Talax couldn't believe his ears when Lirielle casually mentioned that the shaman, Orion, wasn't in the Cloud Monasteries. He stopped in his tracks just before they reached one of the narrow rope bridges, causing Qalo to nearly collide with him.

"What do you mean he's not here?" Talax demanded, his frustration mounting. "We came all this way to find him, and now you're telling us he's not even here? Where is he then?"

Lirielle shrugged, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "Orion has a habit of disappearing every so often," she explained. "He's a bit of a peculiar fellow, always muttering about wanting to get closer to nature. Frankly, I don't understand it myself. We're already as close to nature as one can get up here in the Cloud Monasteries."

Talax clenched his fists, trying to contain his exasperation. He could feel Aria's presence growing increasingly desperate in his mind.

"What should we do, Talax?" she pleaded, her voice filled with panic. "We need to find the shaman, or my family will be lost forever. We can't afford to waste any more time."

Talax took a deep breath, trying to think rationally. He turned to Lirielle, his tone more measured. "Is there any way to find out where Orion has gone or when he might return? We need to speak with him urgently."

Lirielle shook her head. "Not really," she replied casually. "He mostly keeps to himself and doesn't share much. He's gone for a few days at most, and then he's back mumbling to himself about herbs and stones. I guess it has something to do with his spells; they often require special materials."

As the gnome woman continued to speak, Talax felt a sense of relief wash over him. It appeared that Orion's absence wasn't necessarily a cause for alarm, at least not yet. Aria, too, seemed to share in his relief, her presence in his mind calming down.

"He probably just went out to find the ingredients he needs," Lirielle concluded, "and he'll be back soon enough."

Talax nodded, feeling the chill of the mountain wind penetrating his thin robes. "I suppose we'll have to wait then," he said reluctantly. "We can't afford to wander aimlessly in this frigid wilderness. I suggest we stay at the monasteries until Orion returns." Aria supplied with a remarkably more measured tone. Talax had to agree, and he resigned to a frigid existence for the next few days.

Lirielle stood at the edge of the rope bridge, looking back at Talax and Qalo with an amused glint in her eyes. She seemed to notice Qalo's horrified expression and Talax's apprehension, but she didn't offer any comforting words. Instead, she urged them forward. “What are you waiting for? Let’s go!”

Talax turned to Qalo and saw his horrified expression, his fear of heights had apparently only grown after his experience with the basket.

Talax glanced at the swaying bridge and took a deep breath, trying to muster his courage. The mist swirling around them added an eerie ambiance to the already tense situation. He knew there was no turning back now, and they had to cross the bridge.

With hesitant steps, he started to make his way onto the bridge. Each step felt like an ordeal, and he couldn't help but grip the thin ropes tightly, knuckles turning white. The bridge swayed back and forth, responding to the relentless wind that howled around them.

Qalo, who had been silent until now, took a few trembling steps onto the bridge as well. His face had gone even paler, and he moved as if he were walking on eggshells. His hands trembled, and he kept his gaze fixed on his feet, trying to maintain his balance.

As they proceeded, Lirielle, seemingly unfazed by the swaying bridge, took the lead. She moved with a graceful confidence, her small frame navigating the treacherous path with ease. Every so often, she glanced back at Talax and Qalo, her smirk growing wider as she witnessed their nervous struggle. "Don't worry, it's not as bad as it looks," she called out over the wind. "You'll get used to it."

Talax didn't find much comfort in her words. He clung to the thin ropes, trying to steady his nerves as they inched their way toward the nearest summit. Talax couldn't help but mumble a prayer under his breath, hoping that the bridge would hold. The sight of the yawning abyss below was a constant reminder of the consequences of a misstep.

Just as they reached the halfway point, the bridge swayed more violently, causing Talax's heart to skip a beat. He froze for a moment, clutching the ropes tightly. Qalo let out a whimper and clung to the bridge as if his life depended on it.

Lirielle turned to them, her smirk replaced with a more serious expression. "Keep moving," she called out. "You're almost there."

Talax forced himself to take another step, then another. The bridge continued to sway, and the mist obscured the bottom, making it impossible to see how far the drop was. Every creak and groan of the bridge felt like a taunt from fate itself.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, they reached the other side of the bridge. Talax practically fell onto solid ground, his legs wobbly from the ordeal. Qalo joined him, breathing heavily, his face a shade of even more pronounced green.

Lirielle chuckled as she stepped off the bridge and onto the rocky surface. "See? Not so bad," she said with a playful wink. Talax glanced back at the swaying bridge they had just crossed, a feeling of relief washing over him.

Talax took a moment to catch his breath and get his bearings on the larger summit they had just arrived at. The most prominent feature was a large structure with multiple peaked roofs that occupied the majority of the space. People in various-colored robes bustled about, creating a stark contrast against the frost-tipped landscape.

They saw individuals wearing the same thin blue robes as Elandor and Lirielle, while others donned grey robes like themselves. Among the crowd, a few stood out in pristine white robes, nearly blending in with the snowy surroundings. Talax couldn't help but wonder about the significance of the different robe colors.

Lirielle noticed their curiosity and explained, "This is the Great Hall. You'll have your meals here three times a day. It's also where you can find a Brother or Sister of Enlightenment if you need something or have questions about your stay."

Talax nodded, taking in the information. He was grateful for the prospect of regular meals, especially after their arduous journey and the nerve-wracking bridge crossing. However, a sense of dread settled in when Lirielle continued.

"Your sleeping quarters are on another summit," she announced casually. "You'll have to cross another bridge to get there."

Talax exchanged a worried glance with Qalo, who had barely recovered from their previous bridge-crossing ordeal. The idea of facing another swaying, perilous bridge was not something either of them looked forward to.

Talax cleared his throat, trying to muster some courage. "Is there any other way to get to our quarters? Perhaps a less... daunting route?"

Lirielle's eyes sparkled mischievously as she replied, "Oh, there are other paths, but they take much longer. The bridges are the quickest way to get around here. Don't worry; you'll get used to it. Or if you don’t, I can show you another way some stubborn initiates hop from summit to summit. Let’s get closer to the edge..." She said with a bright smile, blowing at her fingertips as if she was warming up for mischief.

Talax sighed inwardly, resigned to their fate. It seemed that their time in the Cloud Monasteries would involve facing more than the harsh weather. With a nod, he gestured for Lirielle to lead the way to the next bridge, hoping this one wouldn't be as nerve-wracking as the last.

Talax followed Lirielle as she led them to the other end of the summit, waving every so often to her fellow brothers and sisters. There, a network of bridges crisscrossed the expanse, connecting to various peaks that appeared like floating islands shrouded in mist at their bases. The sight was both breathtaking and disorienting, and Qalo clung to the ropes along the bridge for dear life.

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Lirielle couldn't help but giggle at their expressions and waved her hand dismissively. "Don't worry, before too long you will be crossing these bridges like a mountain goat," she repeated with a mischievous grin.

As they navigated the bridge, Lirielle spoke cheerfully, "You know, most initiates who come here leave with a good grasp of the fundamentals of fighting skills like swordsmanship, axe wielding and archery. The Cloud Monasteries have a rich tradition of martial training."

Talax, still processing the information, couldn't help but raise an eyebrow. "But you're a mage," he pointed out, recalling the information from her character sheet. "What's a mage doing at the Cloud Monasteries if they primarily train warriors?"

Talax was taken aback when Lirielle stopped in the center of the swaying bridge, her small form barely causing it to tremble. Talax stumbled making the bridge move violently and Qalo behind him gave a high-pitched cry of horror, Talax tightened his hold on the ropes and looked at Lirielle. Her inquisitive eyebrow raised as she smirked at him. "You have the analyze ability, don't you? Interesting," she remarked, her voice still playful but with an edge.

Talax nodded, feeling a bit exposed but also intrigued by her response. It seemed that their new companion was more perceptive than she appeared.

Lirielle continued to share her knowledge as she resumed walking. "While it's true that mostly warriors are trained in the Cloud Monasteries, we do get our fair share of mages, especially ice and water mages. The proximity to the ley lines in this area allows them to raise their levels much faster than they would elsewhere. It's a prime location for those types of magic."

Talax's interest was piqued. He had both ice and water magic in his arsenal, and he had long struggled with leveling up those particular abilities. The idea that this place could help him improve was encouraging.

Lirielle didn't stop there; she went on to explain, "And if you're particularly skilled and dedicated, you might even be able to evolve your spells. It's an arduous and nearly impossible task that most mages can't achieve, but some of the most experienced mages in the Cloud Monasteries have managed it."

Talax listened attentively, absorbing this newfound information. Perhaps coming to the Cloud Monasteries wasn't just a detour in their quest to find the shaman; it might also be an opportunity for him to improve his magical potential.

As Qalo's terrified whimpers continued in the background, Talax couldn't help but feel a glimmer of hope amidst the uncertainty of their situation.

The trio finally reached a summit that looked as if it had broken into pieces, with sharp protrusions rising up in various directions. On this precarious terrain, small wooden structures stood, each with a small balcony wrapping around it and a pitched roof that seemed to barely withstand the relentless howling winds. The dwellings appeared to shake and rattle from the gusts, and Talax couldn't help but make a grimace of distaste, uncertain if these flimsy-looking structures would survive the night.

As they approached, Talax noted that there were several of these wooden buildings scattered across the summit. He watched a man wearing robes similar to their own exit one of the small structures and then cross a bridge that grew increasingly indistinct as he walked further into the thick mist.

Talax turned to the small gnome, a look of horror on his face, and asked in a horrified tone, "Is this where we will be staying?"

They entered the small wooden building, and inside, they found a simple room. The room was sparsely furnished with a wooden table and two chairs, both of which looked weathered and well-used. Two narrow, single beds with thin mattresses were pushed against one wall, covered by a coarse woolen blanket that seemed barely adequate to ward off the mountain chill.

A small window provided a view of the mist-shrouded abyss below, revealing nothing but a vast expanse of swirling white clouds that obscured the world beneath. The window's wooden frame creaked softly in response to the relentless mountain winds, making the room feel even more exposed to the elements.

A dim lantern hung from the ceiling, casting a feeble light that flickered uncertainly in the drafty room. The flame inside the lantern danced and sputtered, casting eerie, shifting shadows on the rough wooden walls. The room was devoid of any decoration or warmth, giving it an overall austere and unwelcoming feel, making Talax feel uncertain about their decision to stay.

Qalo, once he inspected the room, became outraged. He pointed to the two side walls that were nothing but empty air, with only a long curtain that fluttered violently in the wind as the only obstacle to protect them from the cold.

"How are we supposed to survive the night in this place?" he demanded, his voice filled with indignation and concern.

Lirielle, now standing at the doorway, only smirked at their bewildered expressions and uttered a single word, "Mana." With that enigmatic response, she turned to leave, her figure gradually fading into the thick mist outside. She mentioned that a bell would ring once dinner was served, and she would see them the next morning, leaving them alone in the small room, looking dumbfounded and somewhat apprehensive.

Qalo's gloomy expression and downcast demeanor contrasted sharply with his usual happy and carefree personality. He plopped onto one of the beds, making it groan under his weight. Meanwhile, Talax moved to the side of the room, where he pulled the fluttering curtain aside and gazed out at the endless expanse of clouds. The rocky spires pierced the thick clouds like rising fingers, and Talax couldn't help but sigh as he felt the cold penetrate his skin even deeper.

The sky had already turned a shade of amber and violet as the sun dipped below the horizon. Troubled thoughts assaulted his mind, and he couldn't help but fear that they would turn into ice during the coming night. Lirielle had said the word "mana" so casually, as if it were the simplest thing in the world, as if finding a way to keep warm in this harsh environment were child's play.

Amidst the biting cold, Talax heard Qalo's trembling voice, which pulled him out of his musings. "Talax, I don't like this place," Qalo said, his voice quivering. "It's so cold, and the people here seem mean. Are you sure you can't find another way to find the ghost lady's family?"

Talax turned from the window to face his friend, his expression serious. "Qalo, I wish there was another way," he said, his voice filled with uncertainty. "But I made a contract with Aria, and I don't know if we can find her family without the shaman's help. Besides, I have a feeling that we can benefit from this place. We might learn something useful here."

He moved closer to Qalo and sat on the edge of the other bed, his eyes still fixed on his worried friend. "Let's give it a chance, just for a little while. We can endure the cold for a night or two. Maybe we'll figure out this 'mana' thing and find a way to stay warm. And who knows, we might uncover some clues about Aria's family while we're here."

Qalo seemed not entirely convinced, and his subdued expression remained on his face, but he didn't protest. Talax heard Qalo's stomach rumble, and he instinctively went to reach for his bag to take out one of the rations he had bought from Gormak, only to remember that he had handed over his dimensional bag along with his weapons and armor to Elandor. A frustrated curse escaped his lips as another gust of wind buffeted the small room.

Qalo, wrapped in the rough blanket to fend off the cold, had his teeth still chattering. It was evident they needed to find a way to battle the cold, and one person came to Talax's mind, Aria.

The high priestess had been an excellent companion so far, always offering the correct suggestions and information when he needed them. So, once more he turned to her. “Aria, do you have any idea what Lirielle meant?”

Aria responded with a touch of amusement in her ethereal voice. "It's rather straightforward, Talax," she explained. "Mana manipulation is the key to controlling the temperature around you, at least to a limited degree. By continuously channeling mana through your body, you can maintain a stable temperature in harsh conditions."

Talax listened intently, absorbing the information. "What's the catch?" he asked cautiously. He knew from experience that there was usually a catch when it came to acquiring new skills or leveling them up.

"The good news," Aria continued, "is that you already possess the mana manipulation skill. The bad news is that to effectively combat this cold, you'll need to level it up to at least level 5."

Relief washed over Talax at the revelation that he already had the skill. However, apprehension quickly replaced it. Leveling up a skill wasn't a simple task, and it required time, practice, and effort. What concerned him even more was whether Qalo would be able to acquire the skill. Qalo had never shown much aptitude for using mana, and Talax feared that he might struggle to cope with the freezing temperatures.

Talax turned to Qalo with an enthusiastic smile, his eyes filled with a newfound hope. "Qalo," he began with an overly cheerful tone, "Aria just told me how we can stay warm in this freezing place!"

Qalo, still tangled in the blanket, tried to sit up in his excitement but ended up getting snagged by the fabric, which sent him flopping back onto the bed. Talax couldn't help but chuckle as he watched his friend's struggles. After a few moments, Qalo finally managed to free himself from the grasp of the stubborn blanket.

With a grin, Talax continued, "It's actually quite simple, my friend. We just need to learn a new skill and level it up to at least level 5!"

Qalo looked at Talax with wide, despairing eyes and exclaimed mournfully, "I am going to die here, I will turn into an icicle!"

Talax's chuckles continued, and he reached inside his simple tunic to retrieve the ancient medallion that had once belonged to Aria. He held it up, the simple design catching the dim light of their room. "Don't worry, Qalo," he reassured his friend, "we have an excellent teacher right here."