Chapter 3 – New Bonds
The morning sun poured through the latticework of silver leaves, filling the inner courtyards of the Tree of Luna with soft brilliance. The great halls, though majestic, were alive with the laughter of elven children at play. Their voices rang like clear bells, weaving with the hum of magic that saturated the ancient tree.
Belerick stood at the edge of the courtyard, his silver eyes wide as he took it all in. He was still small, dressed now in simple tunics of pale green, his hair gleaming faintly in the sunlight. Despite the strangeness of his new life, he did not seem overwhelmed. Instead, there was a quiet steadiness about him, a calm curiosity as he observed the other children.
Lasara stood beside him. "These are the young ones of Lumina," she said softly. "And today, you will join them. Learn, play, and grow as one of them."
Belerick looked up at her, searching her face for reassurance. She gave him a gentle nod. That was enough. He stepped forward.
The children turned their attention toward him almost instantly. Their laughter softened into murmurs, and they whispered among themselves at the sight of his silver hair and eyes.
From among them, two stepped forward.
The first was a boy, his dark-green hair tied back loosely, his movements confident. His emerald eyes shone with warmth as he looked Belerick over. "I'm Thalien," he said brightly, his smile unguarded. "You're the human, right? But you look more like us."
The second was a girl, taller and quieter, with hair as pale as starlight and eyes a soft violet. She studied Belerick for a long moment before speaking, her tone measured but not unfriendly. "I am Sylara. If Lady Lasara brought you here, then you must be important."
Belerick blinked at their words, uncertain how to respond at first. Finally, he gave a small nod. "…I'm Belerick."
Thalien grinned and clapped him lightly on the shoulder. "Belerick! Good. You can play with us today."
Sylara inclined her head slightly. "We'll see if you can keep up."
Lasara watched the exchange, the faintest of smiles touching her lips. She did not interfere. These bonds had to form naturally.
The elven instructor, a slender elf named Aerendir, called the children into a circle beneath the courtyard's open sky. His voice was calm, patient, but carried weight.
"Today, we begin with breath. The chakras are the flow of life, the harmony of spirit and body. Even the youngest must learn to breathe with intent."
The children sat cross-legged. Belerick hesitated, but Thalien motioned him down. "Like this," the boy whispered, demonstrating.
Belerick followed, folding his legs awkwardly at first but steadying himself.
"Close your eyes," Aerendir instructed. "Feel the world around you. The wind, the earth beneath you, the light above. Let it flow into you. This is the first step to opening the Root."
A hush settled. The children breathed in rhythm.
Belerick tried. His chest rose and fell, the air filling him. At first, it felt strange. But then, something stirred faintly in his body—like warmth spreading through his belly, subtle and soft. His brows knitted slightly.
Sylara's eyes opened briefly, catching the expression on his face. She studied him quietly, then returned to her focus.
Aerendir's voice carried on. "Patience. The Root Chakra awakens slowly. It grounds us, gives us stability. In time, you will feel its strength."
The children opened their eyes again. Some fidgeted, others whispered excitedly about what they thought they had felt.
Thalien leaned toward Belerick. "How was it? Did you feel anything?"
Belerick hesitated. "Warm. Just a little."
Thalien grinned. "That's good! The first time, I felt nothing at all."
Sylara tilted her head, her violet gaze calm. "It will come with practice."
Later, the children were led to the practice fields—open clearings dotted with ancient stones that pulsed faintly with energy.
Thalien bounded ahead eagerly. "Come on, Belerick! Let's see how fast you are!"
Before Belerick could answer, Thalien sprinted toward one of the glowing stones, laughter spilling behind him. Belerick blinked, then chased after him, his small legs carrying him as quickly as he could.
Sylara followed at a slower pace, her movements graceful, her eyes never straying far from the two boys.
They raced across the clearing, weaving between stones, their laughter mingling. Thalien reached the stone first, turning back with a triumphant grin. "Ha! Too slow!"
Belerick caught up moments later, panting, but his silver eyes sparkled with determination. "I'll be faster next time."
Thalien laughed and slapped him on the back. "That's the spirit!"
Sylara arrived, her expression calm but her lips curved faintly. "Speed alone is not strength," she said softly. "Balance is needed too."
Thalien rolled his eyes playfully. "You always say that."
"Because it is true," she replied simply.
Belerick watched the two of them, something warm rising in his chest. For the first time since his world had been torn away, he felt a flicker of belonging.
When the day drew to a close, Belerick sat with Thalien and Sylara beneath a great root of the Tree of Luna. Fireflies drifted through the air, glowing faintly like drifting stars.
Thalien plucked a blade of grass, twirling it between his fingers. "You're not bad, Belerick. For someone new."
Sylara added, her tone softer now, "You listened well today. That matters more than winning a race."
Belerick looked between them, his lips curving in a small smile. "Thank you."
They fell into a comfortable silence, watching the fireflies. For the first time, Belerick felt at peace.
From a distance, Lasara watched, her eyes thoughtful but serene. She had kept the secret of the strange phenomenon hidden in her heart. For now, it was enough to see him laugh, to see him begin a new life surrounded by friendship.
The courtyard of the Tree of Luna rang with the sound of children's laughter. The air smelled of blossoms drifting down from the higher branches, faintly sweet and calming.
Belerick stood still at first, hesitant. Though his silver eyes carried calmness, there was an unmistakable shyness to his posture, as though he wasn't sure if he truly belonged.
Thalien, however, didn't give him much of a choice. The green-haired boy came bounding over, all energy and mischief, grabbing Belerick's arm.
"Don't just stand there like a tree, come with us! You're one of us now."
Belerick blinked. "…One of you?"
"Of course," Thalien declared, grinning wide. "If Lady Lasara says so, then it's decided."
Sylara approached with a softer, slower step. She studied Belerick for a moment, her violet eyes steady, then spoke in a low, even tone.
"He doesn't know our games yet, Thalien. Don't overwhelm him."
Thalien groaned. "I'm not overwhelming him—I'm welcoming him. Right, Belerick?"
Belerick tilted his head, then nodded slightly. "It's… fine. I'll try."
"There!" Thalien said triumphantly. "See? He's not afraid."
Sylara arched a pale eyebrow. "We'll see how long that lasts."
Belerick couldn't help but smile faintly. Something about the way the two bickered felt oddly comforting.
"Let's play!" Thalien cried suddenly, dragging both Sylara and Belerick toward a row of stones set into the earth. They rose like stepping platforms, glowing faintly with natural chakra energy.
Thalien jumped onto the first stone and balanced easily. "The game is simple! Whoever crosses all the stones without falling wins."
Sylara crossed her arms. "You invented this game so you can win. Again."
"Correction," Thalien grinned, "I invented it so I can win better."
He gestured dramatically toward Belerick. "But now we have new competition!"
Belerick stepped forward cautiously. He placed a foot on the first stone. The moment he did, he felt it—like a faint hum beneath his skin, a soft current of life-force radiating through him. It startled him, and he nearly slipped.
Thalien laughed. "Careful, human!"
Sylara moved closer, her tone even but gentle. "The stones react to chakra flow. Keep your breathing steady, and they won't push you off."
Belerick took her advice, inhaling slowly, then placing his other foot firmly on the stone. To his surprise, the hum calmed. He managed to stand tall.
One by one, the three children crossed the line of stones. Thalien was quick but reckless, leaping from one to the next with whoops of triumph. Sylara was precise, every movement measured. Belerick struggled at first, swaying on each step, but with every breath he steadied himself more.
At the final stone, Thalien landed first with a flourish. "Ha! Champion again!"
Sylara reached the end moments later, rolling her eyes. "Your balance was terrible."
Belerick arrived last, breathing a little harder, but he stood on the final stone without falling. A small smile curved his lips.
Thalien grinned and clapped his back. "Not bad for your first try! You'll beat her one day."
Sylara narrowed her eyes, though there was no real malice in it. "If he listens, perhaps."
Later, when the game ended, the three of them sat beneath the roots of the Tree of Luna. The fireflies were just beginning to glow, drifting lazily in the air.
Thalien lay flat on his back, hands behind his head. "I'll tell you a secret," he said. "One day, I'm going to reach Level Ten in the Root Chakra. Then I'll be the strongest elf in Lumina."
Sylara, sitting cross-legged, shook her head. "Strength without discipline is wasted. I will master the Crown Chakra and lead our people in wisdom."
Thalien snorted. "Boring. Who wants wisdom when you can smash things?"
Sylara's voice remained calm. "Perhaps those who survive after you've rushed headlong into danger."
The two glared at each other for a moment. Then, almost in unison, they turned to Belerick.
"What about you?" Thalien asked eagerly. "Which chakra do you want to master?"
Belerick hesitated. He stared down at his small hands, silent for a moment. Then he whispered, "I don't know yet."
Sylara tilted her head. "Then you should learn them all, until you find the one that feels right."
Thalien grinned. "Or you can just race me until you're faster!"
For the first time that day, Belerick laughed aloud. It was soft, almost surprised, but genuine.
The sound made Sylara glance at him, her lips curving faintly. Thalien laughed too, throwing an arm over Belerick's shoulders.
"That settles it then! From now on, the three of us are friends."
Belerick blinked at him. "Friends?"
"Yes," Thalien said firmly. "We train together, play together, and grow together. Isn't that right, Sylara?"
Sylara closed her eyes briefly, as though considering whether to object. But when she opened them again, she gave a small nod. "Yes. Friends."
Belerick felt something stir in his chest at that word—warm, steady, unlike anything he had felt in a long time. He whispered it softly to himself, as if testing its shape.
"…Friends."
When Lasara came to collect him later, she found the three children still talking beneath the roots, their voices weaving easily between playful teasing and quiet sharing.
She approached silently, listening.
"…Then Thalien tripped over his own feet!" Sylara was saying.
"I did not!" Thalien protested.
"You did," Belerick said, his silver eyes glinting with amusement.
The three burst into laughter again.
Lasara's heart softened at the sight. She stepped forward, her presence instantly calming the children.
"It is late," she said gently. "Come, Belerick. You must rest."
Belerick stood, glancing back at Thalien and Sylara. "Good night."
"Good night," Sylara replied evenly.
"See you tomorrow!" Thalien shouted, grinning wide.
Lasara led Belerick away. As they walked, she glanced down at him. "You seem… happier."
Belerick nodded. "…They're my friends now."
Her lips curved in a rare smile. "Yes. Treasure them, Belerick. Such bonds are precious."
She said no more, but inside her, she felt a deep relief. Despite the weight of the secret she bore alone, at least the child was not alone in heart anymore.
The sun climbed lazily above the canopy of the Forest of Lumina, scattering golden light through the towering trees. The air carried the sweet scent of blooming flowers, and birds with shimmering feathers sang in harmony.
Within the grand halls of the Tree of Luna, Belerick's laughter rang out. He was sparring with his two elven friends—Aerin Starbloom and Lyriana Dawnwhisper—under the watchful eyes of an old elven tutor.
"Keep your stance firm, Lyriana!" the tutor barked, his staff striking the floor with a thud. "If you let your weight shift, you'll lose balance in combat."
Lyriana pouted but obeyed, her pale-green eyes narrowing in concentration. Her auburn hair glowed faintly in the sunlight streaming through the leaves.
Aerin, taller and more composed, twirled his wooden blade with a cocky grin. "Balance? Please, Master Thandor. If I were fighting an orc, it wouldn't even get the chance to test my balance."
Belerick smirked, his silver hair catching the light like threads of moonlight itself. "Is that so, Aerin? Then prove it."
He lunged without warning, his wooden sword clashing against Aerin's. The impact reverberated with surprising force for someone their age, and Aerin staggered back a step.
"Tch—you're always so aggressive, Belerick!" Aerin muttered, regaining footing.
"Not aggressive," Belerick corrected, eyes sharp yet calm. "Decisive."
Lyriana giggled softly. "He's right, Aerin. He always goes straight for the win."
"Silence in the sparring ring!" Master Thandor's deep voice silenced their chatter. Yet there was no mistaking the faint smile tugging at his lips. "Belerick, once again. Your instincts are impressive… but do not let pride cloud discipline."
"Yes, Master," Belerick said firmly, bowing slightly. His respect for elders was genuine, though his inner fire burned brighter than most boys his age.
The spar continued for another hour. Sweat dripped from their foreheads, but none wanted to yield. Even at their young age, the children's movements carried unusual precision.
Finally, Thandor raised his staff. "Enough. Rest."
The three collapsed under a nearby tree, panting.
"Belerick," Aerin said between gulps of water from a wooden flask, "you're always a step ahead of us. Even in chakra practice. How do you do it?"
Belerick shrugged lightly, lying back in the grass. His silver eyes reflected the swaying leaves above. "I don't know. It feels… natural. Like the flow of energy wants to move with me."
Lyriana hugged her knees, gazing at him curiously. "It's not fair. We've been training the same, but you're always stronger."
"Then keep training," Belerick replied softly but decisively. "Strength doesn't come from being born lucky—it comes from not stopping."
The words silenced them for a moment. Even at his young age, Belerick spoke with the kind of clarity that carried weight.
That evening, Queen Lasara Nightshade appeared in their chamber. Draped in silver robes that shimmered faintly in the moonlight, she radiated calm authority.
"You three have grown well," she said, her melodic voice filling the room. "Your progress already surpasses most of your peers. Belerick, Aerin, Lyriana… the Forest of Lumina watches your steps closely."
The children bowed respectfully, though their young eyes sparkled with pride.
"Tomorrow," Lasara continued, "you will be tested on your chakra alignment beneath one of the Seven Magical Trees. It will determine your true affinity."
Aerin grinned. "I'll definitely surpass Lyriana this time."
"Dream on, Aerin," Lyriana shot back, sticking her tongue out.
Belerick simply nodded. "We'll see tomorrow."
Lasara's silver eyes lingered on Belerick longer than the others. She saw the faint shimmer of power in his aura, hidden from even the keenest elven seers. The boy's path… it is not ordinary, she thought, but kept her silence.
Instead, she smiled faintly. "Rest well, children. Tomorrow begins a new chapter in your growth."
With that, she left, her silver hair trailing like moonlight in her wake.
The children watched her leave in awe. Lyriana whispered, "She's so graceful… I wonder if we'll ever be like her."
Belerick looked away, his expression unreadable. "Maybe. But I'll carve my own path."
As the night settled in, fireflies glowed gently around their chambers. The three friends drifted to sleep, unaware that destiny stirred in the shadows of their world.
The morning sun poured golden streams through the colossal branches of the Forest of Lumina, and the air was alive with the scent of dew-kissed blossoms. In the distance, the ethereal hum of ancient magic resonated faintly, like a chorus only the forest itself could hear. Today was not an ordinary day.
Belerick, Aerin, and Lyriana stood before the towering majesty of the First Magical Tree—the Tree of Dawnlight, said to embody the foundation of the Root Chakra. Its trunk was so wide that fifty elves could stand hand in hand and still not encircle it. The bark shimmered with faint scarlet veins that pulsed softly, as if alive.
The children's tutor, Master Thandor, stood beside them, his long silver beard swaying in the breeze. Queen Lasara herself was present, draped in ceremonial robes of silver and deep indigo, her staff in hand. Her presence gave the occasion a solemn gravity.
"Children of Lumina," Lasara's voice rang clear, yet gentle, "today you will step upon the first path of chakra mastery. The Root Chakra is the foundation. Without it, all else collapses. It is your connection to the earth, your anchor of survival and strength. Only those with true resolve may harmonize with its power."
The three nodded, though Aerin gulped nervously.
"Do not fear," Lasara added softly. "The Tree tests only what already resides within you. Pass or fail, it reflects only your readiness."
The ritual began.
Each child approached the tree in turn. A carved stone platform encircled the base, etched with glowing runes. At its center, a shallow hollow was filled with shimmering crystal dust, glowing faintly with crimson light.
Master Thandor gestured to Aerin first. "Step forward."
Aerin strode confidently, though his clenched fists betrayed tension. He knelt upon the platform, palms pressed to the earth.
Lasara raised her staff. A silver beam of moonlight fell upon Aerin, merging with the scarlet glow of the Tree of Dawnlight.
"Focus on your breath," she instructed. "Draw the essence of the tree into your core."
Aerin's brow furrowed in concentration. For a moment, nothing happened. Then the runes flared to life. A deep scarlet aura surrounded him, flickering wildly before stabilizing.
Master Thandor nodded approvingly. "Root Chakra—Second Level. At your age… impressive."
Aerin leapt up, grinning proudly. "Did you hear that? Level Two already!"
Lyriana rolled her eyes but smiled. "Don't get cocky."
Now it was Lyriana's turn. She stepped gracefully onto the platform, her auburn hair catching the light. She closed her eyes, her breathing steady.
Almost instantly, the runes blazed brighter than they had with Aerin. Her aura shimmered like a blooming flame, scarlet mixed with faint threads of gold.
Gasps rose among the gathered elves.
"Root Chakra—Third Level," Thandor announced, astonishment in his tone.
Lyriana opened her eyes slowly, a shy smile spreading across her face. "I… I did it?"
"You did," Lasara confirmed warmly. "The earth favors your heart."
Aerin muttered under his breath, "Not fair…" but the sparkle in his eyes betrayed admiration for his friend.
Finally, all eyes turned to Belerick.
He walked forward calmly, silver hair glinting under the filtered sun. Unlike the others, there was no nervousness in his steps—only quiet certainty. He knelt upon the platform, placing his palms against the scarlet-lit runes.
The moment his hands touched the stone, the air changed. The forest grew silent. Even the wind seemed to pause.
Then—boom.
The runes erupted in blinding crimson light. The entire Tree of Dawnlight pulsed, its veins glowing brighter than ever before. A powerful aura surged around Belerick, not just scarlet but tinged with silver threads, spiraling like fire and moonlight combined.
Elves in the gathering gasped, some shielding their eyes.
"Impossible…" Master Thandor whispered, his voice trembling. "Root Chakra—Fourth Level… at his age? No… it feels stronger. Could it be… Fifth?"
Lasara's silver eyes widened, but she quickly composed herself. "Enough," she said softly, raising her staff. The aura gradually dimmed, though its impression lingered like thunder after a storm.
Belerick rose to his feet, expression calm. "Did I pass?" he asked simply.
Lasara studied him for a long moment before answering, her tone measured. "You did more than pass, Belerick Silvers. The path ahead of you… is unlike any other."
The elves murmured in awe, whispering about the boy with silver hair and eyes, the child who shook the Tree of Dawnlight itself.
Aerin grinned, slapping Belerick on the back. "Show-off."
Lyriana's smile was softer, admiring. "You really are different, Belerick."
Belerick only shrugged, his calm voice carrying a quiet weight: "I just did what felt natural."
Lasara's gaze lingered on him longer than the others. Deep within, she already knew: this boy's fate was tied to powers greater than even the ancient forest could contain.
But she would keep that truth to herself—for now.
The glow from the Tree of Dawnlight gradually receded, returning the forest to its usual calm. The scarlet veins in its trunk pulsed softly again, no longer flaring with the brilliance it had shown during Belerick's turn. Still, the echo of his resonance lingered in the air, heavy and undeniable.
The elves gathered around the platform broke into murmurs, their voices overlapping in hushed awe.
"Such power, at this age?"
"Even Lyriana's third level was unheard of… but him…"
"Silver hair, silver eyes… it must be the Moon's blessing."
Aerin puffed his chest out beside Belerick. "Don't forget me! I reached Second Level, you know. That's still amazing."
One of the older elves chuckled. "Indeed, young one, it is. You should be proud."
But the whispers soon returned to Belerick. Everywhere he turned, silver gazes followed him, some curious, some cautious.
Lyriana stepped closer, brushing a stray strand of hair behind her ear. "Belerick… when the Tree responded, I felt it. The ground itself trembled. Do you… feel different?"
Belerick tilted his head slightly, as though considering her words. "No. It felt natural. Like breathing."
His answer silenced her, and even Aerin's playful grin faltered. To them, chakra mastery was something to strive for, something earned through sweat and perseverance. But to Belerick, it was simply… a part of him.
Queen Lasara raised her staff, and the forest quieted again.
"Today, three children of Lumina have awakened the Root Chakra. Each one of you is exceptional. Aerin, you embody persistence. Lyriana, you embody grace. And Belerick…" her eyes lingered on him a moment longer, her voice calm yet resonant, "…you embody harmony."
The word echoed in the air, carrying weight beyond simple praise.
Master Thandor cleared his throat. "Your Majestic Grace, should we record their standings?"
Lasara gave a faint nod.
Thandor unfurled a scroll from his satchel, dipping his quill into ink. His voice boomed ceremonially as he wrote:
"Aerin, Root Chakra – Second Level."
"Lyriana, Root Chakra – Third Level."
"Belerick Silvers, Root Chakra – Fifth Level."
Gasps spread through the assembly once more. Even those who had seen it with their own eyes seemed to struggle with the reality of it written plainly on the scroll.
Later, as the children stepped away from the platform, their tutor approached them. Thandor's wrinkled face softened, though his eyes held a storm of thought.
"You three… do not mistake today's success as the end of your journey. The Root Chakra is merely the beginning. Its levels are many, and its trials unrelenting."
Aerin smirked, still trying to reclaim some pride. "Don't worry, Master. I'll reach level five soon enough. Belerick won't stay ahead forever."
Lyriana shook her head with a smile. "You always make everything into a race."
Belerick remained quiet, gazing at the massive tree behind them. "It doesn't feel like a race to me."
Thandor studied him for a moment longer than the others. He opened his mouth as if to say more, then closed it and simply muttered, "Keep that heart of yours, boy. The forest favors the humble."
That evening, a celebration was held in one of the lower halls of the Tree of Luna. Elven musicians plucked strings that shimmered like water, while dancers moved gracefully, their garments swirling like flowing rivers. The fragrance of moonfruit and roasted herbs filled the air.
The three children sat together on cushioned seats, their plates piled high.
Aerin was already stuffing his mouth. "Mmph—if this is what happens every time we pass a test, I'll become the strongest elf alive just for the food!"
Lyriana laughed, nearly spilling her drink. "You'd get fat before reaching the Third Chakra."
Belerick ate more slowly, his silver eyes wandering over the celebration. "They seem happy."
"Of course," Lyriana said, smiling at him. "The awakening of chakras is rare. And for children as young as us, it's worth celebrating."
Aerin jabbed a finger at him. "Especially when one of us nearly blinded the whole forest with his power."
Belerick looked down at his plate, quiet.
Lasara, seated at the high table, watched them closely. When her gaze lingered on Belerick, her expression softened, though her thoughts were hidden behind the calm mask of a queen.
Only she carried the secret of what she had seen the night before—the silver light, the resonance with all seven chakras at once. The others saw only a prodigy at the Root Chakra. But she knew the truth went far deeper.
And for now, that truth would remain hers alone.