The next morning, Elena woke with a start, the events of the previous day haunting her dreams. She took a moment to steady her breath, glancing around the small space. Ember was nowhere to be found, but the sounds of rattling and some sort of bickering drifted in from outside. Letting out a yawn, she weakly stepped out into the blinding daylight. As her eyes adjusted, she spotted Ember shooing a phoenix away from something in her hand. It looked like a chicken.
“Get off of here, you dumb creature!” Ember yelled, her voice a mix of frustration and urgency as she tried to save her meat from the beak of the large bird.
Elena watched, a mix of confusion and amusement washing over her. As she coughed, a glint of a necklace caught her eye, hanging from the phoenix’s collar. Recognition hit her like a wave.
“Nimbles!” she exclaimed, her heart leaping with joy. The phoenix, immediately recognizing its name, rushed toward Elena, inadvertently destroying the remnants of Ember’s tent in the process. They embraced on the remains of Ember’s shelter, who stood there, utterly shocked at the sight of her destroyed home.
“Oh, Nimbles, I am so happy to see you!” Elena sobbed into the phoenix’s feathers, hugging it tightly.
“EXCUSE ME!?” Ember yelled, her voice rising in disbelief. But Elena was too caught up in her reunion to notice.
“Shh! You’re going to wake the whole forest!” Elena said, her tone playful yet defiant. She got up from the ground and hugged Nimbles again, whispering sweet apologies about Eli, to which the phoenix whimpered softly.
“HELLO!?” Ember continued, her frustration palpable as she crossed her arms.
“Oh, Ember!” Elena finally turned to her, a bright smile on her face. “Good morning!”
“YOU JUST DESTROYED MY TENT AND DARE TO PRETEND NOTHING HAPPENED!” Ember’s anger was understandable, and she had every right to be upset.
Elena glanced back at the wreckage, her expression shifting to one of concern. “Oh, we’re really sorry about that, but Nimbles will make it up to you by taking us to the surface!” She looked at the creature with hopeful eyes.
“Not sure if your pet will agree. Well, anyway, if it doesn’t, we can always skin him,” Ember mocked, still clutching the meat in her hand, though a hint of a smile tugged at her lips.
“Anyway, Ember… when are you going to cook that chicken? I’m starving!” Elena said, her mouth watering at the thought.
Ember sighed, the idea of sharing her meal not sitting well with her. ‘I guess it won’t hurt. We haven’t had anything since that attack,’ she thought, glancing at the phoenix, which was now slightly calmer. With a resigned expression, she took out some pots from her now-destroyed tent, looking at them with a mix of sadness and determination.
But she quickly snapped out of it and started a fire, preparing to make a meat stew. The crackling flames provided a comforting warmth as she set to work, her movements methodical.
“Tasty! It’s done so well, Ember!” Elena squealed with joy as she took a sip of the stew, her eyes lighting up.
“You’re just hungry,” Ember replied, a faint blush creeping onto her cheeks. In truth, she had never had anyone try her cooking before, and the compliments made her feel a mix of embarrassment and pride.
Elena grinned, savoring the moment. “No, really! This is amazing!” she insisted, her enthusiasm infectious.
Ember couldn’t help but smile at Elena’s excitement, the earlier tension between them beginning to fade. After finishing their lunch, both Elena and Ember turned their eyes toward Nimbles, who seemed to shrink under the pressure of their gaze.
“Maybe he’s not ready yet…?” Elena suggested, her voice tinged with sadness.
“He flew all the way here, so he can fly more,” Ember protested, her determination evident. They had to get to the surface.
Elena looked at Nimbles, a spark of inspiration igniting within her. ‘I wonder if I can try something,’ she thought. With newfound resolve, she stood up and, with a playful grin, sat down forcefully on Nimbles’s back.
Nimbles protested, flapping his wings in surprise, but Elena reassured him in her own way. Ember watched the scene unfold with great interest, a mix of amusement and concern on her face.
“Now, Nimbles, let’s go up!” Elena encouraged, her voice bright with excitement.
As they ascended, the towering soil wall came into view, and Elena felt a thrill of exhilaration. The world below shrank away, and for a moment, everything felt perfect. The wind whipped through her hair, and she could hardly contain her excitement as she pointed out the landscape beneath them.
But just as they neared the top, Nimbles suddenly faltered, his wings flapping erratically. Elena felt the shift beneath her, a jolt of panic coursing through her. “Nimbles, what’s wrong?” she shouted, her voice barely audible over the rushing wind.
The phoenix let out a distressed chirp, his vibrant feathers ruffling as he struggled to regain his balance. Elena’s heart raced as she instinctively tightened her grip around his neck, her fingers digging into the soft plumage. She could feel the tension in his muscles, the frantic beat of his wings as he fought against the sudden gusts that threatened to throw them off course.
Time seemed to slow as she realized they were losing altitude. The ground rushed up to meet them, a blur of greens and browns. “No, no, no!” Elena gasped, her voice rising in panic. She could see the rocky terrain below, the jagged edges of the cliff looming ominously.
Nimbles flapped harder, but it was as if an invisible force was pulling them down. Elena’s stomach dropped as she felt the phoenix’s body tilt dangerously. “Hold on, Nimbles!” she cried, her heart pounding in her chest. She closed her eyes, bracing for impact, the memories of laughter and warmth flashing through her mind like a slideshow of everything she had yet to experience.
Just as despair began to settle in, a voice broke through the chaos. “Have you had enough?” Ember’s sharp tone cut through the haze of Elena’s thoughts.
Opening her eyes, Elena was startled to find herself cradled in Ember’s arms. The ground was still rushing toward them, but Ember’s fierce determination shone through her worried expression. Nimbles had regained his balance just in time, stabilizing himself in the air and saving them both from a disastrous fall.
“You saved me…” Elena breathed, her heart racing as she looked up at Ember, who was equally startled but relieved. The realization of what had just happened washed over her, and tears pricked at the corners of her eyes.
“Don’t get used to it,” Ember replied, her voice a mix of annoyance and concern. “Next time, maybe try not to ride a phoenix without asking first.” But even as she said it, the tension in her voice softened, revealing the worry that lay beneath.
Elena chuckled weakly, the sound tinged with gratitude and a hint of lingering fear. “Yeah…” she breathed, her voice light but her heart heavy with the weight of what could have been. The guilt lingered, a shadow in her mind, reminding her of the lives lost and the burden she carried.
As Ember left the two of them alone, Elena patted Nimbles' head and once again sat on him, but this time the location was different. The rush of adrenaline began to fade, replaced by a heavy weight in her chest. Ember’s fierce determination had saved them, but the reality of their near-fall lingered in her mind like a shadow.
Once they landed safely on the soft, mossy bank of the Whispering Lake, Elena stepped away from Nimbles, needing space to gather her thoughts. The lake stretched out before her, a vast expanse of shimmering water that seemed to stretch into infinity. She settled down on the cool grass, her gaze fixed on the lake’s surface, where the reflections of the fading daylight danced like fleeting memories.
Hours passed as Elena sat beside the lake, lost in thought. The sun dipped lower in the sky, casting long shadows across the landscape, and the world around her transitioned from the warm hues of day to the cool tones of twilight. She thought of her homeland, now a distant memory, reduced to ashes and sorrow. The faces of those she had lost flashed through her mind—friends, family, all taken from her in the chaos.
“Why did Ember save me?” she whispered to herself, the question echoing in the stillness of the night. “What makes me worth saving when so many others weren’t?”
The water rippled gently, as if the lake itself was listening to her thoughts. She felt a deep sense of guilt wash over her, mingling with the grief that had become a constant companion. The weight of survival pressed heavily on her shoulders, and she wondered if she truly deserved to be here, to be alive when so many had perished.
As the last light of day faded, the first stars began to twinkle in the sky. Suddenly, she heard the familiar sound of footsteps approaching. She turned slightly to see Ember, her expression a mix of annoyance and concern.
Ember sat down beside her, the warmth of her presence a comforting balm against Elena’s turmoil. “You know, it’s not good to skip meals,” she said, trying to sound casual. “I mean, you need your strength, right?”
Elena nodded, but the words felt hollow. Ember fidgeted, clearly struggling to find the right thing to say. “Have you been drinking enough water? You look a little pale. And are you getting enough sleep? I know things have been rough, but you really need to take care of yourself.”
Elena sighed, feeling the weight of Ember’s concern pressing down on her. “I’m fine, Ember. Really.”
Ember glanced at the lake, then back at Elena, her brow furrowing. “So, um… how’s the lake?” she asked, trying to steer the conversation away from Elena’s health.
Elena’s heart sank, and annoyance flickered within her. “I hated you when you made me come here and showed me all the Eldaris,” she snapped, her voice sharper than she intended. “You gave me that book about the surface and then just… left.”
Ember’s expression shifted, surprise and regret washing over her features. “Elena, I—”
Elena’s heart raced as she watched Ember struggle to find the right words. The silence stretched between them, thick with tension. Finally, Ember took a deep breath, her gaze steadying on Elena.
“I told you I was selected for the Orion tribe, and you know how they are, right—”
“Tell me the truth,” Elena interrupted, her voice firm. The question hung in the air, heavy with the weight of unspoken emotions.
Ember hesitated, her eyes searching Elena’s face for understanding. “I thought you were better off without me because I made you do things that were not allowed. Coming to this lake wasn’t even permitted in our homeland, so I left.”
Elena felt a mix of anger and sadness welling up inside her. “But you didn’t even say goodbye. You just vanished. I was left with all these questions and no answers.”
“I know,” Ember replied, her voice barely above a whisper. “I was stupid, I know. I thought I was protecting you, so I asked the Orion tribe leader to take me in for training. I regret it.”
Elena looked away, her eyes drawn to the shimmering surface of the lake. “This place used to feel like home, but now it just reminds me of everything I lost.”
Ember shifted closer, her expression guarded. “Your stupid best friend always said we can rebuild things at any moment. So, since you want it too much, I can rebuild us.”
Elena’s frustration flared. “Rebuild? Is that all you think this is? Just something we can fix like it’s nothing?”
Ember’s gaze hardened slightly, her walls going up. “I didn’t mean it like that. It’s just… I’m not good at this. I’ve always had to keep my feelings in check. It’s easier that way.”
Elena crossed her arms, feeling a mix of anger and hurt. “You can’t just throw around words like ‘rebuild’ and expect me to be okay with it. This is about more than just fixing something broken.”
Elena softened slightly, recognizing the struggle in Ember’s eyes. “I want to try too, but we need to be honest with each other because we are all that is left.” Her voice dropped to a whisper, the sadness in her expression deepening.
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Seeing the sorrow etched on Elena’s face, Ember instinctively reached out, her fingers gently brushing against Elena’s cheek. “Hey,” she murmured, urging Elena to look up at her. “We’ll figure this out.”
Their faces drew closer, the air between them charged with unspoken emotions. Elena’s heart raced as she caught a glimpse of Ember’s lips, the way they parted slightly as if she were about to say something more. She felt an undeniable connection, her gaze drifting from Ember’s expressive eyes to the gentle curve of her lips, which seemed to beckon her closer. The warmth radiating between them grew stronger.
Ember smirked, a playful glint in her eyes as she noticed Elena’s gaze. The world around them faded, leaving only the two of them suspended in this fragile moment. Time seemed to stretch as they leaned in, the anticipation thick in the air.
Just as they were about to bridge the gap, a soft chime from Nimbles broke the moment—a gentle sound that signaled the Eldaris beginning to descend from the heavens. The sound echoed through the air, pulling them back to reality.
Ember pulled back slightly, her cheeks flushed, but before she could say anything, Elena abruptly pushed her away, her voice rising in a mix of embarrassment and urgency. “The Eldari are here!” she exclaimed, her cheeks burning as she tried to regain her composure.
Ember raised an eyebrow, a teasing smile spreading across her face. “Wow, someone’s a little flustered,” she said, her tone playful. “I didn’t think you’d be so eager to change the subject.”
Elena shot her a glare, though a smile tugged at the corners of her lips despite her embarrassment. “I just— I mean, we can’t get distracted now, right?”
“Sure, sure,” Ember replied, still grinning. “But you know, I was kind of enjoying that moment. Maybe we can revisit it later?”
Elena rolled her eyes, but the warmth in her chest returned. “Let’s just focus on the Eldari for now.”
As the first Eldaris illuminated the night sky, both girls felt a renewed sense of hope, knowing that amidst the uncertainty, they still had each other. The ethereal glow of the Eldaris cast a magical light over the lake, reflecting their shimmering forms in the water below.
As the first Eldaris illuminated the night sky, Elena’s eyes widened in awe. “Look at them,” she said, her voice softening as she gazed up at the celestial beings. “They’re beautiful.”
As the Eldaris continued to descend, their soft chimes filling the air, Ember turned to Elena with a sudden spark in her eyes. “You know, I just remembered something very important,” she said, her tone shifting to one of playful seriousness.
Elena raised an eyebrow, curiosity piqued. “Oh? What’s that?”
As the Eldaris continued to illuminate the night sky, Ember leaned in slightly, her breath warm against Elena's ear. “We don’t have a place to sleep tonight,” she whispered, a playful glint in her eyes.
Elena’s heart raced, and a wave of panic washed over her as she recalled the morning’s chaos—the tent torn apart by Nimbles, their belongings scattered. “What do you mean?” she exclaimed, her voice rising slightly. “You’re joking, right?”
Ember’s playful expression faltered, and she bit her lip before responding in a deadpan voice, “I'm afraid not.”
Elena’s stomach dropped, and worry crept into her thoughts. “What do you mean we don’t have anywhere to sleep? We can’t just—”
“I do have a place,” Ember said, glancing sideways at Elena, “but you won’t like it.”
Before Elena could respond, Ember took her hand and led her away from the whispering lake, guiding her toward a path that Elena didn’t recognize. Panic bubbled up inside her, and she instinctively clung to Ember’s arm. “Where are we going?” she asked, her voice tinged with anxiety.
Ember rolled her eyes, a teasing smile playing on her lips. “Calm down, Scardy Cat. It’s not like I’m leading you into a trap.”
“I’m not a Scardy Cat!” Elena protested, though her grip tightened.
“Sure, you’re not,” Ember shot back, chuckling. “Just an idiot who thinks the woods are going to eat her alive.”
As they walked deeper into the unknown, Elena felt her legs growing weary. After about thirty minutes of navigating the winding path, she finally stopped, panting slightly. “Are we there yet?” she asked, glancing up at Ember with a mix of exhaustion and frustration.
Ember sighed, clearly growing annoyed. “Just a little further, Elena. You’re such a complainer.”
Elena rolled her eyes but couldn’t help the whine that slipped out. “I’m not complaining! I’m just… expressing my concerns about our current situation.”
“Right,” Ember replied, her tone dripping with sarcasm. “Because that’s what we need right now—more concerns.”
After a few more minutes of trudging along, Ember suddenly stopped and turned to Elena. “We’re here.”
Elena looked up, her heart racing as she took in the scene before her. The clearing opened up to reveal a gathering of big, bulky men, all of them adorned with various scars and muscular builds that made them look intimidating. They were laughing and talking amongst themselves, their boisterous voices echoing through the trees.
“What is this place?” Elena whispered, her eyes wide with a mix of awe and fear.
Ember smirked, clearly amused by Elena’s reaction. “Welcome to the home of Exiles. Don’t worry, they’re not as scary as they look… most of the time.”
Elena swallowed hard, her instincts screaming at her to turn back. “You brought me here? Are you sure this is safe? Does this place even have women?”
Ember raised an eyebrow, her expression shifting slightly. “Yes, but for other purposes,” she said, emphasizing the word "other" in a way that made Elena shiver.
“Other purposes?” Elena echoed, her heart racing as she glanced around at the intimidating figures surrounding them.
“Welcome to the home of Exiles, Princess,” Ember said with a mischievous grin, dragging Elena forward toward the group of men.
Elena’s breath caught in her throat as they approached, her mind racing with thoughts of escape. “Wait, Ember! Are you serious? This isn’t funny!”
“Relax,” Ember said with a grin. “At least they’ll offer us a cabin for free here.”
Elena’s mind raced at the implication. What exactly were they going to do for a cabin? A knot tightened in her stomach as she couldn’t shake the feeling that “other activities” were on the agenda. Her heart pounded in her chest, and she felt a cold sweat forming on her brow.
Before she could voice her concerns, Ember darted toward the biggest guy in the room. He had a few strands of white hair and a huge scar running down his face, making him look even more intimidating.
“Zar!” Ember called out, greeting him with a fist bump.
Zar laughed heartily, his smile revealing a row of crooked teeth. “Where have you been?” he asked, chugging from a mug that appeared to be filled with alcohol. Elena’s eyes widened as she watched him, her breath hitching at the sight of the rough crowd surrounding them.
Elena felt a wave of fear wash over her as she watched this reunion unfold. Her palms grew clammy, and she instinctively took a step back, her heart racing as Zar’s gaze shifted to her.
“Who is this scaredy lady?” Zar laughed, his booming voice echoing in the room. Elena felt her cheeks flush with embarrassment, a mix of fear and indignation bubbling inside her.
Elena opened her mouth to respond to Zar’s question, but her voice trembled, barely escaping her lips. “I—uh…” The fear constricted her throat, making it hard to form words.
Before she could gather her thoughts, Ember stepped in smoothly. “She’s a survivor from the Ioroph,” she said, her tone confident. “We’re close.”
Zar let out a loud, booming laugh that echoed through the room. “A survivor, huh? That’s splendid!” He turned his attention back to Elena, his eyes twinkling with curiosity. “What tribe do you belong to?”
Elena’s heart sank as she replied in a sad tone, “None.”
Zar’s expression softened slightly. “Don’t worry! You’ll find your place. I got mine when I was thirty!” He clapped his hands together, drawing the attention of those around them. “Listen up, everyone! Elena and Ember will be staying with us!”
A ripple of excitement spread through the crowd as Zar announced, “Let’s set up a cabin for them!” People began to move immediately, bustling about to prepare a space for the two women.
Elena felt a surge of fear as the rowdiness of the crowd intensified. She instinctively grabbed Ember’s hand, her grip tight and trembling. Ember rolled her eyes slightly at the gesture but didn’t pull away, instead holding Elena’s hand to offer her support.
Soon, a group of men approached Zar, informing him that their room had been prepared. Ember turned to Zar, her expression brightening. “Thanks, Zar! And I have to say, that beard of yours is quite impressive.”
Zar chuckled, puffing out his chest with pride. “You think so? It’s taken years to grow!”
Ember smiled and then gently tugged Elena along as they made their way to the new cabin. As they entered, Elena looked around, her initial apprehension slowly giving way to curiosity. The place was indeed rowdy, filled with laughter and chatter, but she noticed women sitting with their children, families gathered together, and a sense of community that felt surprisingly warm.
As she took in the scene, Elena began to conclude that perhaps “other activities” didn’t happen in this place after all. Feeling a mix of relief and lingering anxiety, she squeezed Ember’s hand tighter, seeking reassurance.
To her surprise, Ember pulled her hand away, looking at her with a raised eyebrow. “What was that for?” she asked, a hint of confusion in her voice.
Elena blinked, taken aback by the sudden distance. “I—I just thought…” she stammered, feeling a rush of embarrassment. The warmth of the crowd was comforting, but the sudden shift in Ember’s demeanor left her feeling more vulnerable than ever.
As they stepped into the cabin, Elena’s eyes widened in delight. The cozy space was filled with warm light, and the bed was large and inviting, draped in soft blankets that reminded her of her room back in the Ioroph. A wave of nostalgia washed over her, and for a moment, she felt a sense of belonging.
Ember watched her with a small smile, clearly pleased to see Elena’s reaction. “Looks nice, right?” she asked, her tone light.
Elena turned to Ember, her excitement bubbling over. “Can we stay here for a little while longer?” she asked, her voice hopeful.
But Ember’s smile dropped instantly. “Don’t be stupid,” she replied, her tone turning serious.
“Why not?” Elena pressed, her heart sinking at Ember’s sudden change in demeanor.
“Because they’re exiles for a reason,” Ember said, her voice firm. “They’re either thieves or murderers. We shouldn’t get too comfortable here.”
Elena felt her smile fade, the weight of Ember’s words settling heavily in the air. “You’re right,” she admitted quietly, the reality of their situation crashing down on her.
Ember moved toward the bed and flopped down onto it, letting out a sigh. “Better cherish it while you can,” she said, her voice softer now. “You won’t get this kind of comfort later.”
Elena watched her, a mix of emotions swirling within her. The warmth of the cabin was inviting, but Ember’s words served as a stark reminder of their precarious situation. She approached the bed and sat down beside Ember, feeling the softness of the blankets beneath her fingers.
As they sat together in the cozy cabin, Elena looked around, a playful thought crossing her mind. “They should’ve given us two beds,” she said with a light laugh, trying to lighten the mood.
Ember raised an eyebrow, a smirk tugging at the corners of her mouth. “And miss out on this?” she replied, gesturing to the inviting bed.
Without waiting for a response, Elena lay down beside Ember, moving closer to her for warmth. The softness of the blankets enveloped them, and she felt a sense of comfort wash over her.
Ember’s heart raced as she felt Elena snuggle up against her, the warmth of their bodies mingling in the cool air. A blush crept onto her cheeks, and she turned her head slightly to steal a glance at Elena, who had already closed her eyes, drifting off to sleep.
In the quiet of the night, Ember found herself stealing glances at Elena’s lips, wondering how soft they might feel against her own. The sweet scent of Elena’s hair filled the air, and the gentle sound of her breathing was soothing. Ember felt her heart race at the thought, but she quickly shook her head, dispelling the notion. No, this was not the time for such thoughts. With a deep breath, she pushed them aside and surrendered to sleep.
The next morning, the sun filtered through the cabin’s small window, casting a warm glow over the room. Elena stirred first, stretching and yawning before glancing at Ember, who was still peacefully asleep beside her. A smile crept onto her face as she remembered the comfort of the night before.
After a few moments, Ember finally woke, blinking against the light. “Morning,” she mumbled, rubbing her eyes.
“Morning,” Elena replied, her voice bright.
Ember sat up, a determined look crossing her face. “We should get moving soon,” she said, glancing toward the door.
They quickly gathered their things and made their way outside, where Zar was waiting for them, his expression serious as he stood by the edge of the clearing.
With a final wave to Zar, they set off toward the Forbidden Cliffs, the air thick with anticipation.
As they approached the cliffs, they spotted Nimble, the vibrant phoenix, perched on a rock. His feathers glimmered in the sunlight, a brilliant display of reds and golds. He flapped his wings excitedly, letting out a series of melodic chirps that filled the air with energy.
As they stood at the base of the cliffs, Elena turned to Ember, her brow furrowed in thought. “Ember,” she started, her voice steady. “I think I have a theory.”
Ember raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “What is it?”
Elena took a deep breath, her excitement bubbling over. “I was reading in that book about a field that explains why many animals from the underground can’t reach the surface. It’s like there’s a barrier or something that disrupts their ability to fly or climb. That could be why Nimble lost his balance when he was taking me earlier.”
Ember’s eyes widened as she processed this information. “So, if that’s the case, what’s your plan?”
Elena hesitated, her expression turning serious. “We’ll need many days to prepare. We have to figure out how to counteract whatever is causing this barrier.”
Ember sighed, feeling the weight of the situation. “Great. So we’re stuck here for a while.” She began rummaging through their supplies, pulling out fabric and poles to start making a tent.
Elena watched her, a hint of embarrassment creeping into her cheeks. “What are you doing?” she asked, her voice a mix of confusion and amusement.
“If we’re going to stay here for some days, we need a place to sleep,” Ember replied, rolling her eyes. “Honestly, you’re such an idiot sometimes.”
Elena felt her face flush at the teasing but couldn’t help but smile. “Okay, okay. Is there something I can do to help?”
“Come on, idiot! Move your butt!” Ember said, a playful grin on her face. “And you too, Nimble!”
Nimble chirped in response, flapping his wings as he hopped around, eager to assist. Elena laughed, shaking her head as she joined Ember in gathering materials.
As night fell, the stars twinkled brightly above the campsite, casting a serene glow over the clearing. The crackling fire illuminated Elena and Ember as they sat cross-legged on the ground, Nimble perched nearby, his feathers shimmering in the firelight.
Elena took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the day’s events settle on her shoulders. “I’ve been thinking about our plan,” she began, her voice steady despite the uncertainty that lingered in her mind. “If Nimble can carry us toward the place where the barrier starts, then you can use your tribe’s powers to help me climb the cliff.”
Ember listened intently, her expression thoughtful. “That sounds like a solid plan, but do we know how much of a wall is left to climb?”
Elena fell silent, her heart sinking as she realized the flaw in her idea. “I… I don’t know,” she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. “You’re right. I have no idea how long the wall is.”
Elena nodded, feeling the weight of uncertainty pressing down on her. “I know. But we can try to check tomorrow for the wall. We’ll have a better idea of what we’re up against.”
Ember shook her head, a weary smile on her face. “Save it for tomorrow, princess. My mind hurts, and I want to sleep.” With that, she crawled into the newly made tent, settling down on the makeshift bedding.
Elena watched her friend disappear into the tent, a mix of concern and determination swirling within her. She knew Ember was right; they needed rest. But as she sat by the fire, the flickering flames casting dancing shadows around her, her thoughts raced.
She couldn’t shake the feeling of uncertainty about the wall. What if it was more daunting than they anticipated? What if they weren’t prepared?
Nimble hopped closer, sensing her unease. He chirped softly, nuzzling against her hand as if to offer comfort. Elena smiled faintly, grateful for his presence. “Thanks, Nimble,” she whispered, scratching his feathers gently.
As the night deepened, Elena remained outside, lost in thought. She replayed their plan in her mind, trying to envision every possible scenario. They had to be ready for anything, and she was determined to make it work.
With the stars twinkling above and the gentle sounds of the night surrounding her, Elena felt a sense of resolve settle in her heart. Tomorrow would bring new challenges, but she was ready to face them—one step at a time.