The gates of Moonglade came into view as Aelion and Nev emerged from the forest trail, the soft glow of the city’s silverwood architecture catching the midday light. Aelion felt a surge of relief, tempered by the exhaustion that weighed on his shoulders from the journey. The pack on his back was lighter now, but the memory of the elk hunt lingered heavily in his mind, a mixture of pride and reverence for the trial he had endured.
As they passed through the gates, the serene hum of Moonglade’s streets welcomed them. Elves moved gracefully along the paths, their robes shimmering with patterns of stars and vines. The distant sound of a lute carried on the breeze, mingling with the rustle of leaves overhead. Aelion allowed himself a moment to take it all in, his senses soaking up the calm energy of the city.
“Welcome back,” Nev said, his voice light but warm. “Feels good to see those gates again, doesn’t it?”
Aelion nodded, a faint smile tugging at his lips as he glanced at his companion. “I will always respect just how amazing this city looks at any time of day. I haven’t been to Caelumreach or Glacier Peak yet, I wonder if those are just as whimsical.”
Nev chuckled, his light green skin catching the soft silver glow of the surrounding trees. “Hard to say another city is as beautiful as mine, but I will say you would probably think Caelumreach is similar to Aethercrest, but Glacier Peak, from my understanding is an icy mess.”
The Archery Guild stood as it always had, a seamless blend of living wood and artistry, its massive silverwood bow arching gracefully above the entrance. Aelion felt a renewed sense of awe as he stepped inside, the faint scent of polished wood and herbs greeting him. He moved through the hall with purpose, Nev walking quietly at his side, until they reached the main chamber where Lady Lyra awaited.
Lyra stood near a carved wooden table, her ebony hair cascading down her back and her deep green eyes piercing yet calm. She turned as Aelion entered, her gaze falling immediately to the bundle he carried. There was no need for words—her slight nod of approval was enough to send a wave of pride through Aelion’s chest.
He approached the table, carefully unwrapping the trophy he had prepared: the elk’s antlers and hide, cleaned and polished to honor the creature’s life and spirit. The antlers gleamed faintly in the light filtering through the guild’s open windows, a testament to the strength and grace of the animal.
“Congratulations, it seems you have completed the task. I am to assume you hunted the elk on your own, as I don’t feel a shred of deception in your eyes. Well done, Aelion.
Aelion listened intently, his posture straight as he absorbed Lyra’s words. There was something deeply fulfilling about her approval, a recognition that he had taken his first true step toward becoming not just an archer, but a guardian of the wilderness.
With a small motion, Lyra gestured for an attendant to step forward. The elf carried a small patch embroidered with silver thread, its design depicting the silhouette of an elk framed by delicate lunar patterns. The silver elk patch was a mark of achievement, one that symbolized Aelion’s successful completion of the first trial.
Lyra held the patch out to him, her gaze steady. “Now, you shall sport this patch, showing your achievements thus far. However, your trials are not complete just yet as you’re aware, I’m sure.”
Aelion took the patch with reverence, his fingers brushing over the intricate stitching. The weight of the moment settled over him as he handed it to another attendant, who began sewing it carefully onto his cloak. The silver thread caught the light as the patch was secured in place, a permanent reminder of his progress.
When it was done, Aelion ran his fingers over the patch, a small smile breaking across his face. “I am very proud to have completed this trial, and I look forward to the final one. Thank you.”
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Lyra nodded, a faint smile softening her sharp features. “Yes, well as you know then, the last trial is the bear hunt. You may choose to have Nev here as your prospector again, or allow us to get a new one for you. What will you choose?”
The words settled over Aelion like a weight, but not an unwelcome one. The bear hunt would be the ultimate test of his skill, endurance, and courage. He knew the stakes were higher, the risks greater, but he felt a quiet resolve building within him. This was the path he had chosen, the challenge that would define his journey.
“I choose to have Nev by my side once again.”
Lyra stepped closer, her voice steady. “Understand this please, bears are not to be toyed with. Ensure that if you find one and are going to be taking a shot, let it be straight to the heart or the head.”
Aelion turned to Nev, gratitude flickering in his eyes. “You did great for the elk trial, if you would like to join me for this, I’d be most grateful.”
Lyra inclined her head, her expression approving. “Well you certainly have the blessing of both guilds to do this if you wish. Make sure you place your trust in one another, for the safety of your following days. Good luck to you two.”
With the arrangements made, Lyra dismissed them, her final words lingering in Aelion’s mind as they left the chamber. “Now, go enjoy the city for the night, you haven’t really had a free day in quite some time I’d imagine. Off you go.”
#
The sun hung low in the sky as Aelion and Nev stepped back into the city streets, the soft golden light casting long shadows across the silverwood buildings. The quiet buzz of Moonglade’s evening life surrounded them—elves gathering in open courtyards, the gentle sound of laughter and conversation mingling with the music of a lute.
Nev glanced at Aelion, a small smile playing at the corners of his lips. “I would like to show you around the city myself, it will be quite the spectacle if you would like.”
Aelion nodded, his curiosity piqued. Together, they wandered through the city, their steps unhurried as they explored the winding paths and shaded glades. Nev pointed out landmarks and shared small stories about the city’s history, his voice filled with quiet pride as he spoke of Moonglade’s culture and traditions.
They passed through a marketplace alive with soft chatter, the stalls displaying wares crafted from natural materials—woven fabrics, carved wood, and shimmering stones. The scents of herbs and freshly baked bread wafted through the air, mingling with the faint perfume of flowers from nearby gardens.
Aelion paused at a small fountain, its water catching the light as it flowed over carved stone adorned with lunar symbols. He ran his fingers over the cool surface, his thoughts drifting as he took in the peaceful beauty of the scene.
“I see why the people here are proud to be from here. The culture and environment is enough to make one feel like they’re in a dream, it truly is an unreal feeling.”
Nev nodded, his gaze thoughtful. “Yes, and imagine being a child running through these streets. Your imagination is always allowed to have freedom, and it’s only amplified by the aforementioned mana that seeps through the very ground we walk on.”
As the evening deepened, the city’s lights began to glow softly, casting a silvery sheen over the pathways. Aelion felt a sense of calm settle over him, the peaceful rhythm of Moonglade offering a moment of respite before the trials ahead. He glanced at Nev, a silent gratitude in his expression for the companionship that had lightened the weight of the journey.
They eventually found their way back to the guild, the quiet hum of the forest blending seamlessly with the sounds of the city. Aelion felt a renewed sense of purpose as they approached, his hand brushing over the silver elk patch on his cloak. The trial ahead would be demanding, dangerous, and perilous, but he was ready to face it, bolstered by the lessons he had learned.
As they prepared to part for the night, Nev clapped a hand on Aelion’s shoulder, his expression steady. “Get a good night's rest my friend, I’ll be back in the morning to bring you to the next location, it’s a bit further than the last trial, so be prepared.”
Aelion nodded, his resolve firm. “You as well Nev, I look forward to it.”
With the quiet glow of Moonglade surrounding them, the two turned away from eachother, their footsteps light on the silverwood paths. Aelion felt a sense of anticipation building within him, the knowledge of the trial ahead mingling with the calm of the evening. For now, he allowed himself to rest, to savor the peace of Moonglade before the wilderness called him once more.