Abby found herself seated across from the priest, the room enveloped in an atmosphere of antiquity and significance. The walls, adorned with aged tapestries and artifacts, whispered the tales of centuries past. The scent of ancient scrolls lingered in the air; a faint aroma of parchment tickled her senses.

The priest's desk, weathered and worn, held a collection of artifacts that seemed to transcend time itself. As Abby traced the tips of her tentacles over the surface, she could feel the subtle grooves and imperfections, each telling a story of a bygone era. The artifacts, carefully arranged, varied in texture—from the smoothness of polished stones to the intricate carvings on wooden relics. The touch transported her to moments long gone, bridging the gap between the present and the echoes of history.

The soft creaking of the priest's chair, the gentle rustle of parchment, and the distant hum of New Iverst outside the window created a symphony of sounds that resonated with the weight of tradition. The room seemed to pulse with a quiet energy, as if the artifacts themselves held a silent conversation about the town's rich heritage.

As Abby absorbed the details of the office, she marveled at the carefully preserved remnants of Rothurd's past. The play of light and shadow danced upon the ancient scrolls, casting an ethereal glow that enhanced the mystical aura of the space. It was a place where time had woven its threads into the very fabric of the room, and every sensory detail spoke volumes about the priest's dedication to preserving the legacy of Iverst. The priest had a long greying beard and hair to match. He wore a basic plain white shirt and dark pants each wrapped where his appendages were missing. He looked at Abby with a patient demeanor.

“So let me get this straight,” she started, leaning forward slightly. “This is Rothurd soil, and they actually bought it from Arvendon?”

The priest nodded, "Yes; however, it was prior to the war. When, as you call him, Tyrant King Umbra, took power in our kingdom. He annexed the land through a purchase five years before the town was set ablaze. The transition publicly hadn’t happened in fear of the Kingdom of Arvendon losing face."

Abby absorbed this information, connecting the dots between the historical events and Erik’s rendition of his own experience. The intricacies of political maneuvering and the timing of Umbra's visit added layers to the town's history.

“When Umbra showed his face here, he was actually coming to meet his subjects?” Abby inquired, seeking clarification.

“Yes. Historically, Iverst has been a town that was under Rothurd’s dominion, but as Arvendon expanded, it claimed the land in a prior war. Iverst never produced or secured anything the High Kings wanted, so they left it unused and undeveloped.”

Abby nodded, her thoughts aligning with the new perspective she gained on the events surrounding Iverst's fall.

“Well, Umbra ‘invading’ when he did makes sense now. The way Arvendon historians call it, he set the town to ruin to spite the kingdom. Now I feel those guards and Cavalry had alternate orders to begin with,” she mused, reflecting on the tales of the fall of Iverst she had heard from Erik and her parents.

“Also, while you are guests in Rothurd, please call his highness by his real name, King Alistair Lucian Stormrider,” the priest added, a note of formality in his voice.

"Well, I’ll be. He went and won that election!” Nat exclaimed, a wide smile on his face. His sudden interjection caught Abby off guard, causing her to jolt, which, in turn, made the priest ask if she was alright. She nodded and stated all was fine.

“Alistair was my focal point before Erik,” Nat whispered to Abby. “I’ll tell you sometime about him.”

The priest fumbled around his desk, looking for something. “Why don’t you travel our nation a little bit. The grey-cloaked fellow’s order is up north in the mountains if you’re wanting to travel there. And there are plenty of ancient spirits who have lent their power to the Eternal King and his Kingdom, since you can interact with them you could learn some valuable information about Awakenings. Ah ha! Here it is,” He found a paper and applied a stamp bearing the sigil of the Rothurd kingdom, two crowns intertwined, one aged and cracked while the other whole and adorned with jewels. “All you need to do is sign this and make sure you don’t lose it.”

“What is it?” Abby took it and looked over the document noticing the seal at the bottom.

“Permission papers to travel Rothurd. I cut through a lot of bureaucracy for you,” The priest winked at Abby, handing the papers over to her tentacles. “Just show this to the guards at each town or city you visit, you shouldn’t have an issue.”

He grabbed his cane and hobbled up to turn and face the window in his office. He nodded his head towards the pane. “Also, you may want to switch your car out for a smaller cart as the roads here are extremely bumpy, may cause you more headaches in that fancy car you got there.”

“Sure, I’ll consider it.” She grabbed a pen with a tentacle and signed her name to the papers. When she was done the priest turned and bowed.

“May he guide your way. As the prophet has put forth: The Sun and Lightning will strike the Earth. Thus, to the Eternal King’s rebirth.” He straightened up and with a smirk. “I would salute to you our way, but unfortunately I lack the required hand to do so.”

“Ah! You’re a priest of the Eternal King. I was wondering which order you belonged to,” Abby nodded and accepted the farewell common among Rothurdians.

“While we worship other spirits, none is greater than he made physical in this land. Even the seas and oceans bent to his will. This is the religion here, so all priests follow it.”

“Oh, I meant no disrespect,” Abby bowed slightly in apology.

“None taken,” stated the priest jovially. “Now be off with you and please let us meet once again!” With that, he shooed her out of his office.

Abby left, but Nat stayed behind. He thought during the conversation, that maybe, the priest had looked directly at him. Nat looked behind himself and saw a map of the Rothurd kingdom hanging on the wall. He shook his head and laughed at himself as he followed Abby along her way.

Once she was outside, and in their car, the priest watched it drive off in the direction of a car exchange. He smiled and removed the mask he wore, revealing a much younger visage. Thick brown hair with blonde highlights adorned his head. He then unfurled the flags that adorned the sides of the window, showing the sigil of Rothurd. Despite the absence of two limbs, the priest adeptly attached his metallic prosthetics, showcasing a level of familiarity that hinted at his long existence without his limbs. His metal arm flexed and bent as though it were a glove. He then opened a drawer and dawned his crown, a cracked old bronze based one, with missing jewels. He pulled out some paperwork he had been neglecting from under a paperweight and grabbed a quill pen from his drawer.

The priest turned King Alistair sat back in his ornate chair, the quill poised above the parchment as he contemplated the paperwork before him. His gaze wandered to the window, where the bustling life of New Iverst carried on beyond the confines of his office. Yet, amid the administrative duties, one unexpected presence lingered in his mind—the Auctain woman named Abby. His fingers tapped rhythmically on the polished wooden desk as a playful smile tugged at the corners of his lips.

"Did not expect Nat to be with an Auctain of all people," he mused aloud to himself, the mere thought invoking a sense of intrigue. “They say my forefathers were descendants of Auctians but I have never met one. It was quite exciting.” As he glanced at the flags bearing the sigil of Rothurd adorning the sides of his window, a whimsical idea danced through his thoughts.

"Still, the people have been asking for an heir, though our species aren’t compatible." he continued, his eyes narrowing with contemplation. "Maybe I should court such a creature." The idea hung in the air for a moment, a daring notion that defied conventional expectations.

Alistair's eyes shifted to the parchment; his thoughts momentarily lost in the image of Abby's presence. "She was cute," he admitted with a lighthearted chuckle. "Maybe I’ll ask her out on a date if we see each other again."

However, as quickly as the notion arose, a wave of practicality washed over him. Alistair shook his head, dismissing the whimsical thought with a self-amused grin. "Nah! What would the people think, me having an Auctian bride?" The laughter in his eyes hinted at a deeper understanding of the complexities that governed his role. In the quiet of his office, the quill returned to the parchment, and the affairs of the kingdom demanded his attention once more. Every once and a while a chuckle could be heard as he worked.

“Bah! It would never work out!” Echoed down the hall disturbing other office workers.

Abby and Nat found themselves an hour later… on the side of the road… with a damaged cart. Parts were found throughout the road and in the branches of the surrounding trees.

“This is why we need to get real objects created by people who understand them. I don’t know how these carts work,” Nat said tapping on the cart’s wheel dangling from a tree. “I can make easily what I understand, like a bag, sword, armor, etc. etc. I should have never listened to you and wrote this into existence. Tsk, tsk, tsk.” He stated, shaking his head.

Abby began turning red, “I’m pretty sure they are not supposed to explode when you’re tapping the break! And writing it was your idea! I wanted to wait until one was returned!”

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“Listen we could play the blame game, or we can both come to the fact that we both have made some terrible decisions.”

“Yeah, mine was allowing you to join me on this trip.” Both sighed after a few minutes.

“I guess we’re walking then. I must admit it, it seems as though things happen much smoother when you are around. I’d never have gotten travel papers this easily I feel. However,” she looked around at the wreckage, and started moving along the road. “It might be best to pretend like we were never here.”

“Agreed,” Nat said knowingly. He lifted his book and pen and began to write. “The abomination created by haste succumbed to the elements at an alarming rate. And soon all its parts were nothing but dust in the wind.”

As he wrote and spoke those words, the cart he had made using his powers had vanished into dust. “There, where are we going, boss?”

"Well," Abby said, her voice tinged with determination as she pulled out the card with the map embedded on it. She also retrieved the fire globe the grey-cloaked man had given her. "He said I had the spark of fire in me, maybe all this time I’ve been thinking about it the wrong way."

They walked north along the road, its winding path following the course of a nearby stream. As it sat in her cradling tentacles, the flame within the globe danced, creating shifting colors on the globe’s surface. The fire twisted and turned within the safety of the globe.

In that moment, Abby felt a surge of resolve. This was her power, an untapped potential waiting to be harnessed. With a steady breath, she moved her tentacles over top of the globe, her mind focused on commanding the flame. She envisioned herself controlling the fire, bending it to her will.

Yet, despite her best efforts, the flame remained unresponsive. No cracks appeared on the surface of the globe, and the fire danced in its own rhythm, elusive to her command. Abby sighed in frustration, a knot tightening in her chest.

Why won't it yield to me? I fail every time I try. She questioned herself, a flicker of doubt threatening to dampen her determination. If Erik were here, he would say that it shouldn’t bother me, it will come in time. The realization of her lack of control was disheartening, but Abby refused to let it consume her. Nat, walking alongside her, observed the struggle in silence. He noticed the determination etched on Abby's face; her eyes fixed on the dancing flame. She was reaching for something extraordinary, and he couldn't help but marvel at the strength of her will.

Despite the initial setback, Abby's determination only intensified. She gazed at the globe for a moment longer, her eyes reflecting a newfound resolve. The flame may have eluded her control this time, but she was not about to let that discourage her. With a determined exhale, she gently placed the globe back into her bag, the subtle glow of fiery determination still lingering in her eyes.

"This is just the beginning," Abby muttered to herself, a quiet affirmation of her commitment to mastering the mysteries of her magical abilities. She thanked Erik for being there for her, even in her memories. She could feel the untapped potential within her, a well of power waiting to be harnessed. Each flame she encountered would be a step closer to understanding the depths of her capabilities.

Nat, observing her in silence, couldn't help but admire the fire in her spirit. There was a spark within Abby, an unyielding determination that resonated with the flickering flames they sought to comprehend.

As they continued their journey, Nat couldn't resist breaking the silence. "What's their place called anyway?" he asked, already knowing the answer.

"Den of the Torchbearers. Sounds like a whole bunch of fire users," Abby responded absentmindedly. She brought the card up to her face and began studying it again. "It’s still a good bit away, looks like we are searching for the tallest mountain in the range. There is a village or two between us and them."

With everything securely stowed in the bag Nat had created, Abby marched along the road with purpose. Her determination radiated with each step, echoing in the rhythmic crunch of gravel beneath her tentacles. Nat followed suit, recognizing that their destination was still days away, but Abby's fiery resolve fueled the anticipation of what lay ahead.

As Abby and Nat walked along the winding road, the landscape transformed gradually. The gentle murmur of the nearby stream accompanied them, and the vibrant colors of the flora painted a picturesque scene. The air carried a refreshing scent of pine, and the distant mountains beckoned, their peaks obscured by wisps of clouds.

After a few hours of steady walking, they reached a quaint village nestled at the foothills. The houses, constructed from timber and adorned with colorful banners, exuded a welcoming charm. Villagers moved about, engaged in their daily activities. Abby, consulting the map on the card, decided it would be a good idea to inquire about the best route to the Torchbearers' mountain from the locals. They approached a friendly-looking villager who was tending to a small garden outside their cottage.

"Excuse me," Abby began, her voice warm and friendly. "I’m on my way to the largest mountain in the range over there” she pointed to the distant mountains, “we were wondering if you could provide directions or any advice for the journey."

The villager, a middle-aged woman with a wide-brimmed hat, looked up from her gardening and smiled. "Oh, Ember Mountain, you say? Aye, I know the way. You'll want to follow this road until you see the split oak tree, then take the left path. It'll lead you through the Whispering Glen. Be cautious, though; the glen's known for its mysterious echoes, and ravenous beasts."

Abby nodded appreciatively, "Thank you! And how far would you say it is from here?"

The villager considered for a moment before replying, "A good day's walk, maybe a bit more if you're taking in the sights. Just keep your eyes open, and you'll find the path easily. May he guide your way. The Sun and Lightning will strike the Earth. Thus, to the Eternal King’s rebirth.” She bowed and formed a circle with her extended hands. “Safe travels!" She stood straight and waved Abby off and went back to her business.

With newfound directions and a sense of excitement, Abby and Nat continued their journey. The road meandered through the village, and as they left its outskirts, the landscape shifted once more. Rolling hills and lush meadows greeted them, and the distant mountains loomed larger on the horizon.

As they walked, Nat decided to engage Abby in conversation. "So, Abby, what do you expect to find at the Den of the Torchbearers? What makes you want to seek them out?"

Abby glanced at Nat, her eyes reflecting a mixture of determination and curiosity. "I need to understand this spark of fire within me, Nat. The flame, the fire—I can feel it, but it eludes my control. I believe the Torchbearers might hold the key to unlocking its true potential. And besides, there's a mystery about them that intrigues me. He was just kind of there like he had known Erik, but Erik never mentioned them. “What about you? Any expectations?"

Nat chuckled, adjusting his book. "I'm just here for the ride, Abby. Well, and to see how your adventure unfolds. It's not every day you get to witness an Auctian meet Those Who Light the Way. I don’t think any Auctian knows about them.” He paused a moment as if in thought, though Abby felt it was more for show. “Also, the whole society may despise their premise too, being type one creation kah users. Who knows what surprises await us?"

Abby narrowed her eyes at Nat as they walked. “You know exactly what they are don’t you?”

“I may or may not have encountered Erik when he was a spy for the Arvendon Kingdom, investigating them.” He smirked alluding to the past he and Erik shared. Abby felt as though he said it in a cryptic way to get her to ask questions, but she wasn’t going to fall for it.

“I see,” is all she said.

As the day progressed and the sun dipped toward the horizon, they continued along the road, their destination drawing closer with each step. The anticipation of what awaited them at the Den of the Torchbearers fueled their spirits, and the mountain loomed ever larger, a silent guardian of the Torchbearers. As they followed the directions the middle-aged woman had told them, the path itself was relatively easy to traverse. Soon night began to fall upon them. Nat looked towards Abby as they walked.

“What should we do about the night? Camping out under the stars? Or-," he was cut off at the sound of a branch being torn away from a nearby tree. Abby's head turned towards the source of the sound, and her purple skin paled. The scene that unfolded before her eyes was a massive, furred creature with two large protrusions coming out of its mouth. It did not take long for the creature to take notice of her.

"Oh shit! A hippo-bear!" She cried as she looked for some escape route, but knew it was futile once a hippo-bear found its prey it would track them for days.

As the sun cast its fading light on the forest floor, the colossal form of the hippo-bear emerged from the shadows, its fur shimmering in the twilight. Abby's heart raced, and her purple skin paled as the beast locked its intense gaze onto her. The creature's snarl echoed through the night, sending shivers down her spine.

Quickly shifting into a fighting stance, Abby contemplated her strategy. The hippo-bear was a formidable opponent, known for its relentless pursuit once it chose its prey. Nat, however, seemed strangely unfazed, holding up his book with an expression more curious than alarmed.

"I wonder how a hippo-bear would react to a well-crafted poem," Nat pondered aloud, placing a quill pen under his chin.

“Oh, shut up Nat! Either do something or get out of the way!”

The hippo-bear charged, surprising Abby with its speed. With practiced precision, she thrust her tentacles towards the creature's side, aiming for a vulnerable spot. However, the hippo-bear's thick, coarse fur absorbed much of the impact, leaving Abby grappling with the prickly texture. In retaliation, the creature swung its powerful paw, sending Abby tumbling to the ground.

Meanwhile, Nat maintained a safe distance, observing the unfolding encounter with an academic curiosity. He watched as Abby, undeterred by the initial setback, began swelling herself up with air, attempting to make herself appear larger. The hippo-bear, however, showed no signs of intimidation and charged again.

Abby, now defensively inflated, faced the relentless assault. The hippo-bear reared up and pawed at her, sending her crashing into a nearby tree. The impact caused an audible snap, resembling the sound of breaking glass. Abby turned red, a mixture of anger and frustration evident on her face.

Seeing Abby in distress, Nat recognized the urgency of the situation. A blue hue enveloped Abby's eyes, mouth, and mini suction cups. Flames erupted from the bag strapped to her back, creating an intense display of red and orange hues. Abby's fiery visage caught Nat's attention as he witnessed the awakening.

"Listen!" Abby yelled at the hippo-bear, her frustration evident. "I was just walking along, minding my own business when you waltzed in and started picking on me!"

The flames intensified behind her, shifting from red and orange to white and blue. As the pale blue glow of an awakening subsided, it reignited with renewed vigor. The fire cascaded down Abby's tentacle, forming into a sphere that she launched at the hippo-bear. The sphere contacted the creature's fur, setting it ablaze in a burst of fiery brilliance.

Amid the flames, Abby stood, a mix of determination and newfound power in her eyes. The hippo-bear roared in pain, its fur now a blazing inferno. The fire-draped creature retreated into the shadows, leaving Abby and Nat in the eerie silence of the darkening forest.

As the last embers flickered away, Nat couldn't help but be fascinated by the unfolding events. The display of Abby's awakening, the quick mastery of her elemental abilities, and the interplay between fire and fur created a tableau that hinted at the untapped potential within the Auctian. The area around Abby was scorched by the brilliant flames she had produced. Trees, grass, leaves, nothing escaped the flame, except Abby. Not a burn was found, though there were some massive bruises forming from her interaction from the bear.

“Hey Nat,” Abby excitedly stated. “Guess I was wrong about the water, eh?” She lifted a tentacle and a single flame erupted just above the tip.

Nat applauded Abby’s success, “Bravo, congratulations!”

“I think my new favorite animal is a hippo-bear.” She looked to where the bear had taken off. “Do you think I could find a small one to keep as a pet?”

“I think that unwise; but” Nat paused. “In the past polar hippo-bears and Auctians were known to live together. Maybe?” After a few minutes, Abby’s smile still lingered on her face. They were walking along the path again. Night had fully set in, and Nat noticed Abby was slowing her pace.

“So back to my original question,” Nat started. “What are we going to do about tonight? Camping or what?”

Abby laughed as elation was running through her body. “Honestly, I don’t know.”