Ah, the city of Loor, and look at that,we arrived just in time for tonight’s festivities," a voice said. Every harvest moon, when the gates of the living and souls are open from sunset to sunrise, there is a celebration of how important the cycle of life is. Seed to crop, baby to man, man returning back to their roots in the dirt below

"Elyn, my dear, you must try the blueberry sweet cream buns; they are absolutely to die for," the voice said just as happily as ever.

Looking at her well-dressed companion—well, maybe an associate, truth be told—Elyn really didn’t know what to think of her traveling partner. His robes made him stand out, of course. The city of Loor was a simple place; shiny jewels and expensive fabrics weren’t really the norm here. Still, his enthusiasm was infectious; perhaps the pair could stay and celebrate for a fortnight or two.

" Sure." Elyn replied with a small smile on her face. It’s been awhile since she got to experience her favorite fruit.

The sweet, beautiful fruit was the Old One's gift to mankind. Both Elyn and her brother Elias would spend hours picking the delicious fruit and eating until their teeth and tongue turned blue. The pair laughed, enjoying the treats in their own little Eden.

Suddenly, a parade of blue orbs began to surround the pair. It was almost like they were dancing to the beat of their own drums.

"Well, look at that; the festival has begun a bit early," the tollkeeper said, performing his own little jig.

Elyn smiled, watching the crowd gather in front of her. It was only during these times when the souls of Lithum would visit the world of the living that she felt most alive.

"Come, join us, Elly." The tollkeeper laughed as not only the orbs danced gleefully, but the gathering group of humans also joined in the fun. Despite her not wanting to join in,Elyn wasn’t the best dancer; she wasn’t the worst either, but dancing in public really wasn’t the norm for her. Then again, the poor girl had no choice,as the villagers of Loor quickly included her in the impromptu dance party.

It was a wonderful sight to behold people of all ages, sizes, and social status all celebrating the blessings of the Harvest Moon,accompanied by the sweet smell of cinnamon and vanilla,delicious fruits, and savory pot stew.

"Hmm, perhaps we could get a bowl of delicious fish stew; Loor is known for its seafood," the tollkeeper replied. He knew that fish stew was one of Elyn's childhood favorites. It was just something about the family sitting down for the day, the father coming back from a long day of selling various knickknacks to the most peculiar of customers, the mother doing her best to hold down the fort, Elias and her spending hours in their own enchanted forest, and coming back to be refueled by the various spices, seafood, and vegetables.

"Yeah, sure."  Elyn smiled, her small smile growing bigger and bigger as the festival continued.

The city of Loor kept dancing throughout the night. The streets were filled up and down with people, and who wouldn’t want to celebrate the one day when the living could once again be in the presence of their loved ones? It didn’t matter if they couldn’t physically see them; after all, no one could see the wind, yet everyone felt its presence.

Elias would love this, Elyn thought as she admired the sunset. This was always Elyn's favorite moment of the day. After a long day of fighting faeries,helping gnomes tend to their gardens, and figuring out secret messages that the Old Ones sent from long ago, sitting on top of the forest's highest hill, the siblings would watch the sun seemingly being eaten by the moon. Of course, now Elyn knew that wasn’t true, but of course, like most little kids,she had a very active imagination.

"I thought I could find you here; of course I was right." Said the tollkeeper, instantly breaking the young adolescent's train of thought.

Elyn didn’t answer; with her eyes closed and digits in the sand, that was it. Elias once told her that there were places with miles and miles of sand. Right now, the only thing Elyn wanted to do was feel every grain possible. The dyad between land and sea was something that a small girl from a small village could ever dream to see.

"Elly, come, my dear,for you are missing the best part of the festival!" The toll keeper exclaimed with the same impatience as a small child waiting to go to various toy stores.

"You’re like a child." Elyn chuckled slightly, opening her eyes and looking at the figure next to her.

"Hmm, well, I am quite young, truthfully."

"Of course."  Elyn replied with a tiny smirk.

"Oh, don’t forget we have to guide the orbs along Famuria," said the tollkeeper.

Famuria was, or is, the next world. Free from the trials and tribulations of living in Adamas. The two were in perfect balance thanks to the constant travel of souls. This was the main reason why Elyn and Toll Keeper were with her in Loor. The chance to celebrate the Harvest Moon was nice and even needed, but as a Guardian, Elyn had a job to do.

"Help me, oh prodigal daughter, and I shall tell you more information about your brother." A decaying voice said

For ten years now, this has been what gave Elyn her reason to live: she wanted to give Elias a proper burial. She wanted to solve this mystery for her parents, who never had the opportunity to give their son a proper funeral. Elyn wanted to guide Elias to Famuria.

"Elias would love the blueberry sweet cream buns." Elyn said quietly