The wind whispered through the tall trees, rustling the leaves in a gentle symphony that had been Arebella constant companion for as long as she could remember. The mountain were her sanctuary, their towering peaks offering her the solitude she craved, the peace that only nature could provide. The quiet life she had lived here was simple , routine , yet satisfying. The world, below, with its noise, chaos, and bustling crowds, seemed a distant dream, far removed from the stillness she cherished.
Arabella stood at the edge of the small stone porch that jutted out from her master modest cottage, gazing at the wild expanse of forest and rocky cliff beyond. She had always felt different, out of place even here in the mountains, but the thought of leaving them for the unknown world of the city sent a shiver down her spine.
She didn't belong there . The thought clung to her like a shadow . The bustling streets of the city were for people who knew who they were, people with connections, with families. Arabella had neither. She was a mystery even to herself. And that mystery had kept her content here, in the mountains, with the only family she had known, which was her master.
Her thoughts were interrupted by the sound of footsteps approaching. Master caden was a man of few words, yet when he spoke, his voice was commanding and wise, like the mountains themselves. His weathered face, with its sharp lines and sliver hair, always held an air of quiet authority. Today, his eyes seemed more serious than usual as he approached her.
Arabella, he began, his voice gentle yet firm, it is time you leave the mountains.
She turned her face him, startled. What do you mean? I have everything l need here. Why would I leave now ?
His expression softened, but his eyes held a depth of sorrow that made her stomach tighten. You are not like the other, Arebella. You have been given a task, one that only you can fulfil.
She frowned, her mind racing. Task? What tasks? I don't understand.
Master caden stepped closer, his gaze unwavering. You have spent your life here with me for a reason. But now, it is time for you to find your true identity. You must go to the city and search for biological parents.
Arebella heart skipped a beat. Parents? She had no memory of them, and master caden had never spoken of them before. She had grown up in his care, learning the ways of the mountains, living a life of quiet solitude. The idea of finding her parents seemed distant, almost impossible.
I don't.... l don't know if l can, "she whispered, her voice tinged with uncertainty. I've never been to the city. I don't know even where to begin.
Her master gaze softened with understanding. He reached into the folds in his cloak and pulled out a shiny, small,ornate necklace. The delicate chain shimmered in the sunlight as he handed it to her
This necklace, he explained, has been passed down through your family.it holds the key to your true heritage, Arebella. When you wear it, you will know where you belong.
Arebella's finger brushed the cool surface of the necklace, feeling a connection she couldn't explain. There was something about it, something that stirred an unfamiliar sense of recognition deep within her. Her master then handed a small leather bound book, its cover from years of use.
This is a scholarship book, he said quietly. It will grant you access to an education in the city, so you may find the answer you seek. You will need to navigate the world you are about to enter. The city is vast and full of challenges. But you are ready for this, Arebella.
She looked down at the book in her hand, her mind spinning. A scholarship? Education? It all seemed so..... foreign. But her master words rang in her ears. You can not find your true self until you know where you came from.
I'm afraid,she admitted, her voice small. I don't know what to do. I don't know what's out there
Master caden placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. You may not know what's out there, but you must go. Your future lies beyond these mountains, and only by leaving will you discover who you truly are. Your path is waiting for you.
Arebella swallowed the lump in her throat. The thought of leaving the only home she had ever known filled her with dread, but something inside her stirred a sense of urgency, a call to adventure that she couldn't ignore.
For a long moment, neither spoke. The only sound was the wild rustling the trees and the distance call of birds. Arabella closed her eyes,feeling the weight of her decision pressing on her chest.
Finally, she nodded. I'll go. I'll find them
Her master gave a single nod of approval, his face softening with pride. You are brave, arabella. You will find your way, and when you do, you will understand everything.
He turned and walked back toward the cottage, leaving her alone with the necklace and scholarship book. Arebella glanced down at them in her hands, her heart racing. She had no idea what awaited her in the city, but she knew one thing certain: this journey would change her life forever.
With a deep breath, she set her shoulder and looked toward the horizon. The mountain that had always been her home now seemed like a distant memory. Ahead of her lay a world she didn't understand, a world filled with secrets and questions.
And, perhaps, love