Their steps felt lighter after successfully completing a mission that turned out to be much more challenging than expected. Brush and Zephyr walked and flew beside them, while Silverfang, Shadowclaw, and Moonwhisper, the freed wolves, bounded joyfully around, occasionally letting out soft howls of gratitude. The scent of damp earth and moss gradually gave way to the fragrance of wild flowers blooming along the path.
After walking quite a distance away from the goblin camp valley, they arrived at a hidden piece of paradise. A small waterfall with crystal-clear water cascaded down a green-covered cliff, forming a natural pool with smooth stones at its bottom. The afternoon sunlight pierced through the gaps in the trees, creating golden reflections on the water's surface. Colorful butterflies fluttered among the flowers, and the gentle sound of the waterfall was soothing.
"This place... it's so beautiful," Sylvana said, her eyes sparkling as she admired the expanse of purple and yellow flowers at the edge of the pool.
Aria and Sylvia also stopped to admire. Even Brush, usually wary, seemed calm as he lapped water from the pool, while Zephyr perched on a low tree branch, enjoying the peace after the tense battle. The wolves that followed were also more relaxed, Silverfang lying down on the green grass by the pool while watching the others play.
"We should rest here for a bit," Sylvia said, inhaling deeply the fresh air scented with flowers. "After all this, this place feels like an oasis. I feel all the tension in my body just evaporating."
Aria nodded in agreement, releasing her twin swords and leaning them against a rock. "Good idea. We also need to fill our stomachs before heading back to the academy. The journey is still long. And this place... well, the view is worth enjoying." She glanced at the surrounding forest. "It looks like this place is safe enough to hunt. There are plenty of rabbit tracks."
Sylvana smiled. "I agree! We can have dinner here with our new friends." She gently stroked Brush's soft fur, then looked at the other wolves. "You must be hungry too, right?" Silverfang wagged his tail softly, as if understanding.
With a unanimous decision, they decided to spend the rest of the day in that beautiful place. Sylvia immediately sought a shady spot under a large tree with a sprawling, leafy canopy, taking out her notebooks and pen. She seemed eager to record the various unique plants growing around the waterfall, some with transparent petals and a sweet scent she had never encountered before.
Aria, with her twin swords ready at her waist, walked slowly into the forest in search of game. Brush followed her closely, his nose twitching as he sniffed for animal tracks among the tree roots. Zephyr flew high above, providing aerial surveillance, occasionally letting out a soft cry to signal the presence of prey.
Meanwhile, Sylvana sat by the pool, beginning to establish a deeper connection with the freed wolves. With Brush as a communication bridge, she learned their names (Silverfang, Shadowclaw, and Moonwhisper) and heard brief glimpses of their capture and forced obedience by the goblin beastmaster. There was sadness and trauma in their memories, especially about the cold chains and the empty gaze of the handler, but also a glimmer of hope and sincere gratitude for the freedom they had gained.
"You must have suffered greatly," Sylvana whispered to Silverfang, stroking the fur on his head. Silverfang rested his head on Sylvana's hand, his once wild eyes now looking calmer.
After exploring the forest for a while, Aria managed to get a fairly large forest rabbit and a few small birds. Brush, with his keen instincts, also successfully caught several fresh fish from the small stream flowing towards the waterfall. With Zephyr's help in finding some types of purple and red berries that were safe to eat in hidden bushes, they had enough food for a shared dinner.
They built a small campfire by the pool using dry branches they had gathered. Aria roasted the rabbit and fish over the fire with the help of sharp sticks, while Sylvia used her plant magic to create some sturdy and clean broad leaves as plates. Sylvana distributed the berries to everyone, including Brush, Zephyr who perched on a rock near the fire, and the three wolves who seemed to thoroughly enjoy the food they were given.
As the sun began to dip towards the west, painting the sky with breathtaking gradients of orange, purple, and pink, they sat together by the pool, enjoying their meal in a calm and peaceful atmosphere. The gentle sound of the waterfall provided a soothing backdrop to their light conversation and soft laughter.
"Look at this flower, Sylvana," Sylvia said, pointing to a vibrant blue bloom with petals that seemed to spiral. "I've never seen anything like it before. The scent is so unique too, like a mix of honey and spices." She took out her notebook and began to sketch the flower.
Sylvana shared stories about her bond with Brush and Zephyr. "It feels like there's an invisible thread connecting us," she said, smiling as she looked at Brush lying at her feet. "I can feel their joy, their worries... and now, their relief at being free." She then looked at Silverfang, Shadowclaw, and Moonwhisper who were chasing each other playfully near the trees. "And now, I'm starting to feel a connection with them too. They're still a little scared and confused, but I can feel their trust beginning to grow."
Aria, though more reserved, occasionally added a comment or a brief joke. "Well, at least we don't have to worry about a lack of escorts on the way back," she said, glancing at the three wolves with a faint smile. "They seem quite... enthusiastic."
Brush and Zephyr seemed to enjoy the attention and warmth from the three girls. Brush occasionally licked Sylvana's hand gently as a sign of affection, while Zephyr perched on her shoulder, emitting soft cooing sounds and occasionally gently pecking her ear. The wolves, who had been so fearful before, now seemed more relaxed and playful around them, occasionally approaching to receive a petting or a small piece of meat.
As night began to fall and stars one by one began to appear in the dark, color-streaked sky, Sylvana took out some thick blankets from their equipment bags. They made a temporary bed near the campfire, enough for the three of them and also for Brush and the wolves if they wanted to come closer. Zephyr chose to perch on a large tree branch above them, his sharp eyes watching their surroundings, becoming their night guardian.
Before sleeping, Sylvana spoke to the three wolves again, this time using telepathy with Brush as an intermediary. She reassured them that they were safe and free, and that they could choose their own path now. Silverfang, the largest wolf who seemed to be the leader, approached and licked Sylvana's hand gently, his eyes looking at her with sincere gratitude.
"We will always remember you," Sylvana thought, sending waves of affection back to them.
That night they slept soundly under a blanket of twinkling stars, accompanied by the warmth of the campfire and the presence of the animals who had now become part of their small group. The beauty of the place and the peace after the tense battle gave them renewed energy for the journey back to the academy.
The next morning, they woke up refreshed as the morning sunlight filtered through the leaves. After a light breakfast of leftover dinner and berries, they prepared to continue their journey. The wolves seemed hesitant to part ways, following them a few steps before stopping at the edge of the forest.
Sylvana knelt down in front of them and stroked their fur one by one. "You are free now. You can go wherever you want. But if you ever need help or just want to meet, you know where I am. I will always be your friend."
Silverfang rumbled softly and licked Sylvana's hand again, followed by Shadowclaw and Moonwhisper. After a few moments of meaningful glances, the three wolves finally bounded into the forest, disappearing among the trees, yet the imprint of their freedom and friendship remained in the hearts of the girls. Sylvana stood up and smiled sadly but with relief. They had given those creatures their freedom and gained new companions on their journey.
With Brush and Zephyr at their sides, Aria, Sylvia, and Sylvana continued their journey back to Nytharia Academy. They carried back not only a successful mission report, but also beautiful memories of a peaceful resting place and an unexpected friendship with the forest wolves. This experience further strengthened their team bond and gave them a new perspective on the world beyond the academy walls. They knew their adventure had just begun, and many more things awaited them in the future. Hidden beauty and unexpected challenges would continue to color their journey as aspiring heroes, and now they knew, they were not alone.
[... ]
Upon reaching the gates of Nytharia Academy, Aria, Sylvia, and Sylvana felt a slight lifting of the weight on their shoulders. Despite their exhaustion after the long journey, they had crucial information that needed immediate reporting. They headed straight for the tower where Master Elara, a senior sorceress and their mentor, usually resided.
Master Elara's tower stood tall, adorned with distinctive purple flowering vines. After ascending several cold stone steps, they arrived at an intricately carved wooden door. Aria knocked softly.
"Enter," a soft yet authoritative voice echoed from within.
The three of them entered a room filled with shelves of ancient books, vials of colorful potions, and various dimly glowing magical artifacts. In the center of the room, behind a large wooden desk covered in scrolls of parchment, sat Master Elara. The middle-aged woman had long, flowing silver hair, bright blue eyes that seemed to know many things, and a calming aura of wisdom.
"Welcome back, children," Master Elara greeted them with a gentle smile. "I heard your mission went smoothly. Do you have a report for me?"
Aria stepped forward slightly, representing the group. "Good afternoon, Master Elara. The goblin camp clearing mission in the Mosswood Forest was indeed successful, but we encountered some things that we believe you need to know."
Master Elara raised her eyebrows slightly, showing interest. "Oh? Something unusual happened?"
Sylvia added, "Yes, Master. There was a beastmaster forcing several forest wolves into obedience. That's not a common ability among goblins."
"A beastmaster?" Master Elara pondered for a moment. "That's not a typical skill for ordinary goblins. Tell me more."
Sylvana then explained her feelings when she first sensed the presence of the coerced animals. "I felt something unnatural, Master. There was a strong aura of compulsion around the wolves. They weren't moving freely, and I could sense their fear and despair."
"And more worryingly," Aria continued, "the goblin chieftain used some kind of strange black stone during the fight. The stone emitted a demonic aura and significantly increased his strength. We've never seen an artifact like that before."
Master Elara leaned back in her chair, her gaze becoming more serious. "A black stone with a demonic aura... that sounds very troubling. Were you able to secure the stone?"
Aria shook her head. "Unfortunately not, Master. After the chieftain was defeated, the stone shattered into pieces. It seemed either unstable or designed to break after use."
"Hmm, a pity," Master Elara murmured. "However, this information is still very valuable. The presence of a beastmaster with strong coercive abilities indicates something unusual at that camp. And a black stone with a demonic aura... that could be a sign of a darker influence in this region."
Sylvia added, "We also freed those wolves, Master. They seemed to have suffered greatly. Sylvana formed a bond with them, and they even helped us in the battle."
Master Elara gave a faint smile. "That was a commendable action, Sylvana. Showing compassion and wisdom. Sometimes, allies can come from unexpected places."
"We also sensed, Master," Sylvana said, "that the beastmaster was using strong magic to force the wolves. It wasn't just ordinary training. There was a magical element involved."
"This is becoming increasingly interesting," Master Elara remarked, tapping her fingers on the desk. "A combination of a beastmaster with strong magic and a demonic artifact... these are not typical characteristics of an ordinary goblin camp. Did you notice any other strange signs?"
Aria thought for a moment. "There were no strange buildings or structures, Master. Just the usual ramshackle tents of a goblin camp. But the magical aura around that black stone felt very disturbing, like an evil energy radiating from it."
"Very well," Master Elara said, letting out a soft sigh. "Your report is very important. I will immediately relay this information to the Academy Council. We need to investigate this unusual activity in the Mosswood Forest further."
She looked at the three of them with a discerning yet appreciative gaze. "You acted well, children. Facing a greater threat than anticipated and still paying attention to other creatures in need. These are the qualities of true heroes."
"Thank you, Master," the three of them replied in unison, feeling relieved that their report was taken seriously.
"Now, you must be exhausted," Master Elara continued. "Get some proper rest. I will handle things from here. If there are any further developments, I will contact you."
"Thank you very much, Master," Sylvia said. "We'll take our leave then."
The three of them bowed respectfully and left Master Elara's room, exiting the tower with the feeling that they had done the right thing. The information they carried might be the beginning of a larger investigation, and they were ready for whatever role they might be asked to play in the future. The beauty and peace they had found on their journey back now felt like a reminder of what they were fighting for: a world where freedom and kindness could flourish, even in the most unexpected places.