Byran Forest is one of the largest forests located on the outskirts of Papillion. It’s known for its haunting stories of people getting spirited away and not returning or its three a.m. noises that people describe as the sound of a lone flute stuck on one note. Although, the youth believe otherwise assuming that the village people made it up so no one goes there and gets lost or hurt. 

The early morning fog has just about set as the birds and squirrels go about their day of hunting and gathering. Subtle hints of light peeks through the tall cascading pine trees. The sound of life, be it big or small, surrounds the forest.

“Man it blows that compasses don’t work in this forest, we could be able to navigate much easier with one”, Kay says with an annoyed expression as he puts his compass back into his cross bag.

“Whatever, at least we have the sky tree to help us reference our location” Ven says, as Kay gazes at the towering tree that makes the others appear as dwarfs by comparison. It stands up high to the north east of them, stretching out to the nearest 4 miles. “If we have it in sight we at least know what area we're most likely in.” The boys begin their hike through the dense vegetation.

Ven pulls out the quest paper from his back pocket, beginning to unfold it's randomly shaped creases. 

Kay scurries closer to him hoping to catch a glimpse of the quest, “let me take a look, what does the goblin look like?” Ven quickly folds the upper part of the paper hoping that Kay wouldn’t pry further than the illustration.

“Oh, uh-- it looks like a normal elven goblin, bald, green, pointy ears, mostly unclothed. Although, he has huge saber teeth coming from his lower jaw.” Ven replied. 

“Oh that’s new, how would we find it?” Ven folded the quest back up returning it to his pocket. “I think we should probably head to the river, it will get thirsty sooner or later.”

“Yeah good point, so what’s the plan, should you fight forward as I support from behind or should we lead it somewhere?”, replied Kay with hints of enthusiasm.

“Let’s play it safe and lead it somewhere, this is our first battle after all. Let’s survey the river area and see if we could think of a plan then”. They both agreed as they made their way further into the forest. They climbed through steep hills to narrow passageways, grabbing hold of any branch to help them ascend. The closer they got to the river put the realization of fighting into their heads. It was something they always wanted to excel in, but hadn't been given the chance yet. 

“Hey Ven, I know it’s great that we have this chance, but I’m starting to feel a bit nervous. What if we mess up?”. Kay grasped his bag strap hoping to relieve his hand from the anxious tremors.

Ven took a glance behind to snag a view of Kay. He turned back paying his attention to the steep cliff face in front of him. The cliff stood 9 ft to the floor and four feet to the ongoing path across from him. A leap of faith no doubt. He stood there before the crevice looking on to the path ahead.

“Yeah, I feel the same, there was only so much practice we could get in between all the jobs, and let alone that was just between ourselves. We haven't fought anyone else before, although, if we don’t take this chance, when will we be given another one, and would we still be willing to take it then? We’re already sixteen, we’re behind most in our age group.”

Ven took a few steps back as he began his approach with built up speed shifting his weight over to his legs as he swung his arms and giving him enough push jumping across the gap. He landed on his forefoot forcing his knees to stop the momentop. He stood back up and turned back to Kay.

“I’m tired of waiting. I would have taken the leveling exam years ago if it wasn’t because of the money.”   The wind fell silent allowing light to descend through the trees onto the path before Kay. The calmness of the forest made their worries seem light as the grounds appeared to welcome them. “ I agree.” said Kay as he mimicked Ven’s approach and  landing to Ven’s side. He lent a hand to Kay helping him stand back up next to him.

“Then we’re in this together”, says Ven with a huge smile across his face.