Arkos, with a gleam in his eyes, thought about the prospect of training under the tutelage of Drilinac, a formidable warrior who could teach him to become a powerful swordsman. Rachel, although still a bit apprehensive, envisioned herself studying magic at a renowned school and becoming a skilled mage. Augusto, on the other hand, smiled broadly at the thought of his future journey as a devoted cleric of the god of merchants. This was exactly what he desired, and he was eager to learn more about his faith and how to use it to help others and, of course, devour new books. With renewed determination, they bid farewell to Mr. Einkill, their new friends, and the small golem Pebbles. Pebbles was clearly saddened by Augusto's departure, and they parted with promises to meet again at the cabin soon. The trio was ready to pursue their individual paths, but their friendship and bonds would remain unbreakable as they sought to become true crystal hunters.
- - There they go, so young... but determined. Well, who wants a mug of dwarven beer before we take Rachel to the magic school? - said Master Einkill, entering the cabin, accompanied by Thistledown and Mardnab, while Rachel continued to watch her friends heading into the dark forest.
Arkos and Drilinac headed southwest, specifically to the mountainous region known as The Spine, which lay in the country of the wind. A very dangerous place, full of aggressive monsters and steep rock peaks, but Daniano had asserted with certainty that it was the best place to quickly turn Arkos into a warrior.
Augusto and Leshanna set off toward the south of the cabin, the coldest area of the forest. This route led to the snowy country, but it was just one stop on their long journey. Later, they would traverse the snowy country toward the divine country.
As Arkos and Augusto approached the trees and moved away from the cozy cabin of Mr. Einkill, they began to notice something they had never seen before in their lives, thus understanding the name given to that forest. It was morning, and the sun illuminated the entire area around the cabin, but as they neared the dense forest, darkness took over, becoming as dark as night, even though it was still before ten in the morning.
- Finally, it was Rachel's turn. The old dwarf explained that he would take her to the transmutation magic school, where an old friend of his taught, so she wouldn't have to worry.
***
Three long months had passed since those three young adventurers had left the small dwarf's cabin. Every day, Pebbles stood on the porch waiting for the return of his dear friend Augusto... he was getting discouraged by how long it was taking.
Mardnab was balancing on three brass buckets, hanging clothes on the line. Normally, Leshanna took care of this task due to her appropriate height, but she was at the cathedral, accompanying Augusto's learning.
Thistledown was lying on the living room floor of the cabin with a clearly bored expression.
- Where's that old man? He said he'd be back today, and it's been five days since he went to get Rachel. - Thistledown impatiently exclaimed.
The fairies watched the years pass by in the blink of an eye, but if there was one thing a fairy hated, it was wasting time.
Mardnab rushed into the cabin, carrying some pieces of clothing that had already dried on her head.
- They must be coming now. - Thistledown sighed in relief.
Mardnab nodded as she hung the last few pieces of clothing on the line.
- Yes, they took longer than expected, but I'm sure Rachel learned many interesting things at the transmutation magic school.
As they chatted, Pebbles started jumping with excitement on the porch, making a metallic noise with his tiny stone feet.
- It looks like he spotted them! - Thistledown exclaimed, getting up quickly.
Mardnab and Thistledown rushed to the porch, and Pebbles pointed to the path leading to the cabin. There, on the horizon, they saw Rachel and Master Einkill.
"They're finally back!" Mardnab rejoiced.
The two of them prepared to welcome their friends, knowing that soon Augusto and Arkos would also arrive and they would hear all the exciting stories of their months of training and learning. It was the beginning of a new journey, and everyone was eager to see what the future held for these young adventurers and their extraordinary companions.
From a distance, one could see the old Einkill wearing a leather hood that concealed his identity even in the forest's darkness, and by his side was Rachel, no longer the same as before; she now appeared as a more confident girl. While crossing the forest, Rachel had once been afraid of everything she didn't know, but now she simply looked ahead, to the path leading to the cabin—her new home. Rachel was wearing a blue mage's robe, and a leather bag hung on her shoulder, clearly carrying a large grimoire. In her hand, she held a magic wand.
The two crossed the bridge over the river that separated the land from the neutral country, and then two figures in the dark came to meet them from the road coming from the south.
- Who is it? - the old dwarf said to the two shadows approaching until they entered the range of the light globe. - It's you!
It was Leshanna and Augusto, returning from the cathedral on a long journey. Augusto exuded a divine aura; his training had clearly paid off. He wore a bronze brown breastplate with the god Hermes' emblem in the center. In his right hand, he held a bronze mace, typical of clerics, and in the other hand, he carried a large bronze shield. Leshanna was unarmed, clearly believing in her new friend's potential to protect her should any danger arise.
- Master Einkill and Rachel! - Augusto exclaimed with joy as he and Leshanna approached their friends whom they hadn't seen in so long.
Then, from a path that branched off a bit to the east, they heard the sound of a heavy sword cutting through the vine-covered trees, cut by cut—it was eerie in some way. So the four of them prepared to fight; it could be anything; you never know what lurks in the Darkwood Forest. Augusto and Leshanna readied their shields and positioned themselves in front of Rachel and the dwarf. Rachel pointed her wand toward the noise, ready to cast a spell, and the old dwarf already had his banjo in hand, prepared for the fight.
- What a violent welcome from you guys! - Arkos exclaimed as he cut through the last vine and became visible in the light globe for all his friends.
Arkos had several cuts on his face and arms from the arduous journey through the forest. He, too, wore a bronze brown armor, identical to Augusto's, and in his hands was a beautiful and enormous bronze longsword.
Pebbles clumsily rushed into the forest when he saw his best friend from afar. He ran until he stumbled on a small stone and slipped, stopping at Augusto's feet.
- Hey, Pebbles, did you wait long, my friend? I've come to get you! - Augusto said with a smile, helping the little one to his feet.
Mardnab arrived as quickly as possible, and Thistledown came flying gently near her.
- Well, well, it looks like the travelers finally returned! - Arkos said with a big smile on his face, putting an arm around his best friend.
- Arkos, my old friend! - Augusto hugged Arkos, expressing the deep friendship they both felt. - You have no idea how much we missed you.
- Rachel! - Arkos exclaimed excitedly. - You look so different! And that mage's robe? It's amazing! -
- Oh, thank you... Arkos. A lot has happened while we were away. - Rachel said, a bit shy.
- I see our cleric friend went through a divine transformation," the old dwarf said, patting Augusto on the shoulders and winking at him.
"True, Master Einkill. Faith in the god Hermes has strengthened me in ways I never imagined. - Augusto said proudly of his training.
- And Rachel, are you ready to show your magic skills? - Mardnab asked, looking at Rachel's beautiful wand.
- Absolutely! I'll amaze you with what I've learned at the transmutation magic school. - Rachel said, raising her magic wand.
- Well, I was beginning to think I'd have to entertain myself for the rest of eternity. - Thistledown said, landing and lying on a tree branch near the group.
- And, finally, we can have a bit of action here instead of just doing laundry. - Mardnab, who was still holding some clothes, said with a laugh.
- It seems that not much has changed since we left. And how is our little friend Pebbles? - Augusto asked, looking at the cabin from afar.
- Oh, Pebbles! He spent all these days eagerly waiting for you, Augusto. - the old Einkill said with a smile, and Pebbles nodded.
- Well, we saw some amazing things on our journeys, but nothing compares to the feeling of being home. - Leshanna said, looking at the path they had traveled.
- I agree, Leshanna. No matter how much we learn or what we face out there, this is our true family now. - Rachel said with a sigh of relief.
And so, all the friends were reunited once again, ready to share their stories, adventures, and memories, knowing that no matter what happened, their friendship was unbreakable.
Everyone then walked toward the old dwarf's cabin and witnessed that strange phenomenon once again. As they walked, they felt the day dawning around them; the night remained within the forest, but around the cabin, it was daytime.
Upon entering the cabin, they noticed that nothing had changed.
- Where's my old friend Drilinac? - Einkill asked Arkos, who was sitting in a chair.
- Well, after I completed my training, he said he had a battle to fight in the depths with his people, and that I could return home on my own, which I actually managed to do. - Arkos said confidently.
- It's about time for lunch, old man. - Thistledown complained.
The little dwarf grumbled his way to the kitchen and prepared a grand feast for the returning guests and their friends.
The girls set the large dining table with seven chairs, three on each side and one for the old dwarf at the head. Then, Master Einkill began bringing out the dishes. There was Omurice, roasted chicken, and grilled trout. For dessert, there was rice pudding and chocolate. All cooked and prepared with great care by the old dwarf.
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