In the center of a sprawling ancient forest was an elven civilization. Ancient buildings swathed with runes, trees merging seamlessly to create majestic structures. The very air was full of a presence one needed to be forged by to understand. There was a nearby waterfall. Elven children were gathering to play near it—splashing each other with water. Laughter ruptured out in waves, kids running around in their droopy, soaked clothing. Eyheluna radiated beauty and transcendence, as if the world beyond could not reach its sacred verdancy. Joining the blossoming leaves were refined statues of pivotal figures. They were sculpted into graceful poses and wielded weapons lost to time. Wooden houses were nestled along, following the bends and curves of the timeworn walkways. A wagon was being tugged along by multiple horses. The wagon stopped, and exiting from it was a young elven woman. She was lithe, with long silver hair framing her soft green eyes. With her, she carried a leather backpack and began to walk down the trails. Passing by was a group of elven women.

  "My, my, Isn't that Nymeria?" One said.

  "Yes, it is… I hear she's going to Leviara to attend the magic academy. What a fool—relying on human knowledge when centuries of information sit in our library. " Another added. Nymeria pretended she didn't hear the women gossiping about her. "Nymeria, how are you today?" A familiar voice called out to her. "Oh, Elowen! Good evening. I'm okay." Nymeria replied. Elowen was standing near the garden of her home, holding a wooden watering can. Elowen leaned over her plants to water them—the neckline of her tunic dipping, and her cinnamon colored hair clinging to her cheek. Elowen playfully smiled at Nymeria. "Would you like to come inside for tea?" Elowen said.

  "I can't. I have to pack for the trip to Leviara. The group leaves at night, and I don't want to be late." Nymeria explained.

  "Ah, I see. Best of travels to you, then." Elowen said.

  Nymeria continued to walk, stopping at a wooden house at the very end of the pathway. Nymeria knocked twice on the door, and after a couple of seconds, it was pulled open. At the door was her mother.

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  "Did you find all the books you needed?" Her mother remarked, letting her in.

  "It was close enough. Thishor is always an ass when it comes to borrowing books for longer than a month." Nymeria said. Nymeria's mother sat on a wooden chair.

  "Where's father?" She asked.

  "He's down at the castle—I believe he wanted to write a letter to Echthron." Her mother answered.

  "Do your best at that academy. Fail again, and you'll live up to the rumors—not to your bloodline." She stated.

  Nymeria rolled her eyes, looking away from her mother.

  "This is very serious, do you understand? Your father has tried with you time and time again. This is your last chance to prove yourself worthy of our royal name." Her mother added.

  "How do you always manage to make this about our lineage? Not even a congratulations that I managed to get in?" Nymeria said.

  "Those entrance exams are the definition of mediocrity. Were you to fail, there would be nothing left for me, or your father to say to you." Her mother said.

  "Oh, great tree, why do I even bother?" Nymeria uttered before disappearing into her room. Nymeria's little sister was in the room. There were two beds, an easel on one side, and a bookshelf that was organized with many different titles.

  "Nymeria!" Gweyira exclaimed, slipping off the stool near her easel and running into Nymeria's arms. They hugged for a long moment, Nymeria pulling back to look into Gweyira's eyes.

  "You're leaving tonight, aren't you?" Gweyira asked.

  "Yes, I'll be leaving tonight." She responded.

  "Will you visit me?" She questioned.

  "I won't be back for a very long time, Gweyira…" Nymeria said. She could see a frown forming on Gweyira's usually happy face. Before she let Gweyira's sadness kick in, she gently brushed her hair back.

  "But when I do, I'll be stable enough to take you with me. So, stay strong for me, okay? I'll never abandon you, no matter what happens." Nymeria said, pressing their foreheads together. That seemed to tug a smile back on Gweyira's face. As the sun was setting, Nymeria was packing her belongings into her leather bag. Nostalgia rushed over her as these very walls were the ones she'd be leaving behind tonight, in search of a better tomorrow.