Chapter Nine.

The tunnel's darkness enveloped Zev as he stumbled forward. With each step, the path seemed to narrow, drawing him closer to what appeared to be a dead end. He reached out, his hand brushing against the muddy wall, his thoughts drifting to Pa Chu. Furrowing his brows, he leaned down and pressed his ear against the wall's surface.

"I hope this leads to Levaerûn," he muttered to himself, his voice echoing faintly in the tunnel. "I need to get to the other side of Tirion so I can make my way to Linvale."

For a tense moment, Zev listened intently, the silence broken only by the distant echo of his own breath. Finally, he nodded to himself, satisfied. Zev decided that it led to Levaerûn. Stepping back, he clenched his fists, channeling his energy into them. A subtle green glow emanated from his palms as he dug them into the wall.

With a rumble and a gradual opening, the wall yielded, revealing a path. Zev wasted no time and continued forward, his hand grazing the muddy walls as he moved. In the darkness, he strained his eyes, trying to see.

An hour later, Zev was still navigating through the tunnel. A fork in the path confronted him and he paused, glancing around. Pa Chu never told him of more tunnels. Did he make all of these? Zev shook his head to clear his thoughts. "Focus," he reminded himself. He glanced around again and chose the middle path, relying on his instincts.

Hours of exertion took their toll, Zev was exhausted from using his magic for so long. At another fork, Zev sank to the ground, his legs protesting from the endless trek and his hands aching from forging paths. He leaned his back against the wall, letting out a tired sigh. "Damn," he grumbled, "This is exhausting." Yet, he refused to dwell on his fatigue or the uncertain duration of his journey. He was simply grateful for escaping Crystal Pit alive, though thoughts of his final moments with Pa Chu weighed heavy on his chest.

In the midst of his contemplation, an unexpected sensation pulled at his shirt. Zev's body tensed as he glanced down, trying to figure out what tugged at him. He picked the creature up with both hands and it took a moment for his eyes to adjust, revealing a peculiar creature in his grasp. The creature wriggled and squirmed, its skin silky smooth to the touch. Its white eyes, large and ethereal, stared up at him with golden irises and slitted pupils. Long, white hair with a yellow flower on it, framed its face. It had a slender tail behind it.

Startled, Zev let out a yelp as the creature bit his thumb.

"Ow! Hey!" He dropped the creature, nursing his throbbing thumb. "What are you?" he asked.

Zev sat in fascination, observing the creature's twitches and wriggles. The mysterious being suddenly grasped what appeared to be a staff and lightly tapped it against the tunnel wall. The sound of the tap echoed, displaying a radiant ring of light that danced along the tunnel's surfaces. Zev's eyes remained fixed on the enchanting spectacle, as the luminous circle gradually condensed into a brilliant orb, bursting into a myriad of tiny, floating lights that bathed the tunnel in a radiant glow. Some of the orbs playfully bounced off the ceiling above Zev, while others gently settled on his clothing. One of the radiant specks, landed lightly on his face. It felt warm.

Breaking the trance, Zev shifted his gaze downward to meet the inquisitive eyes of the creature before him. It was a female troll, her appearance enchanting. Her skin was a delicate, pale lavender hue. Her attire consisted of leaves and flowers woven into vines, elegantly concealing her breasts and waist while leaving the rest of her body uncovered. Zev couldn't help but notice the glistening gold jewelry adorning her wrist, ears and neck, along with a glimpse of a flower tattoo gracing her shoulder. Standing at a petite four feet in height, she exuded an undeniable, breathtaking beauty. Zev's gaze finally settled on her eyes as they locked onto his.

A gentle, melodious voice broke the silence, pulling Zev from his reverie. "Why do you look at me like that?" the troll inquired, her pointy ears twitching in curiosity.

Zev, a warm smile spreading across his face, shook his head in disbelief. "Sorry," he said softly, "it's just.... you're beautiful."

The troll responded with a giggle, and Zev couldn't help but chuckle in return. "Are you okay?" he asked her. She nodded gracefully. "My name is Bie, and I'm a Bloomer Troll," she introduced herself, pointing to her flower tattoo.

Bie tilted her head. "You're still looking at me like that."

Zev's grin widened, "I was just wondering what kind of troll you were. I didn't know there were such beautiful kinds," he admitted, and Bie's laughter chimed like a gentle bell.

Waving his hand, Zev continued, "Hi Bie, I'm Zev. Tell me, what's a Bloomer?"

Bie regarded him, fluttering her large eyelids. "Are you serious? What kind of elemental doesn't know what a Bloomer is?"

Zev's smile persisted, though it faltered slightly when Bie added, "Bloomers are the first class of Troll, with the second and third being Beasters and Pyrites." Seated across from him, she extended her hand, her bangles tinkling softly as she reached out to touch one of the floating balls of light. The orb playfully twirled around her finger before bouncing away.

Bie's smile remained as she continued her explanation, "Bloomers are nature's botanical caretakers. We wield plant-controlling magic to help nature and shape Elamenta's flora while harnessing the energy of sunlight."

"Oh," Zev said, flashing a sheepish grin. "That explains why you can conjure these lights." He scanned their surroundings and chuckled.

"They do add a certain charm, don't they?" Bie nodded happily, before continuing. "Beasters have a unique gift, you see. They're empathetic communicators with the animal kingdom. They can form telepathic bonds with animals and even adopt their traits through shapeshifting."

Zev's interest piqued. "Well, that's really intriguing."

"I must admit, I'm quite surprised that an elemental like you doesn't know much about your own roots," Bie giggled again. Zev chuckled awkwardly. "You see, I grew up with just one concern - survival," he explained. "I never really cared to ask about anything else." Bie propped her chin on her hand, studying him from head to toe.

"Hmm, so what brings you down here to this tunnel?" she inquired. Zev let out a tired laugh and ruffled his hair. "Well I managed to escape from Crystal Pit, and I'm using this tunnel to navigate my way to Levaerûn," he said, raising his muddy hands for emphasis. "I've been carving out paths for a while, and I'm utterly drained." He brushed dirt off his shirt. "Plus, if i linger out here any longer, I'll be too exhausted to use my magic, and then I'll be truly stuck." Zev sighed.

Bie nodded as he explained. "Are you some sort of criminal? Crystal Pit's prisoners can be quite dangerous. Am I safe with you?" Zev smirked and shook his head.

"No, I'm not a prisoner anymore. Just.... lost," he admitted, rubbing his weary forehead. "And, well, hungry."

"I know the way to Levaerûn," Bie offered immediately. "Let me guide you there."

Zev perked up, surprised as he looked at her. Bie nodded with determination. "Aren't you afraid of me? After all, I did escape from Crystal Pit," Zev asked.

Bie pointed first to herself then to Zev with her index finger. "I'm a Bloomer and you need help. Bloomers are fearless, so I am not afraid." she declared with confidence before breaking into a cheerful giggle.

Zev couldn't help but join in, despite his exhuastion. "Alright, alright. You're not afraid," he agreed with a smile. "So, where exactly is Levaerûn?"

"We are in Levaerûn, precisely the outskirts that leads into the forested region," Zev blinked rapidly. He had been in Levaerûn this whole time? He must've been more lost than he realized. Zev smiled, "Cool. I'd be grateful if you could guide me there, though." As he stood up, he added, "I need to reach Linvale, that's where my family is. It's been four years, but if I remember correctly, Linvale is on the other side of Tirion, right?"

Bie picked up her staff and stood, replying, "Yes, these tunnels connect Tirion to Levaerûn because they're the closest to each other. So you can reach Linvale through these tunnels." Zev grinned and said, "Lead the way."

Bie tapped her staff against the wall, and the glowing orbs of light followed them as they walked. Zev started, "You haven't told me about Pyrites." Bie nodded, "Oh, right. Pyrites are the geological architects of Elamenta. They possess the ability to shape landscapes, control minerals, and tap into the earth's leyline energy."

Zev looked amazed, "Wow, trolls wield incredible power." Bie giggled, "We are the caretakers of Elamenta, alongside the elves, fairies, and other indigenous creatures." She glanced at Zev who was still captivated by the orbs of light.

They reached another fork in the tunnel, with paths branching left and right. Bie led Zev to the right, along a narrow trail. Zev quipped, "Are you all obsessed with gold? Trolls are known for that, right?" Bie chuckled, "Yes, gold is very significant to us. But when it comes to obsession, you're thinking of Pyrites. Oh, those trolls have a rather unsettling love for gold." Bie groaned, and Zev restrained his laughter.

She added with a frown, "They're are so old and wrinkly.....and creepy." Zev couldn't help but chuckle, "Okay, one more question. How did you end up in this tunnel? You're far too pretty to be in a dark, muddy place like this."

Bie giggled and explained, "I was chasing after an injured animal yesterday, a white cat with a horn on her head. Everytime I approached her, she growled." She chuckled softly. "I eventually coaxed her into letting me help, but she got really angry, grew larger, and chased me for a long time, despite her wounds. I fell into a hole in the streets and ended up here in the tunnels. I couldn't sleep well with the sound of her growls echoing in my mind."

She scratched her head with her staff, and Zev patted her head reassuringly, "You did well, Bloomer."

"Of course, Bloomers are fearless." Bie said.

"That's cool. Now stop thinking about that cat and pay attention." Zev playfully tapped Bie's arm, eliciting a warm smile from her. "Okay. We're almost there. There's no tunnel that leads directly to Linvale, so we'll have to go through the forest and follow the stream." she informed Zev.

"Sounds easy enough." Zev replied with a grin, and Bie nodded in agreement. "My powers aren't as good because I've been in this tunnel since yesterday, and i didn't get any rest the day before," Bie admitted shyly before continuing. "We'll part ways when we get to the forest. I can get some rest inside one of the trees, and you just have to follow the stream." She explained to Zev.

Zev nodded, glancing up to check on the fading lights above them. A sigh of relief, escaped him. "Thank you for helping me," he said, his appreciation clear in his smile. Bie responded with a shrug.

"I'm just doing what i do best -- helping," she said.

They continued walking in silence for a while until they spotted an opening at the end of the path. Zev stopped and peered into the darkness. "Is that it?" he asked, squinting.

"That's it." Bie replied with a playful giggle, both of them staring at the inviting glow. As they stepped closer, the radiant scene expanded before them.

"Sunlight..." Zev breathed in wonder, dropping to his knees and covering his face, laughter bubbling up. "I made it. I escaped Crystal Pit." He turned to Bie, gratitude in his eyes. "Thank you," he said, grinning.

Bie's smile widened, and she nodded. "It was no problem." Zev rose to his feet, extending his hand towards her.

"Friends?" he asked.

Bie clasped her hands in his, shaking it vigorously, her grin matching his enthusiasm.

Twenty-four hours ago, Zev has begun his day detained in Crystal Pit, but now, with the help of Pa Chu and Bie, he had navigated both the prison and tunnels. But now he was free. Free! To feel the sunlight on his face, the gentle breeze tousling his hair, and breathe in the scent of fresh air. He was finally free.

Bie tapped her staff on the ground, and the surrounding plants responded by glowing, illuminating their surroundings. Even the flowers radiated softly and hidden rocks now gleamed. She extended her hand, and the plants obediently gathered around her, climbing her feet and legs as she affectionately patted their soft, green heads.

"Hello." she greeted them with a bright smile. Zev watched in awe as Bie played with her verdant companions.

The plants gently lifted Bie into the air, forming a stool where she stood ontop. She turned to Zev. "Remember what i told you?" she inquired.

"Yeah," Zev nodded, recalling her words "I have to follow the stream to Linvale. Thanks. For everything."

Bie waved her hand dismissively. "Don't worry about it. We're buds, aren't we?" She playfully tapped the buds on the plant leaves, causing their soft light to flicker even brighter. Bie giggled at the effect.

"Get it? Buds?"

Zev couldn't help but smile, thoroughly entertained by the enchanting scene before him. "Yeah, i got it," he said with a chuckle.

Bie returned his smile and lovingly petted the plant heads, each leading her to different trees. Her fingers danced gently on the vibrant leaves until she settled on a towering, majestic tree. Its vines followed her, wrapping around her protectively as she reached out to touch its bark. The leaves of the tree shimmered brilliantly, contrasting beautifully with her pristine white hair. Soft whispers from the plant leaves tickled her ears, making her giggle softly.

She leaned in, placing her head against the tree's bark and closed her eyes, taking in a deep breath.

Zev, still in awe, couldn't contain his curiosity. "Is that the tree you've chosen to rejuvenate yourself in?" he asked, genuinely intrigued.

Bie playfully opened one eye, gazing up at him. "Yes, that's right. Let me show you," she squealed excitedly. She gently knocked on the tree's bark, which obediently began to crack open. From within, a large pink flower bud emerged, slowly unfurling its delicate petals as a long stem extended outward. "Greetings, my friend," Bie whispered softly as she placed her hand on the flower's sturdy stem. The flower responded by enveloping her in its gentle embrace, drawing her into the heart of the tree, which then sealed itself shut.

Zev stood there, eagerly waiting for a response from the tree. His gaze wandered, scanning the surroundings as he anticipated something extraordinary. It didn't take long before he noticed golden streaks of light flowing from the leaves of the neighboring trees down to their roots. These luminous streams intertwined and connected one another before flowing into the tree where Bie had entered.

In just a matter of minutes, the entire tree was adorned with these shimmering golden streaks, from its roots deep underground to its highest branches touching the sky. Zev watched in amazement as the lights grew brighter, enveloping the tree in their radiant embrace. A gentle breeze rustled through the leaves, and golden leaflets cascaded to the ground.

Soon, the brilliance faded, and a new opening appeared in the side of the tree. The large flower, with its closed bud, now unfurled its petals. Zev's eyes widened with wonder as he saw Bie, curled into a ball at the flower's center, slowly open her eyes and flash him a gleeful grin. Her lavender skin sparkled in the sunlight. "Hiya," she greeted, waving at him. Zev couldn't help but return her wide smile.

"Hey, I feel great!" Bie exclaimed.

Zev beamed with delight. "That was really awesome."

Bie giggled, gracefully hopping off her leafy friend. Her every step left behind glowing footprints on the ground as she walked up to Zev. She looked up at him, her eyes sparkling, and pouted playfully. "Two hundred years later, and rejuvenating is still my best part of being a Bloomer," she confessed. "Well, after helping, of course..."

Zev tilted his head. "You're two hundred years old? I mean, I guess it shouldn't be surprising that trolls live that long, but....two hundred years?"

Bie nodded with a grin. "Yep, that's how old i am. How old are you?" she asked.

Zev chuckled sheepishly, scratching his head. "Well, i'm 21 years old."

Bie burst into laughter at Zev's reply.

"You're as old as baby trolls!"

Zev chuckled and shrugged. "I guess so." Just as the words left his lips, his stomach rumbled loudly, causing him to blush with embarrassment.

"Ah, my stomach," he muttered to himself, feeling a sudden pang of hunger. "I better get going to Linvale."

Bie giggled in response and nodded. "Extend my greetings to your mum?"

Zev's smiled faded as he hesitated before replying, "I cant." His voice grew softer as he continued. "She passed away four years ago, the same day i was taken to Crystal Pit." He looked down at his feet. "I escaped because i missed my family and tomorrow is her death anniversary." he explained.

Bie, who had been listening attentively, reached into her hair and produced a seed. Her fingers deftly removed one of her gold earrings from her ear. "Here" she said, extending them toward Zev. "Take these."

Zev accepted the offerings, his eyes curious as he examined the seed carefully. "I'm not good at gardening." he chuckled.

Bie shook her head. "No, silly. That's a soul seed. Plant it near your mother's grave, after watering, it'll grow into a beautiful flower that represents her soul." she explained.

Zev's expression softened, and he let out a short, genuine laugh. "That's beautiful. What about the earring?" he asked, holding it delicately in his hand.

Bie giggled merrily. "That's a gift. I don't respond well to negativities like sadness so i gave you a gift. Gold makes us trolls happy, and now you can be happy too," she said cheerfully.

Zev thanked her warmly and slipped the soul seed into his shirt pocket. He delicately attached the golden earring, shaped like a petal, to his ear. "It's lighter than i thought it'd be," He said quietly.

Bie smiled up at him, eyes sparkling. "Now, I'll leave you to your journey. Be careful on your way and I hope we meet again, bud." With a wave, she disappeared, bursting into balls of light and spread throughout the forest.

Zev waved goodbye to the Bloomer troll before sighing contentedly. What an oddly cheerful troll. He turned around to find the stream. Zev walked through the woods for a little while, the serenity of the forest calming his spirits. Eventually, he came upon a large clearing and paused to take in and assess his surroundings.

Glancing to the right, he strained his ears to listen for the sound of a stream rushing by, but there was none. Undeterred, he turned his attention to the left and followed his instincts, listening once more. After several minutes, the sound of water running reached his ears, and a wide smile of excitement crossed his face.

He followed the soothing sound as it grew louder, guiding him to his destination. He hurried over and stumbled upon a wide stream winding its way through the left side of the forest. "A stream! Finally!" he exclaimed, his eyes lighting up. Zev knelt down and dipped his fingers into the cool, flowing water. The sensation of freshness against his muddy skin was heavenly. Swiftly, he washed away the caked mud from his hands, face and feet, then scooped some water to quench his thirst, drinking greedily. A contended sigh escaped him as he wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. "Just need to follow this stream, and I'll reach Linvale," Zev thought, taking in the serene surroundings.

The sun bathed the scene in warm radiance, while melodious birdsong filled the air as feathered creatures flitted from tree to tree. Zev cherished this moment of peace and contentment until a rustling sound from across the stream disrupted his reverie. He furrowed his brow and squinted at the disturbance. A pair of brilliant blue eyes peeked out from behind a bush. a limping horned-cat emerged, a lifeless rabbit in its jaw.

The feline gazed over at Zev before dropping the rabbit and limping over to the stream for a drink. Delicately, she dipped a paw into the water, initially recoiling, but then trying again. After slaking her thirst, she groomed her paws meticulously. Zev observed in silence. The cat's ears twitched as she sensed his gaze upon her. She looked up at him and purred.

"Are you lost?" Zev asked softly. He leaped from rock to rock, crossing the stream, and stood beside her. He extended his hand to gently touch her paw pads, but she withdrew slightly.

She meowed and scratched her ears.

"What happened to your stomach? Where did that terrible wound come from?" Zev inquired, gesturing to her injured belly. The feline sniffed at the bloodied dirt, then carefully touched her stomach, as if trying to cleanse it of the stains. Zev studied her intently. "Hmm...A wounded cat with a horn," he murmured softly, recollecting Bie's story about a similar cat. "You're the cat Bie tried to help."

The cat glared up at Zev and emitted a low growl. Zev looked down, offering an awkward smile. "She was right about you being feisty, though."

She meowed one more before turning away. With the dead rabbit clutched in her jaws, she limped away quickly. Zev silently trailed behind her, making an effort not to startle her. As he approached the edge of the clearing, he saw her pause beside what appeared to be a lifeless body. A body? What was a body doing here? He crept closer and scrutinized the scene. It was a girl. The feline growled as he inched nearer. Zev halted and raised his hands placatingly. "I'm not a threat," he assured the cat. However, she continued to growl. Zev decided to ignore her for the moment and focused on the injured girl. Who could've inflicted such harm upon her and her feline?