archer but as a defender of Moonglade and Aethercrest alike.

As they filed out of the meeting room, Aelion caught Selara’s eye, noting the determination reflected in her expression. They exchanged a brief nod, a silent acknowledgment of the challenges they would face and the strength they would need to summon. Renar, quiet as usual, as he just stood with his arms crossed. Caidren seemed happy and ready however.

Once outside the meeting room, the recruits were instructed to visit the guild’s supply room, where they would gather the essentials needed for their journey into the wild. The room was lined with racks of bows, quivers, and lightweight packs filled with provisions and tools. Aelion scanned the supplies, carefully selecting a few items that he thought would aid him during the hunt.

The supply master, an older elf with sharp eyes and a no-nonsense demeanor, guided each recruit through the items, explaining the purpose of each piece of equipment and offering advice on survival in Moonglade’s wilderness.

I highly suggest utilizing your hearing more so than your sight young man. The elk are great at blending in with the trees and ground. But most of all, have your patience ready, this is not a race.”

Aelion gathered his gear, strapping a small pack to his shoulders and testing the weight of his bow. He felt a mixture of excitement and anticipation, knowing that he would soon be stepping into the unknown, facing the wilderness and testing his abilities in ways he had never before experienced.

Beside him, Caidren adjusted his quiver, his face calm but focused. As a native of Moonglade, he seemed at ease with the prospect of a solo hunt, his connection to the forest evident in his steady movements. Illirya, though usually quiet, took a moment to examine each item carefully, her face set in determined concentration. Renar, however, appeared slightly restless, his gaze darting around the room as he packed his supplies with quick, efficient motions.

With their gear secured, the recruits made their way to the edge of the guild, where a small clearing marked the starting point of their journey. The forest stretched before them, a vast, dense expanse of trees, underbrush, and winding paths that seemed to disappear into the shadows. A group of prospectors awaited them, and they all happened to appear the same age based on their features, but with elves you could never really tell. They chose which archers they would go with, and an elven boy with light green skin and blonde straight hair that reached his middle back would choose Aelion.

One by one, the recruits prepared to set off, each glancing at the others with a sense of camaraderie and shared purpose. Though they would be hunting separately, the bond they had formed during their journey to Moonglade would remain, a silent encouragement as they faced the trials alone.

“I hope to see you all back in the city with the silver elk patch. Good luck.”

As Aelion turned to face the forest, he took a steadying breath, his fingers brushing over the smooth wood of his bow. The hunt would test his endurance, his instincts, and his connection with the natural world. He felt the weight of responsibility settle over him once more, a reminder that he was not only proving himself but honoring the bonds between Moonglade and Aethercrest.

With a final glance over his shoulder, he stepped into the shadows of the forest, the canopy closing around him as he ventured deeper into the wild.

“My name is Nev, short for Nevarro. Pleased to meet you…” he paused for dramatic effect, giving Aelion a space to speak.

“Aelion, from Aethercrest, and likewise, nice to meet you.”

They shared a look into the forest, the elf looked at Aelion, taking in his features. It was odd for a human to have white hair so young but genetically it was possible, in the sun it would have a slight yellow hue to it.

“Aelion, I think I may know the perfect spot for you to hunt for the elk. Though I can’t help you physically, it would be the perfect spot to set up. May I show you the way?”

“Absolutely, as long as we don’t break any rules, I would happily accept any assistance I can get. Thank you Nev.”

The two set off in a direction away from the others, ensuring wherever they may go, it would be away from the other archers. Aelion looked forward to seeing this forest for himself, his parents would be proud of him.