Aelion followed Nev down the barely discernible trail, each step seeming to carry them further into the untouched heart of Moonglade’s wilderness. The canopy above grew denser as they walked, casting shifting patterns of shadow and tinted sunlight across their path. Branches rustled softly overhead, and the earthy scent of damp moss filled the air, grounding Aelion in the quiet intensity of the forest.

He noticed right away that this path was different from the well-trodden trails near Moonglade’s main roads. Here, the underbrush had crept back onto the trail, and patches of wildflowers and ferns grew undisturbed, suggesting that few feet had tread this way in some time. Nev moved with purpose, his steps light and his eyes sharp, as though he knew every bend and turn, every slight dip in the path ahead.

“I’m going to take it that very very few people know about this spot, considering this path.” Aelion said.

Nev smiled, glancing over his shoulder. His steps were quiet but assured, his posture reflecting a confidence born from familiarity with the forest.

“Yes, my parents brought me here when I was very young, and I visit it every so often. WIth that being said, I need you to promise me that you won’t tell anybody about this place, because I don’t want it ruined by kids or anybody really. It’s a beautiful spot that I hold dear to my heart.”

Aelion nodded, the intrigue building as they continued deeper into the woods. The two walked in comfortable silence for a time, the only sounds were their steady footsteps, the rustle of leaves, and the distant call of a night bird echoing through the trees. Eventually, the quiet rhythm of their walk drew them into conversation, a subtle ease settling over them as they shared pieces of their lives.

“So I figure since we’re going to be working together here, and possibly out here for a week or so, you should know a bit about me. I grew up in Aethercrest, and my father was an archer, my mother a stay at home type of woman. My father was amazing, and was only one rank below from becoming the Archery Guild’s leader, but he got injured bad, and it sort of ended his career sadly. So here I am, trying to live out his dreams, but take it the next step. I want to become not only Aethercrest’s best archer, but the best in the continent.”

Nev listened quietly, his gaze thoughtful as Aelion spoke of his father’s past, of the injury that had ended his career and forced him to abandon his dreams. Aelion’s voice carried a hint of sadness, but also determination, a reflection of the hope he held to honor his father’s ambitions.

“Wow, I’m sorry to hear about that Aelion. Honestly it takes a lot of strength to live out or succeed your parents, but if that is what you want to do, then I say go for it!”

After a moment, Nev looked ahead, his expression hardening slightly, as though drawing strength from a memory. He spoke of his own past, his voice steady but laced with a quiet resilience.

“Yeah, I’m in the same boat to some level. My mother worked as a cleric or nurse, whatever you consider it. Her and a small group of others made the long trip to Glacier Peak many years ago, and she unfortunately got very ill, so ill that it would take her own life. And my father was just an ordinary vegetation farmer, I helped him with the crops every year until I could apply for and join the Prospector’s Guild here in Moonglade. So my goal is two things, to learn how to utilize the prospector’s science to control weather for a small area, and to become the best medicinal scientist to live.”

Aelion felt a pang of empathy as Nev shared the story, the loss resonating deeply. There was a quiet sorrow in Nev’s words, but his posture remained strong, his gaze unwavering as he spoke. It was clear that his mother’s passing had left a mark, but it was also evident that Nev had transformed that pain into resolve, a purpose that now guided him.

“Nev, I couldn’t imagine that. I’m sorry, I bet your mother is so proud of you, whatever your beliefs may be, I reckon she is watching over you and will forever be a part of your journey.”

Aelion admired Nev’s strength. There was a quiet resilience in him, an unshakable determination to use his skills for the good of others. In many ways, Aelion felt a kinship with him, both of them striving to honor the memories of those they had lost by becoming something greater.

#

As they walked on, the canopy above began to thin, revealing glimpses of starlit sky. The air grew cooler, carrying the faint, fresh scent of running water. Nev paused at a bend in the trail, his gaze softening as he took in the path ahead.

“We’re nearly there,” he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. Aelion nodded, his anticipation building as he followed Nev’s lead. They turned the final corner, stepping into a small clearing that opened up onto a gently sloping hill.

The hill rose above the surrounding trees, crowned by a single oak whose branches stretched outward, forming a natural arch over the landscape below. Beyond the hill, a narrow crick stream wound its way through the underbrush, its surface catching the light of the stars and the faint glow of the moon. From this vantage point, Aelion could see through the gaps in the trees for quite some distance—a perfect spot for tracking and spotting any movement in the forest.

Aelion took in the surroundings, marveling at the natural beauty of the place. The hill offered a sense of seclusion, a quiet space where the world felt distant, leaving only the gentle rustle of leaves and the soft murmur of the stream.

If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it's taken without the author's consent. Report it.

“This is so peaceful and beautiful, Nev this is perfect!”

Nev nodded, a faint smile playing at his lips. There was a sense of pride in his eyes as he looked out over the forest. He moved with ease, his movements quiet and efficient as he began setting up their camp.

He unfolded a camouflage tent, securing it near the base of the oak tree where the branches would offer cover from any unexpected rain. With practiced hands, he built a small fire, arranging the wood carefully before sparking a flame that glowed softly in the growing darkness. Once the fire was going, he placed a small cooking pot over the flames, setting it at an angle so it would heat slowly.

Night had fully fallen by the time their camp was prepared, the sky above filled with stars that shimmered like scattered silver. Aelion and Nev sat by the fire, their faces lit by its soft glow as they prepared the rations they’d been given—a simple meal, but warm and satisfying after the long trek.

As they ate, Aelion found himself reflecting on the day, on the journey that had brought them here and the trials that lay ahead. The quiet companionship between him and Nev brought a sense of calm, a reminder that despite the challenges, they were not alone in their journeys.

“This is an interesting trial, well the ways of archery out here anyway. How they do it in Aethercrest is more militaristic, being about precision and fighting like you were in a war, and less about survivability. I’m really glad that we get to partner with a prospector too, because what you guys do is calculated and well thought out.”

Nev nodded thoughtfully as Aelion spoke, his gaze steady as he listened. Though his role was to assist in camp maintenance and survival, Nev’s dedication to the hunt was apparent; he viewed this trial as an opportunity to move along the ranks of the guild and eventually adventure more. Giving him opportunities that would show him more herbs and learn more science.

With their meal finished, they sat in comfortable silence, the fire crackling softly between them as they watched the shadows dance along the edges of the clearing. The forest around them was alive with subtle sounds—the distant call of a night bird, the gentle rustling of leaves, the quiet flow of the crick stream.

“Everything here is different, the trees, color of the grass, everything. In Aethercrest we have this light green grass with thinner willow trees surrounding the outskirts of the city. Your trees here are thick and much taller than what we have. It honestly feels like a whole new world to me.”

Nev smiled, his gaze drifting over the trees. He shared Aelion’s appreciation for Moonglade’s natural beauty, explaining that he had spent years exploring its hidden places, learning the rhythms of its creatures and the secrets of its plants. For him, the forest was not just a place to survive, but a living entity, a source of inspiration and endless mystery.

“Yes, from the legends I’ve been told, when civilization split and we created the four settlements, the elves found ways to bond their arcane magic with the forest. Through time it evolved and it’s as if the nature itself became able to utilize the mana of the deceased and what it was given from the living.”

Aelion listened, his heart stirred by Nev’s words. He had always admired the natural world, but Moonglade’s forest held a unique charm, a sense of wonder that he hadn’t experienced before.

As the night deepened, Aelion felt his eyelids grow heavy, the warmth of the fire and the steady rhythm of the forest lulling him toward sleep. Nev added another log to the fire, the flames crackling softly as he glanced over at Aelion.

“Well hey, get some rest, I’ll watch over us for the time being, I’m gonna read and write in my journal for now. You should be ready for tomorrow.”

Aelion nodded, grateful for the chance to rest. He adjusted his position, stretching out near the fire with his cloak pulled around him, the familiar weight of his bow resting nearby. As he settled in, his thoughts drifted to the elk he would track, to the forest that awaited him in the morning, filled with both promise and challenge.

“Thanks Nev, have a good night and just know I am very appreciative of everything you’ve done today.”

Nev nodded, his gaze thoughtful as he turned his attention to the forest. Aelion closed his eyes, feeling the tension of the day slip away as he allowed himself to drift into sleep. The last thing he heard was the quiet murmur of the stream, the gentle rhythm of the forest’s heartbeat lulling him into peaceful slumber.

#

The soft light of dawn filtered through the trees, casting a warm, golden glow over the clearing. Aelion stirred, blinking against the early sunlight as he sat up, the cool morning air refreshing against his skin. The fire had burned down to embers, a faint wisp of smoke curling into the sky.

Nev was already awake, sitting near the stream as he refilled the cooking pot with fresh water. He looked up as Aelion approached, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.

“Good morning Aelion, I’m preparing some clean water for you to bring with you while you’re out there. I also saved us some berries and bread from our rations last night.”

Aelion stretched, feeling the energy of the morning settle into his limbs. He took a deep breath, savoring the crisp air and the quiet anticipation that hung in the clearing. Today would be the start of the trial, a test that would demand both skill and patience.

“Perfect.”

Together, they prepared a light breakfast, savoring the last few moments of peace before Aelion set out. Nev offered a few last words of advice, his gaze steady and encouraging as he spoke.

“I highly recommend to observe the water, but go upstream a little more, and ensure you are very quiet, elk have insane hearing. Hopefully you can find one today, if not, forage any berries you can find and keep them in your spare pouch.”

Aelion nodded, absorbing Nev’s words as he readied his bow and gathered his gear. He felt a surge of confidence, a quiet assurance that he would face whatever lay ahead with courage and resilience.

With a final nod to Nev, Aelion stepped toward the edge of the clearing, his eyes scanning the dense forest that stretched out before him. The path was uncertain, filled with both risk and reward, but he was ready. He would face the trial with all that he had, honoring the journey that had brought him here and the dreams that guided him forward.

With a steadying breath, he stepped into the shadows of the forest, his heart beating in time with the pulse of Moonglade’s wild beauty.