After leaving the shores of Wernes, Mamir traveled for days. Before him rose a forest whose ancient trees stood like towering walls against the sky. This was no ordinary woodland: legends called it the Hidden Forest.
As he approached its entrance, the light of the sky seemed to fade. The wind stilled. Even the birds fell silent. A chill ran through Mamir's heart, but he remembered his mother's vow.
— "As long as blood flows in my veins…"
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Inside the Forest
The moment he stepped in, colossal tree trunks surrounded him like pillars of a forgotten world. The light that filtered through the leaves turned into a green twilight, as if he had crossed into another realm. In his hand, the compass began to spin on its own—until it pointed firmly north.
The first trial came swiftly: a massive wolf formed from black mist appeared in his path. Its eyes burned red like embers. Mamir drew his sword, but the wolf spoke:
— "Do not show us your anger. Show us your heart. You are not only a warrior… but the son of a pilgrim."
Mamir froze. Slowly, he lowered his blade, sliding it back into the sheath. Kneeling on the ground, he closed his eyes in silence. The wolf studied him for a long moment, then dissolved into smoke and vanished.
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The Second Trial
Deeper within the forest, Mamir came upon a still, silver lake. On its surface appeared the image of his mother, Kirarya.
— "Mamir, why do you fight? For victory? For revenge? Or… for the light?"
Tears welled in his eyes.
— "I fight to continue your path. For the faith of those who believe in me. But most of all… against the darkness, for the light."
The lake's surface glowed, and from its depths rose an ancient elven dagger. Mamir grasped it carefully. Upon the blade, in elven script, were the words:
"In the pure heart lies true strength."
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The Third Trial
In the forest's darkest depths, Mamir was no longer alone. Facing him stood himself—but colder, merciless, with pitch-black eyes. The Dark Mamir.
— "You may carry the light, but your hatred will make you into me."
They drew their swords at once. The clash was swift and fierce, steel echoing like thunder through the trees. Each strike drove Mamir closer to his own rage. Yet in the final moment, Mamir stopped. He lowered his blade.
— "I will not kill you… because I am not you."
The shadow cracked apart, shattering into light. The forest fell silent again.
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The Outcome
Exhausted, Mamir collapsed to the ground, gasping for breath. A ray of light descended from the heavens, and from it emerged the fae of the forest, delicate voices whispering:
— "You have passed the trial, son of Turok. You may walk the path your mother began. Yet remember this: the darkness within you will walk beside you always."
Mamir lifted his gaze to the sky, pressing the dagger to his chest.
— "So be it. But as long as blood flows in my veins, darkness will never prevail."
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✨ End Note:
Mamir has proven his worth in the Hidden Forest, but the darkness within him is far from gone. Will he master it—or will it master him?