A New World

The dawn cast a soft glow over the village, painting it in hues of pink and gold. As Amukelo and Eliss prepared to set out on their next adventure, Eliss paused, looking at Amukelo with concern.

"Amukelo," she began, choosing her words carefully, " I know I might not be the best person to say this but before we leave, I really think you should speak to Jarek and Mikal one last time."

Amukelo's expression hardened. "I've said everything I needed to say, Eliss. What's left?"

Eliss gently took his hand, her eyes searching his. "Closure. Not just for you, but for them too. And for your mother. She would want her family to be together. Don't leave with things left unsaid."

Amukelo looked away, struggling with his emotions. "It's not that simple," he murmured.

Eliss's voice softened. "It never is. But sometimes, we need to make the difficult choices, the ones that challenge our hearts. If you wasn't given to see them again, would you want to your last conversation look like this?"

Taking a deep breath, Amukelo nodded. "You are right," he said.

As they approached Jarek and Mikal, who were waiting near the village entrance, an awkward silence enveloped them. Amukelo finally broke it. "I... I wanted to say goodbye properly. I'm setting out on another journey, and I don't know when I'll be back."

Jarek took a step forward, his voice thick with emotion. "Amukelo, we understand your anger, your pain. And we respect your decision. But always remember, you're our brother, and that bond can never be broken."

Mikal added, "No matter where you go, no matter how far, we'll always be here. Waiting for you. Hoping for a time when we can rebuild what was lost."

Amukelo nodded slowly. "Take care of mother's grave. She deserves that much. And if you ever need funds for its maintenance, speak to Eagor. He'll assist."

Jarek smiled faintly, "We promise. She'll always be remembered, always be honored."

Amukelo's eyes shimmered with unshed tears. "Farewell," he whispered.

Mikal stepped forward, pulling Amukelo into a brief, tight hug. "May the winds be in your favor, little brother," he murmured.

Eliss watched the interaction, her heart aching with a mix of sorrow and hope. As Amukelo turned away from his brothers, she could see the weight on his shoulders, the pain of the past. But she also saw the promise of a new beginning, of healing and growth.

As they left the village the world around them seemed to settle into a tranquil lull. Amukelo took in a deep breath, letting the scent of the surrounding nature wash over him before speaking. "Eliss, have I ever told you about the Tale of the New World as told by Syltar, the wise elf?"

Eliss shook her head, her curiosity piqued. "No, but I'm eager to hear it."

Amukelo began, "Years ago, when I was just a boy, I used to sneak into the forest to listen to Syltar's tales. One that captured my imagination was about a realm, untouched by know kind, hidden beyond formidable challenges."

"The first obstacle is the Whispering Forest of Elarth. The trees there are ancient, their roots reaching deep into the very soul of the earth. As one steps into this forest, the leaves rustle, whispering tales of the past, of love lost and battles fought. These whispers can drive a person to madness. Many have ventured in, but their minds became ensnared by the tales, and they were lost forever, wandering endlessly. Even the elves, with their innate connection to nature, cannot decipher the true path through its maze of trees."

Eliss's eyes widened with wonder. "It sounds enchanting, yet perilous."

Amukelo nodded, "Indeed. But those who brave the forest and come out on the other side meet the Abyss of Sorrow. It's said that this chasm is the manifestation of the world's collective grief. To cross it, one cannot simply walk around or fly over. They must descend into its depths, where the air grows thick with sorrow, and confront their own darkest fears and regrets. Only when they've made peace with their past can they hope to reach the other side."

Amukelo continued, "Beyond the abyss lie the Shifting Sands of Nareth. These aren't ordinary sands. They move and change, creating illusions, mirages of water and shelter. Many have been led astray, their bodies never to be found. Only by following the North Star, a fixed point in the ever-shifting landscape, can one hope to traverse this vast desert."

"And then," he sighed, "come the Towering Peaks of Urmak. These mountains touch the heavens. There are two known paths: one that takes adventurers through treacherous peaks, where the air is thin and the cold, biting. Here, avalanches are frequent, and the wind carries whispers of those who've perished. The other way is through a maze, a labyrinthine puzzle carved into the mountain's heart. Its walls shift, its paths change, and no one has ever emerged from it."

Eliss swallowed hard, "What lies beyond?"

Amukelo's voice dropped to a whisper, "The unknown. No soul who has ventured past the mountains has returned to tell the tale. Some say it's a paradise, a utopia untouched by time. Others believe it's a void, a place of nothingness."

Eliss pondered for a moment before saying, "It's almost as if something doesn't want us to reach this new world."

Amukelo grinned, the twinkle in his eyes betraying his excitement, "That's the exciting part. Every challenge, every test, is but a stepping stone, pushing us to be better, to grow stronger."

Eliss doubting herself, forced her response to be energetic. "Then let's embark on this journey and uncover the mysteries of this new world."