After promptly leaving the Light of Dawn Orphanage, the group naturally headed towards the town of Brindlemark. They knew it would take them about a hectic week to get there, as they had to traverse a vast, impenetrable forest that separated the orphanage from the town. Shadowwood Forest was known to be one of the most dangerous in the region, with mysterious creatures and hidden dangers around every corner.
The forest was sombre and mysterious, with trees that seemed to stretch to the sky. Predatory birds sang in the branches, and the leaves rustled in the breeze.The sun filtered through the leaves, creating eerie shadows on the ground. Zephyr walked in silence, his senses alert for any potential danger.
"I'm starving," Rowan said, complaining. "When are we going eating?"
"Patience, Rowan," Lyra replied, smiling."We'll soon be setting up camp and preparing lunch."
Rowan grunted but kept walking. Suddenly, he tripped over a root and fell to the ground.
"Hey, watch out!" Zephyr shouted, laughing."You're going hurting yourself!"
Rowan got up, rubbing his knees. "It's not my fault," he said. "The ground is uneven."
The others laughed and kept walking.
We had been walking for hours, the trees of the forest seeming to stretch on forever. Leaves rustled beneath our feet, and birds sang in the branches. I surveyed the surroundings, looking around curiously.
"Zephyr, can you create an illusion to make us go unnoticed?" Lyra asked, looking around us. Her jet-black hair cascaded over her shoulders, and her green eyes shone with determination.
I smiled, merely waving my hand. The trees and bushes seemed to melt into one another, and we became almost invisible.
"Thank you, Zephyr," Lyra said, smiling."You're really helpful."
Kael walked behind us, his blue eyes scanning the surroundings. Suddenly, he transformed into a wolf, his mighty muscles flexing beneath his skin.
"I'll scout ahead," he said, running ahead of us.
Rowan leaped onto a rock and shouted with joy.
"Look! A stream!"he said, holding out his hand. The stream flowed gently, its crystal-clear waters reflecting the sun. He waved his hand, and flowers began growing along the stream.
Elianore smiled, gazing at the stream in awe. Her blond hair cascaded over her shoulders, and her celestial blue eyes shone with joy.
"It's so beautiful," she said, kneeling down to disturb the water. She placed her hand on Rowan's shoulder, and I saw a faint glimmer of peace in her eyes.
Aria, our healer walked beside me, her golden eyes scanning the surroundings. She carried a healing pack on her back, her hands ready to heal the wounds.
"Rowan, be careful, or I'll have to heal you again," she said, smiling.
Thorne walked at the back, his gray eyes scanning the surroundings. He carried a map and compass, and seemed ready to make decisions.
"I'll study the map," he said, looking at it carefully.
Lila walked in silence, her pale blue eyes scanning the surroundings. She seemed lost in thought, and her white hair cascaded over her shoulders.