Renkai and Thalanir walked beside Lira as she approached the grove, their presence steadying and encouraging. The morning light filtered through the trees, brushing her hair with warmth, while the soft rustle of leaves and distant calls of woodland creatures filled the air. Fluffy scampered ahead, darting between shafts of sunlight, jumping with excitement.
At the grove, the familiar portal shimmered faintly, a ripple in the air that promised both safety and focus. Lira took a deep breath, feeling the pulse of magic under her skin, the lingering lift of the air element mingling with the grounding pull of earth. She stepped forward first, her hands brushing the air as if welcoming it into her space. Renkai and Thalanir followed, their calm presence both a reassurance and a reminder of her progress.
