To Be A Human

[p_magno]

The sky grew ominously dark, clouds heavy and churning like a boiling cauldron. A sharp crack of yellow lightning illuminated the path ahead, casting eerie shadows across the rugged landscape. As the carriage rumbled forward, it crossed an invisible boundary, entering the fabled Dome of Wyverns.

The mountains that framed the road shifted in appearance, their jagged edges smoothing out into rounded slopes. Clusters of yawning caves dotted the mountainsides, like dark, hollow eyes watching their every move. These weren't natural formations—they looked deliberately carved, like nests prepared for something ancient and terrible.

Emma leaned closer to her mother, her voice barely above a whisper. "Mom... why do we still pass through here if it's so dangerous? Isn't there another way?"

Vivian turned to her daughter, her face calm but her voice subdued. "No, dear, there's no other way. This route is perilous, yes, but it is passable—so long as we don't disturb the wyverns." Her gaze drifted to the shadowed caves. "In ancient times, the wyverns in this forest were protectors of the Lands Between. That was before the war broke out among humans."

Emma frowned, her curiosity piqued. "The Lands Between?" she echoed softly.

Her mother nodded. "Yes. This forest, all these mountains we've been passing through, were once part of the Lands Between—a vast region that connected different kingdoms. Windfield was part of it once, as were other towns nearby."

Emma's mind raced with questions, but one surfaced more urgently than the others. "What happened to the humans? The ones who fought the war?"

Vivian paused, her eyes flickering toward the caves as if ensuring their silence remained undisturbed. She whispered, "The war was started by humans—factions fighting over territory and power. The wyverns, protectors of the forest, were drawn into the conflict. They turned their wrath on the warring factions, destroying nearly all who fought that day. Only a handful of survivors escaped and fled far from this place, leaving behind the Dome of Wyverns. Now, the wyverns guard this land, ensuring their peace is not disturbed."

Emma nodded slowly, her mind painting vivid pictures of the ancient conflict. She glanced at her mother, admiration flickering in her silver eyes. "You really know a lot, Mom."

Vivian smiled, her hand reaching out to ruffle Emma's silver-white hair playfully. "Well, I read a lot. Just like you do now."

The carriage continued its cautious journey through the valley, the wheels crunching against the gravel path. Emma leaned closer to the window, her head resting against the glass. Though the driver had warned her to stay inside, she couldn't resist the urge to peer out, her eyes scanning the skies and mountainsides for any glimpse of the creatures that gave this place its name.

For a long while, there was nothing—only the oppressive silence of the forest and the faint rustle of wind through the trees. Then:

Flap.

The sound of massive wings cutting through the air echoed above the carriage. Emma's heart skipped a beat, her breath catching in her throat. She glanced at her mother, who raised a hand in a calming gesture, silently urging her to stay still.

Moments later, a deep, guttural roar rolled through the mountains, shaking the very ground beneath the carriage wheels. Emma dared a glance out of the window and caught a fleeting glimpse of the creature as it soared overhead. Its body was covered in shimmering blue scales, each one catching the faint light like polished gemstones. Sharp claws glinted at the ends of its powerful limbs, and its long, whip-like tail trailed behind it, tipped with a deadly spike. Small horns jutted from its head, framing eyes that burned with an intelligent, almost ancient glow.

Emma's heart pounded as the wyvern disappeared toward the mountainside, its form melting into the shadows. She exhaled shakily, her voice barely audible as she turned to her mother. "Mom... why don't they attack the horses?"

Vivian's gaze remained calm. "They know these are carriage horses, trained for human transport. The wyverns are intelligent—they can sense the humans inside. As long as we remain quiet and don't disturb them, they'll allow us to pass."

Emma nodded, the tension in her chest easing slightly. She sat back in her seat, her gaze lingering on the mountains outside. The silence felt heavier now, the knowledge of the wyverns' proximity making every sound seem amplified.

Then, as suddenly as it had darkened, the sky began to brighten. The dense clouds thinned, allowing sunlight to filter through the canopy. The oppressive atmosphere lifted, and the forest seemed to breathe again.

The driver called back to them, his voice filled with relief. "We've left the Dome of Wyverns!"

Emma felt a surge of joy, though she kept it contained. Inside, she was leaping with relief, her heart lighter than it had been since they entered the wyverns' territory.



For now, they were safe.

 

[p_magno]

The hour slipped by, the rhythmic creak of the carriage wheels blending with the muted sounds of the forest beyond. The road wound through an endless expanse of rocky terrain, jagged peaks stretching toward the sky like the fingers of a slumbering giant. Emma sat by the window, her gaze wandering across the barren slopes. At first, the rugged beauty captivated her, but as the minutes dragged on, the monotony set in.

Sighing, she leaned her cheek against the cool glass, her silver hair catching the golden light of the afternoon sun. "There's nothing to do but look," she muttered under her breath.

She began to hum—a soft, lilting tune from the Green Festival of Windfield, one of her favorite memories. It was a melody of joy and renewal, meant to celebrate the harmony between the seasons and the people of the land.

Vivian glanced at her daughter, a knowing smile forming on her lips. Without a word, she joined in, their voices weaving together like the soft rustling of leaves in a spring breeze. The driver, a weathered man with kind eyes and a resonant voice, chuckled from his perch at the front of the carriage. He picked up the tune as well, his humming adding a deep, grounding bass to their melody.

Their laughter filled the carriage, a brief reprieve from the weight of their journey. Emma turned toward the driver, curiosity sparking in her eyes. "Sir, did you attend the Green Festival of Windfield too?"

The driver tipped his hat, his smile widening. "Aye, young miss, I did. My family's lived in Windfield for years, ever since I married my wife."

Emma's eyebrows arched in surprise. "Your wife is from Windfield?"

The driver shook his head. "Not exactly. She's from the elf race."

Her surprise deepened. "She's an elf?"

He nodded, a trace of pride in his voice. "She is. Did you know, Windfield lies close to the borders of the elf lands?"

Emma shook her head. "I didn't realize it was that close."

She turned to Vivian for confirmation. Her mother nodded, her expression serene. "Remember what I told you about the Lands Between? Windfield is part of it—a central region connecting the human and elf kingdoms. It's a meeting place, a passage between worlds, where both races coexist in harmony. That's why it's not uncommon for humans and elves to live side by side."

Emma's mind raced as she processed the information. Her gaze returned to the driver, and her voice dropped to a tone of wonder. "Does that mean your children... they're hybrids? A mix between human and elf?"

The driver chuckled warmly. "That they are, young miss. They have their mother's pointed ears and graceful features but my stubborn streak."

The carriage fell into a comfortable silence as the conversation tapered off. Emma turned back to the window, her mind swirling with thoughts about what she had learned. The golden hues of the setting sun bathed the rocky cliffs in a warm glow, the shadows stretching long and lean across the landscape. Even the sparse patches of grass atop the crags swayed gently in the breeze, their movement mesmerizing in the otherwise still environment.

The beauty of nature was undeniable, but the monotony of endless rock and stone left her restless. She fidgeted in her seat, her fingers tracing patterns on the glass. A question tugged at the edge of her thoughts, a curiosity she could no longer ignore.

She turned to her mother, a hint of hesitation in her voice. "Mom... do you know anyone else who's a hybrid?"

Vivian met her daughter's gaze, her smile soft but enigmatic. For a moment, she said nothing, letting the question hang in the air. Then, with a twinkle in her eye, she replied, "Emma, dear... I am a hybrid."

Emma froze, her mind grappling with the unexpected revelation. "What?" she blurted out, her voice filled with disbelief. "You are?"

Vivian nodded, her silver hair catching the light as the corners of her lips lifted in amusement. "Yes, I am."

The world outside the carriage seemed to blur as Emma's thoughts swirled. She stared at her mother, trying to reconcile this new piece of information with the person she had always known.

And just like that, the journey through the rocky terrain became far more interesting than she had ever anticipated.

 

[p_magno]

Emma's sharp intake of breath echoed through the carriage, her wide silver eyes fixed on her mother. "What? You're a hybrid? An elf-human hybrid?"

Vivian's soft laugh broke the tension. "Yes, my dear. Surprised?"

Emma could only stare, her thoughts spinning. Her mother—a hybrid? It explained so much, yet raised even more questions. She opened her mouth to speak, but before the words formed, Vivian gently touched her daughter's slightly pointed ears, her fingertips brushing against their delicate curve.

"I assume you're wondering about the ears," Vivian teased with a chuckle. "You see, my father's human genes were dominant, which is why I appear fully human. But you..." Her voice softened as she cupped Emma's chin, a smile tugging at her lips. "Your ears are getting pointier, aren't they?"

Emma blinked, startled. "You noticed too? I only realized it today. But how? Dad isn't an elf. So why—?"

Vivian's laughter was like the gentle chime of a bell. "Ah, genetics can be so perplexing. I think you inherited more from your elven grandmother. Bloodlines can resurface in the most unexpected ways."

Emma's thoughts churned as she tried to piece it all together. "So… Ellie and Ethan—do they have elf traits too?"

Vivian shook her head, her silver hair catching the golden light streaming through the window. "No, your father's human bloodline is more dominant in your siblings. You, however…" She tilted her head, studying Emma's features. "You've drawn more deeply from your elven heritage."

Emma nodded slowly, her mind racing. So traits depend on the balance of bloodlines? That must be why I'm noticing changes in my body, while Ellie and Ethan seem fully human. It's like the elven side of me has just been lying dormant... waiting.

Her fingers brushed against her ears, the faintly pointed tips now unmistakable. "Mom, what do they call elf-human hybrids?" she asked, her voice quieter now, almost hesitant.

"Hulves," Vivian answered simply.

"Hulves," Emma repeated, the word rolling off her tongue. A smile broke across her face. "That's a nice name." She laughed softly, the tension in the carriage dissipating.

The brief silence that followed was peaceful, broken only by the rhythmic creak of the wheels. Emma's thoughts drifted, wondering how much of her identity had yet to reveal itself. But her musings were interrupted as the carriage slowed, the driver's voice cutting through the stillness.

"Look ahead," he called.

Emma leaned forward, her silver eyes widening in awe. Just ahead of them, shimmering against the horizon, was a swirling blue vortex. Its edges rippled like liquid crystal, glowing faintly with a magical light that pulsed in time with some unseen rhythm.

"Mom, is that… a portal?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Vivian's eyes twinkled as she nodded. "Yes, dear. It's the magical gate connecting the Lands Between to the regions beyond. Once we pass through, you'll see something truly spectacular."

Emma's heart quickened. The sight of the portal was mesmerizing, the intricate magical patterns swirling within it drawing her gaze like a moth to flame. "Magical, huh?" she murmured, her excitement barely contained.

Her mind raced with anticipation. What lies on the other side? What kind of magic creates something so beautiful?

The carriage inched closer, the glow of the portal illuminating their path. As the vortex loomed larger, Emma's thoughts stilled, replaced by the thrill of the unknown. The boundary between worlds awaited them, and she couldn't help but wonder what wonders—or dangers—might lie beyond.

 

[p_magno]

The atmosphere in the carriage buzzed with anticipation as the rocky mountains behind them began to fade. Even the horses seemed eager, their hooves striking the ground with renewed energy. Emma leaned forward slightly, her silver eyes glimmering with excitement as the portal loomed closer, its swirling magic radiating a soft, ethereal light.

With a low vroom, the world seemed to tilt and shift as the carriage crossed the threshold of the portal. For a fleeting moment, everything blurred—a sensation of weightlessness as if they were floating between realms. Then, as suddenly as it began, the carriage emerged, and the landscape transformed.

Emma gasped, her breath catching in her throat. Before them stretched the famed Saturn of Lily Valley, a breathtaking paradise she had only ever read about in books.

"Lily Valley," she whispered, her voice filled with awe. "Mom, is this the place where Goddess Aurora was born?"

Vivian smiled knowingly, her silver hair catching the warm light filtering through the carriage windows. "Yes, dear. This is where her legend began."

Unable to contain her curiosity, Emma leaned out of the carriage window, the wind tugging gently at her hair. "Careful," Vivian called out, her voice carrying a hint of laughter, "don't fall."

The path ahead was a well-worn trail, bordered by sprawling meadows that seemed to stretch endlessly on either side. The grass swayed gently, a rich emerald carpet studded with vibrant blossoms of every imaginable hue. Golden marigolds, crimson poppies, and sapphire-hued lilies painted the fields in a riot of color. Amidst them were the celestial flowers Emma had read about—delicate blooms that shimmered faintly even in daylight, their petals exuding a soft, moonlit glow.

The sky above was a canvas of light pink and yellow, as though dawn and sunset had merged into one eternal moment. The air carried a scent so intoxicating—a sweet minty aroma with floral undertones—that Emma found herself breathing deeply, wanting to hold the memory forever.

Her gaze wandered to the distant mountains that framed the valley to the right. Their peaks were crowned with mist, and waterfalls cascaded down their sides like silver ribbons. On the left, the meadow teemed with life.

There, magical creatures roamed freely. Winged deer with sleek, opalescent coats pranced through the flowers, some leaping gracefully into the air, their gossamer wings carrying them short distances. Multi-colored rabbits darted about, their fur shimmering as if dusted with starlight. Bees of varying sizes, their wings aglow like tiny lanterns, buzzed from flower to flower, while radiant butterflies danced through the air, their patterns resembling the constellations Emma had memorized as a child.

The sun's rays poured over the valley, illuminating every detail with a golden glow. Even the smallest petals of the flowers seemed to shimmer, as though nature itself had been painted by a divine hand.

Emma's heart swelled with wonder. The chirping of unseen birds filled the air, their melodies weaving harmoniously with the rustle of the flowers, which seemed to sway as if alive, following the rhythm of the song. The valley felt enchanted, almost sacred.

"How beautiful," Emma murmured, her voice barely audible as her gaze lingered on the paradise before her. "It's perfect."

Yet as perfect as it was, a pang of longing stirred within her. "It's a pity we can't stop," she muttered, half to herself. Her fingers traced the edges of the carriage window as if she could reach out and grasp the beauty around her.

Vivian glanced at her daughter and smiled knowingly. "There's always time, Emma. Perhaps one day you'll return to explore it all."

But for Emma, that day felt too far away. She wanted to see the valley in all its intricacies—its hidden wonders, its unseen secrets, its quiet corners where magic lingered most strongly. Her mind raced with questions.

What lay beyond the horizon of flowers? What mysteries did the valley hold? She wanted to know every aspect of this place—the highs and lows, the wonders and dangers.




She wanted to know everything.

 

[p_magno]

The sunlight bathed Lily Valley in a golden glow, its warmth falling gently upon the travelers as they continued their journey through the sprawling paradise. Emma sat by the carriage window, her silver eyes tracing the idyllic landscape. The beauty of the valley had captivated her entirely—the kaleidoscope of vibrant flowers, the winged deer leaping gracefully, and the endless sky painted in hues of yellow and pink.

Yet amidst the wonder, a thought surfaced in her mind. Did Goddess Aurora join the battles during the Deformation Period?

Unable to contain her curiosity, Emma turned to Vivian. "Mom," she began, her voice breaking the tranquility of the moment, "was Aurora involved in the battles during the Deformation Period?"

Vivian's expression softened, her gaze distant as though recalling long-forgotten tales. "Yes, dear," she said gently. "Aurora was not only present during that time, but she was also one of the Creation Gods."

Emma's curiosity deepened. "The Creation Gods? Who are they?"

Vivian paused, clearly searching her memory. "The Creation Gods are a pantheon of beings who shaped the world during its infancy. I don't know all of them," she admitted, "but I do remember a few names. There's Aurora, Goddess of Dawn, and Povia, Goddess of Nature. Vanamus, the God of the Sun, and Otovina, Goddess of the Moon, are two of the celestial pair. Then there's Aakaron, the God of Dreams, and Erilania, the Goddess of Fate."

Emma's eyes widened as she listened, each name conjuring visions of mythical grandeur. "What were their roles during the Deformation Period?"

Vivian shook her head. "That's the mystery, Emma. The books I've read don't detail their actions during that time. Perhaps their roles are recorded in ancient texts we've yet to discover. For now, much of their story remains shrouded in the unknown."

Emma nodded slowly, her mind racing with possibilities. "Thank you, Mom," she said softly, her gaze drifting back to the window, where the scenery of Lily Valley unfolded like a living painting.

As they traveled further, the carriage reached a steep incline, the path descending sharply into the heart of the valley. The driver glanced back, his voice cutting through the peaceful atmosphere. "Hold on tight, everyone. We're about to hit a sharp slope, and the next portal isn't far from here."

Emma's pulse quickened, a mix of excitement and apprehension stirring within her. Her lips curled into a small smile as she clutched the edge of her seat. There was something thrilling about the idea of speeding downhill, even though a small voice in her head whispered of possible dangers.

She quickly pushed the thought aside, forcing herself to focus on the world around her. The sky overhead seemed to shift slightly, the yellow-pink hues deepening into a richer shade. The meadow on either side of the path glimmered as if kissed by stardust, and the strange yet beautiful creatures of the valley continued their dance through the flowers.

Turning her gaze outward, Emma murmured to herself, a voice only she could hear, "Don't worry, Lily Valley. I'll come back one day to explore every inch of you. Just wait for me."

The carriage began its descent. Gravity pulled the vehicle faster along the slope, and Emma couldn't suppress the exhilaration bubbling within her. She glanced at Vivian her mother, who raised her hands in the air, her laughter ringing out like a melody.

Emma followed suit, throwing her hands up and joining in the shared joy. The wind whipped through her silver hair, and for a moment, it felt as if the valley itself was alive, urging them onward.

The slope soon leveled out, and the carriage slowed to a steady pace. Ahead of them, a faintly glowing portal appeared, its edges swirling with soft blue light. The air seemed to hum with energy, the portal's magic radiating a quiet promise of the journey to come.

Emma sighed, her earlier excitement fading into a quiet introspection. The beauty of Lily Valley, the stories of the Creation Gods, and the unspoken wonders of the world filled her with both hope and longing.

"Life is a journey," she whispered, her voice barely audible against the carriage's gentle creaks.

Vivian glanced at her daughter, a knowing smile on her lips.

"A beautiful one," Emma finished, her gaze fixed on the glowing portal ahead.

The carriage passed through the portal, and with a soft vroom, the Saturn of Lily Valley disappeared behind them, leaving its vibrant beauty etched in Emma's heart.



[End of Arc 2: Royal Journey]

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