Nova stood in the twilight, her parents’ figures fading into the misty distance behind her. She walked away with a heavy heart, her boots crunching softly against the gravel path as the cool evening air wrapped around her. Every step felt weighted, as though the world itself sought to anchor her to the life she was leaving behind. Lyra’s silver hair and Eldric’s strong, reassuring presence remained vivid in her mind, their parting embrace a memory she clung to tightly.
For a moment, she paused, her heart heavy and her thoughts swirling like leaves caught in a gentle breeze. Doubt crept in, whispering in the back of her mind. Could she really succeed? The enormity of the task before her threatened to overwhelm her resolve. She cast a glance back at the World Tree, Aetheril, its towering form silhouetted against the darkening sky. Its once-vibrant leaves had dulled to a sickly shade of grey-green, and its ancient bark, cracked and dry, seemed to whisper of its suffering, a soft, mournful rustle that tugged at her soul.
The great branches stretched above her like skeletal fingers clawing at the heavens, their tips wilting, as if pleading for salvation. A few withered leaves drifted to the ground, crumbling to dust the moment they touched the earth. The air was thick with the scent of decay, mingled with a faint, lingering sweetness that hinted at the tree’s former glory.
Nova’s chest tightened, her breath catching in her throat. She could almost hear the faint, rhythmic pulse of the tree's life force struggling against the inevitable, the very heart of their world gasping for breath. If it perished, so too would the essence of everything she had ever known and loved.
Her gaze moved upward, tracing the gnarled trunk to the highest branches where the last few glimmers of golden light clung desperately to the dying leaves. A single tear rolled down her cheek, but she quickly wiped it away, straightening her shoulders. She couldn’t afford to falter now; too much depended on her.
She felt the countdown clock ticking in her mind, each second a reminder of the urgency of her quest. Nova closed her eyes for a brief moment, drawing in a deep breath, feeling the cool air fill her lungs, and exhaled slowly, allowing herself to feel the determination well up inside her once more.
“I won’t let you fade away,” she whispered to the tree, her voice soft but firm. “I promise I will bring back the light.”
With a final glance at the fading tree, Nova turned on her heel, her boots crunching against the gravel path as she headed toward the bustling market district. The sun had fully dipped below the horizon now, and the night market was already alive with noise and activity.
Lanterns strung between stalls cast a warm, golden glow that flickered and danced like fireflies, their light illuminating the faces of merchants and shoppers alike. The air was filled with the scents of spiced meats grilling on open fires, sweet pastries dusted with powdered sugar, and the faint tang of fresh herbs and flowers. The sounds of laughter, chatter, and the occasional strum of a lute melded together into a symphony of the evening.
As she moved through the crowd, Nova could feel the cool night air brushing against her skin, a stark contrast to the warmth radiating from the market stalls. The clinking of coins and the rustle of fabrics filled her ears, a constant reminder of the life and energy around her, even as the weight of her mission pressed heavily on her mind.
Merchants called out in loud, eager voices, each trying to outdo the other to attract attention. "Fresh fruits, just picked this morning! from the world of Sunliten city" shouted one, his hands gesturing towards baskets overflowing with plump, ripe berries and gleaming apples. "Rare crystals from the Caverns of Uldar! Perfect for enchantments!" another vendor yelled, holding up a glittering stone that caught the light, refracting it in a rainbow of colours.
Nova weaved her way through the crowd, dodging children chasing each other with wooden swords and an old elf haggling fiercely over bolts of fabric. She moved with purpose, as she paused and threw on her cloak as it flowed behind her like a shadow, the hood slightly drawn to shield her face from any prying eyes.
Yet, amidst the chaos, she found herself momentarily distracted by a small stall at the market's edge. An elderly elf sat there, his hands deftly crafting something from twine and wood. His eyes, though clouded with age, were sharp and focused, and a faint smile touched his lips as he worked. On his table lay a series of small, delicate charms — miniature replicas of trees, woven with care and precision. Nova paused, her gaze lingering on the tiny carvings, each one a perfect likeness of the Aetheril tree in its prime. Among them, there was one charm that stood out—its tiny leaves glimmered faintly with a soft green light, as though imbued with a trace of magic.
"Can I help you, miss?" the old elf asked, his voice raspy yet kind, sensing her curiosity.
Nova smiled faintly, her fingers brushing over one of the charms. "Just admiring your work," she replied softly. “These… they’re beautiful.”
The old elf chuckled. “Aye, they are. Made with love, they are — love for the old ways, for the life that flows in all things. You look like someone who understands that.”
Nova nodded, a sense of calm washing over her. "I do," she murmured, before placing a small coin on his table. "I’ll take one. For luck."
As the old elf handed her the charm, his gaze seemed to hold a hint of something deeper, almost as if he knew more than he let on. "May it guide you on your path," he said with a wink, the words carrying a weight that lingered in Nova’s mind as she slipped the charm into her pouch. There was a subtle energy in the air, a feeling that this small token might hold more significance than it appeared.
Nova quickened her pace, moving past the lively market toward the path that would lead her to the departure point. But before she went, she made her way toward a few more shops, knowing she needed to prepare for the journey ahead into a world unknown to her.
Her first stop was at a general store, where she purchased an inventory bag—a sturdy satchel enchanted to hold more than its appearance suggested. She filled it with provisions: dried fruits, nuts, salted meats, and enough water to last several days. The store also carried a few unusual items, and Nova’s eyes fell upon a small vial labeled "Moonlight Essence." The shopkeeper, a middle-aged elf with sharp features, explained its rarity, his tone laced with frustration.
“The system bastards are hoarding all the essence they’re taking from the trees,” he said, shaking his head. “Even common essences are becoming rarer these days. I’m lucky to have gotten my hands on this vial at all.”
“It’s gotten that bad?” Nova asked, intrigued by the Moonlight Essence. She hadn’t seen it on shelves recently, but the shopkeeper’s words gave her pause. Nova quickly added the vial to her list of purchases.
“You better get going, young lady. The festival is about to begin shortly,” he said with a small smile as he wrapped her items. His voice softened, a glimmer of hope in his eyes. “Enjoy the evening, if you can.”
Nova nodded, returning his smile. “Thank you. Have a good evening.” Satisfied with the essentials, she exited the store and continued to the next shop.
This one specialized in magical tools and relics. Rows of dusty shelves held peculiar trinkets—a compass that spun wildly when near magical energy, a pair of enchanted gloves that could withstand extreme heat, and a mirror said to show glimpses of potential futures. Nova’s eyes were drawn to a small, compact lantern with an ever-burning flame that emitted a soft, comforting glow. The shopkeeper mentioned it could repel lesser shadow creatures, a precaution Nova deemed worthwhile. As she examined it, her gaze flicked to a small pouch labeled "Binding Threads—For Emergency Repairs." Intrigued, she added it to her purchases, imagining its utility in mending both gear and magical seals.
Finally, she entered a seed shop tucked away in a quieter corner of the market. The familiar scent of soil and fresh greenery filled her senses, reminding her of home. She browsed through the neatly organized rows of packets, choosing carefully: elf food seeds that could thrive in even the harshest conditions, medicinal herbs for healing, flowers to lift her spirits, mosses that could be used for bedding or bandages, and even vines that could serve as makeshift ropes. At the counter, the shopkeeper offered her a tiny, iridescent seed encased in a crystal vial. “This one’s called the Traveler’s Seed,” he said. “Plant it anywhere, and within hours, it will sprout into a small shelter, complete with natural defenses.” Nova’s eyes widened, and she immediately purchased it, knowing it could prove invaluable.
With her bags now heavier but her heart more prepared, Nova adjusted the straps of her inventory bag and stepped back onto the main thoroughfare. The night market buzzed around her, lanterns casting flickering shadows on the cobblestones, but she felt a growing sense of focus. Each item she had gathered was a step toward readiness, a shield against the uncertainties of her journey.
Nova's steps carried her toward the ancient archway that marked the portal station. The city around her buzzed with life, but she felt a strange disconnect as if she were moving through a dream. Her mind raced with a thousand thoughts—of her parents, the dying World Tree, the quest ahead, and the unknown land she was about to enter.
Nova paused, her heart skipping a beat as the plaza filled with murmurs and worried glances. The shimmering portals, usually stable and constant, flickered and wavered, their colours dimming to a dull grey for a brief, unsettling moment before flaring back to life. The air around her seemed to vibrate with an uneasy energy, a low hum echoing through the space.
She watched as the dwarf, who had just stepped into the blue-green portal, hesitated on the threshold, casting a wary glance back at the portal keeper—a stern-looking mage with a staff carved from crystal. The mage was already moving, his hands raised in a calming gesture as he muttered an incantation under his breath, stabilizing the magic in the air. The crowd around the plaza murmured in unease, with many slowing their steps or turning to observe.
Nova’s eyes darted around, trying to gauge the situation. She saw the dragonkin warriors tense, their scales shifting in a subtle display of caution, and the dark elves quietly whispering amongst themselves. A group of lizardmen clustered closer together, their faces marked with concern as their tails flicked nervously.
she saw a network portal specialist at the back of a wall looking at an open book and mumbling to themselves, walking over she tapped his shoulder gaining his attention.
"is everything alright, what with the tense air in the portal station," Nova asked glancing around.
"hadn't you heard there been, portal disruptions in the network," he said before turning back to his opened book.
“Portal disruptions?” she whispered to herself, her mind racing. This wasn't a common occurrence. Her gaze settled on the mage's back, she could see his face creased with concentration as he read the book. She had heard rumours of strange disturbances affecting the magic flows recently, but she hadn't thought it would reach the portals. If something was wrong with the portals, it could mean delays… or worse.
As Nova considered her options, the air crackled again, and this time, the central portal—a massive archway of swirling, silvery light—flared violently, sending out a wave of energy that rippled through the plaza. A few people stumbled back, shielding their eyes from the sudden brightness. The pulse of raw magic made the hairs on the back of her neck stand on end, and she tightened her grip on her inventory bag.
Another mage's voice cut through the commotion, his tone sharp and commanding. "Stay calm, everyone! The portals are experiencing a temporary fluctuation. Please stand back while we assess the situation!"
Nova’s instincts kicked in; she knew she needed to be ready for anything. She edged closer to the central archway, careful to avoid drawing too much attention, listening intently to the mage’s instructions and watching for any signs of further instability.
A chill ran down her spine as she caught sight of faint, shadowy tendrils curling around the edges of the central portal. They flickered in and out of view, almost imperceptible, but they carried an ominous presence. Her eyes narrowed, and she silently cursed her inability to act without drawing suspicion. Something… or someone… was interfering with the magic.
Stolen novel; please report.
If the portals were to close or malfunction, she might not get another chance to start her quest. Nova clenched her fists, determination surging through her as she resolved to find a way through, no matter what. The weight of her mission pressed heavily against her, but she wouldn’t let fear or uncertainty stop her now.
Suddenly, she felt a light tug on her cloak. Startled, Nova turned to see a small figure—a young girl smiling up at her. The girl looked to be around twelve years old, with dark chestnut curls framing a face that was both innocent and knowing. Her fair skin glowed faintly in the light of the flickering portal.
The girl wore a summer dress of whites and yellows as if she had stepped out of a daydream meant for beaches and sunshine rather than the bustling chaos of the plaza. She stood out like a quiet note in a storm.
“You’re heading for Earth, aren’t you?” the girl asked, her voice surprisingly firm despite her small frame. Her eyes, a deep shade of green, flickered with a strange, almost otherworldly light. “There’s been talk of a disruption… of something, or someone, interfering with the magic threads around these parts.” She smiled faintly, glancing toward the central portal as if she could see things others couldn’t.
"but you still be able to get to Earth, the system will make sure of it" She smiled at Nova.
Nova’s eyes widened. “How do you know this, and just who are you?” she asked, her tone cautious but not unkind.
The girl glanced around cautiously, then leaned in close, her voice barely above a whisper. "My name's Mia," she said, her eyes flicking toward the nearest portal as if expecting something—or someone—to emerge from it. "And I know because... I can sense it, that's why I'm here because I could sense The magic around here that had been acting strangely of late, it's shifting like it's unsettled, like something’s pulling at it from the inside." As she spoke, she reached into thin air and pulled out a sweet berry pastry, holding it as casually as if it had always been there.
Nova studied Mia, a mixture of curiosity and caution on her face. "You can sense magic threads? At your age?" she asked, trying to understand who this girl might be.
Mia nodded, her expression serious. "I pick up on things. Like… vibrations. I guess you could say, but sometimes I just know when something's wrong." She paused, then added in a softer voice, "And I like to listen. People say a lot when they think no one's paying attention, especially when all they see is a little girl." Mia's face was smirking at that.
Nova thought of her own childhood, listening to her parents discuss the dying World Tree and the fear that its death would bring catastrophic consequences. She understood all too well the burden of knowledge.
Nova felt a flicker of unease. If Mia was right, there could be hidden dangers ahead. "What kind of disruption are you talking about? Is it something dangerous?"
Mia bit her lip, her fingers playing with the edge of her berry-filled pastry as she glanced around again. "I think so. I overheard someone mention ‘dark weavers’—creatures that feed on the threads of magic themselves. If they’ve found a way into the portal network, they could be causing all sorts of chaos. They thrive in places where magic is in flux, like here or in other worlds." She looked up at Nova, her eyes wide with concern as she handed her the pastry.
Nova's expression turned grave as she took the pastry. "Dark weavers," she murmured. She’d read about them in old texts—elusive beings drawn to unstable magic. If they were involved, her journey would be far more dangerous than she had anticipated. "Thank you for telling me, Mia. I’ll be extra careful, and thank you for the pastry."
Mia smiled, a bit shyly this time. "I thought you should know. You seem like someone important… someone who’s meant to do something big in time." She hesitated, then added, "The weaving of magic around you paints an interesting picture."
Nova blinked, taken aback by the girl’s insight. It was as if Mia could see something in the magical currents that no one else could. "I'll do my best," she promised. "And if you ever sense something more, find me. I could use a friend who knows how to listen."
Mia beamed, clearly pleased. "I will. Good luck, Nova."
As the girl turned to walk away, she paused mid-step and glanced back at Nova, her expression thoughtful. "Say hello to Noah for me, and let him know his friend Dorian is okay," she said before slipping behind a passerby, disappearing from sight as if she had never been there.
"Wait how do you know of Noah, Mia" Nova began walking quickly to where Mia turned into a hallway a blue light appeared and disappeared quickly
Nova stared at the spot where Mia should have been but she had vanished, her mind racing. Who is Dorian? she wondered. And how does this girl know about Noah? The encounter left her with more questions than answers. She felt a strange mix of urgency and confusion, her thoughts swirling as she whispered to herself, “Who are you, Mia?”
Turning back towards the portal in the centre of the room, Nova noticed Alice standing with her parents nearby, their gazes scanning the crowd of people passing by. The air was filled with the hum of conversation and the soft shimmer of magical energy from the various portals.
Alice’s mother, a tall elf with elegant features and hair the same shade of dark honey-brown as her daughter’s, looked worried. Her father, with a stern expression and eyes that missed nothing, stood protectively by her side. The three of them seemed out of place amidst the bustling activity, their presence a beacon of calm in the chaos.
To Nova’s surprise, her own parents, Lyra and Eldric, stood nearby as well, their faces mirroring a blend of worry and pride. Lyra’s silver hair shimmered under the flickering portal lights, and Eldric’s towering frame, though stoic, betrayed a certain softness in his eyes as they rested on his daughter.
As Nova approached, Alice spotted her first. A smile spread across her face, her eyes lighting up with relief. She pointed towards Nova, drawing her parents' attention. They both turned, their expressions softening as they saw her.
“There she is,” Alice said, her voice carrying over the noise as she waved Nova over.
Nova quickened her pace, weaving through the crowd until she reached them. As she got closer, she could see the mixture of concern and pride in both Alice’s and her own parents’ eyes, as if they all knew the weight of the task Nova was about to undertake.
Alice stepped forward, her smile brightening. "We were starting to worry you might’ve gotten lost in the crowd."
Nova smiled. "No, just had an interesting encounter... one that’s going to leave me with many questions for our dear Noah." She sighed and then turned to her parents, pulling them both into a warm hug.
“We’re going to miss you, dear,” her mother sobbed, clutching her daughter tightly. Her father kissed her forehead, smiling at Nova with a mixture of pride and sadness.
“I am very proud of you, Nova,” he said softly. “You’ve grown into a fine young elf. But, if you ever feel the urge to grant us grandchildren...” He smirked playfully, which earned him a playful punch on the shoulder from Nova.
“Oh yes, dear, do let us know if you decide to pair—” Her mother started, only to stop mid-sentence when she saw the deadly glare in Nova's eyes. They both burst into laughter, unable to contain their amusement.
“But in all seriousness,” her father continued, his tone becoming sober, "be careful. We don’t have a portal to wherever you’re going, so take this." He handed her a small crystal-like orb, its surface shimmering faintly.
“What is it?” Nova asked, inspecting the ordinary-looking sphere.
“It’s a one-time use teleportation stone,” he explained. “You can use it to escape a dragon's lair, or to come back home if things go sideways. It stays open for up to five minutes, so if you need help, I’ll be able to come through and assist you.” His expression grew serious. “Remember, the path ahead is full of uncertainties. Trust your instincts when nothing else can guide you.”
Nearby, Lyra stepped closer, holding out a small pouch tied with a silver ribbon. “This is for you,” she said, her voice gentle. “A few tokens from home—things that might remind you of us when the road feels lonely.” Her eyes glistened as Nova accepted the pouch, feeling the faint weight of its contents—a polished stone, a dried flower from Aetheril, and a miniature carving of the World Tree.
Alice’s parents approached as well, offering their own quiet encouragement. Her mother clasped Nova’s hand, her elegant features softening into a kind smile. “You’re brave, Nova. Braver than most. Know that you’ll have allies waiting here for your safe return.”
Alice’s father nodded, his stern expression giving way to a rare warmth. “And if you ever find yourself in trouble, remember… you’re not alone in this.”
Nova’s heart swelled with gratitude as she looked around at the faces of those she cared for. Their words and gestures fortified her resolve, reminding her of what she was fighting to protect.
"While we still have some time the lantern festival is about to begin how about we spend the last few minutes lighting a lantern and prey for your safe return Nova" Alice said smiling
Nova hesitated for a moment, then nodded, her throat tightening with emotion. Together, the group moved outside into the cool night air, the sky above them a canvas of stars. The festival had transformed the courtyard into a sea of glowing lanterns, their soft light flickering like fireflies caught in the breeze.
Alice handed Nova a lantern—a delicate creation of paper and wood adorned with intricate patterns that seemed to shimmer faintly. "Here," she said, her voice thick with emotion. "Let’s light it together."
Nova’s hands trembled slightly as she struck the match, the small flame flickering to life and catching on the lantern’s wick. The warm glow illuminated her face, and for a moment, the weight of her mission felt just a little lighter. Together, they released the lantern, watching as it floated upward, joining the hundreds already drifting into the sky.
Eldric stepped forward, his voice steady but filled with emotion. "Oh great World Tree Aetheril," he said, his hands clasped in prayer, "bless our daughter on her journey. Shield her from harm and guide her steps back to us."
Lyra’s voice trembled as she added her own prayer. "Let her find strength when the road is dark and courage when all seems lost."
Alice, unable to hold back her tears, whispered, "Stay safe, Nova. And remember, you have a home waiting for you here."
Nova’s chest ached as she took one last look at the faces of her loved ones, their expressions etched with hope and sorrow.
Alice wrapped her arms around Nova, hugging her tightly while trying to hold back tears. As she stepped back, she handed Nova a small, glowing stone. “Here, I want you to have this,” she said. “It’s a communication stone. If you ever need help or guidance, just speak into it, and I’ll hear you. There are two runes on it: one linked to me and the other to your parents.”
Nova felt a surge of warmth spread from the stone, its cool surface comforting against her palm. “Thank you, Alice. I… I don’t know what to say.”
Alice grinned. “You don’t have to say anything. Just promise you’ll use it if you need to. And don’t worry—it’s enchanted with discretion. No one else will know you’re calling.”
Nova nodded gratefully, tucking the stone into her pouch. “I promise.”
The timer above her head reached zero, and in the open space beside them, a small portal flickered to life, its silvery light casting long shadows across the courtyard. The air seemed to still, the moment heavy with finality.
“That’s your portal,” her father said, placing a hand on her shoulder, his face softening into a small smile, even as a tear made its way down his cheek.
“Father, you’re crying,” Nova teased gently, a smile tugging at her lips.
“I’m just seeing my precious daughter off,” he replied, his voice thick with emotion. Nova rushed forward, hugging him tightly one last time, and he whispered, "I’m going to miss you, my little leaf." Hearing him use that nickname broke the dam of emotions she’d been holding back. Tears spilled down her cheeks as she wept her goodbyes.
Stepping back, she faced the portal, seeing a blurred image on the other side—a man’s back, with a burnt scar running down his right arm.
“Farewell, Mother, Father… and farewell, Alice,” she managed to say, wiping her tears as she turned and stepped through the portal.
-Alice POV-
Alice watched as her friend Nova disappeared into the swirling depths of the portal. The shimmering light swallowed Nova whole, and the portal collapsed in on itself with a soft hum, leaving only empty space behind. A chill ran down Alice’s spine as the reality of Nova’s departure set in.
She could hear Nova's mother weeping softly, her cries muffled against her husband's chest as he comforted her, rubbing small circles on her back, whispering words that even Alice couldn’t make out. The rawness of the moment made Alice feel strangely numb, like the world around her had dimmed, leaving only the sounds of grief.
Alice stood frozen, her heart pounding in her chest as if waiting for Nova to reappear, for the portal to flicker back to life. She had known this moment was coming, but now that it was here and gone, all she felt was a gnawing emptiness, a hollowness in her chest that seemed to spread with every passing second.
Nova was gone, off to a place where even Alice couldn't follow, where magic was uncertain, and danger could lurk behind every corner. She clenched her fists, feeling the cool surface of the communication stone she had given Nova just moments ago. "Stay safe, Nova," she whispered to the empty air, fighting back her own tears, "You better come back to us… no matter what."
The weight of the silence pressed against her, a heaviness that settled in her bones. She turned to Nova's parents, who were still lost in their grief. Alice wanted to say something, to offer some words of comfort or reassurance but found herself unable to speak. Instead, she reached out, placing a gentle hand on Nova's mother's shoulder, feeling the tremble beneath her fingers.
Alice’s eyes caught a flicker of movement in the shadows—a pair of guards, discreetly positioned, their postures tense as they watched from a distance. She gave them a slight nod, a silent signal to retreat, and they vanished back into the hidden alcoves of the portal hall, blending back around the normal people.
She knew they were only there out of duty, assigned to protect her at all times, even when she wished to be alone with her thoughts. It was a constant reminder of who she was supposed to be—the soon-to-be queen of their land, carrying the weight of a kingdom’s expectations on her shoulders.
Only Nova knew the truth behind her royal title. The secret hopes and dreams she harboured, the doubts that gnawed at her when the crown felt too heavy to bear. When Alice had confided in Nova, expecting the usual reverence or fear, she had been met with none of it. Instead, Nova had laughed and shrugged, treating her no differently than before.
And when she questioned why she wasn't scared of her family name, for the amount of blood that laid at her family name, she just smiled and said, "That's all it is, just a name. The only thing that matters is who you are as a person at the end."
That’s what Alice loved most about her friend—Nova never saw her as a future queen, never got caught up in the layers of courtly etiquette or formalities. To Nova, she wasn’t a royal figure; she was just Alice—a young woman who needed a friend, someone to lean on, someone to share her dreams and worries with, not another subject bound by duty, tradition or fear.
Alice sighed, glancing at the space where the portal had stood. She felt the familiar ache of loneliness that came with her position, the isolation that seemed to widen as the day of her coronation drew ever closer. But Nova's unwavering friendship had always been her anchor, reminding her that she was more than her title, more than her duties.
As Alice turned to leave, she whispered softly to the void, "Come back soon, Nova. I’ll be waiting... like always." And with that, she straightened herself, slipping back into the poise expected of a future queen, but with a resolve burning brighter in her heart.
