Ten 

Nine

Eight 

The rules were simple: one person hides and the other seeks. Elias and Elyn were the hide-and-seek masters of the enchanted forest. They knew every good hiding spot, and up north was where the trees grew the tallest and thickest. Not much sunlight got through them, and the other children were deeply afraid to go that far away from the safety of their siblings cottage.

The best time for a guardian to lead the souls of Adamas was during the time when the moon glowed the brightest. This was when the portals to Famuria stayed open the longest. Each country had its own location; Lithum's portal was hidden away in an abandoned building, while Loor's own portal was found in a lighthouse, fittingly so.

The lighthouse in question is one of Loor's known treasures; it was built as a beacon for those lost in the darkness, eager to find their way back home.

"Truly magnificent," said the tollkeeper, gazing at the sight. "You humans never cease to amaze me."

Elyn nodded her head in agreement. The Loor’s Light House was known far and wide for its beauty—a tall, white, pristine tower that illuminated like the moon itself. Elias would show her different monuments in his book showcasing the different geographical locations in Adamas.

"Let’s go home, little ones." Eylan said her thoughts were interrupted by the impatience of the orbs. Elyn couldn’t blame them in the least; after all, who wouldn’t be excited to return home? The souls of Loor all gathered around the pair, and the orbs shone more brightly as they thanked them for helping them find Famuria.

"You’re welcome," smiled Elyn. She always enjoyed this part of being a guardian—seeing the souls move around like happy little puppies excited to be home.

The portal to Famuria was at the top of the lighthouse. Passing through each level was like a little history lesson,which Elyn greatly appreciated. Perhaps at a different time she could come back and really study the history; plus, Loor had a welcoming presence.

Step by step, with Elyn leading the way and TollKeeper keeping an eye on the rear

The orbs bounced gleefully, almost as if they were dancing.

The portals resembled huge doors, or supposedly they did; no living being knew what the doors looked like. Some thought the doors were made of pure gold or a more valuable metal; after all, the Old Ones wouldn’t wear something so pedestrian. Others theorized that the doors were covered with Adam's finest jewels.

"Welcome to Famuria." Elyn said

Next door, the people of Loor were getting back to their regular lives. Mothers look after the house and children. Men returning back to their fishing boats.

"Ahh, goodbye, Loor. I shall miss your buns deeply." said the tollkeeper as he waved like a mad man.

"Let’s go," replied Elyn, who was trying her best not to laugh.

If there was one thing both tollkeepers loved dearly, it was pancakes. With a bowl of fresh fruit, coffee, and water, it’s important to stay hydrated. Keep that in mind, people. After leaving Loor, the two decided the next stop would be the city of Mica, or the mechanical wonderland. Elyn’s father would share his adventures of the city filled with queer men wearing googles as if they had multiple eyes,women completing every day tasks with ease thanks to the various inventions, and kids playing with metal horses and robotic knights. Mica was still quite a good walk away from Loor, maybe a day or two.

"Elyn, take a look." Elias said he recently discovered a new type of fae wing. It was a mix of silver and purple, not like the floral-inspired hues that the fae’s wings normally have.

Piqued by what her brother found, Elyn quickly abandoned her lunch, a bowl of tomato soup with bread, and toddled to Elias.

"I think this might be a new species—some type of nocturnal version of fae." Elias explained, and Elyn’s eyes filled with great enthusiasm.

"Hello, hello there, welcome to the Maldorv Inn." The two were greeted by the innkeeper, a plump and lively middle-aged man.