1 00:00:08,520 --> 00:00:14,440 Speaker 1: Hello, friends, and welcome to sleep Tight Stories. I'd like 2 00:00:14,520 --> 00:00:18,720 Speaker 1: to say hello to Leela. Thank you for supporting us. 3 00:00:19,680 --> 00:00:24,440 Speaker 1: Happy belated birthday to Kyans from Tadworth, UK, who turned 4 00:00:24,480 --> 00:00:31,840 Speaker 1: eight on November nineteenth. Happy belated birthday to Ario from Waltham, Massachusetts, 5 00:00:32,040 --> 00:00:37,199 Speaker 1: who turned seven on November nineteenth from Avenna, your parents 6 00:00:37,400 --> 00:00:45,000 Speaker 1: and grandparents. Happy belated birthday to Quinn Catherine in Cardston, Alberta, Canada, 7 00:00:45,080 --> 00:00:49,280 Speaker 1: who turned five on November twenty fifth. Your family loves 8 00:00:49,320 --> 00:00:55,400 Speaker 1: you so much. Happy belated birthday to Sloane in Boulder, Colorado, 9 00:00:55,720 --> 00:00:59,680 Speaker 1: who turned five on November twenty sixth. Happy birthday from 10 00:00:59,680 --> 00:01:04,440 Speaker 1: Mama and Zoe. Happy birthday to Hannah B who is 11 00:01:04,480 --> 00:01:08,000 Speaker 1: turning nine on November twenty eighth. You are a great 12 00:01:08,160 --> 00:01:11,440 Speaker 1: big sister and a joy to all your family and friends. 13 00:01:11,920 --> 00:01:17,440 Speaker 1: Love Mom, Dad, Evelyn, and Connor. Happy birthday to Anna 14 00:01:17,600 --> 00:01:21,840 Speaker 1: in Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada, who is turning six on November 15 00:01:21,880 --> 00:01:26,400 Speaker 1: twenty eighth. Happy birthday to Simone in New Orleans who 16 00:01:26,440 --> 00:01:30,240 Speaker 1: is turning five on November thirtieth and has a dog 17 00:01:30,440 --> 00:01:36,240 Speaker 1: named Pancake. Happy birthday to dev from Washington, New Zealand, 18 00:01:36,280 --> 00:01:41,399 Speaker 1: who is turning five on December first, and Happy birthday 19 00:01:41,440 --> 00:01:45,679 Speaker 1: to Sawyer Rents in Greenville, South Carolina, who is turning 20 00:01:45,760 --> 00:01:50,400 Speaker 1: ten on December fourth. Happy birthday to you all. I 21 00:01:50,440 --> 00:01:54,000 Speaker 1: hope you have a wonderful day. Shout Outs and birthday 22 00:01:54,040 --> 00:01:56,919 Speaker 1: wishes are one way we give thanks to our supporters. 23 00:01:57,560 --> 00:01:59,960 Speaker 1: If you would like to support us and receive more bands, 24 00:02:00,160 --> 00:02:04,200 Speaker 1: time entertainment like this, all add free, please visit our 25 00:02:04,240 --> 00:02:09,040 Speaker 1: support page at sleep tightstories dot org slash support Thank you. 26 00:02:21,240 --> 00:02:25,200 Speaker 1: Esther and Tenton met Ariyah, and then Esther and Ariyah 27 00:02:25,360 --> 00:02:30,040 Speaker 1: started on their way to the Whispering Glade. The map 28 00:02:30,160 --> 00:02:33,440 Speaker 1: is showing Esther the way, but she doesn't understand where 29 00:02:33,480 --> 00:02:38,880 Speaker 1: they are going or why. Ariyah leads them along, and 30 00:02:38,960 --> 00:02:43,600 Speaker 1: then suddenly they are being chased. Ariyah and Esther run 31 00:02:43,639 --> 00:02:46,560 Speaker 1: and try to get away from what is chasing them. 32 00:02:46,919 --> 00:02:53,679 Speaker 1: Will they be able to outrun it? The Magical Book 33 00:02:53,760 --> 00:03:03,919 Speaker 1: of Dreams, Part twenty one. Ariah yelled. Esther didn't need 34 00:03:03,960 --> 00:03:08,519 Speaker 1: to be told twice. She followed Ariah as closely as 35 00:03:08,520 --> 00:03:11,840 Speaker 1: she could. The pain in her legs and feet she 36 00:03:11,880 --> 00:03:16,880 Speaker 1: could ignore for now. Whatever kind of creatures were surrounding them, 37 00:03:17,520 --> 00:03:21,359 Speaker 1: she didn't know or want to know she was scared, 38 00:03:21,720 --> 00:03:24,240 Speaker 1: and fear has a way of making you move faster. 39 00:03:27,080 --> 00:03:31,560 Speaker 1: The creatures chasing them were noisier now, the largest grunting 40 00:03:31,720 --> 00:03:35,440 Speaker 1: in the most unfriendly way, while the others seemed almost 41 00:03:35,480 --> 00:03:40,640 Speaker 1: happy to be giving chase. They ran through the stone 42 00:03:40,800 --> 00:03:44,800 Speaker 1: like forest on the loud, crunchy ground with little care 43 00:03:44,920 --> 00:03:50,040 Speaker 1: for quiet. Esther's heavy breathing almost matched the sound of 44 00:03:50,080 --> 00:03:56,360 Speaker 1: their feet. Hurry, Esther, Ariah yelled, we must make the 45 00:03:56,440 --> 00:03:59,560 Speaker 1: opening ahead before the creatures on our left, or we 46 00:03:59,600 --> 00:04:04,520 Speaker 1: will never her make it. Somehow, Esther sped up and 47 00:04:04,680 --> 00:04:09,280 Speaker 1: was just about to reach Aryah when she tripped. The 48 00:04:09,320 --> 00:04:12,520 Speaker 1: ground they were running on was not level, and she 49 00:04:12,640 --> 00:04:16,320 Speaker 1: tripped on what might have been branches and foliage hardened 50 00:04:16,360 --> 00:04:21,000 Speaker 1: into a rock like substance. When she was young, she 51 00:04:21,279 --> 00:04:24,000 Speaker 1: was told to never run in the forest on the 52 00:04:24,040 --> 00:04:30,440 Speaker 1: outskirts of Shirewood for this very reason. Esther fell hard 53 00:04:30,560 --> 00:04:34,920 Speaker 1: to the ground. That hurt, she thought, but she was 54 00:04:35,000 --> 00:04:39,240 Speaker 1: sure it was nothing serious, likely just a big bruise tomorrow. 55 00:04:41,320 --> 00:04:44,359 Speaker 1: Riah raced over and picked her up. Are you okay, 56 00:04:44,839 --> 00:04:49,159 Speaker 1: she asked, That was a bit of a nasty fall. Yes, yes, 57 00:04:49,320 --> 00:04:54,520 Speaker 1: I'm okay. Let's go falling is never fun, but her 58 00:04:54,600 --> 00:04:58,600 Speaker 1: pride was hurt the most. Well, except for the limp 59 00:04:58,680 --> 00:05:03,560 Speaker 1: that was taking time to work work itself out. Ariah 60 00:05:03,640 --> 00:05:07,560 Speaker 1: ran with the grace of a runner. Esther felt she 61 00:05:07,680 --> 00:05:12,359 Speaker 1: had the grace of a long legged newborn deer. She 62 00:05:12,600 --> 00:05:16,000 Speaker 1: sighed as they made it through the opening, which forced 63 00:05:16,040 --> 00:05:19,719 Speaker 1: their pursuers to slow down, giving them some extra time. 64 00:05:23,279 --> 00:05:26,280 Speaker 1: The forest gave way to a clearing that looked like 65 00:05:26,320 --> 00:05:31,840 Speaker 1: the high ground. Ariah coveted still with the forest opening 66 00:05:32,000 --> 00:05:36,320 Speaker 1: just behind them. Esther couldn't quite understand what benefit it held. 67 00:05:37,520 --> 00:05:42,080 Speaker 1: We just made it, Ariah yelled, good, maybe we have 68 00:05:42,120 --> 00:05:48,680 Speaker 1: a chance. Esther was out of breath, but Ariah acted 69 00:05:48,720 --> 00:05:53,800 Speaker 1: like she did this every day. Maybe she did. Though 70 00:05:54,200 --> 00:05:58,480 Speaker 1: Esther could sense the fear in Ariah's voice, she seemed 71 00:05:58,520 --> 00:06:03,360 Speaker 1: to be in her element. They didn't run much further 72 00:06:03,520 --> 00:06:07,599 Speaker 1: until Ariah abruptly stopped, causing Esther to skid on the 73 00:06:07,680 --> 00:06:13,040 Speaker 1: hard twisted grass, almost running into her. Why did you stop, 74 00:06:13,720 --> 00:06:18,240 Speaker 1: Esther huffed, bending over to catch her breath. Looking at 75 00:06:18,240 --> 00:06:21,560 Speaker 1: her legs, she noticed a slight tear in her pants. 76 00:06:22,480 --> 00:06:28,120 Speaker 1: Her mother wouldn't be very impressed. I stopped because we 77 00:06:28,200 --> 00:06:32,280 Speaker 1: have nowhere else to go, Ariah said, pointing to an 78 00:06:32,360 --> 00:06:36,960 Speaker 1: area just beyond where they were. Esther stood up and 79 00:06:37,040 --> 00:06:41,920 Speaker 1: walked towards where Ariah was pointing. Her heart sank as 80 00:06:41,960 --> 00:06:46,479 Speaker 1: she took in the daunting sight before them. This was 81 00:06:46,560 --> 00:06:50,240 Speaker 1: the high ground, all right, so high that it was 82 00:06:50,279 --> 00:06:55,479 Speaker 1: a cliff with a sharp drop off. Just beyond in 83 00:06:55,560 --> 00:06:59,560 Speaker 1: the distance was the lake, shimmering under the fading light. 84 00:07:00,200 --> 00:07:03,680 Speaker 1: But while very very close, it might as well have 85 00:07:03,800 --> 00:07:07,080 Speaker 1: been on the other side of the realm. The lake 86 00:07:07,160 --> 00:07:14,040 Speaker 1: seemed to taunt them with its unreachable tranquility. There has 87 00:07:14,200 --> 00:07:18,960 Speaker 1: to be another way, Esther murmured, her voice barely above 88 00:07:18,960 --> 00:07:23,200 Speaker 1: a whisper, yet carrying the weight of their dire situation. 89 00:07:24,240 --> 00:07:28,800 Speaker 1: Ariah's eyes scanned the cliff's edge, searching for any sign 90 00:07:28,960 --> 00:07:33,360 Speaker 1: of a path or a hidden passage. The distant growls 91 00:07:33,400 --> 00:07:37,400 Speaker 1: of their pursuers were a reminder of the peril nipping 92 00:07:37,400 --> 00:07:42,720 Speaker 1: at their heels. Esther knew they couldn't turn back. Forward 93 00:07:42,920 --> 00:07:48,440 Speaker 1: was the only way. As Esther and Ariah stood at 94 00:07:48,440 --> 00:07:52,560 Speaker 1: the edge of the cliff, their minds racing for solutions, 95 00:07:53,080 --> 00:07:58,000 Speaker 1: the ominous sounds of their pursuers grew louder. They had 96 00:07:58,040 --> 00:08:04,960 Speaker 1: sped up. Then, suddenly, bursting through the wall of trees, 97 00:08:05,400 --> 00:08:11,520 Speaker 1: the creatures emerged, sending shards of rocklike branches flying everywhere. 98 00:08:12,680 --> 00:08:18,680 Speaker 1: Their eyes were gleaming with the look of success scalex 99 00:08:19,120 --> 00:08:24,080 Speaker 1: Ariah said with disgust. Then the ground rumbled as another 100 00:08:24,200 --> 00:08:29,280 Speaker 1: creature approached. The creature was covered in thick, rugged scales 101 00:08:29,680 --> 00:08:33,920 Speaker 1: that shimmered in muted shades of green and brown. Its 102 00:08:33,960 --> 00:08:38,560 Speaker 1: wide set eyes sat atop a broad, snub nosed snout 103 00:08:39,160 --> 00:08:45,480 Speaker 1: from which emanated deep gurgling noises. Its powerful limbs, though 104 00:08:45,520 --> 00:08:51,000 Speaker 1: squat and sturdy, ended in webbed feet. In the distance, 105 00:08:51,360 --> 00:08:58,200 Speaker 1: could be heard the rustling of chickaloors. Ariah stood protectively 106 00:08:58,280 --> 00:09:03,079 Speaker 1: in front of esther, her body tense and ready. There's 107 00:09:03,120 --> 00:09:06,600 Speaker 1: no way past them. In all my life, I have 108 00:09:06,720 --> 00:09:11,160 Speaker 1: never seen such a congregation of creatures, she whispered, her 109 00:09:11,200 --> 00:09:16,560 Speaker 1: eyes darting around for any sliver of hope. The creatures 110 00:09:16,640 --> 00:09:22,840 Speaker 1: inched closer, their growls reverberating through the air. Ester and 111 00:09:22,960 --> 00:09:28,400 Speaker 1: Ariah slowly moved backwards towards the cliff's edge, trying to 112 00:09:28,440 --> 00:09:32,920 Speaker 1: give themselves some distance from the creatures. Just as the 113 00:09:33,000 --> 00:09:39,000 Speaker 1: situation seemed most dire, a stroke of luck. As unpredictable 114 00:09:39,040 --> 00:09:45,440 Speaker 1: as fate itself intervened, the edge of the cliff, strained 115 00:09:45,600 --> 00:09:51,319 Speaker 1: under the weight of the confrontation, began to crumble. Rocks 116 00:09:51,440 --> 00:09:55,720 Speaker 1: and dirt tumbled down the steep slope, and before they 117 00:09:55,760 --> 00:10:03,120 Speaker 1: could react, the ground beneath Ester and Ariyah gave with 118 00:10:03,240 --> 00:10:07,960 Speaker 1: a startled cry. They found themselves sliding down the cliff's face, 119 00:10:08,440 --> 00:10:14,240 Speaker 1: a whirlwind of dust and debris accompanying their descent. The creatures, 120 00:10:14,360 --> 00:10:19,480 Speaker 1: caught off guard, skittered back, howling in frustration as their 121 00:10:19,520 --> 00:10:27,120 Speaker 1: prey escaped right before their eyes. The slide was an uncontrolled, 122 00:10:27,320 --> 00:10:32,800 Speaker 1: chaotic mess. Esther clung to Riah, her heart pounding in 123 00:10:32,880 --> 00:10:41,000 Speaker 1: her chest. They dodged sharp rocks, the world blur around them. Luckily, 124 00:10:41,280 --> 00:10:44,280 Speaker 1: for the most part, the ground was softer than the 125 00:10:44,360 --> 00:10:50,040 Speaker 1: root from which they had come. Finally, with a final jolt, 126 00:10:50,520 --> 00:10:53,440 Speaker 1: they landed in a heap at the bottom, not far 127 00:10:53,559 --> 00:11:01,200 Speaker 1: from the banks of the lake, breathless. When Ariah slowly 128 00:11:01,240 --> 00:11:06,520 Speaker 1: got to their feet, they were battered, covered in dirt, 129 00:11:07,080 --> 00:11:15,040 Speaker 1: but miraculously unharmed. Above them, the creatures roared in anger 130 00:11:15,320 --> 00:11:23,920 Speaker 1: and disappointment, their chance at capture lost. Slowly, begrudgingly they retreated, 131 00:11:24,520 --> 00:11:27,680 Speaker 1: leaving Esther and Ariah alone at the bottom of the cliff. 132 00:11:31,360 --> 00:11:35,960 Speaker 1: Can you walk, Ariah asked. Esther took a couple of 133 00:11:36,040 --> 00:11:41,920 Speaker 1: tentative steps, unsure if she could. Though shaky, somehow her 134 00:11:42,000 --> 00:11:47,480 Speaker 1: legs worked. Esther, catching her breath, looked over at Riah 135 00:11:47,559 --> 00:11:52,880 Speaker 1: with a mix of relief and confusion. Yes, I don't 136 00:11:52,920 --> 00:11:57,080 Speaker 1: know how, but I can move. Esther was so relieved 137 00:11:57,080 --> 00:12:01,440 Speaker 1: she almost let out a laugh. Why won't they come 138 00:12:01,480 --> 00:12:05,599 Speaker 1: near the lake, Esther asked, her eyes scanning the serene 139 00:12:05,800 --> 00:12:11,120 Speaker 1: waters so starkly contrasting with the chaos they had just escaped, 140 00:12:12,400 --> 00:12:14,360 Speaker 1: they might have been able to follow us down the 141 00:12:14,400 --> 00:12:21,440 Speaker 1: cliff easily. Ariah shrugged. I don't know, Esther. These creatures 142 00:12:21,480 --> 00:12:25,679 Speaker 1: are full of surprises, and not the good kind, she replied, 143 00:12:26,240 --> 00:12:28,920 Speaker 1: her gaze fixed warily on the top of the cliff. 144 00:12:31,520 --> 00:12:35,480 Speaker 1: The map is glowing again, Ariah said, pointing to Esther's bag. 145 00:12:36,200 --> 00:12:39,400 Speaker 1: It must be reacting to the lake. Let's walk over 146 00:12:39,440 --> 00:12:43,960 Speaker 1: to the edge towards that outcropping, Ariah said, pointing to 147 00:12:44,040 --> 00:12:47,840 Speaker 1: a raised area that would provide some shelter. As they 148 00:12:47,920 --> 00:12:52,760 Speaker 1: took some needed rest. Esther sat at the water's edge, 149 00:12:53,120 --> 00:12:57,760 Speaker 1: her fingers idly trailing in the cool water. Maybe there's 150 00:12:57,760 --> 00:13:02,360 Speaker 1: something about the lake, something they fear or can't tolerate, 151 00:13:02,800 --> 00:13:08,080 Speaker 1: she mused aloud. The tranquility of the lake seemed like 152 00:13:08,120 --> 00:13:14,559 Speaker 1: a protective barrier, an inexplicable safe haven from their relentless pursuers. 153 00:13:17,000 --> 00:13:20,760 Speaker 1: Ariah joined her, watching the ripples in the water. I 154 00:13:20,800 --> 00:13:24,839 Speaker 1: think so, she said, thoughtfully. There must still be some 155 00:13:25,000 --> 00:13:29,720 Speaker 1: good magic here, some remnants of what once was. These 156 00:13:29,840 --> 00:13:34,679 Speaker 1: lands are old Esther, older than any of us can imagine. 157 00:13:34,760 --> 00:13:42,240 Speaker 1: There are mysteries here that we might never understand. Esther nodded, 158 00:13:42,480 --> 00:13:47,640 Speaker 1: her mind racing with possibilities. Well, for now, I'm just 159 00:13:47,800 --> 00:13:51,200 Speaker 1: grateful for whatever is keeping them at bay. We need 160 00:13:51,240 --> 00:13:56,840 Speaker 1: a break. She gave a small, weary smile. Ariah returned 161 00:13:56,960 --> 00:14:03,200 Speaker 1: the smile. The two sat in silence for a moment, 162 00:14:03,640 --> 00:14:07,000 Speaker 1: the gentle lapping of the lake's waters offering a brief 163 00:14:07,040 --> 00:14:10,960 Speaker 1: respite as they gathered their thoughts for the challenges yet 164 00:14:10,960 --> 00:14:16,839 Speaker 1: to come. Here. Drink this, Ariah said, pulling her watersack 165 00:14:16,880 --> 00:14:21,880 Speaker 1: from her bag. You need to drink and eat. Esther 166 00:14:22,000 --> 00:14:24,600 Speaker 1: took a drink and had to stop herself from drinking 167 00:14:24,680 --> 00:14:29,800 Speaker 1: all the water. Thank you, I bet you wished you 168 00:14:29,840 --> 00:14:32,960 Speaker 1: were back in Shirewood now, Ariah said, with a laugh. 169 00:14:34,160 --> 00:14:37,920 Speaker 1: My mother's stew would taste great now, and my bed 170 00:14:37,960 --> 00:14:41,480 Speaker 1: would feel so great to lie on, and to think 171 00:14:41,520 --> 00:14:44,680 Speaker 1: I used to complain about that and a great many 172 00:14:44,760 --> 00:14:48,320 Speaker 1: other things. It hasn't been long since I laughed, But 173 00:14:48,440 --> 00:14:53,720 Speaker 1: it feels like many cycles. I feel different, too, like 174 00:14:53,840 --> 00:14:59,720 Speaker 1: I have seen and experienced enough for a lifetime. Being 175 00:14:59,800 --> 00:15:02,520 Speaker 1: caught constantly chased by the creatures of the glade will 176 00:15:02,560 --> 00:15:07,360 Speaker 1: do that to you. How are your skinny legs? Ariah said, 177 00:15:07,560 --> 00:15:13,400 Speaker 1: her sarcasm returning Esther had almost forgotten about the pain 178 00:15:13,480 --> 00:15:17,640 Speaker 1: in her muscles. She could feel all her muscles twitching, 179 00:15:18,000 --> 00:15:20,760 Speaker 1: like they were protesting all the work they were forced 180 00:15:20,760 --> 00:15:25,920 Speaker 1: to do. They hurt, but for some reason they keep moving. 181 00:15:26,920 --> 00:15:30,200 Speaker 1: I don't know how you can run so well. Maybe 182 00:15:30,200 --> 00:15:32,840 Speaker 1: I should have chased my little brother down the pathways 183 00:15:32,920 --> 00:15:37,400 Speaker 1: near our house more often, But few in Shirewood do 184 00:15:37,640 --> 00:15:43,000 Speaker 1: such activities anymore. It's all about practical things. We don't hunt, 185 00:15:43,400 --> 00:15:48,600 Speaker 1: and the kingdom is peaceful. The body is remarkable in 186 00:15:48,640 --> 00:15:52,680 Speaker 1: the way it adapts. You will get there eventually. I 187 00:15:52,720 --> 00:15:56,040 Speaker 1: have been running like this most of my life. When 188 00:15:56,080 --> 00:15:59,040 Speaker 1: I was younger, I had little choice. It was either 189 00:15:59,200 --> 00:16:03,560 Speaker 1: run or be run over by these annoying chicalaors. Later, 190 00:16:04,160 --> 00:16:06,920 Speaker 1: I was chosen to be a Knight for reasons I 191 00:16:06,960 --> 00:16:12,160 Speaker 1: am only now starting to understand. As I got older 192 00:16:12,200 --> 00:16:17,240 Speaker 1: and stronger, I did the chasing. But until recently, the 193 00:16:17,320 --> 00:16:21,120 Speaker 1: chiclaurs were nothing more than a nuisance, and the Scalics 194 00:16:21,200 --> 00:16:26,280 Speaker 1: kept their distance. Since your arrival, they have become much 195 00:16:26,360 --> 00:16:33,640 Speaker 1: more aggressive. My arrival, like I am something special, Esther 196 00:16:33,800 --> 00:16:37,920 Speaker 1: said humbly. My teachers all said I would amount to 197 00:16:37,960 --> 00:16:44,840 Speaker 1: nothing if I didn't study harder. Ariah's expression turned solemn, 198 00:16:45,280 --> 00:16:50,600 Speaker 1: her eyes locking with Esther's. You have no idea, Esther. 199 00:16:51,240 --> 00:16:56,080 Speaker 1: There's something about you, something deeply intertwined with the fate 200 00:16:56,160 --> 00:17:01,680 Speaker 1: of our realm. Before Ariah could finish, the soft glow 201 00:17:01,720 --> 00:17:06,959 Speaker 1: from Esther's bag became increasingly bright. Esther reached in and 202 00:17:07,000 --> 00:17:11,120 Speaker 1: pulled out the map from Gimbal's book. The moment her 203 00:17:11,160 --> 00:17:15,680 Speaker 1: fingers brushed against it, the map glowed brighter, its light 204 00:17:15,920 --> 00:17:21,600 Speaker 1: pulsating like a gentle heartbeat. As Esther held the map, 205 00:17:21,960 --> 00:17:27,000 Speaker 1: the surface of the lake began to stir. The water rippled, 206 00:17:27,119 --> 00:17:30,800 Speaker 1: as if being affected by an unseen breeze, and the 207 00:17:30,840 --> 00:17:37,439 Speaker 1: air around them vibrated with a silent, expectant energy. Riah, 208 00:17:37,720 --> 00:17:42,199 Speaker 1: her eyes wide with astonishment, watched as Esther became the 209 00:17:42,200 --> 00:17:49,800 Speaker 1: focal point of this extraordinary phenomenon. Esther, what's happening, Riah whispered, 210 00:17:50,119 --> 00:17:54,919 Speaker 1: a mixture of awe and uncertainty in her voice. Ah Ah, 211 00:17:55,040 --> 00:17:59,720 Speaker 1: I don't know, Esther replied, her gaze transfixed on the 212 00:17:59,800 --> 00:18:05,880 Speaker 1: chaining lake. The water's surface shimmered, transforming into a mirror 213 00:18:06,119 --> 00:18:12,720 Speaker 1: like sheen. Images started to form, swirling mists, ancient symbols, 214 00:18:12,760 --> 00:18:17,280 Speaker 1: and cryptic patterns, as if the lake itself was communicating. 215 00:18:19,560 --> 00:18:23,600 Speaker 1: Esther felt a deep connection, a sense of being drawn 216 00:18:23,760 --> 00:18:28,960 Speaker 1: into the lake's depths. The images became clearer and more coherent. 217 00:18:29,920 --> 00:18:35,240 Speaker 1: They were messages. Esther realized revelations meant specifically for her. 218 00:18:36,640 --> 00:18:39,960 Speaker 1: The lake, through the good magic of the map, was 219 00:18:40,000 --> 00:18:46,040 Speaker 1: imparting wisdom, guiding her, acknowledging her unique role in the 220 00:18:46,119 --> 00:18:53,719 Speaker 1: fate of this realm Ariyah could only watch in silent wonder, 221 00:18:54,400 --> 00:19:00,280 Speaker 1: sensing the significance of this moment. This was no ordinary occurrence. 222 00:19:00,920 --> 00:19:04,480 Speaker 1: It was a communion between Esther and the essence of 223 00:19:04,520 --> 00:19:09,919 Speaker 1: the land. They journeyed through the realization that the elders 224 00:19:09,960 --> 00:19:14,199 Speaker 1: were right, that the prophecy Riah had thought was nonsense 225 00:19:14,760 --> 00:19:19,680 Speaker 1: looked to be coming true. That Ester was indeed special 226 00:19:20,320 --> 00:19:25,760 Speaker 1: pivotal to the destiny of this mystic realm became undeniably clear. 227 00:19:29,280 --> 00:19:33,080 Speaker 1: As the message from the lake concluded, the water calmed, 228 00:19:33,480 --> 00:19:38,720 Speaker 1: returning to its tranquil state. Esther lowered the map, her 229 00:19:38,760 --> 00:19:44,760 Speaker 1: eyes reflecting a new found understanding and purpose. She turned 230 00:19:44,840 --> 00:19:49,760 Speaker 1: to Riah, her expression a blend of determination and awe, 231 00:19:50,920 --> 00:19:53,720 Speaker 1: I know what we need to do next, Esther said, 232 00:19:54,040 --> 00:19:57,239 Speaker 1: her voice steady yet imbued with the weight of the 233 00:19:57,280 --> 00:20:01,919 Speaker 1: revelation she had just received. We need to travel to 234 00:20:02,040 --> 00:20:06,600 Speaker 1: the Starlit summit of Eldoria. We will meet our guide 235 00:20:06,640 --> 00:20:14,960 Speaker 1: there who will take us to my father. And that's 236 00:20:15,000 --> 00:20:20,040 Speaker 1: the end of this part. Good Night, sleep tight.