As the sun began its slow descent, casting long shadows through the dense canopy, Dorian paused to take stock of his situation, The day had been filled with a lot of discoveries, from finding a field full of weeping flowers, and then discovering old ruined buildings.
Dorian stopped, as he pulled out the makeshift map in Kael Thorne's journal, noting the locations of the field of Weeping Flowers and the ancient tree with its inky corrupted sap.
Despite the looming dangers of being attacked and the weight of uncertainty with everything happening, the only real sliver lighting was his new Analyse skill that had proven invaluable.
"I'll continue tomorrow," he murmured to himself. As he walked through the forest, Dorian then noticed how dark the sky was coming.
The sky was painted with hues of orange and pinkwashing over it. The sounds of nightlife began to emerge, with the chirps of awakening creatures.
Walking around the corner of a large tree, he saw an all-too-familiar clearing ahead of him.
"That's...what?" he whispered, a chill running down his spine at the sight before him. Dorian pulled the makeshift map. And to his shock He wasn't anywhere near the clearing; if anything, he was in the opposite direction of it. Yet, here he was, standing on the edge of the forest line.
The clearing was eerily silent, as the evening sky slowly darkened. With little choice Dorian Entered the clearing, he found his previous night's firepit, now long cold. The remnants of his campfire lay undisturbed, but there was an unsettling feeling in the air as if he was being watched by something.
Dorian's hand tightened around the hilt of his rusted knife. He stepped cautiously, his eyes darting around searching for any signs of movement. The forest, usually filled with the sounds of nocturnal creatures, was unnervingly quiet.
As he approached the centre of the clearing, the silence was broken by a faint rustling in the underbrush near the tree line. Dorian froze, his heart pounding rapidly in his chest. The sound grew louder, and from the shadows emerged a pair of glowing sickly yellow eyes, watching him intently.
He took a step back, his breath hitching. The creature slowly emerged into the dim light, revealing a lean, wolf-like figure with a dark, matted coat. Its eyes glowed with an eerie, unnatural light, and it bared its teeth in a low growl.
Dorian knew he couldn't stay there. Without taking his eyes off the creature, he slowly backed away, retreating into the tree’s safety. As soon as he was out of sight, he turned and ran, the sound of his own footsteps pounding in his ears as his heart pounded into his chest.
Dorian's heart raced as he sprinted through the forest, the darkness closing in around him. He could hear the faint rustling of leaves and the distant howl of the wolf-like creature, urging him to move faster. Every shadow seemed to conceal another threat, every sound amplified in the eerie silence of the night.
His mind raced as he tried to recall the safest route back to his makeshift camp. He glanced at the map in his journal, but the dim light made it difficult to read. He had to rely on memory and instinct, hoping they wouldn't fail him now.
there was the sound of a whimper, but Dorian ignored it and kept running not stopping to see what the sound was.
The forest grew denser, the trees pressing closer together, their branches like skeletal hands reaching out to slow his escape. His breath came in ragged gasps, his legs burning with the effort. He risked a glance over his shoulder but saw nothing. Still, the feeling of being pursued didn't leave him.
Finally, he burst into the clearing. Panting, he bent over to catch his breath, his ears straining for any sign of the creature. The forest was silent again, the oppressive stillness returning. He couldn't shake the feeling of being watched, but at least for now, he seemed to be safe.
Dorian sank to the ground, leaning against the rough bark of a tree. He needed to regroup and plan his next move. The night's events had rattled him to his core. After a few minutes, he stood up and reached for the most intact ruined tent. He wrapped the remains of the other tents around him, fashioning a makeshift shelter that blocked him from all sides but one. Only the small opening with the tattered remains was left as a flap.
The ground was damp and the shelter flimsy, but he felt a semblance of comfort as if he were camping under the stars. The last sound he heard before passing out was a dying whimper in the forest
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Dorian woke with a start, the first rays of dawn already piercing through the thick canopy overhead. Every muscle ached from the previous night's ordeal, a reminder of the tension and the running he had endured. The ground beneath him was cold and hard, offering little to no comfort, but it was better than being caught out in the open. He rubbed his sore muscles, his body protesting each movement.
Sitting up, Dorian crawled out of the tent and took a moment to survey his surroundings, his senses on high alert. The clearing seemed undisturbed, the remnants of his makeshift camp blending with the natural surroundings. Yet, an eerie stillness hung in the air, a stark contrast to the usual morning chorus of the forest. The chirping of birds and rustling of leaves were conspicuously absent, replaced by a heavy silence that made his skin crawl.
He noticed the remains of the tent and realized he could patch together some of the leftover fabric. He sat by the empty fire pit while he worked way to fashion a makeshift backpack, despite the holes and open patches on the sides. It was far from perfect, but it was better than nothing, allowing him to carry the items he needed. He scavenged for anything else that might be useful, his eyes scanning the area meticulously.
As Dorian walked towards the edge of the clearing, his eyes were drawn to a set of fresh tracks near his camp—the imprint of large, clawed feet pressed into the soft earth. His heart pounded as he knelt to examine them, realizing just how close some type of creature had been during the night. The tracks circled the tree line, which sent a chill down his spine, it was a reminder of the danger that could be lurking in the shadows at any given time. He traced the path with his fingers, the dread in his chest growing with each step he imagined the beast taking.
With little choice, Dorian entered the forest, keeping a closer eye on his surroundings. He started to head towards the marked location of the Weeping Flower that he had found yesterday. The forest was dense, each step feeling like a journey through an ancient, living maze. Twisted roots and gnarled branches seemed to reach out as if the forest itself was aware of his presence. He moved cautiously, his ears straining for any hint of the creature that had stalked him.
After an hour and a half of walking, he found the same little shadowy glade, the mist still clinging to the area with the flowers surrounding it. The Weeping Flowers stood out against the grey backdrop, their vibrant petals almost glowing in the dim light. Carefully, using both his herbal knowledge and basic herbalism, harvesting a few of the flowers, including their stems and roots. The task required precision and care, each flower was handled as if it were a fragile piece of glass.
After harvesting the plants, Dorian carefully wrapped them in slips of bundle fabric and then packed them away in his makeshift backpack. Once that was done, his quest window appeared.
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{Quest Completed - Weeping Flower 1/1}
{Reward: 20 ink points}
{New Quest Available: Water Rose}
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Choosing to accept the next quest, Dorian followed the small stream down the hill, hoping it might lead him towards the next item he needed. Navigating through the dense undergrowth was hard, his eyes constantly scanning for any signs of the Water Rose. He relied heavily on his new analysis skill, using it on every plant and flower that seemed remotely like the Water Rose. The skill had become an invaluable tool so far, turning the dense, alien flora of Eldergloom into something he could decipher.
After a few hours of searching and following the stream, Dorian started to hear the soft gurgle of running water. His spirits lifted as he followed the sound, hoping it would lead him to the Water Roses. The trees began to thin, and he soon found himself at the edge of a rocky hill. The stream turned into a small waterfall, creating a watery mist over the area. In the centre was a small lake, and along the edges of the water were streaks of silver shining in the sun. The sight was breathtaking, a hidden oasis in the heart of the dark forest.
Racing down as carefully as he could, Dorian entered the water, which reached his waist and shocked him awake with its coldness. This was the first time in days he had a bath or anything close to it. The icy water was a stark contrast to the muggy air, invigorating his senses and washing away the grime of his journey. He took a moment to savour the feeling, the cool liquid refreshing his weary dirty body.
Dorian walked close to one of the floating plants, its roots spread in the water, and the flower's petals shone with hints of blue and silver streaks, almost glowing with a vibrant blue. He marvelled at the delicate beauty of the Water Rose, its ethereal appearance standing in stark contrast to the rugged surroundings. Using his analysis skill, Dorian confirmed the identity of the flower.
"Water Rose," he whispered, his voice filled with awe and relief. Carefully, he began to harvest the Water Roses, ensuring he took only what he needed while leaving the plants intact for future growth. Each flower was handled with the utmost care, their petals delicate and easily damaged. Dorian headed towards the shore, he placed his pack down and then placed the flowers inside his backpack, arranging it to avoid crushing them.
Satisfied with his haul, Dorian took a moment to rest by the water's edge. The journey had been gruelling, and the momentary respite was a welcome relief. He stared out over the shimmering surface of the lake, the play of light on water mesmerizing and soothing his frazzled nerves. The peace of the moment allowed him to gather his thoughts, plan his next steps, and steel himself for the challenges that lay ahead.
Dorian pondered the shop interface, recalling how it had helped him in the past with getting the two skills he has access to at the moment.
"Shop," he called out, his voice steady and expectant.
Yet nothing happened.
Frowning, he tried again, "Shop!"
Still, there was no response. A wave of frustration washed over him. He couldn't understand why it wasn't working now when he needed it to.
He took a deep breath, trying to calm the rising tide of anxiety. Why wouldn't it open for him now?
As he sat there, Dorian's frustration grew as he tried to access the shop interface once more. "Shop!" he called out, his voice echoing in the forest. Still, nothing happened. Taking a deep breath to calm his rising anxiety, he realized he couldn't waste any more time and decided to move forward Dorian quickly grabbed his map, and jotted down the location of the area.
then garbing his belongings, the makeshift backpack slung over his shoulder, and he set off again. His senses were on high alert, every rustle of leaves and snap of twigs making his heart race. He followed the stream back up.
A little way from the small waterfall, something in the distance caught his eye—a faint, shimmering light through the trees. Curiosity piqued, he cautiously made his way toward the source of the light. The closer he got, the more intense the light became, until he stumbled upon a small, secluded glade.
In the centre of the glade lay a single, shimmering crystal. It seemed to pulse with an inner light, casting an ethereal glow that bathed the glade in a serene, blue hue.
Dorian approached, noticing it was shaped like a tear. As he reached out to touch it, he felt a surge of emotion not his own course through him, and the world around him seemed to blur and shift. He realized that this crystal held on to something—a moment frozen in time.
Clutching the Frozen Tear, Dorian focused his mind on it, and in return, it allowed a memory to unfold before him. He was transported to a scene from the past.
The surroundings shifted, and Dorian found himself standing in a familiar place but in a different time. The forest was alive with colours and sounds that seemed sharper and more vibrant than the present. Before him stood a figure, their face streaked with tears, eyes filled with a profound sorrow. The person was kneeling by a large, ancient tree, their hands clutching at its roots as if seeking comfort.
Dorian watched, unable to interact, as the memory played out. The figure, a young woman dressed in simple but elegant robes, spoke in a language he did not understand. Her voice was filled with anguish and desperation, each word dripping with raw emotion. He felt her pain as if it were his own, a deep, soul-wrenching grief that threatened to overwhelm him.
As the scene continued, the woman reached out and touched the tree's bark, and where her hand made contact, a small, crystalline tear began to form. It was the very same Frozen Tear Dorian now held. The woman's sorrow had been so profound, so intense, that it somehow had solidified into this crystal, preserving the moment for all of eternity.
The memory began to fade, and Dorian found himself back in the glade and before him was a dead withered tree, the Frozen Tear still glowing softly in his hand. He was left with a profound sense of empathy for the woman and a deeper understanding of the power of these rare crystals. They were not just tools or artifacts; they were pieces of a lost history, fragments of lives and emotions captured in a moment of time.
This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.
Breathing deeply, Dorian carefully placed the Frozen Tear back where he found it. This discovery was significant, not only for its emotional resonance but also for the potential knowledge it could provide. He knew that understanding the past could be crucial.
Determined to continue his quest, Dorian took one last look around the glade. The air was still, the light from the crystal fading as floated above the ground. He turned and made his way back through the forest, his mind heavy with the weight of what he had just experienced. The journey ahead was uncertain, but he felt a renewed sense of purpose, driven by the knowledge that he saw a piece of history with him, a tangible connection to the past that might just help him unlock the secrets of the present.
using the Analyse skill he learned what the tear was.
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{FROZEN TEAR}
Description: Frozen Tears are rare, translucent blue crystals formed from the tears shed during moments of profound sorrow or joy. These tears, whether from a human, animal, or another creature, solidify into crystalline form when the emotions accompanying them are intense enough to create a tear in the fabric of time. Each Tear shimmers with an inner light, casting a soft glow that evokes the memory of the moment it encapsulates
Properties:
Memory Revelation: The sole power of the Frozen Tears is to show the user a single past event. When activated, the Tear transports the user into the memory it holds, allowing them to witness the event as if they were there. This experience is immersive but intangible; the user can see and hear everything but cannot interact with the memory.
Lore: The formation of a Frozen Tear is a rare and mystical event. Legends tell of moments so charged with emotion that they transcend time, leaving behind these crystalline artifacts. It is said that the emotions of a person or creature, when powerful enough, can freeze into a physical form, preserving the essence of that moment forever. These Tears are often found in places of great significance or where strong emotions have been experienced repeatedly over time.
Usage: To activate a Frozen Tear, the user must hold it and focus on the crystal, allowing their mind to attune to the energy within. The Tear will then reveal the memory it contains, surrounding the user with the sights and sounds of that past moment. This process is emotionally intense, and users often feel a deep connection to the events they witness.
Finding a Frozen Tear: These artifacts are incredibly rare and are often discovered in places of emotional significance. They might be found at ancient battlefields, sites of great tragedy or joy, or locations tied to important historical events. Finding a Frozen Tear is considered a momentous occasion, as it offers a glimpse into the past that can provide invaluable insights or closure.
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Dorian was in shock. The Frozen Tear he held was the tangible remains of a moment of profound hardship, a crystallized memory of someone's deepest sorrow. The realization weighed heavily on him, filling him with a mix of empathy and awe.
He moved through the dense underbrush, the forest seemed a little less hostile, the shadows a bit less menacing. The forest's usual cacophony of sounds—a blend of bird calls, insect chirps, and the occasional rustle of small animals—seemed to harmonize with his movements. He felt attuned to the environment in a way he hadn't before as if the Frozen Tear had opened his senses to the subtle energies of Eldergloom.
Navigating through the forest, Dorian's thoughts drifted to the woman in the memory. Her sorrow was palpable, her anguish almost unbearable. He wondered what event could have caused such profound sorrow and what other secrets the forest held.
While walking through the forest, he noticed something blinking at the bottom of his field of view. Stopping, he mentally opened it, and the system window popped up.
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{System Notification}
New Achievement Unlocked: Keeper of Memories:
Description: You have discovered a Frozen Tear, a crystallized moment of profound emotion, preserving a fragment of history within Eldergloom.
Reward: +10 Wisdom, +5 Perception +Unique Tattoo Unlocked
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Unique Tattoo: Memory Weaver (Tattoo Form)
Description: The Memory Weaver skill is embodied in a mystical tattoo on Dorian's forearm. This intricate design symbolizes his deep connection to the ancient history and hidden truths of Eldergloom. The tattoo glows faintly when the skill is activated, serving as both a reminder and a source of power.
Tattoo Design:
* Appearance: The tattoo features a complex pattern of interwoven lines and symbols, resembling a tree trunk with deep roots branching out into delicate filigree. At the centre of the tree trunk is an eye, symbolizing insight and perception.
* Glow: When activated, the tattoo emits a soft, blue glow, intensifying with the use of each sub-skill.
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As the notification faded, a sudden, intense heat flared up on his forearm. Dorian winced, clutching his arm as the pain grew more intense. He watched in awe as intricate lines and symbols began to etch themselves into his skin, forming a complex pattern. It felt as though molten metal was being used to create the design, yet he couldn't pull away. The pain was sharp, but alongside it was a strange sensation of power and knowledge seeping into him.
The tattoo took shape, resembling a tree with deep roots branching out into delicate filigree. At the centre of the tree trunk was an eye, symbolizing insight and perception. The final lines glowed with a soft, blue light before settling into his skin, leaving behind a faint, mystical glow.
Dorian's breath came in shallow gasps as the pain subsided, replaced by a sense of connection to something ancient and powerful. He flexed his fingers, watching the tattoo pulse with life as if it were a living part of him. The knowledge of the skill it represented flowed into his mind, making him aware of its potential and the secrets it could unlock.
Then a new window opened up to Dorian.
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System Interface: Skill Allocation
* Memory Echo (1 Point): Hear faint echoes of past conversations or thoughts tied to significant items or locations, revealing hidden truths.
* Skill Transfer (20 Points): Temporarily inherit a skill or ability from accessed memories, enhancing versatility and survival (once per day).
* Memory Glimpse (25 Points): Experience a brief, first-person memory tied to an object or location, providing historical context, quest hints, or warnings about dangers.
* Chrono Echoes (35 Points): Leave a part of Dorian's memories within an object or place, creating a detectable marker for those with the ability to sense magic.
* Chrono Link (50 Points): Forge a temporary connection with individuals or entities from the past, associated with significant memories, allowing direct communication and exchange of information.
-Skill Points Available: [1]
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Dorian marvelled at the tattoo, still processing the shock of its sudden appearance. The intricate design felt alive on his skin.
Then he remembered there was another quest he had completed. Opening the system window, he saw the quest for the Water Rose Petals and the reward he would get.
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QUEST COMPLETED: WATER ROSE DISCOVERY
Objective: Locate and collect the Water Rose, a rare plant in Eldergloom.
Status: Completed
Reward: +5 Herbalism Skillspoints, +3 Wisdom, and a small pouch of high-quality healing herbs.
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His backpack glowed a bright blue for a moment before returning to normal. Startled, Dorian quickly pulled it off his shoulders and opened it. Inside, he saw a few small pouches wrapped in leather and some type of herb bundled together with a thick string.
He carefully took out the items, marvelling at the quality and care with which they were prepared. The leather pouches felt soft yet durable in his hands, and when he opened one, he found a collection of finely ground herbs, their aroma instantly recognizable as high-quality. The bundle of herbs tied with the thick string looked fresh and potent, exuding a faint, soothing scent.
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NEW ITEMS ACQUIRED:
Leather Pouches (4):
* Contents: Finely ground healing herbs
* Quality: High
Herb Bundle:
* Description: Fresh, potent herbs tied with a thick string
* Use: Can be used for crafting, healing, or alchemical purposes
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Opening the last pouch, Dorian found a fine white powder inside. Intrigued, he decided to analyze it using his skill. After a moment, the result appeared before his eyes: it was bone powder, a valuable material often used in various alchemical and crafting processes.
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Bone Powder:
* Description: A fine white powder made from ground bones, used in alchemy and crafting.
* Uses: Can be utilized in potion making, enchantments, and as a component in various crafting recipes.
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Dorian felt a surge of curiosity about the potential uses of the bone powder. It was a rare and valuable find, and he knew it could come in handy in the future. Carefully, he secured the pouch back into his backpack, making sure it was tightly sealed to prevent any spillage.
opening the skill window Dorin unlocked his first power of Memory Weaver: Memory Echo
Dorian felt an odd tingling sensation on his forearm. Looking down, he saw the tattoo of the tree trunk glowing softly. The light intensified, and before his eyes, new lines began to form above the trunk. It was as if the tattoo was coming to life, growing and evolving with him.
The trunk extended upward, and intricate branches began to unfurl. These branches were delicate yet strong, spreading out like veins across his skin. The main limb, thicker than the others, grew straight up, symbolizing a new path, a new power unlocked. Smaller branches sprouted from this main limb, each one detailed with minute leaves and symbols that seemed to pulse with a faint light.
As the new limb completed its growth, the glowing subsided, leaving behind a beautifully intricate design. The limb was adorned with small, detailed leaves that seemed to shimmer slightly, as if catching the light of an unseen sun. At the very tip of the main branch, a tiny, eye-like symbol appeared, symbolizing insight and perception.
Dorian felt a wave of energy pass through him, a confirmation that his abilities had expanded. The new limb on the tattoo was a testament to his progress and the first effect of the Memory Weaver skill he had unlocked.
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TATTOO DESIGN UPDATE:
Memory Weaver (Tattoo Form)
* Appearance: The tattoo now features a trunk with a main limb extending upward. Smaller branches with detailed leaves sprout from the main limb, and an eye-like symbol at the tip represents insight and perception.
* Glow: When activated, the tattoo emits a soft, blue glow, with the new limb and leaves shimmering brightly.
NEW EFFECT UNLOCKED: MEMORY ECHO
* Description: Dorian can now hear the faint echoes of past conversations or thoughts associated with significant items or locations. This effect grants him access to the spoken words or internal dialogues of individuals connected to the memory, allowing him to gather information or uncover hidden truths.
* Activation: focusing on the desired object or location.
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Dorian flexed his arm, watching the tattoo respond to his movements. The new limb felt like a part of him, an extension of himself. He marvelled at the intricate design, feeling a deeper connection to the memories and secrets of Eldergloom.
Then a thought crossed his mind. He turned around, heading back toward the place where he had found the Frozen Tear. His steps were purposeful, driven by the newfound power coursing through him. The forest, which had seemed ominous and mysterious, now felt more like an ally, a repository of hidden knowledge waiting to be uncovered.
As he approached the secluded glade where the Frozen Tear lay, the ethereal blue glow once again bathed the area. The crystal still pulsed with an inner light, casting a serene hue over the surroundings. Dorian stepped into the glade, his heart pounding with anticipation.
He reached out, gently picking up the Frozen Tear. As his fingers closed around it, the tattoo on his arm began to glow. The eye-like symbol at the tip of the new limb shimmered brightly, and he felt a surge of energy flow through him.
"Memory Echo," Dorian whispered, focusing on the crystal.
The world around him blurred and shifted, the familiar surroundings of the forest melting away. He was drawn into the past, into the memory held within the Frozen Tear. The sorrow and anguish of the woman filled his senses, but this time, he could hear her voice.
She stood in the glade, tears streaming down her face, her voice a broken whisper. "I tried... I tried to save them, but it was too late. The darkness came so quickly, consuming everything in its path. I couldn't protect them..."
The scene around her expanded, revealing a village nestled at the edge of Eldergloom. Children played in the sunlight, their laughter ringing through the air. Villagers went about their daily tasks, oblivious to the looming threat. The woman watched them with a mix of love and fear, her heart heavy with the knowledge of what was to come.
A sudden shift in the memory brought Dorian to the moment of disaster. The sky darkened unnaturally, a creeping shadow swallowing the light. Panic spread through the village as tendrils of darkness slithered towards them, corrupting everything they touched. The woman stood at the centre, trying to rally the villagers, her voice breaking with desperation. "Run! Get to safety! I will hold them off!"
But her efforts were in vain. The darkness was relentless, an unstoppable force that consumed all in its path. Dorian felt her terror as she watched loved ones fall, their screams echoing in his mind. She fought valiantly, her hands glowing with a faint, protective light, but it was not enough. The shadow overwhelmed her, engulfing her in its cold embrace.
Just as the darkness claimed her, the memory shifted again. This time, Dorian saw her in the glade, Dorian clutched the crystal in his hands. Her tears fell onto the ground the same spot on where the crystal was found, and the weight of her failure pressed down on her. "I failed them... I failed everyone, God of the Forest, why have you forsaken us" she sobbed, her voice a haunting echo of despair, she placed her hand on the tree, as she prayed to a god, who never answered her crys.
Dorian's heart ached with empathy. The woman's sorrow was profound, her anguish almost unbearable. He wondered what event could have caused such profound sorrow.
As the memory began to fade, Dorian found himself back in the glade, the Frozen Tear still glowing softly in his hand. The tattoo on his arm dimmed, the glow receding but leaving behind a sense of accomplishment and understanding. The woman's story was a piece of the puzzle, a fragment of Eldergloom's hidden history. But there was more this time. Looking at his new tattoo, he couldn’t help but wonder.
"Did you show me some of her past events as well?"
The glade was silent, the ethereal blue glow of the Frozen Tear casting gentle light around him. The tattoo, a new limb branching from the tree design on his arm, felt warm to the touch. Dorian pondered the possibility that the tattoo had not just revealed a singular memory, but had given him a glimpse into the sequence of events that led to the woman's despair.
He rose slowly letting the crystal float down, back to the place where he garb it before.
he felt if he were to try to take it, it would just return here.
Dorian took a deep breath, the crisp forest air filling his lungs. The forest around him seemed less menacing, its shadows less foreboding. He felt a kinship with the spirits from the past, their experiences and emotions guiding his steps.
"Thank you, for sharing your past with me" he whispered, unsure if he was speaking to the woman, the forest, or the tattoo itself.
As Dorian stepped deeper into the forest, he felt the presence of someone behind him. He glanced back one last time and saw her standing like a ghost, her form ethereal and translucent, watching him leave. Tears rolled down her face, but there was a serenity in her eyes now, a peace that had not been there before.
Her story had finally been told, the weight of her sorrow shared after all these years. She smiled softly at him, her expression one of gratitude and relief.
"Thank you," her voice whispered, carried on the wind.
Dorian nodded, his heart heavy yet hopeful. He watched her fade into the mist, her form becoming one with the shadows of Eldergloom. Her smile lingered in his mind as he turned away, disappearing into the woods with a renewed sense of purpose.
He would carry her memory with him, a beacon guiding him. Her story was now a part of his own, and together, they would uncover the secrets of Eldergloom.