Chapter 76: Viridywn

Third Person's POV

Lyrielle's gaze remained steady, her expression unreadable as the echoes of her words lingered in the air.

Yet before anyone could press further, she exhaled softly and turned her attention to Lady Sylwen.

"Before anything else," Lyrielle said, her voice like the whisper of leaves

"our guests require rest."

Lady Sylwen inclined her head in agreement.

"The Verdant Sage is currently occupied. It may be some time before he can see you. Until then, you will be given shelter and provisions."

Axel gave a slight nod. "We appreciate the hospitality."

The hall's ethereal glow dimmed slightly as Lyrielle shifted in her seat.

"You will be taken to the guest quarters within the heart of the grove. Our people will watch over you, but you have nothing to fear. You are safe here."

Tyra, who had been standing with her arms crossed, let out a breath, exhaustion evident in her stance.

Khael looked equally drained, though he attempted to mask it with an indifferent expression. Faelar, on the other hand, seemed more intrigued by the surroundings than fatigued.

"I suppose this is where I take my leave for now," Faelar mused, his gaze flickering to Lady Sylwen with a knowing glint.

"I'll be back when the Sage is ready. Try not to miss me."

"I assure you, we will manage," Tyra muttered, rubbing her temple.

Faelar chuckled before giving an exaggerated bow. "Until then."

Lady Sylwen motioned for them to follow. As they stepped out of the sacred hall, they were met with curious gazes from the elven people who had gathered at a distance.

Some whispered in hushed tones, others merely observed, their expressions unreadable.

The elves of Viridwyn were not ones to easily accept outsiders, and their silent scrutiny was a reminder of that.

"They are wary of strangers," Lady Sylwen noted, leading them along a stone-paved path lined with glowing flora.

"But do not take it personally. Few have ever been welcomed beyond the outer woods."

Khael glanced around, unease flickering in his eyes.

"Do they think we're a threat?"

"No," Lady Sylwen answered.

"But they know change follows those who walk with fate. And change is not always kind."

Selene, walking beside Axel, remained quiet, taking in the sights. The grove pulsed with life unlike any place she had ever seen.

The trees whispered in the wind, their leaves glistening with an energy that felt almost sentient.

Even the very air hummed with a quiet song, as though the land itself was breathing.

It wasn't long before they reached a cluster of intricately woven structures, each blending seamlessly into the natural landscape.

Their quarters were unlike any inn or dwelling found in human cities—these were built from the very trees, shaped rather than constructed, with soft, cascading vines forming natural curtains over arching doorways. The walls were alive, pulsating with a faint glow.

"These will be your lodgings," Lady Sylwen announced.

"Rest, recover. When the time comes, we will summon you."

Axel turned to her. "And what of you?"

"I will be close," she replied.

"For now, do not stray far. Viridwyn is as much alive as you or I, and it does not take kindly to those who wander where they do not belong."

With those final words, Lady Sylwen departed, leaving them to the quiet embrace of the grove. For the first time in what felt like ages, they had a moment to breathe.

Yet as they stepped into their respective lodgings, the lingering weight of unanswered questions remained heavy upon their shoulders.

The morning sun filtered through the towering trees, casting dappled light across the temporary resting quarters they had been given.

The elven structures blended seamlessly with nature—wooden frames intertwined with thick vines, forming walls that pulsed with a faint luminescence.

The air smelled of fresh moss and morning dew, carrying with it a peaceful stillness that was rare in their recent journey.

Selene stretched as she stepped outside, feeling the crisp air against her skin. Nearby, Axel was already up, standing beneath a tree, his sword resting at his side.

Tyra, with broad sword in hand, was practicing her swings with precise movements, her muscles tensing with each strike.

Khael, still groggy, sat on a low wooden bench, rubbing his eyes as he watched Tyra's early training with mild interest.

Lady Sylwen arrived just as the group was beginning to stir. She carried a tray laden with fruit, fresh bread, and a delicate arrangement of elven cuisine.

Her expression was calm as always, but her eyes scanned them with quiet attentiveness.

"You all seem well-rested," she observed, placing the tray down on a nearby table.

"It is good. You will need your strength."

Tyra paused mid-swing, lowering her broad sword with a huff. "You sound like we're about to go to war."

Lady Sylwen offered a faint smile. "One should always be prepared. But for now, eat. You are invited to share lunch with us at the sacred hall. Lyrielle will be joining us as well."

Axel nodded. "That sounds reasonable."

Khael perked up at the mention of food, though he tried to appear indifferent.

He sat at the table, reaching for the fresh bread while Tyra joined him, still slightly out of breath.

As the day stretched on, the group found themselves with little to do but rest and train.

Axel honed his swordsmanship under the quiet shade of a tree, while Selene sat nearby, deep in thought. Tyra continued her own training, swinging her broad sword with fluid movements, while Khael wandered off a short distance, finding solace in the small, quiet activities that kept him occupied.

It was during this moment of quiet that Lyrielle appeared behind Khael, her movements near silent.

He was crouched near a patch of enchanted flowers, idly sketching patterns in the dirt with a small twig.

"What are you doing?" Lyrielle's soft voice carried a note of curiosity, making Khael jump slightly.

He turned quickly, flustered. "Nothing! I mean—just drawing."

Lyrielle knelt beside him, peering at his crude sketches. "They resemble old symbols. Have you seen them before?"

Khael swallowed, suddenly aware of how close she was. "I don't know. Maybe? I just... drew what felt familiar."

Lyrielle tilted her head, watching him with an unreadable expression. "Interesting. The spirits often whisper things we do not yet understand."

Before Khael could respond, Lady Sylwen's voice carried from across the clearing.

"Lyrielle, you should not wander off."

Lyrielle sighed but rose gracefully, glancing back at Khael with a knowing look before stepping away. Khael exhaled slowly, unsure why her presence unsettled him in a way he couldn't quite explain.

Lady Sylwen's sharp yet graceful voice broke through the air, drawing Lyrielle's attention back to her.

"Seer, you should return to the sacred hall ahead of us. It would not do well for you to wander too far."

Lyrielle, who had been watching Khael with quiet curiosity, turned her pale gaze toward Lady Sylwen.

There was a brief pause before she nodded, her expression unreadable.

"Very well," she murmured. Yet, as she took a step back, her gaze flickered once more to Khael, as if trying to commit his presence to memory before she vanished into the trees, her light footsteps barely disturbing the ground beneath her.

Khael let out a breath he didn't realize he had been holding. Tyra, who had been watching the exchange with mild amusement, nudged him in the side.

"What's with that look?" she teased. "You're acting like a startled deer."

"I—It's nothing," Khael muttered, crossing his arms defensively.

Lady Sylwen observed them quietly before speaking again. "Now that the Seer is on her way, you need not confine yourselves to this place until the Verdant Sage is ready to see you."

Her green eyes swept over them. "If you wish, you may take some time to explore Viridwyn before the midday meal."

Axel, who had remained composed throughout the conversation, exchanged a glance with Selene before nodding.

"That would be ideal. If we are to understand this land better, we should see it with our own eyes."

Tyra grinned. "And maybe find something more interesting than standing around waiting."

Lady Sylwen gave a knowing smile. "Then I shall have one of our sentinels accompany you. While Viridwyn is peaceful, you are still outsiders, and I would not have you lose your way."

As she signaled for one of the elves standing nearby, the group exchanged glances. The idea of exploring an ancient elven kingdom, untouched by the corruption that had spread across much of the land, was more than appealing.

The moment they stepped beyond the sacred hall's protected grounds, the sheer beauty of Viridwyn enveloped them. Towering trees stretched toward the sky, their leaves glimmering with an iridescent sheen as the sunlight filtered through.

Winding pathways carved from smooth white stone led deeper into the city, where delicate bridges arched over crystal-clear streams. The air itself seemed alive, carrying the scent of blooming flowers and the faint hum of unseen magic.

Elves, tall and graceful, moved through the city with a quiet elegance. Some stopped to glance at them, their expressions varying between curiosity and quiet caution. While it was clear that visitors were rare, there was no hostility—only an air of silent observation.

"This place is unreal," Tyra murmured, resting a hand on the hilt of her broadsword as her eyes scanned their surroundings.

"It's almost like it belongs in a different time."

Khael, still somewhat distracted, found himself drawn to the small floating lights that danced between the trees.

"What are these?" he asked, reaching out a hand.

"Spirit echoes," their guide, a tall elven warrior with deep emerald armor, answered.

"Remnants of our ancestors' wisdom, lingering within the land."

Selene's gaze softened. "They feel…warm."

"They recognize your intent," Lady Sylwen said, her voice carrying a knowing undertone.

"They do not whisper to those unworthy."

As they continued their exploration, they came upon a grand marketplace, unlike any they had seen before.

Stalls woven from living vines held goods unlike anything from their homelands—fruits that glowed faintly, fabrics that shifted colors in the light, and weapons carved from enchanted wood, their edges as sharp as steel.

Faelar, who had reappeared seemingly from nowhere, immediately rushed ahead. "Ah! Now this is what I wanted to see! I must sample the finest elven wines while we're here."

Tyra smirked. "Is that really your priority?"

He shot her a grin. "Why not? If we're going to wait, we might as well enjoy ourselves."

As they wandered through the marketplace, taking in the sights and sounds, it became evident that Viridwyn was a realm unlike any other.

And though they were only visitors, something about the place seemed to pull at them—as if the land itself recognized that their presence here was no mere coincidence.

Lunch at the sacred hall would come soon enough. But for now, they had time to breathe, to learn, and to prepare for the truths yet to be unveiled.

To be continued.