Bridging Worlds: Book 1 Celestoria's Time

-Forlorn Hollowstead-

Geran and Rosche took a moment to absorb the inexplicable events unfolding around them. Geran’s eyes, filled with a mix of curiosity and concern, sought answers from Rosche. “What’s that?” he asked, his voice laced with confusion.

Rosche looked down at her trembling palms, where an ethereal glow pulsed with otherworldly energy. “I... I don’t know,” she stammered, the newfound magic defying the logic of her damaged roots. “It just appeared, as if drawn to me.”

Their bewilderment shared, Geran placed a reassuring hand on Rosche’s shoulder, attempting to calm her panicked heart. “Maybe something extraordinary has happened,” he suggested, “or perhaps you’ve unknowingly repaired your roots.”

Rosche’s confusion deepened as she considered his words. “Maybe,” she said, her voice trembling, “or perhaps it’s tied to my identity.”

Geran nodded thoughtfully. “That’s a possibility,” he agreed. “Maybe it’s time we explore the truth about your origins. Our parents never told you much, especially about how you came to be.”

A sudden recollection struck Rosche. “Verdant Spire!” she exclaimed. “Mother once mentioned finding me inside the Verdant Spire. Maybe it holds answers.”

Determined, Geran agreed, “We will go to Verdant Spire. But promise me, don’t tell anyone about your powers or what just happened, not even Master Gaza or your friend.”

“Why?” Rosche questioned, her doubt evident.

Geran’s gaze turned grave as he explained, “A damaged root can’t be repaired easily. If they find out, they might see you as a threat, especially if you mention Verdant Spire. There’s something ominous about that place.”

Baffled, Rosche inquired, “What’s wrong with Verdant Spire?”

Leaning in, Geran revealed, “It’s a cursed mountain. Our parents stumbled upon it, and Verdant Spire is believed to be the resting place of ancient mages, the Aurerians.”

“The Aurerians?” Rosche recognized, eyes widening. “Like the ones in the stories Master Eldric told us about?”

Geran nodded. “Yes, but there’s more to it. A millennium ago, Ithilien and the twelve kings discovered an artifact, The Aeonstone Medallion, at Verdant Spire. It granted them immortality, binding their bloodline to the artifact or a ritual. Their descendants inherited this immortality.”

Rosche was in shock. “So the myths are true? They became immortals, and everyone from their bloodline carries this immortality?”

“That’s right,” Geran confirmed. “But Verdant Spire collapsed five hundred years ago. Our parents, mere ordinary mages, found that enchanted mountain. Most world artifacts are said to originate from there. What perplexes me is how they discovered it.”

Lost in thought, Rosche focused on the mysterious orb of light in her hands. “What if it didn’t collapse?” she suggested, her voice trembling. “What if it’s an illusion, concealing its true nature?”

With a shared understanding, their journey to Verdant Spire became a quest not only for Rosche’s newfound powers but also to uncover the buried secrets of a place hidden for centuries.