The path before them stretched like a ribbon winding through hills and ancient forests, disappearing into the horizon where the sky kissed the earth. The air was crisp, carrying whispers of unseen creatures and secrets long forgotten.
Thalanir moved with confident strides, his keen eyes scanning the landscape for safe passage, while Renkai walked beside Lira, occasionally offering quiet guidance and steady support.
The first day passed with gentle ease—soft sunlight filtering through the canopy, birdsong weaving through the branches, and the steady rhythm of their footsteps grounding them. Yet, as the sun began to sink, a subtle tension crept into the air.
Shadows lengthened, and a cool breeze stirred the leaves, carrying an eerie hush that made the forest feel alive in ways Lira hadn't noticed before.
"It's a long journey," Thalanir said, glancing back at her. "Not just in distance, but in trials. The mountains test more than your legs."
