Outside the throne room, the three paused to decide how to spend the remainder of the day. In the end, Korthok turned toward his chambers, seeking the stillness of meditation, while the boys chose to wander the town before returning to their rooms.
Walking its streets felt almost unreal. Quiet magic stirred everywhere vines curled along archways and buildings, bursting into blooms that swayed and danced at the touch of the passing wind. Clear streams ran through narrow channels beside the walkways, their gentle music carrying reflections of the sky and the softly glowing runes carved into the bridges overhead.
Elves moved through the town with effortless grace, their light laughter and hushed voices blending into the steady hum of enchantment that pulsed through the air. With every step, something new revealed itself, crystal wind chimes singing in unseen breezes, faint motes of magic drifting like fireflies, and the mingled scent of fresh blossoms and ancient forest wood. Here, nature and magic were one and the same, and walking these paths felt less like passing through a town and more like being welcomed into the heart of a living, breathing forest.
The boys now moved through the village with far greater freedom, wandering into shops filled with magical trinkets and marveling at finely enchanted weapons. They strolled past bustling food stalls, taking in the sounds and scents of the town.
As night fell, the village revealed its true beauty glowing tree vines cast soft light along the paths, fireflies filled the air like drifting stars, and tiny fluorescent magical creatures perched on branches or darted around playfully Zaru jumping off Ash's shoulder to join them.
As the brothers walked through the streets on their way back to their rooms, Ash glanced over at Axel.
"Hey, Axel… this place is really nice."
Axel laced his hands behind his head and gazed up at the star-filled sky. "Yeah, it really is. Even the sky looks better than it did back in the mountains."
Ash followed his brother's gaze, then let out a quiet sigh. "But the humans here are so cruel… even worse than the ones in our world."
Axel glanced at his brother and nudged him lightly with his shoulder. "Don't dwell on it too much. As long as we do the right thing, the things no one ever did for us we'll be fine."
In the hallway, Korthok was leaning against the wall beside his door. "I was wondering when you boys would get back," he said. "Did you enjoy yourselves?"
"Yeah," Axel replied. "This place is really cool. We saw all kinds of things we never could've imagined."
"Good," Korthok said as he opened his door. "You should get some rest now. I just wanted to make sure you made it back safely." He stepped inside his room.
"We will," the boys said together, wishing Korthok goodnight before heading into their own room.
The next morning, Olorith called out to the group from outside their doors. Servants stood beside him carrying trays of food, and soon everyone gathered in the hallway.
"Good morning," Olorith said warmly. "I hope you're all well rested we have a big day ahead of us."
He handed Korthok a map. "This marks the location where you and Ash will be training. I'll be accompanying Axel, as you already know. Get yourselves ready, we'll all meet in the throne room before we depart."
As they assembled in the throne room, the king greeted them with a measured gaze. "I trust you are all prepared to begin your training. From this moment on, you will have no contact with anyone beyond your assigned trainers and the servants who will bring your meals each day. You all already know the rest there is no time to waste so you are to depart immediately."
He rested his head against his hand. "Good luck to you, boys."