Truth be told

Elara's friends had already gathered at their usual spot, a secluded clearing by the riverbank, where the grass was lush and soft, and the trees offered plenty of shade. The air was filled with laughter and playful shouts as the children teased one another, some darting through the tall grass while others splashed wildly in the shallow river. The carefree scene was a perfect distraction from the strange thoughts that had been plaguing Elara's mind all day.

As she approached the group, a small smile tugged at her lips, grateful for the chance to escape her worries, even if only for a while. But before she could even reach them, two mischievous boys spotted her. With a shared grin, they sprinted towards her.

"Elara!" they shouted gleefully.

Before she could react, they had lifted her off the ground, her feet dangling as they carried her towards the river.

"Put me down, you idiots!" she half-shouted, half-laughed, pretending to be annoyed. But she could not stop the grin spreading across her face.

Ignoring her protests, they charged straight into the river, laughing triumphantly as they jumped into the water with her. The cold splash hit her all at once, drenching her from head to toe. Elara's mock anger melted into giggles as she splashed water back at them, joining in the fun.

The rest of the group watched the scene unfold with amusement, some cheering and others jeering good-naturedly. A few joined in, splashing and chasing each other in the water, while others lay in the grass, their laughter echoing across the riverbank.

Eventually, when they were all tired and soaking wet, they retreated to the shade of the large oak tree that marked their usual meeting spot. The cool breeze rustled the leaves above them as they sprawled out on the soft grass, their laughter turning into easy conversation.

"Well, look at you, Elara," one of the girls teased, nudging her playfully. "You look like you just swam across the whole river."

Elara smiled, her earlier worries fading into the background. "I had no choice, did I?" she replied, her tone light. "Those two dragged me in."

One of the boys smirked, leaning back against the tree. "You didn't put up much of a fight though," he said, winking.

Elara rolled her eyes, but the laughter that bubbled up was genuine. "Maybe I let you win this time."

They all laughed together, the sounds of joy and youth filling the air as they talked about their chores for the day, their families, and their small dreams for the future. It was a perfect moment, one that felt timeless, where worries and responsibilities seemed a world away.

As they chatted, Elara lay back on the grass, her head resting on her folded arms, her gaze drifting up to the canopy of leaves above. The warmth of the sun, the laughter of her friends, the gentle rustle of the wind—it was all so peaceful. Yet, even in this moment of calm, she could not completely shake the strange feeling that had lingered since the morning.

For now, though, she allowed herself to be part of the group, to laugh and smile as if nothing in the world had changed.

As Elara lay beneath the oak tree, her eyes grew heavier with each passing moment. The laughter of her friends faded into the background, becoming a soft hum that blended with the gentle rustling of the leaves. She did not mean to drift off, but the warmth of the sun, the peacefulness of the moment, and the exhaustion from their playful antics coaxed her into a quiet slumber.

In her dream, the world was bathed in golden light, so bright and beautiful it was almost blinding. She found herself running through vast, sun-kissed fields, her heart filled with joy and freedom. The grass brushed against her legs as she moved, laughing like a child, her feet bare and light on the soft earth. Every step felt effortless, like she was flying. The sky above was a perfect blue, and everything around her glowed with a serene, otherworldly warmth.

Elara's laughter echoed as she darted between trees and wildflowers, searching for a place to hide. She spotted a grand tree—much bigger than any she had ever seen—its trunk wide and ancient, its roots twisting through the ground like the veins of the earth itself. She hurried towards it, pressing her back against its rough bark, holding her breath as she waited. Her heart raced with excitement, a smile stretching across her face as she anticipated being found.

Then, a voice—a soft, familiar voice—called out to her from somewhere in the fields.

"Elara… where are you?"

Her heart fluttered at the sound. It was him, Caelan, her beloved. The tenderness in his voice wrapped around her like a warm embrace, and she could not help but peek from behind the tree, searching for him in the light.

"Elara, I'm coming to find you," he called again, his tone playful but filled with affection.

She giggled softly, trying to keep her hiding place secret for just a little longer. But before she could contain herself, she stepped out from behind the tree, unable to resist the pull of his presence any longer.

There he was—Caelan, standing at the edge of the clearing, the golden light wrapping around him like a halo. His dark hair shimmered in the sun, and his eyes—so full of love and warmth—found hers instantly. He smiled, the kind of smile that made her heart skip a beat, as if he had known where she was hiding all along.

"Elara," he said softly, his voice carrying through the golden air as he stepped toward her.

She laughed, running towards him, her feet barely touching the ground as she closed the distance between them. When she reached him, his arms opened wide, and she fell into his embrace. The world seemed to stand still as they held each other, their hearts beating in perfect sync.

"I missed you," Elara whispered, her fingers gently tracing the outline of his face. His skin was warm beneath her touch, as real as the world around them, and yet it all felt like a dream—a perfect, radiant dream.

"I'll always find you, Elara," Caelan murmured, his voice a soft promise against her ear. His lips brushed against her forehead, leaving a trail of warmth in their wake. "No matter how far you hide, no matter how much time passes, I'll always come back to you."

Their foreheads rested against one another as they stood in the light, the world fading away around them. Caelan's hand cupped her face tenderly, his thumb tracing the curve of her cheek. There was such peace in his touch, a connection that ran deeper than time itself.

"I love you," he whispered, his breath warm against her lips.

Elara's heart swelled with happiness, her fingers tangling in his hair as she pressed a soft kiss to his lips. It was sweet and gentle, filled with a love that had endured through lifetimes. Every touch, every kiss felt like the first time, and yet also like a homecoming—like they had always been meant to find one another, no matter how many worlds or lives separated them.

"I love you, too," she replied, her voice barely a whisper.

They stood there, wrapped in the glow of the dream, lost in each other's presence. The golden fields stretched on forever, and time ceased to matter. All that existed was the two of them, their love shining as brightly as the sun that bathed the world around them.

But as much as she wanted to stay in this moment forever, something shifted—a shadow crept at the edges of her dream, pulling her away from the warmth of Caelan's embrace.

"Elara…" Caelan's voice softened, his hand slipping from hers as the light began to fade.

"No," she whispered, trying to hold on, her fingers reaching for him as the dream dissolved around her. "Caelan…"

But he was gone, and Elara was left with the echo of his name on her lips, the warmth of his touch still lingering on her skin as the real world crept back in.

As the sun began its slow descent, casting a warm orange glow over the fields, Elara and her friends rose from their resting spot under the grand oak tree. The echoes of their laughter still lingered in the air, though they had grown quieter as the day stretched on. The shadows were lengthening, and it was time to head home.

One by one, they dusted off their clothes, some of the boys stretching and yawning dramatically, while others playfully nudged each other, still caught in the remnants of their earlier games.

"Well, I suppose it's back to reality," said Rhea, a close friend of Elara's, shaking her head with a mock sigh.

"I wish we could stay out here forever," added Taran, leaning back against the tree, reluctant to leave the peaceful spot they had claimed for the afternoon.

Elara smiled, though her mind was still swirling with the vivid dream she had just awoken from. There was a strange feeling inside her—a lingering warmth from the dream, but also a gnawing sense of unease that she could not shake. She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, trying to push the feeling aside as she joined her friends in preparing to walk back.

"Come on, slowpokes!" Kian, the most mischievous of the group, shouted as he dashed ahead, kicking up dust along the dirt path. "Last one to the village owes me a pie!"

Rhea rolled her eyes, while the others laughed and shook their heads. Together, they all fell into step, walking along the winding path that led back to the heart of Eldoria. The sun continued to dip lower, painting the sky in shades of gold and crimson, as they moved through the fields, occasionally chatting about the tasks that awaited them at home.

The camaraderie between them was evident in their easy banter, in the way they teased and joked, their footsteps light despite the long day. Yet, Elara found herself growing quieter, her thoughts drifting again and again to the dream of Caelan. It had felt so real, more real than any dream she had ever had before. His voice, his touch—she could still feel them, as if he had been right there with her.

As the path split, leading to their various homes, the group began to part ways. They exchanged waves, promising to meet again soon. One by one, her friends disappeared down their respective roads, until only Elara remained on the path leading to the outskirts of the village, where Grams' house sat nestled in the distance.

The walk back felt longer than usual. Each step seemed to echo in the quiet evening air, and the peaceful stillness only heightened the strange tension growing inside her. By the time she reached the edge of Grams' yard, the sun had almost fully set, casting long, dark shadows across the ground.

Grams was waiting for her by the entrance, leaning against the doorway with a solemn look on her face. She did not greet Elara with her usual warm smile, and the sight of her serious expression made Elara's heart skip a beat.

"Grams?" Elara called out softly, concern creeping into her voice as she stepped closer.

Serene, her beloved grandmother, straightened up and gave Elara a long, thoughtful look. Her usual light-heartedness was gone, replaced by a gravity that Elara rarely saw.

"Come inside, child," Grams finally said, her voice calm but laden with an unspoken weight. "There's something you need to know."

Elara hesitated, her heart fluttering with unease. She had not seen Grams look this way since... well, since she could remember. Stepping inside, she followed Grams into their cozy home. The warmth of the hearth fire greeted her, but the air felt unusually heavy, almost as if it, too, was anticipating something.

Grams motioned for her to sit at the small wooden table in the center of the room. Elara sat down, watching as Grams poured two cups of tea, her movements slow and deliberate. There was something coming—Elara could feel it.

As the last rays of sunlight disappeared and the night took over, Grams finally settled into the chair across from her. The flickering light from the fire danced across her face, and for the first time, Elara noticed just how tired and old Grams looked—far older than she had ever seemed before.

"There's a story," Grams began quietly, her eyes focused on the fire, "that I should have told you a long time ago. But I was not sure when the time would be right."

Elara leaned forward, her curiosity piqued. She had heard many tales from Grams, stories of the village and its traditions, but something about the way she spoke now made it clear that this was different.

"This story," Grams continued, "is the legend of Luna and Veridian, the gods who once ruled the heavens and whose power shaped the world we live in today. You've heard the villagers speak of them, but what they don't know is how Eldoria came to be."

Elara's eyes widened. This was new. She had always known that their village had a rich history, but she had never heard the origins behind it.

"Long ago," Grams said, her voice soft and steady, "before Eldoria existed, there was a great conflict—one that shook the heavens and threatened to tear the very fabric of the realms apart. The gods themselves were at war. Luna, the goddess of the moon, and Veridian, the god of the earth, fought alongside one another to protect the balance of the world. But there was a great cost. Their daughter… she made the ultimate sacrifice to end the war, to bring peace to the realms."

Grams paused, her eyes growing distant, as if she were seeing the events play out in her mind. "The battle ended, but the wounds ran deep. Luna and Veridian were heartbroken, for though the realms were saved, their daughter was lost. To protect her, they placed her in a deep sleep, hidden away from the eyes of their enemies."

Elara's breath caught in her throat. There was something in the way Grams spoke that made her feel like this was not just a story.

"They created Eldoria, this valley, as a sanctuary. A place where their daughter could remain hidden, safe from those who would seek to harm her. Luna entrusted her child to someone she trusted above all others—to keep her safe, to raise her, and to guard the secret of her true identity until the time came for her to awaken."

Grams looked at Elara then, her gaze piercing. "That person was me, child."

Elara's heart raced, her pulse quickening as she tried to process what she was hearing. "Grams, what are you saying?"

Grams took a deep breath, her expression softening with both love and sorrow. "Elara, you are not just a village girl. You are the daughter of Luna and Veridian, placed in my care centuries ago. I have watched over you all these years, waiting for the moment you would awaken to your true self."

The world seemed to tilt beneath Elara's feet. The legends, the dreams, the strange feeling of connection to something greater—it all came crashing into her like a wave. She stared at Grams, her mind reeling.

"I've kept this secret for as long as I could, hoping that the dangers of the past would never find us," Grams said, her voice barely above a whisper. "But things are changing. The ones who seek to harm you… they are looking for you again. The time has come for you to know the truth, and for you to prepare for what lies ahead."

The room was dimly lit by the soft glow of the fireplace, the flickering light casting dancing shadows across the walls. Grams sat across from Elara, her weathered hands clasped tightly in her lap. Her eyes, distant and clouded with old memories, seemed to focus on something far beyond the present.

She began to speak softly, her voice carrying the weight of centuries of pain, fear, and hope. "I was told this story when I was just a girl, long before I understood its meaning. It was passed down by my parents, and their parents before them—a tale of a time when our world was whole, a time of peace."

Grams shifted in her chair, her gaze momentarily dropping to her hands. "Beasts, mages, gods, and humans lived together in harmony. The beasts roamed freely, their strength and wisdom a gift to all. The mages used their magic to heal and protect. The gods watched over us, ensuring balance, while humans thrived under their guidance. It was a golden age, a time when all were helpful and supportive of one another."

She paused, the silence heavy, as if mourning the loss of that forgotten world. "But peace... peace is fragile. My grandparents told me of a mage—a brilliant, ambitious man who saw the beasts not as allies but as tools. To him, their essence—the source of their magic—was something to be harvested, stolen for his own power. He began in secret, hunting the beasts in the dark of night, draining their essence."

Elara leaned forward, captivated by the somber tone of her grandmother's tale. Grams continued, her voice trembling slightly. "At first, no one noticed. Beasts were solitary by nature, and it was easy to believe they had simply wandered off. But their absence grew impossible to ignore. The forests, once alive with their presence, became silent. When the human king discovered the truth, he was outraged. He swore to protect the beasts, rallying his army to their defense. But even the king didn't realize the full scope of the mage's power."

Grams's voice grew heavier, tinged with the sorrow of the memories she carried. "The battle between the king's army and the mage's followers was unlike anything the world had ever seen. Soldiers fell by the hundreds, their lives snuffed out by the mage's dark magic. The king, outmatched, was forced to retreat. Emboldened, the mage began to attack openly—not just the beasts, but humans, fairies, even the gods themselves. No one was safe. The peaceful world my grandparents knew was torn apart."

Elara's breath hitched as her grandmother's words painted a picture of chaos and despair. "The war raged for over a century," Grams said. "Cities crumbled, forests burned, rivers ran red. Entire races were brought to the brink of extinction. The gods themselves descended to fight, but even their combined strength couldn't stop him. He had become something more than mortal, something monstrous. The world was left in ruins, its people in fear."

Her voice softened, filled with a mix of reverence and grief. "But then... a miracle. My parents told me of the day the gods, Luna and Veridian, descended to end the war. They spoke of their daughter—a child whose power was unlike any other. It was she who brought the war to an end. But the cost... the cost was too great. The strain of her sacrifice left her broken, and the gods had no choice but to place her into a deep, enchanted sleep. They hid her essence so well that not even the mage's followers could sense her."

Grams's hands tightened on her lap, her voice trembling. "And then they came to me. Luna and Veridian appeared before me, glowing with divine light. They entrusted me with their daughter, asking me to raise her as my own and to keep her safe. They blessed me with a long life, warning me that the peace they'd won would not last forever."

She looked at Elara now, her eyes filled with sorrow and love. "I stayed hidden on the outskirts of the village, living in seclusion so the people would forget I existed. For centuries, I remained unchanged, waiting for the time the gods warned me about. And then one day, I started aging again. That's when I knew... the time had come. The day their enemies would rise once more. The day you would awaken to your true self."

Elara sat in stunned silence, the weight of her grandmother's words pressing down on her. Grams reached out, taking her hand gently. "You, Elara... you are their daughter. You are the hope they left behind. And now, my sweet child, the time has come for you to fulfill the destiny they sacrificed so much to give you."

The fire crackled softly, its glow casting long shadows over the room as Grams's words lingered in the air, heavy with meaning and unspoken fears.

Elara stared at Grams, her heart pounding as confusion and fear tangled in her mind. She clutched her grandmother's hands tightly, her voice trembling. "Grams, I… I don't understand. You say I'm the daughter of gods, but I've spent my whole life here, in this village. I don't know anything about magic or battles or destinies. How could I possibly fulfill some great purpose? Maybe the gods made a mistake."

Grams's gaze softened, her eyes shimmering with a mixture of sadness and determination. She reached out, gently brushing a stray lock of hair from Elara's face. "Oh, my dear," she said, her voice steady and full of affection. "You may not know it yet, but there is no mistake. The gods don't choose lightly. They knew the weight of what they were asking, and they knew the one they entrusted their daughter to would ensure you were protected and prepared when the time came."

Elara shook her head, her frustration bubbling to the surface. "Protected? Prepared? I've grown up as an ordinary girl! I have no power, no skills. How can I face whatever is coming if I don't even know what I'm supposed to do?"

Grams sighed deeply, her shoulders sagging as though carrying the burden of centuries. "I won't lie to you, child. This is not a path that comes with easy answers. You weren't meant to live as a goddess or a warrior—not yet. The gods wanted you to experience life as one of the people you are destined to protect. To grow strong in spirit, not just in power."

Elara's eyes filled with unshed tears. "But what if I'm not strong enough? What if I fail?"

Grams squeezed her hands tightly, her grip surprisingly firm. "Elara, listen to me. Strength doesn't come from knowing every answer or being prepared for every challenge. It comes from facing the unknown, from standing tall even when fear tries to knock you down. You have a light in you, a spark that has survived centuries of darkness. That light is what the gods saw, and it's why they chose you."

She paused, her voice dropping to a near whisper. "And you won't be alone. I'll be here to guide you as long as I can. The gods will watch over you, as they always have. And your friends—they may not understand everything, but they'll stand by you when the time comes."

Elara looked down at their joined hands, her mind racing. The weight of her grandmother's words pressed down on her, but beneath the fear, a tiny ember of something else began to stir. Hope. She lifted her gaze to meet Grams's, her voice hesitant. "If they trust me… if you trust me… then I'll try. I don't know what's ahead, but I'll try to be what they need me to be."

Grams smiled, her expression softening with pride and love. "That's all anyone can ask, my dear. One step at a time, one choice at a time. The rest will unfold as it's meant to."

The fire crackled softly in the hearth, its warmth filling the room as Grams pulled Elara into a gentle embrace. The future remained uncertain, but in that moment, Elara felt the strength of her grandmother's unwavering faith—and for the first time, she dared to believe it might be enough.

Grams sighed deeply, her voice trembling with the weight of her next words. "But my dear, as it pains me greatly," she said, her eyes clouded with sorrow, "you must awaken sooner than expected. He knows you are alive, Elara. He searches for you even now, as we speak. It's only a matter of time before he finds his way here."

Elara froze, the warmth of the fire seeming to vanish as a chill settled over her. "He? Who is he, Grams? And why is he searching for me?"

Grams hesitated, her hands trembling in Elara's grasp. "He is the mage—the one who brought the world to ruin, the one who could not be defeated. He was banished, sealed away by the gods and the sacrifice of countless lives, but it seems his power has grown again. And now, he seeks you, my dear, because you are the key to what he lost."

Elara's voice rose in panic. "I don't understand! You said I'm the daughter of gods, but I don't remember any of it. How can I possibly stand against someone like him? I don't even know who I really am!"

Grams gripped her shoulders firmly, her gaze intense. "That is why you must awaken, Elara. Your memories, your powers, your purpose—they are all still locked away inside you, but they must be brought to the surface. You need to remember more, my dear. It's the only way."

Elara's breath quickened. "But how? How do I remember something I've never known?"

Grams's expression softened, but her tone remained resolute. "You have glimpsed pieces of it already, haven't you? The visions, the dreams—they are the threads of your past reaching out to you. They are your memories calling you home. We must follow them, unravel them, and find the truth that lies within."

Elara shook her head, overwhelmed. "But I don't know how to do that, Grams. I don't even know where to begin."

Grams's hands cupped Elara's face, her touch both gentle and steadying. "You are stronger than you know, Elara. The gods chose you for a reason. Trust in the light they placed within you. Trust in yourself. And trust me—I will guide you as far as I can."

Tears welled in Elara's eyes, fear and uncertainty warring with the faintest spark of hope. "I'll try, Grams. But I'm so scared."

Grams pulled her into a tight embrace, her voice soft but unwavering. "Courage, my dear, isn't the absence of fear—it's choosing to move forward in spite of it. And you are not alone. We will face this together, as we always have."

Elara clung to her grandmother, drawing strength from the warmth of her embrace. The path ahead remained shrouded in mystery, but for the first time, she felt a flicker of determination. Whatever lay ahead, she would try to remember, to awaken, and to face her destiny—because the world, her friends, and her beloved Grams were counting on her.