Eleanor's eyes fluttered open; her vision blurred as she slowly emerged from the depths of unconsciousness. A disorienting haze clouded her mind, and she blinked several times, attempting to make sense of her surroundings. The world around her seemed to spin, the vibrant hues of the forest blending into a surreal painting of reds and greens. The forest they stumbled into held an otherworldly allure. Towering trees with leaves as crimson as freshly bloomed roses stretched high into the night sky. Their branches forming a delicate lacework of intricate patterns against the canvas of obsidian. The forest floor was carpeted in a soft bed of grass and flowers. Their petals shimmering like precious gems in the silvery light of the twin moons overhead.

As her senses began to sharpen, Eleanor's heart quickened with a surge of panic. She sat up abruptly, her gaze darting around the unfamiliar terrain. Trees with crimson leaves swayed gently in the breeze, and a canopy of dark green branches stretched above her, filtering the moonlight. Her breath caught in her throat as a knot of dread tightened within her chest--Nathaniel was nowhere in sight.

"Nathaniel?" Eleanor's voice trembled, carrying a mixture of anxiety and urgency. She pushed herself to her feet, her limbs feeling strangely unsteady as she took a few unsteady steps forward.

"Nathaniel, where are you?" Eleanor shouted.

A rustling sound nearby drew her attention, and relief flooded her as she spotted a figure through the undergrowth. Nathaniel laid sprawled amidst a tangle of bushes, his form partially obscured by the foliage. Eleanor's heart skipped a beat as she rushed toward him, her apprehension giving way to a wave of concern.

"Nathaniel!" Eleanor's voice was a blend of relief and enervation. She knelt beside her brother, carefully pushing aside the leaves that had become a makeshift shroud. With his eyes still closed, a groan escaped his lips as he too began to shake off the grogginess of their unexpected journey.

"What happened? Are you ok?" Nathaniel asked as his voice was rough.

Eleanor's worry melted as she helped him sit up. "Of course, I'm ok, and I see you are too. I was starting to think you'd taken up residence in that bush."

Nathaniel's laughter was a raspy sound, a clear sign that he was still grappling with the disorientation of their sudden arrival.

"Trust me, it wasn't my first choice of accommodations. This place is... something else," Nathaniel said as he began to look around.

Eleanor's gaze swept over the forest once more, a blend of awe and fear swirling within her eyes. Though mesmerizing and wondrous, it held an eerie tinge of unfamiliarity that sent shivers down her spine. As she was looking around and taking in the scenery, she remembered what her grandfather had told her. "I've never seen anything like this before... we're not dead, are we?” Nathaniel added as he looked around.

“Don't even say such an ominous thing.”

"But seriously, how am I seeing trees with leaves as red as roses in the middle of summer? And--wait--two moons in the sky?!"

The night sky was a breathtaking sight to behold. Two moons, one larger and silver, the other smaller and a pale shade of lavender. They hung in perfect harmony, casting an ethereal glow that bathed everything in an otherworldly luminescence. The stars twinkled like distant fireflies; their brilliance intensified by the absence of artificial lights. The celestial bodies seemed to dance in a cosmic ballet, their radiance intermingling with the natural beauty of the Forest.

Nathaniel's face contorted with a mixture of skepticism and amusement as he let out a short, disbelieving scoff. His eyebrows arched slightly, and a subtle smirk tugged at the corner of his lips. The faint glint in his eyes portrayed a hint of mockery, as if they were playfully challenging the credibility of the situation. His mind, always analytical, tried to find a rational explanation. This couldn't be real, he thought. He couldn't believe what had happened to them. No, he didn't want to. However, the weight of the humid air against his skin told a different story.

Eleanor's mind raced as she stood in front of Nathaniel. Thoughts collided like the scattered pieces of a puzzle. She blinked, trying to process the surreal scene before her as her brows furrowed. A sense of wonder tugged at her, but it was interlaced with a knot of uncertainty.

"We're in Soltera," she mumbled, as her eyes opened wide while carrying a hint of disbelief in her voice.

The realization sent a shiver down her spine. She glanced at Nathaniel as he was looking around and she could see the same mixture of awe and trepidation mirrored in his eyes.

“Where did you say we were?”

Eleanor explained, “We're in a world called Soltera. Granddad told me about this place before we went to your graduation. He said it's where our family actually came from.” as she walked over to her backpack that survived the unexpected journey. In it were a few of her belongings. Including the book her grandfather had given her. The skepticism of what Eleanor had said was etched across his face. His expression conveying a sense of, "yeah, right," that danced between lighthearted dismissal and underlying curiosity. Nathaniel looked into his sisters' eyes and saw that she was neither joking nor lying. He ruffled his hair out of frustration and sighed. He paused for a moment and looked back up at Eleanor. Before he couldn’t see too well but now that she was standing in the moonlight he could see clearly. Eleanor's eyes had changed color.

“E-Ella, your eyes…”

“What about my eyes?”

“They’re not gold anymore.”

“What?” Eleanor said with a face of disbelief and confusion.

“Here, take a look,” Nathaniel exclaimed as he took his phone out of his sweaters’ pocket.

Eleanor took the phone and switched on the camera. As Eleanor's gaze fell upon the camera's reflection in her brother's phone, a faint sense of disorientation gave way to a moment of startling realization. The image that met her eyes wasn't just a reflection of her physical presence; it was a mirror to the transformation that had taken place within her. The once familiar hue of her eyes had shifted from the steadfast gold she had known her whole life to a captivating shade of green.

For a fleeting instant, a mixture of surprise, dread and curiosity danced across her features. Yet, beneath the surface of her intrigue, a whisper of uncertainty tugged at her thoughts. As her brother's phone captured the image of her transformed eyes, Eleanor's fingers instinctively reached up to touch the skin beneath her eyes, as if confirming the reality of this metamorphosis.

“It must have changed when we came here. Does it look weird?”

“No, It actually suits you. We don’t know why this happened and standing here won’t help. For now, we need to find shelter. It's not safe to be out in the open of an unfamiliar place,” Nathaniel said as he started to walk deeper into the forest.

Eleanor's fingers tightened around her necklace, the one connection to her past and her grandfather. The weight of it reassured her, grounding her amidst the surreal uncertainty. As she stood in this new world, she couldn't help but feel a pang of homesickness for the life they were taken from and the home they had lost. Her heart ached for the familiar, for the grandfather who had been their rock.

As they ventured deeper into the forest, a sense of awe and fear washed over them. Eleanor's heart pounded in her chest as the magnitude of their situation sank in. Her fingers trembled as she clutched the book in her backpack that her grandfather had entrusted to her. A tangible link to her past and a key to her uncertain future. Her eyes widened with wonder as she gazed up at the red-leafed trees, their vibrant hue unlike anything she had ever seen before. In her heart, a mixture of curiosity and anxiety swirled, like a storm threatening to break free.

Eleanor was also concerned about her brother. She did not see him panic or show any signs of breaking down. She did not understand her brother after many years apart. He was like a different person, yet familiar.

"Are you okay, Nathaniel?" Eleanor's concern for her brother's well-being was evident in her voice, a reflection of her empathetic nature. Nathaniel offered a reassuring smile, though his eyes betrayed his own internal turmoil.

"Yeah, just taking it all in, you know?

Beside her, Nathaniel's brow furrowed with determination, his jaw set in resolve. He felt a sense of protective responsibility for his sister as unknown dangers surrounded them. With every step he took, his senses remained on high alert, attuned to the rustling leaves and mysterious sounds of the forest. Nathaniel's mind raced. His thoughts were a whirlwind of concern for Eleanor's safety, tempered by a steadfast determination to keep her from harm.

As they pressed deeper into the forest, the night grew darker, the canopy of trees above becoming an impenetrable curtain that blocked out the moonlight. The shadows seemed to stretch endlessly, swallowing the narrow trail ahead. Every rustle of leaves and snap of twigs beneath their feet felt amplified in the silence, as if the forest itself was watching, waiting. A cold breeze swept through the trees, carrying with it an eerie stillness that clung to the air, sending a shiver down their spines.

Suddenly, a deep, guttural growl echoed through the night, halting them in their tracks. The sound was unlike anything they had heard before--feral, menacing, vibrating through the earth beneath them.

Eleanor and Nathaniel froze. They exchanged a look, their hearts hammering as they scanned the area, searching for the source of the ominous sound. The forest was alive with tension, and the air thickened with the presence of something lurking in the darkness. Then, Eleanor’s gaze lifted, and she nudged Nathaniel, her eyes widening as she pointed to a cliff just ahead. There, outlined against the faint moonlight, stood a hulking shadow. Its inky black body seemed to absorb all light, casting an aura of primal dread that twisted the quiet forest into a cage of terror. Ragged fur bristled with each movement, while heavy claws scraped against the earth. The creature's physique melded the stealth of a predator with the malice of a nightmare: a muscular, feline frame adorned with jagged spikes like the cruel thorns of some sinister plant. Razor-sharp claws gleamed darkly, and its skin, writhing with wrinkle-like patterns, looked as though darkness itself had been sculpted into a living horror. Twin crimson eyes glowed with unholy intensity, piercing reality as they fixed hungrily on its prey.

Eleanor and Nathaniel held their breaths, moving with deliberate slowness to slip past it, hoping it wouldn’t sense them. But then, Eleanor’s foot landed on a dry branch, the sharp snap cutting through the silence. The growling stopped. The creature’s head snapped down, its eyes locking onto them with a predatory gleam.

A roar split the night as the beast leapt from the cliff. The arrival of the evil magical beast shattered the tranquility of the forest, plunging Nathaniel and Eleanor into a battle for survival. The air crackled with tension as Nathaniel’s lightning magic sprang to life, illuminating the darkness in jagged bursts of blue light. His heart hammered in his chest as he instinctively positioned himself between the monster and his sister. The creature--a twisted mass of shadow and fangs--lunged forward, its claws slashing through the night air with lethal intent.

Nathaniel barely had time to react, his fists sparking to life with surges of raw electricity as he met the beast head-on. His Electric-Coated Fists crashing into the creature’s talons. Sparks flew, the force of each punch resonating through his bones. Yet, before he could press forward, the monster dissolved into the shadows, vanishing into the darkness before his eyes.

Heart racing, Nathaniel spun around, searching the darkness as Eleanor’s panicked breathing echoed nearby. Suddenly, the creature reappeared, leaping from a shadow behind him. He barely twisted in time to raise his arm, blocking the beast’s claws with a hastily charged fist. His strike sent an electric shock through its limb, making it snarl and retreat briefly.

The shadow beast played with him, slipping in and out of the darkness like a phantom, always attacking from unexpected angles.

“Nathaniel, look out!” Eleanor’s voice broke through his focus as the monster vanished again, leaving him in tense silence. Nathaniel's breath was ragged as he struggled to keep the monster at bay. He gritted his teeth, frustration mounting as his strikes missed empty air or collided with shadow. He couldn’t let it reach Eleanor. The responsibility of protecting her weighed heavily on him, fueling every desperate move.

Suddenly, the monster materialized from Eleanor’s own shadow, its jaws wide and claws extended. With a burst of adrenaline, he surged forward, grabbing its arm mid-swipe and slamming an electric punch into its shoulder. The creature recoiled, snarling as it dissolved into shadows once more.

Nathaniel out of breath, his strength waning with every strike, yet the creature remained relentless. His fists sparked, the electric energy flickering as exhaustion crept into his limbs. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Eleanor's hands glowing faintly with healing magic. Warmth spread through him as she sent her remaining energy to ease his pain, but the relief was short-lived.

The creature emerged once more, lunging from a shadow at the edge of the clearing. Nathaniel's strikes became faster, more erratic, driven by the terror coursing through him as much as by sheer will. When Nathaniel saw an opening, he threw up his arms, managing a quick electric blast that forced it back. Nathaniel's movements grew sluggish, his strength fading, and the creature sensed his weakness as it shook off the blow it received. It melted back into the shadows, only to emerge from another, right in front of him.

“Nathaniel, watch out!” Eleanor’s voice broke through his daze, sharp and panicked. With a final swipe, its claws tore through his defenses.

BOOM! The monster struck him with full force, sending him hurtling across the clearing. Branches snapped as he crashed through a cluster of trees, his body hitting the ground with bone-jarring impact. Pain shot through his chest, the force of the blow leaving him breathless. The forest blurred around him, each ragged breath sending fresh waves of agony through his battered body as he struggled to stay conscious. But then he saw it--the creature shifting its attention toward Eleanor, hunger blazing in its eyes.

The red glow of its eyes burned hungrily as it stalked toward her, slipping from shadow to shadow, taunting her as she backed away.

“No…” Nathaniel said, fighting against the dizziness.

Gritting his teeth, Nathaniel forced himself to rise. With a desperate surge of speed, he activated Flicker Charge, his fists igniting as he dashed forward, landing another powerful blow to its side. The monster yelped, its form wavering as if unsure whether to attack him or retreat into the darkness.

The monster was relentless. Snarling, it lunged again, claws slashing toward Nathaniel’s chest. He raised his fists, lightning crackling defensively, but the beast’s power overwhelmed his defenses.

Pain exploded through him as the sharp talons tore through his skin, warm blood soaking his clothes as it spilled from the fresh wound. A sickening crack reverberated through his body as the impact broke several ribs, one puncturing deep into his side with a stabbing ache that stole his breath.

BAM! Its claws struck him hard, sending him sprawling.

A sickening crack reverberated through his body as he hit the ground hard. Pain exploded from his side where the creature’s talons had torn through his skin, warm blood soaking his clothes from the fresh wound. The impact shattered his ribs, one driving deep into his side, stealing his breath. Blood bubbled at his lips as his vision dimmed, the world spinning around him, the dark forest fading into a blur at the edges of his sight, until all he could feel was the relentless, consuming pain.

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“NATHAN!” Eleanor’s voice pierced the chaos, but it sounded distant, as if coming from underwater. He could barely hear her through the ringing in his ears, his consciousness slipping as the world darkened around him. Eleanor’s heart raced as she watched her brother fall. Her breath hitched, her chest tightening as panic set in. No, no, no! She thought frantically. Her magic reserves were running low--she could feel the strain, the exhaustion settling into her bones. But she couldn’t stop now. Eleanor needed to get to her brother's side but the beast turned its glowing red eyes toward her. It snarled, preparing for another strike. But Eleanor was ready. Gritting her teeth, not allowing the fear to take over, she runs towards the monster. The monster pounced off the ground for its attack. That's when Eleanor went down low to the ground, and slid underneath the monster. Rising from the ground with an urgency that matched the rapid beat of her heart, she hurried to Nathaniel's side. She stepped forward, raising her arms above her head. A radiant force field shimmered into existence around her and her brother. A barrier of light that glowed with energy. Eleanor quickly pursed up her brothers' head onto her lap and quickly tried to heal him.

As Nathaniel drifted in and out of consciousness, the world around him felt distant, muffled, like he was submerged beneath deep water. Faintly, through the haze, he heard a voice--urgent, desperate, but familiar.

“Nathan! Nathan! Can you hear me?”

It took him a moment to realize it was Eleanor. The sound of her voice, strained and trembling, pierced through the fog clouding his mind. His eyelids, heavy and reluctant, fluttered as he fought to respond. Slowly, his eyes cracked open, revealing his sister’s blurry figure hovering over him. The edges of his vision swam in and out of focus, but the sight of her was enough to pull him back, if only for a moment.“You finally... called me like you used to…” Nathaniel whispered, a faint smile tugging at the corner of his lips, even as his consciousness began to slip away once more.

Eleanor desperately tried to heal Nathaniel. However, due to her lack of magical knowledge, she could not heal his deadly wound with her magical spell. Amidst that, the beast roared in frustration as it slammed against the magical barrier. The beast was a shadow demon which was weak against light magic. Each roar and snarl were due to the agony it felt as it tried to destroy the barrier. It started to claw at the shield but Eleanor could see the cracks forming in her defense. The forcefield weakened under the relentless assault. Her heart and mind raced as she glanced down at Nathaniel's unconscious form, his breathing shallow and ragged. As her breaths quickened, driven by the mounting pressure she thought, "Nathaniel’s down, and my magic... I don't think I have enough."

Observing the scalded imprints etched upon the shadow demon's skin where it had hurled itself against her protective barrier, she got an idea. With a flash of determination, Eleanor laid Nathaniel's head gently onto the ground. Her eyes narrowed as she stood up, her magic flaring to life once more. "Come on, Eleanor. You can do this." she thought to herself. Eleanor focused all her remaining energy into another shield--ensnaring the sinister entity within it.

Methodically, she began to constrict the barrier slowly, binding the creature's frenzied movements and reducing its space to maneuver. As the boundaries of the barrier gradually diminished, the monster's frenetic struggles lessened. The monster's relentless onslaught was finally waning. Eleanor’s teeth clenched, and a low, guttural scream of pure willpower escaped her lips, her body trembling from the exertion as she poured the last of her energy into her magic. Her magic reserves were nearly depleted from her lack of proper training. The barrier surrounding them flickered, fading as Eleanor directed what little power, she had left into the shrinking orb that now trapped the monster. The barrier around them dissolved entirely, leaving her vulnerable, but she pressed on. The orb of energy crackled and hissed as it compressed, her focus now solely on destroying the creature. The monster thrashed in agony. Its form burning and twisting before vanishing, obliterating it into nothingness in climactic crescendo.

This triumphant feat exacted its toll, draining the remnants of Eleanor's already depleted mana reserves. Her spirit trembled on the brink of exhaustion as the delicate balance of energy teetering. The last remainder of her magical essence were consumed in this awe-inspiring display of willpower. As the light barrier subsided, Eleanor's chest heaved and sweat trickling down her brow.

She stumbled forward as her legs felt like lead as she knelt beside Nathaniel. She saw that his ashen face was etched with pain. As Nathaniel laid in her lap unconscious, Eleanor's heart raced with panic. Her limited knowledge of magic had carried them through, but it was clear that their survival hinged on mastering their abilities. Eleanor's steadfast resolve to her brother propelled her into action, an unwavering determination that refused to waver. With a resolute purpose, she found a sharp piece of wood.

A subdued exhalation escaped her lips as she created an incision upon her arm. Gritting her teeth against the pain, she applied pressure to the wound, coaxing forth a steady stream of her blood. Holding Nathaniel's head tenderly, she opened Nathan's mouth and let her blood drip into his mouth, forcing him to drink. As Nathaniel drank Eleanors blood, his wounds began to heal. Color returned to his ashen face, his respiration and heart rate returned to normal, and the creases of agony eased from his brow. After healing her brother, Eleanor took a shirt she kept inside her backpack. She ripped a piece of the shirt and wrapped it around the cut on her arm. With her injured arm, Eleanor managed to drag her unconscious brother to shelter within a cave.

Within the cave were flowers that glowed and illuminated the darkness. Eleanor placed down Nathaniel and used her backpack as a pillow. After resting for a while Eleanor recovered enough magic to create a light orb to create more light within the cave. A couple hours after resting in the cave, Nathaniel awoke from his slumber. As consciousness ebbed its way back into Nathaniel's senses, his mind surged with a flood of memories, like a torrent of crashing waves against the shores of his awareness. His senses tingled, and his body responded with a jolt, propelling him into a seated position. His heart raced, pounding against his chest as if seeking to escape the grip of his fear-tinged memories. His gaze darted around the cave, desperate to reorient himself, to confirm that his sister was by his side.

In his frantic search, his eyes caught the sight of Eleanor, huddled in a corner nearby. A rush of emotions washed over him. Relief, gratitude, and a potent surge of kinship that cut through the estrangement that had marred their relationship. A deep sigh, equal parts exhalation and release, escaped his lips as he realized she was safe. His voice quivered with a mix of relief and curiosity as he called out to her, seeking answers to the fragmented puzzle that occupied his thoughts.

“Ella, what happened after I passed out?” Nathaniel said as he shifted his body in Eleanors direction.

Eleanor's gaze remained fixed on the ground. Moments as if stretched into an eternity as thoughts swirled within her mind.

“Turns out it was weak against my light magic, so I was able to get rid of it,” Eleanor said, her voice wavering with exhaustion.

“Really!? That’s amazing. I’m glad we made it out alive,” Nathaniel replied, relief in his voice.

“Made it out alive…?” Eleanor retorted, disbelief flashing across her face. She stood abruptly, closing the space between them. Before Nathaniel could react, she lifted his shirt, revealing the deep scar etched into his side--a permanent reminder of the battle they barely survived.

“Does this look like we just ‘made it out’ to you? We barely survived!” Eleanor’s voice trembled, a mixture of anger and fear flickering in her eyes.

Nathaniel, though taken aback by her reaction, was more concerned with the bruises that marred her arms and the way she seemed to be favoring one foot. His chest tightened as he noticed the sprain she’d sustained, likely from dragging him to safety.

Sadness and frustration welled up in Eleanor’s gaze as memories from just hours ago resurfaced, her grip on his shirt loosening as tears started to pool in her eyes. “I can’t… I can’t lose you like that, Nathaniel.” Her voice broke, and for a moment, she looked down, hiding her face.

Noticing her distress, Nathaniel instinctively reached out to steady her. “Ella… wait. Why aren’t your self-healing abilities working?” His voice was low, a hint of dread creeping into his expression.

Eleanor’s heart pounded as she searched for the right words, but anguish twisted in her chest, mixing with an ember of anger. She couldn’t bear the thought of losing her brother, the only remaining piece of their fractured family. And yet, a flicker of frustration simmered--the fact that Nathaniel still saw her as someone he needed to shield, someone weak.

“Because!” she snapped, her voice raw with emotion. “Because you were teetering between life and death! I had to transfer my self-healing abilities to you just to keep you alive, Nathaniel.” Tears streamed down her face, the weight of the moment sinking into every word.

Nathaniel’s eyes softened, a pang of guilt striking him. “Ella, I’m so sorry. I… I didn’t mean to put you through that. I just wanted to protect you.”

Eleanor’s frustration bubbled over, her fists clenched. “How do you think you’re going to protect me if you’re dead? I don’t need you to risk everything for me--I need you alive!” Her voice cracked, frustration mingling with the raw vulnerability she rarely let him see. Tears began to well up in her eyes, but she quickly turned away, wiping them with a swift motion. “You weren’t there when I needed you most back then, but now you want to be the one to save me?”

Nathaniel felt the sting of her words, the weight of his past mistakes pressing down on him. As Eleanor stood with her back to him, he slowly stepped forward and wrapped his arms around her from behind, pulling her into a tight embrace. She tensed at first, resisting slightly, but then her shoulders slumped, and she let herself sink into his arms, the tension melting away.

“Why are you being gross?”

“Gross? You’re the one covered in mud,” he shot back, grinning.

Eleanor let out a small, reluctant laugh. “That makes both of us idiot.”

Nathaniel rested his chin lightly on her shoulder, his voice soft but resolute. “I’m sorry, Ella. I mean it. I’m not going anywhere. No matter what, I’ll stay by your side.”

A while after, they drifted into an uneasy sleep, their bond stronger for the pain they had endured together and the unspoken promises that lingered in the silence.

A while after, they drifted into an uneasy sleep, sitting side by side and leaning against each other for support. Their bond stronger for the pain they had endured together and the unspoken promises that lingered in the silence.

Saturday, June 17th, 7:36 a.m.

When the sun had risen, Eleanor and Nathaniel set off as they navigated the dense forest to find civilization. They walked through the dense forest but felt like they had no idea where they were going.

After two days of relentless walking, Nathaniel decided to climb a tree to see where they were and if he would be able to see a road in the distance from above. He climbed the tallest looking tree near him and sees the end of the forest about 3 miles away from where they were. After telling Eleanor how much further they had to go, they set off once again.

When the sun was at its highest in the sky, Nathaniel and Eleanor made it out of the forest and found a road.

“Oh my gosh, yes! Finally! Do you know how long I’ve been dreaming of this road? Two whole days of endless trees. I swear it’s like this forest never ends!”

Nathaniel raised an eyebrow, his expression as steady as ever. “It’s a road, not salvation. Let’s move before we lose daylight.”

She shot him a look of disbelief. “Seriously? Can’t I have a single second to celebrate? Do you know what we’ve been through?” She gestured dramatically to the forest behind them. “Bugs, mud, and sleeping on rocks! Rocks, Nathaniel!”

“Yeah, I was there,” he replied flatly, starting down the path. “You done yet?”

Eleanor groaned and fell in step beside him. “Ugh, you’re impossible. But I’m tired, and my legs hate me right now.”

“Then brace yourself,” he said without missing a beat. “The ground’s going to feel worse than the rocks tonight if we don’t find a town.”

She crossed her arms with an exaggerated huff. “You’re so… ugh.”

Nathaniel glanced at her sideways, his lips twitching in the faintest hint of a smirk. “Come on, keep up, princess.”

As Eleanor and Nathaniel walked along the dusty road, Nathaniel heard a loud noise coming closer towards them at a fast speed. Nathaniel told Eleanor that they should move to one side because of what he had heard. A few minutes later, a sudden rush of wind heralded the arrival of a horse-drawn carriage that raced past them, its wheels kicking up small clouds of dirt. Eleanor and Nathaniel were surprised to see that there were no cars, but horse drawn carriages in this world.

"My, those two young folks are dressed in such unique and remarkable attire. I must say, I’m quite interested in acquiring garments like those. Driver, would you kindly bring the carriage to a stop? Your assistance would be greatly appreciated."

“Of course, sir.”

The carriage came to an abrupt halt a bit of a distance ahead, its elegant wooden frame creaking as it settled into place. After a while, Eleanor and Nathaniel caught up with the carriage that had passed them by. Suspicion danced in Eleanor's eyes. She wanted to stay on the opposite side of the road of where the carriage had stopped and urging Nathaniel to do the same.

With cautious steps, they closed the distance between themselves and the mysterious carriage. Its polished exterior gleamed in the sunlight, the intricate details of its design catching Eleanor's curious gaze. Yet, as the carriage's door swung open, revealing the merchant within, the siblings' wariness only deepened. His attire, rich and vibrant, hinted at a life of opulence that stood in stark contrast to the ruggedness of the siblings' own garments.

The merchant was wearing a jacket that was a rich, deep red, made from a luxurious fabric that catches the light with a subtle sheen. It features a high, stiff collar and is double-breasted, with rows of ornate gold buttons that add a touch of opulence. The buttons are intricately designed. Gold embellishments are artfully applied to the suit, highlighting the contours of the lapels, pockets, and cuffs. These golden trims are meticulously crafted, featuring scrollwork or floral patterns that add a layer of sophistication and grandeur. The trousers match the jacket in color and are cut in a straight, narrow fashion. They are fastened with a matching gold buckle, and the entire ensemble is completed with polished brown leather shoes and a crisp white shirt.

The merchant's voice rang out, his inquisitive tone drawing them closer.

“Good afternoon, young sir and young miss. I am Miles Huxley, though many simply call me Merchant Miles. Might I trouble you for a moment of your time? I must ask--where did you acquire such remarkable attire?”

“Oh... uh, we’ve traveled from a far-off land, where clothing like this is fairly common,” Nathaniel replied casually.

“Well, I wonder if you might consider parting with your garments. In exchange, I’d be delighted to offer you a selection of my finest attire, tailored precisely to your preferences.”

Eleanor turned to Nathaniel, her gaze laden with concern, silently urging him to dismiss the offer. However, Nathaniel's eyes gleamed with a glimmer of hope, a chance for a fresh start evident in his expression. He leaned into Eleanor, his voice a quiet reassurance. "Trust me, Ella. This could be an opportunity for us."

Torn between her caution and her brother's optimism, Eleanor hesitated before finally yielding. Nathaniel negotiated the terms, his voice steady and confident.

“We might be willing to part with our garments, but only on one condition.”

“Of course,” Miles said smoothly, inclining his head. “May I inquire as to what condition you have in mind?”

“Would it be possible for you to offer us a ride to your destination?” Nathaniel asked.

“Ah, splendid!” Merchant Miles exclaimed. “Should you choose to accompany me, I shall be honored to present you with an expanded selection of my most exquisite attire in exchange for your truly unique garments. Please, step inside my carriage--you are most welcome.”

The siblings exchanged a brief glance before following Miles into the carriage. As they settled into the plush interior, Eleanor’s heart raced with a mix of caution and anticipation. The road ahead led them to Allverton, a town brimming with the promise of new beginnings and untold adventures.

As the carriage began to move, Miles turned to them with a friendly smile. “As I mentioned earlier, I am Miles Huxley, at your service. May I have the honor of knowing your names? It would be greatly appreciated.”

“My name is Eleanor Éclair, and this is my brother Nathaniel,” Eleanor replied politely.

“A pleasure to meet you sir,” Nathaniel added.

“Eleanor and Nathaniel,” Miles repeated thoughtfully. “Such splendid names. One could guess that your parents held a deep reverence for the gods and goddesses. Your names carry a profound connection.”

“What do you mean?” Eleanor asked curiously.

“Well, if I may share,” Miles said, his tone warm and informative, “Eleanor is the name of the goddess of light, and Nathaniel translates to ‘gift of God.’ It’s quite clear that whoever named you both had great affection and regard for you. Such names reflect a deep sense of endearment.”

“Goddess of light?” Eleanor and Nathaniel echoed.

“Indeed,” Miles affirmed. “If I may ask, are you not familiar with the faith that guides much of the world’s populace?”

“We grew up somewhat sheltered,” Nathaniel admitted. “There’s a lot we don’t know.”

“Ah, I see,” Miles said, nodding with understanding. “Allow me to elaborate. The widely embraced Faith of the Seven Origins honors the seven deities responsible for our world’s creation. The goddess of light is among the most revered, and her name, Eleanor, is the very one you bear.”

“I didn’t know that,” Eleanor murmured, glancing down. “I always thought she named me that because of my… my hair.”

“Names often hold more meaning than we realize,” Miles said kindly. “It’s a testament to the thoughtfulness of those who cared for you.”

He paused, his expression growing thoughtful. “May I ask, what brings you on such an extensive journey without provisions or even fundamental knowledge?”

“Our grandfather was the last family we had,” Nathaniel explained. “He didn’t tell us much, and after he passed away recently, we had to start fresh.”

Miles nodded, his eyes softening. “I understand. Starting anew is no small feat. As it happens, I know of a place currently looking for new hires. If you’re interested, I could provide you with a letter of recommendation to apply.”

“Really? That would help us a lot!” Nathaniel replied, his tone brightening.

“Wonderful!” Miles said with a warm smile.

As the carriage rolled closer to Allverton, Eleanor’s unease began to ease, replaced by a cautious hope. However, miles away in a shadowed corner of the world, another figure moved.

“You know, Ralph…” a deep voice rumbled.

“What would you like me to know, my liege?” came the smooth reply.

“I felt an essence recently--something I haven’t sensed in over two centuries. And wouldn’t you know it, I felt it again just a few nights ago.”

Ralph remained silent, his demeanor unreadable.

“It came from Rosewood Forest,” the man continued. “Go. Investigate the area and return with a satisfactory report.”

“Yes, my liege,” Ralph said, bowing before vanishing into the darkness.