The sound of birds chirping and the whisper of the leaves left visitors of the Emerald Forest in awe. Amongst the sturdy white-trunked trees and vivid emerald leaves, Elara marched. She sought the quiet solitude of the deep forest to soothe her disquiet mind. She walked through the forest as if not seeing the lush beauty surrounding her. It may not have been all that much for her, as it was home to Elara. She ran, jumped, and climbed through the forest for as long as she could remember. It had become her sanctuary. A place that she could retreat to and recenter herself. Her favorite place was where the forest met the Caelus Sea. The sound of waves crashing onto the cliff rocks, mixing with the fluttering whispers of the tree's leaves, always comforted Elara. It formed a harmony that spoke to Elara.

Elara sped up her pace as she started to hear the distant crashing of waves. She was in such a hurry that she failed to hide the relief on her face as the sea finally came into sight. Sitting on her favorite fallen tree overlooking the sea, she sighed.

The world has become a boiling pot in the last ten years. The countries of Belchance and Melvale have devolved into civil war, with the bloodshed spilling over into the neighboring lands. A series of earth shakes has nearly destroyed the city-state of Nessel. The winds of fate seem to have pushed the land into a dark time of war and destruction. Elara's own country of Salubritas was not immune to the change, as political instability and extremism were on the rise.

Tucking her silver hair behind her ear, Elara attempted to calm her mind and escape to a tranquil emptiness that allowed logic to prevail. Slowly, her mind drifted as if on the sea, slowly being taken to somewhere separate from her body. She found herself on a pathway of golden light stretching outward towards a dark horizon. As she started to walk down this path, she sensed that whatever was at the end would solve all her problems. Watching her feet hit the golden path, Elara gasped as she noticed flashes of images projected around her foot each time she took a step. It only lasted a second, but she thought she recognized the scenery in the image. Could this be telling her where she needs to go? Walking with even more of a sense of urgency, Elara's eyes transfixed on each and every image, trying to memorize as much as she could. Most images she didn't recognize, but others had a tinge of familiarity as if they were calling her from a far-forgotten time.

Glancing upwards, Elara noticed that the path was ending, and she was no closer to deciphering the riddle that she was seeing. Just as she reached the end, the last image she knew and didn't need to guess. She knew where she needed to go, and the golden road vanished like that.

Sucking in a deep breath as if she hadn't been breathing throughout her vision, Elara gasped. Wondering aloud, she asked the air, "What was that? I know where I must go, but why?"

As if in answer to spoken question, an image formed in her mind of a young man smiling as if he had just accomplished a great task.

"Mhhh…" Elara said before continuing, "To Caerulues, I must go."

Jumping off the log, Elara briskly returned to the forest and headed home. She needed to speak to her father, and she would need a horse and provisions for this kind of trip. Caerulues was about two weeks away on horseback, so she had to act haste before whatever happened there passed her.

The sound of the ocean slowly faded as she sped down the path. The white trunks and branches of the trees slowly became a white tapestry with splashes of emerald green. Her mind drifted back to the young man who was the subject of the last image she had received. Who was he? Why did he appear to be at the heart of her vision? She did take note that he seemed very handsome for a human man. Most she had met thus far had grizzled appearances or held a glint in their eyes as if they were constantly sizing her up. Elara shivered at the thought. Shaking her head, she continued, her sights set on the upcoming discussion with her father.

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Several hours later, Elara strode towards a large ornate entryway. The oaken wood doors had a stylized stag carved into the wood, with oak trees flanking either side of the majestic beast. The stage had always been her family's crest. It was an image that bespoke courage, honor, and willingness to stand tall against any foe. Elara took a deep breath, and behind these doors led to her father's study. She hoped that he would help her understand the vision and ensure she could go to the Caerulues. Elara pushed her palm upon the door, and the heavy door slowly swung inward. Crossing the threshold, Elara was greeted with a familiar sight.

The office was a dimly lit chamber, its walls lined with towering bookshelves groaning under the weight of ancient tomes and scrolls. The air was heavy with the scent of old paper and leather bindings. A large, wooden desk dominated the room, its surface littered with quill pens, inkwells, and stacks of parchment nearly hiding her father. Intricate wood carvings adorned the walls, depicting scenes of mythical creatures and heroic deeds. A tapestry hung above the fireplace, its vibrant colors depicting a battle between valiant warriors and dragons. Sunlight streamed through a narrow window, casting long, dancing shadows across the dusty floor.

Elara headed towards one of the chairs facing the desk as she spoke into the office's quiet, "Good evening, Father. I have come to seek your guidance."

Her father held up a single finger, indicating that she should wait before continuing. Elara seated herself into one of the chairs as she fidgeted slightly, eager to recount her tale. Calming herself, she gazed at her father. He was an older man with her family's customary silver hair and emerald green eyes that seemed to pierce anything he looked at. Although nowadays, Elara thought that her father was finally showing his years. It made her sad that time was finally catching up, and she would lose her father.

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Her mother had died when she was very young, and while she had a large extended family, her father had been her rock and constant companion for much of her life. He was the one who taught her magic and how to fight. She knew she wouldn't be the woman she was today without him.

Finally done with the scroll he had been reading, her father addressed her, "Now, what can I do for Elara? I thought you would be late in returning from the forest."

"Father, I did go to the forest, and once there, I had a vision. I think I somehow connected myself to the natural man of the forest and the sea, and it produced a vision." Explained Elara.

Her father sat silently as Elara explained her vision and the details she could remember from the images. She concluded her story with, "Finally, the last image was of the crest of the ruling family of Caerulues. I feel this is where I must go to solve this puzzle."

Her father gazed at her for what seemed like an eternity before finally speaking, "You are so much like your mother." His eyes softened as he continued, "She had a talent for connecting with the world's magic and always seemed to be in the right place at the right time. I think that you should follow this vision as it may give you guidance or answer the struggles of the land."

"Excellent! Thank you, father!" Elara exclaimed and rose from the chair, but her father stopped her again with an upraised finger.

"Before you thank me, I will send your brother with you. It is a dangerous world out there, and you may need the help of his bow and magic before your adventure is up."

"But Father," cried Elara, "I can handle going to Caerulues myself, I don't need a babysitter." Elara stomped her foot for good measure to emphasize the point.

"I do not doubt your ability, Elara," her father said in a tone that brooked no argument. "You may be strong in sword and magic, but a knife in the back can still kill you. And I will not have my daughter dead!" The last words came out as a shout as Elara's father held that steely glint.

Knowing that arguing further would only result in Elara having more guards, she nodded, signaling her agreement. Standing, she reached the door before saying, "I intend to leave tomorrow at first light. Will you be at dinner tonight?"

"No, you will not see me again until you return from this adventure. I have a lot of things to do and little time to do them. Now go, daughter. You have my blessing and my prayers, " said her father.

"Thank you, Father," said Elara softly before exiting the room. Closing the door behind her, Elara leaned back against the door and took a deep breath. She knew her father always meant well, but sometimes, he was overly protective of her. At least it was just her brother Alec. He at least understood her need for space to be her own woman. Hopefully, he won't be too upset about being assigned to tag along with her. Maybe if she brought him a bribe to start, it would soften the blow.

Pushing off the door, Elara headed to the kitchen, searching for the perfect bribe for Alec. The kitchen was a cavernous space, dimly lit by a flickering torch. The air was thick with the mouthwatering aroma of roasting meats and simmering stews. A crackling fire roared in the hearth, casting dancing shadows on the stone walls. The sound of chopping, clinking, and the rhythmic sizzle of food on the griddle filled the room. A pot of bubbling broth released fragrant steam, and the air was thick with the spicy scent of herbs and spices. The damp, earthy smell of the cellar mingled with the sweet aroma of freshly baked bread, creating a symphony of scents that filled the senses.

Mistress Keety was busily flitting about the room, preparing the dinner to be served that evening. Upon spotting Elara in the doorway, Mistress Keety let out a slight squawk before scurrying over to her. Keety was a woman of formidable stature and even more formidable culinary skills. Her apron, stained with a rainbow of herbs and spices, was a testament to her countless hours spent tending to the hearth. Her eyes, bright and keen, could assess the quality of an ingredient with a single glance. A network of fine lines etched her face, each one a story of a meal perfected, a flavor balanced, and a palate satisfied. Her hands, rough and calloused from years of kneading dough and chopping vegetables, were a testament to her dedication to her craft.

"Elara!" cried Keety, "What can I do for ya, darling? Dinner should be ready in an hour or two."

"Mistress Keety, I was hoping for your help. I need to bribe Alec."

Keety's eyes narrowed slightly as she said, "Now, what I have told you, please call me Keety. Everyone does."

"Sorry, Keety, a force of habit." Winced Elara before saying, "So, the bribe? Can you help me?"

I think I have just the thing. It was going to be tonight's dessert, but I suppose I could part with a slice early." said Keety as she turned towards a raised counter near a window. Keety produced a plate and a knife, cut a small slice of freshly baked apple pie, and walked it back to Elara. Here ya go, sweetie. Is there anything else I can get you?"

"No, thank you, Keety, you're a lifesaver! Alec is going to love this. Sweets have always been his weakness." Exclaimed Elara.

"Now shoo," Said Keety playfully, "I still have lots to do before dinner is served."

Giving a wave over her shoulder, Elara headed towards her brother's room. Hopefully, this was enough of a bribe that he wouldn't grumble too much on their journey.