The female warrior led Jon through the glowing cave entrance. As they walked down a torch-lit tunnel, Jon stared at his guide.
She wore scarred iron armor and a purple cloak. Black hair stuck out from under a metal helmet, and she carried a long thin blade at her hip. She walked powerfully, always alert.
"What's this place?" Jon asked as weird drawings and old objects decorated the walls.
"Somewhere safe from those chasing you," the woman replied mysteriously, saying no more.
They entered a big open cave room with a high ceiling. Magic tools and books covered stone tables and shelves around. Jon's eyes went wide with wonder.
The woman took off her helmet, looking closely at Jon with sharp green eyes. "My name's Amara, a protector of this hideout. And that," she said, pointing at the leaf, "is an object I thought was gone forever."
Jon hesitated before offering the leaf back to her. "I don't fully get it," he admitted. "I crossed...portals...to get here. To try and stop a bad future."
Amara turned the glowing leaf in her hand. "This leaf has powerful magic - a spark of the force that created this very world. In the right hands, it can change fate itself."
Jon's mind raced with questions. Could this be the key to altering his Earth's scary future path? But how did it work?
Sensing Jon's uncertainty, Amara touched his shoulder gently. "You can rest here tonight, traveler. Tomorrow, your purpose with this object may get clearer."
Jon smiled tiredly. Whatever came next, at least he had found safety for now.