Two days have passed, and the only visual the group could see of the sky was through the gap of leaves. Rokas had noticed that the sky was turning darker and understood that the weather was about to change. Southern Saintsland rarely had rainstorms, and when it happens, it is typically a very harsh amount of rain for a short period of time. It took just a couple of minutes of traversing the weary trail for the sound of raindrops, hitting the leaves and branches above them.
"You don't happen to have a spell that could dry us off, would you Rokas?" Elias asked with a hint of humor. Rokas's list of spells were expansive, but no spells existed of that nature to his current knowledge. Rokas responded with a tisk and they continued walking. The one trail they were on had lasted many miles and Elias was getting tired of carrying the bag.
"Would either of you be willing to carry this bag for a bit? I can finally say that I'm over it."
Ariah held her hand out to gesture to hand it over to her. Elias did so, and she didn't realize the weight of the bag until she threw it over her shoulder. With each step it felt as if she was sinking an inch or two into the now muddy path that they had to follow. They had just a few miles to go before the day would turn to dusk and the group would set up camp.
"You know, I hope you two didn't expect this to be a fun journey through to the end. This is what adventuring is actually like, expect the unexpected or the unexpected will expect you. A little quote from my father. I haven't been down this path since I captured my powers, so I pray to the two moons that nothing has changed, or we may be in for a treat." Rokas said. He knew he had to start setting some reality into the two jolly twins. He never understood why they were always so happy.
"Fine by me, I like a challenge, it keeps me on my feet. However, the more I'm on my feet, the less I enjoy the challenge. I'd say we're getting close to setting up camp right?" Elias asked. He kept tripping up on tree roots that were sticking out of the mud like a sore thumb. He always bared the idea of looking up when walking to show confidence and pride, but this was an exception, he finally started to watch the ground.
"How're you doing back there sis? You've been quiet." said Elias.
"I have no idea, I'm not used to this and I'm already missing our little home. At this point I'm just glad we are almost ready to relax. We have walked countless miles in the couple days that we have been walking. I have tripped more times than I can count, and these bugs are ginormous. I pray that Rokas finds a little spot to tent up, I need some rest." Ariah replied while panting.
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The three would walk about another two miles before coming upon a nice little clearing in the middle of some old pine trees. Considering their location, they have started to make their way around Lake Celia, Starch’s main resource for water. For the first time since they had entered the eerie forest, they noticed this small area had flowers and various foliage. Finally some vibrant colors to help with the gloominess of their current journey.
"Alright, looks like this is our spot to set up, hand me the bag Ariah." Rokas said with his hand sticking out.
"Okay, but it's your turn tomorrow to carry this bag first since you didn't even touch the damn thing." Ariah responded miserably. Rokas took a hold of the backpack full of their inventory and started casting a spell after dumping their miniature objects on the ground.
"Casting Physical Reversal." Rokas's palms glowed a bright white. It was visible, one could watch the items slowly expand to their original size, to the twins, it was extraordinary.
The three would then set up their own tents made up of refined wooden poles and leather cloth. Elias would stack some logs for Rokas to light so they could keep warm over the night alongside the campfire. Once everyone settled and they were sitting around the campfire, smiles could be seen for the first time since their initial entering of the woods. Rokas had brought some packaged fish to cook over the fire which smelled great to the three after being so hungry. They ate their meal and drowsiness was upon them.
"Welp, I think it's time to call it a night, there's not much to say, this is going to take some getting used to, I'm just tired." said Ariah as she groggily fragged her feet to her tent.
In the heart of the forest, where the dense canopy blocks out the moonlight, darkness reigns supreme. The shadows seem to stretch and coil, swallowing the surrounding trees in an inky embrace. The only source of illumination is the flickering campfire, its warm glow casting long, dancing shadows that dance across the forest floor. Elias and Rokas sit across from each other, their faces illuminated by the fire's dancing flames. The crackling of burning wood punctuates the silence of the night, echoing through the stillness like a haunting melody. Around them, the forest seems to come alive with mysterious sounds: the rustle of leaves, the hoot of an owl, the distant howl of a wolf. Despite the darkness that envelops them, Elias and Rokas find solace in the warmth of the fire. However, Elias was bouncing his leg as he sat on the wooden log placed for him, Rokas took notice of this.
"What's on your mind?" Rokas would ask after watching for countless minutes.
"We haven't ever been away from Starch on our own without some kind of adult. You're the same age as us, and oddly I feel somewhat unsafe but also protected because of your history. I'm not sure how to feel, maybe I'm just anxious, or maybe I'm not made for this. You must've heard Dusty the night of the attack, I moved without thinking, I'm immature, and what if that gets me killed?" Elias replied with a faint sound of depression.
"Elias, look, the amount of traveling I have conquered on my own is one of my strong suits for sure. I have seen and experienced many instances that I would find dangerous to the average person, but you two twins make a powerhouse for combinations that you likely haven't ever imagined. I'm here to help you two grow, I may not be much older, and I may not be the strongest mage in Saintsland, but I will assure you of one thing, the stars have been aligned, and you two are destined for greatness. The Silvers are the future of Xero's prosperity." Rokas would respond with haste.