Beyond the Veil

01

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The sun hung low on the horizon, casting long shadows across the forest floor as Valerie wandered through the dense foliage. She had always been drawn to the woods near her home in Hallow, finding solace among the towering trees and the gentle rustle of leaves.

On this particular evening, however, Valerie's usual sense of tranquility was tinged with an inexplicable restlessness. She couldn't shake the feeling that something was calling out to her—a whisper in the wind, a glimmer of light through the trees.

Following her instincts, Valerie pressed on, her senses on high alert as she navigated through the dense underbrush. And then, just as she was about to turn back, she stumbled upon a sight that took her breath away—an ethereal woman standing amidst the trees.

For a moment, Valerie hesitated, her heart pounding in her chest.

With a deep breath, Valerie spoke to the woman, "Hello?"

"Hello," the elf said, her voice soft and melodic. "My name is Clara. I come from a world with people just like you."

"What do you mean like me?"

"Well, many of us have abilities. I am a froster, and I am able to manipulate particles of ice in the air to do various things."

Valerie's eyes widened in astonishment at the elf's words, her mind reeling with the implications of what she had found.

Clara smiled kindly, her gaze filled with compassion. "You should come with me to the Lost Cities. I understand that you have questions, and they can all be answered."

As Valerie processed Clara's words, she couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement coursing through her veins. This was the adventure she had always dreamed of—a chance to explore a world beyond her wildest imagination, to unlock the mysteries of her own destiny, "How do we get there?"

"We have to light leap. It's simple, just follow my lead."

"Ok, let's go."

Valerie followed Clara through the winding streets of the Lost Cities, marveling at the sights and sounds around her. Finally, they arrived at a glowing gate nestled amidst lush gardens and shimmering fountains—Everglen. As Valerie stepped through the gates, she felt a sense of awe wash over her, knowing that her life was about to change forever.

A faint click sounded, and the gate swung open, revealing an elf. He was tall and lean, with vibrant teal eyes and dark, wavy hair.

"Valerie, this is my friend, Alden." Clara introduced.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Valerie," Alden stated with an odd accent Val couldn't quite place. "I see you have green eyes. That's very fascinating."

"Thank you," Valerie said, although it sounded like a question.

"Anyways, I think it would be wise to not keep our guests waiting." Clara said, while walking down a narrow path.

"Yes, let's go and I will explain what is going to happen along the way." Alden explained.

The trio made their way down the pathway and Valerie was told what would happen. From what she understood, she had to take a test of sorts to see if she qualifies for a school, Foxfire Academy.

Long story short, she met three councilors named Emery, Darek, and Oralie. Emery and Derek seemed very skeptical at first, most likely due to her mesmer ability, but Oralie reassured them Valerie had no evil intentions. Therefore, Valerie was informed she would attend Foxfire Academy, but start as a level 2 prodigy. She would also have to take a class with a mentor for her ability. Unfortunately, she would have to catch up and take extra classes during her free time when need be.

Alden and Clara seemed very pleased by the news. The two elves later informed her she would have to permanently leave the human world and reside with a new family in the Lost Cities, but Alden reassured her he would look out for her.

The morning sun cast a golden glow over Hallow as Valerie stood at the threshold of her childhood home, her heart heavy with a mixture of anticipation and sadness. She had spent her entire life in this town, surrounded by familiar faces and cherished memories. But now, as she prepared to leave it all behind, she couldn't help but feel a pang of nostalgia for the life she was about to leave behind.

Her parents stood beside her, their expressions a mix of pride and concern as they watched their daughter prepare for her journey into the unknown. They had been told Valerie was accepted into an elite school with a scholarship. They had always supported Valerie's dreams, even when they couldn't fully understand the depth of her longing for adventure and discovery.

"Are you sure about this, Val?" her father asked, his voice tinged with uncertainty.

Valerie nodded, her resolve firm despite the twinge of doubt in her heart. "I have to do this, Dad."

Her mother reached out and squeezed her hand, her eyes shining with unshed tears. "We'll miss you, sweetheart. But we understand. Just promise us you'll stay safe and never forget where you come from."

Valerie smiled through her own tears, feeling the weight of her parents' love and support envelop her like a warm embrace. "I promise, Mom. I'll always carry Hallow in my heart, no matter where my journey takes me."

With a final embrace and a whispered farewell, Valerie stepped out into the crisp morning air, her gaze fixed on the horizon where Clara waited for her. She knew that once she crossed that threshold, there would be no turning back—a new chapter of her life was about to begin, one filled with adventure, mystery, and endless possibilities.

As she approached the portal, Valerie felt a surge of excitement course through her veins, drowning out the last traces of doubt and fear. With a deep breath, she stepped through the shimmering gateway, leaving behind the only life she had ever known to embark on a journey into the unknown.

As Clara grasped Valerie's hand and light leaped with her, Valerie felt a sense of exhilaration wash over her, knowing that she was on the brink of a new beginning. And as she looked ahead to the adventures that lay in store, she knew that no matter what challenges she faced or obstacles she encountered, she would always carry with her the love and support of her family, and the memories of the home she left.

｡･:*:･ﾟ★,｡･:*:･ﾟ☆ ｡･:*:･ﾟ★,｡･:*:･ﾟ☆ ｡･:*: