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Chapter 26: - Fated Birth

The gentle hues of dusk were settling in as the group returned to the village. Strolling through the cobblestone pathways, they happened upon Liora, purchasing snacks at a local stall.

"Been shopping?" Liam asked, nodding towards the assortment of foods Liora had in hand.

"Yep, just getting a few things. Where have you lot been?" she inquired, eyes scanning the group.

"Just had a bit of a sparring session," Zalya replied wryly.

Liora nodded and decided to join them as they continued their walk. It wasn\'t long before they reached the home of the village elder. They could hear noises from inside like people were preparing for something. Everyone seemed nervous but also excited.

Upon entering, they were greeted by Elder Marea\'s familiar, caring gaze. "Ah, Lieutenants, you\'ve returned. We\'re all ready,". The room had been rearranged, with Elara resting on a comfortable bed at the center. Candles were lit in every corner, casting a soft, warm glow.

As Liora approached, Theron was at Elara\'s side, gripping her hand and expressing concern and excitement. The atmosphere was thick with tension. Liora placed her hands gently on Elara\'s swelling abdomen, and a soft, ethereal light emitted from her palms. Triggering the birthing process.

Elara\'s breaths became rapid, her face contorted with pain. A contraction hit, causing her to let out a sharp cry. "You\'ve got this, Elara," Theron whispered encouragingly, kissing her forehead gently and brushing away damp strands of hair from her face.

As Elara continued her labor, the healer stepped in, "Alright, we\'ll take it from here." Liora respectfully moved to the side, allowing the healer to work.

Zalya curiously whispered to Liora, "How did you do that?"

Liora glanced down, a small smile forming on her lips. "My affinity with wood lets me interact with life energy directly. I basically communicated with the baby\'s life force, letting it know it\'s time to be born."

Zalya blinked in astonishment, "And that actually works?"

Liora nodded, "Surprisingly, yes. I discovered it by accident while assisting others in similar situations."

Meanwhile, Liam\'s attention drifted towards the window. Dark clouds had amassed in the sky, and the distant rumble of thunder signaled an impending storm.

Alric, noting the same, remarked, "Good thing we got back when we did. Being caught in that rain wouldn\'t have been pleasant."

Liam raised an eyebrow, looking at Alric, "Aren\'t your abilities allow you to control water? Can\'t you just control the rain to create an umbrella for us?"

Alric pondered the idea momentarily, rubbing his chin, "I suppose I could, but it seems like a waste of energy."

As the two continued their exchange, rain began pouring outside, accompanied by the increasingly frequent rumble of thunder.

The atmosphere grew tense as Elara\'s labor progressed. The room\'s ambiance was a stark contrast to the storm brewing outside. The healer and her assistants worked diligently, using a blend of traditional methods and their abilities to ease Elara\'s pain and facilitate the birth. The soft glow of the candle illuminated the room, casting a warm, comforting light over everyone present.

Theron, gripping Elara\'s hand tightly, whispered words of encouragement and love into her ear. The pain was evident on her face, but so was her determination. With every passing minute, the room filled with a mix of anxiety, anticipation, and hope.

As the storm raged outside, Liam, Alric, Zalya, and Liora found a quiet corner of the room to converse. "It\'s strange how this storm seems to coincide with the birth," Liam remarked, gazing out the window.

Liora smiled, her eyes reflective, "Nature has its own way of acknowledging significant moments in our lives. It\'s beautiful in its own way."

Alric chuckled softly, "Or it could just be a coincidence. Either way, it does add to the mood."

Time passed, the storm began to subside, and soon after, a baby\'s cry echoed through the room," WAAA WAAAA WAA," signaling the arrival of a new life.

The atmosphere shifted from tension to celebration. Tears streamed down Theron\'s face as he held his newborn, and Elara, exhausted but elated, looked at her child with loving eyes. The healer, wiping her brow, beamed with a genuine smile, "Congratulations. It\'s a healthy baby boy."

The group then came closer to look at the baby currently cradled by Elder Marea. He has a head crowned with fine golden strands with blue eyes. The face is plump and round, but they can see a birthmark that strangely looks like thunder on one of his hands.

With a look of gratitude, Elder Marea turned her gaze towards Liora. "Thank you for your invaluable assistance, Lieutenant Liora."

She then exchanged glances with Theron and Elara, a silent understanding passing between them. "It would be an honor if you bestowed a name upon the child," she suggested.

Liora appeared contemplative, her gaze lingering on the child for a moment. She replied, "I\'d be honored. Let\'s name him Zail. In my homeland, it symbolizes a fresh start, a new dawn."

Elara, looking both moved and pleased, nodded her agreement. "Welcome to our family, Zail Thunar Faelan."

Zalya, unable to contain her curiosity, walked closer. A gentle smile played on her lips as she said, "Congratulations, Elder." She reached out to touch the infant\'s tiny hand with a delicate motion. The moment their fingers met, Zalya could feel an unexpected surge of energy emanating from the birthmark, taking Zalya aback.

Elder Marea caught the surprised look on Zalya\'s face. "Is there an issue with Zail?" she asked with concern.

Zalya reassured her, "No. He\'s a healthy baby. It\'s just that... I sensed a formidable energy within him. I believe he will do something big in the future."

Elder Marea nodded thoughtfully, her voice filled with resolve, "Zail\'s journey is his to forge. We can only stand by him, guiding and supporting with all our might."

The group shared their warm wishes with the family as the hours ticked by. Gradually, they retreated to their rooms, allowing Elder Marea\'s family some intimate moments together.

Outside, the night cleared, revealing a vast expanse of twinkling stars. One star, brighter than the rest, seemed to shine directly over the elder\'s house.

Observing the star from the window, Elder Marea murmured to herself, "A guiding light for the journey ahead." She then turned her attention back to the baby, whispering a soft lullaby that seemed to have been passed down for generations.

(Verse 1)

In a world once so still, a cry pierces the night,

A child is born, bringing both shadow and light.

An epoch ends, as another takes its start,

Whispering tales of a heart torn apart.

(Chorus)

But hush now, don\'t you fear, the stars do brightly gleam,

For even in darkness, there\'s always a dream.

Melancholic melodies, in the night they play,

Telling of hope, that\'ll come with the day.

(Verse 2)

Three stars aligned, and one astray it\'d seem.

Facing the nightmares, the dark shall consume.

Yet as one epoch fades, another shall rise,

Heralding dawn, cutting ties with the skies.

(Bridge)

In the heart of the night, where shadows do creep,

Flute\'s melody calls, casting spells that are deep.

Mourning the past, but embracing what\'s new,

For with every end, beginnings do ensue.

(Chorus)

Hush now, don\'t you cry, for the four will unite,

Chasing away darkness, with their radiant light.

Melancholic tunes, weaving tales of yore,

Promising hope, and so much more.

(Outro)

So sleep, child of the epoch, dreams await thee,

For in the morrow, it\'s hope you shall see.

Four stars will rise, breaking the night\'s scope,

In a world of darkness, they\'re our shining hope.

__________________________________________________________________________________________

As the group settled down for breakfast in the morning, Alice and Timothy approached them. "Do you know a soldier named Caelum?" Alice inquired.

Liam paused for a moment, trying to recall, "Hmm... He should be at the inn."

Timothy nodded, "We checked there, but he seems to be nowhere in sight."

Liam, sensing their concern, asked, "Is something wrong?"

"He\'s our dear friend," Alice responded, her voice tinged with worry. Timothy held out a letter, "If you happen to come across him, could you pass this to him? It\'s an invitation to our wedding." He added with a hint of nostalgia in his voice, "Ever since he joined the army, he\'s been hard to reach. He always had big dreams of rising through the ranks, perhaps even becoming a general someday."

Alice nodded, "He\'s a good person and has the potential to achieve great things. If it\'s not too much to ask, could you possibly guide him or offer some assistance while in the army?"

Liam gave a thoughtful nod, "I\'ll keep it in mind."

After finishing their breakfast, the group prepared to depart. Liora turned to the village elder, "Thank you for your accommodation, Elder."

With a wise smile, the elder responded, "It\'s our pleasure. Know that our village doors are always open for you all."

Pulling Timothy along, Alice proposed, "Allow us to accompany you to the village\'s gate."

As they strolled, the group met up with the soldiers at the inn. Alice and Timothy had a glint of hope in their eyes, wishing to find Caelum there, but their hopes were dashed when they learned that Ensign Caelum had set forth earlier.

Their shoulders slightly slumped, Alice and Timothy escorted Liam to the village gates, offering their heartfelt farewells. Their voices echoed warmth and invitation, "Our village will always await your return."

Alric, Irys, Zalya, and Liora, Liam agreed and responded, "Thank you. Let\'s go to Ashennfall now," With that, they embarked on the City of Ashenfell.