The Treasure in the Forest

Kareal crept closer and closer, his heart pounding in his chest as the eerie sound persisted.

His hand instinctively hovered over Luminous, his sword, ready to defend himself. Each step brought him closer to the source of the light he heard as the sound captivated his interest.

When he finally reached it, Kareal froze. His eyes widened in disbelief at what he saw—a radiant glow unlike anything he had ever seen, pulsating gently in the darkness.

He couldn't trust his eyes. Could this be real? He stepped closer, cautiously stretching out Luminous to test the object's reality.

The blade met resistance—it was no mirage.

"It's real," he whispered, his voice barely audible over the rustling leaves.

It's aura was blinding, a beacon of light in the darkness.

With a deep breath, Kareal sheathed Luminous and inched forward, his hand trembling as he reached out. His fingers brushed the softest thing he had ever felt—warm, alive. He gasped as the light dimmed slightly, revealing the source of the glow.

It was a baby.

The child's emerald-green eyes opened, meeting Kareal's with a gaze so piercing it felt as if they could see into his soul as his deep blue hair danced in the wind. The baby giggled and reached out, its tiny fingers grasping at Kareal's face.

"A... baby?" Kareal's voice cracked with disbelief. He bent down, carefully picking the boy up and cradling him in his arms.

The baby's giggles grew louder, a sound so pure and joyful that it tugged at Kareal's heart. His somber expression softened into a rare smile.

"What are you doing here, little one?" Kareal asked, his voice gentle as he rocked the child. "Where are your parents? Who would leave a baby in the middle of the forest?" he wondered.

He looked around, his eyes scanning the dense trees and shadows for any sign of another person. But there was no one—just the two of them in the vast, moonlit wilderness.

"It's the middle of the night." Kareal muttered, shaking his head. "No one would be around here for miles. Let us look for a nearby village and see if anyone there would recognize you...And speaking of which, where am I?"

The realization hit him like a boulder. He had fled so far and so fast from Zarek that he had lost all sense of direction.

Desperate to orient himself, he spotted Mount Eryndor in the distance and began the arduous climb, the baby held securely in his arms.

When he finally reached the summit, he collapsed onto the rocky ground, exhausted.

The baby, still wide-eyed and curious, looked up at him. Kareal gazed out at the endless sea of trees and wildlife below, his heart sinking.

"There's nothing," he whispered. "Nothing for miles. How far did I run?"

His thoughts spiraled back to Zarek, the faces of his fallen friends flashing before his eyes. He had failed them. He had ran like a coward. Tears welled up, blurring his vision as he buried his face in his hands.

The baby, sensing his sorrow, let out a small whimper. Kareal quickly wiped his face and forced a smile, not wanting to scare the child.

"Hey now, little guy" he said softly. "Don't cry. I've got you."

The baby's tiny hand reached for Kareal's face again, this time grabbing his finger and squeezing it with surprising strength. Kareal chuckled despite himself.

"You're something special, aren't you?" he murmured, brushing a strand of the baby's blue hair aside. "But… how did you get here? If there's no one else around, how…?"

The question lingered, unanswered. Kareal sighed, shaking his head. "I guess it doesn't matter right now. What matters is that you're safe and well taken care of."

He leaned closer, studying the baby's glowing features. "If no one comes for you, I guess you'll stick with me for a while at least until we can find your parents. How does that sound, little guy?"

The baby giggled in response, clapping his tiny hands. Kareal smiled. "I'll take that as a yes."

Looking around the summit, Kareal realized they would need shelter. He gently placed the baby on the ground, far from the cliff's edge in a safe area, and stood up.

"Stay right here, okay?" he said, his voice soft yet firm. The baby cooed, watching him with wide, curious eyes.

Kareal raised his hands, summoning his crafting magic. The ground rumbled as rocks and trees obeyed his command, forming the foundation of a small house. The baby squealed with delight, clapping his hands as the structure took shape.

"You like that, huh?" Kareal chuckled, glancing over his shoulder at the child. "Well, just wait. You'll love this."

It took time, but Kareal worked tirelessly, constructing a cozy home on the mountaintop. He also designed a little dojo by the side of their home within their large compound where he can practice and stay in top shape.

When he was done, he added one final touch—a magical barrier to conceal and protect the area from any demons or unwanted visitors .

"There," he said, brushing his hands together. "Our new home."

He turned to the baby, who was still clapping and laughing. Kareal walked over and scooped him up, holding him close.

The baby nuzzled against Kareal's chest, his warmth spreading through Kareal's weary body. Despite everything—his grief, his guilt, his shame—Kareal felt a faint flicker of hope.

"I think you're gonna need a name. How about Avon, Avon Vyne meaning, The Treasure in the Forest"

"I don't know what brought you here," he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. "But I promise you this: I'll protect you. I'll keep you safe. No one will hurt you, not while I'm here."

The baby giggled again, his emerald eyes sparkling with joy. Kareal's heart swelled.

"For now," he said, standing up with the baby in his arms as he walked towards their home, "let's get some rest. Tomorrow, we'll figure out our next steps. Together."