1 00:00:08,520 --> 00:00:19,439 Speaker 1: Hello, friends, and welcome to sleep tight stories. Esther and 2 00:00:19,520 --> 00:00:22,920 Speaker 1: Ariah have arrived at the cave and have been greeted 3 00:00:22,960 --> 00:00:27,880 Speaker 1: by a creature they have never seen before. When they 4 00:00:27,920 --> 00:00:31,200 Speaker 1: realize that the creatures mean them no harm, but are 5 00:00:31,240 --> 00:00:34,360 Speaker 1: here to help Esther in her quest, they ask them 6 00:00:34,479 --> 00:00:39,520 Speaker 1: lots of questions. As they exit the cave and can 7 00:00:39,560 --> 00:00:43,080 Speaker 1: see the castle where Esther's father is held, they all 8 00:00:43,080 --> 00:00:46,080 Speaker 1: come up with a plan to help Esther and Ariah 9 00:00:46,159 --> 00:00:53,840 Speaker 1: get past the guards. The Magical Book of Dreams Part 10 00:00:53,960 --> 00:01:04,200 Speaker 1: twenty nine and Ariah stood still for a moment, overwhelmed 11 00:01:04,280 --> 00:01:09,479 Speaker 1: by the sudden appearance of so many creatures. Their initial 12 00:01:09,560 --> 00:01:13,720 Speaker 1: shock had given way to relief as they realized they 13 00:01:13,760 --> 00:01:19,840 Speaker 1: were allies, not enemies. The air, thick with tension just 14 00:01:19,959 --> 00:01:25,000 Speaker 1: moments before, now felt lighter, filled with the promise of 15 00:01:25,120 --> 00:01:31,440 Speaker 1: new friendships. Esther was surprised by the creature's greeting and 16 00:01:31,600 --> 00:01:36,959 Speaker 1: acknowledgment of her newfound status. It was going to take 17 00:01:37,000 --> 00:01:41,959 Speaker 1: her a long time to recognize being called princess, especially 18 00:01:42,000 --> 00:01:44,880 Speaker 1: since it wasn't that long ago when her teacher in 19 00:01:44,959 --> 00:01:50,520 Speaker 1: the academy had threatened to have her expelled. Going from 20 00:01:50,640 --> 00:01:55,520 Speaker 1: daydreaming troublemaker to savior of the unknown realm was quite 21 00:01:55,720 --> 00:01:56,520 Speaker 1: an adjustment. 22 00:02:00,040 --> 00:02:02,160 Speaker 2: Crouched to be at eye level. 23 00:02:01,880 --> 00:02:05,800 Speaker 1: With the creature who spoke to her, its fur shimmered 24 00:02:05,800 --> 00:02:07,800 Speaker 1: with a subtle glow in the light. 25 00:02:07,960 --> 00:02:09,360 Speaker 2: Emanating from her finger. 26 00:02:11,120 --> 00:02:15,000 Speaker 1: Thank you for your kind words, Esther began, her voice 27 00:02:15,040 --> 00:02:20,760 Speaker 1: steady despite all the emotions inside her. May I ask 28 00:02:21,040 --> 00:02:24,800 Speaker 1: who are you and your friends? Ariah, talking softly, added 29 00:02:25,680 --> 00:02:30,000 Speaker 1: I've traveled extensively, but have never seen creatures like you before. 30 00:02:32,440 --> 00:02:35,840 Speaker 1: The creature bowed its head slightly in a gesture of 31 00:02:35,880 --> 00:02:41,440 Speaker 1: respect before responding, We are the Luminae, guardians of the 32 00:02:41,520 --> 00:02:47,000 Speaker 1: hidden paths and the forgotten ways. Our existence is tied 33 00:02:47,040 --> 00:02:50,680 Speaker 1: to the magic of the realm, to its roots an essence. 34 00:02:52,000 --> 00:02:57,120 Speaker 1: As the realm suffered, so did we. Fading into the shadows, 35 00:02:57,639 --> 00:03:03,919 Speaker 1: watching and waiting for a sign of renewal, another luminae, 36 00:03:04,200 --> 00:03:09,160 Speaker 1: slightly smaller but with brighter fur, stepped forward. We are 37 00:03:09,240 --> 00:03:13,760 Speaker 1: bound to the life force of Eldoria, and your arrival has. 38 00:03:13,600 --> 00:03:15,240 Speaker 2: Stirred us from our sleep. 39 00:03:16,000 --> 00:03:20,000 Speaker 1: It is our duty and honor to assist the true 40 00:03:20,040 --> 00:03:23,960 Speaker 1: heart of the Realm, the Princess, on her quest to 41 00:03:24,120 --> 00:03:32,280 Speaker 1: restore balance. Esther listened, feeling the increasing weight of responsibility. 42 00:03:33,639 --> 00:03:37,560 Speaker 1: I came into your realm somewhat hastily to find and 43 00:03:37,640 --> 00:03:42,240 Speaker 1: now free my father. I accept that by doing so, 44 00:03:42,880 --> 00:03:47,840 Speaker 1: I may heal your land, your kingdom. I know and 45 00:03:48,000 --> 00:03:54,040 Speaker 1: accept my purpose, and I welcome any help you provide. 46 00:03:54,080 --> 00:03:56,520 Speaker 1: Having you as a guide through this cave would be 47 00:03:56,600 --> 00:04:00,480 Speaker 1: the best gift. But how will you guide us? The 48 00:04:00,520 --> 00:04:07,360 Speaker 1: way is dark and the path uncertain. A third luminae, 49 00:04:07,640 --> 00:04:10,960 Speaker 1: with fur like the night sky dotted with points of light, 50 00:04:11,040 --> 00:04:15,000 Speaker 1: spoke up. Our light is borne from the magic that 51 00:04:15,160 --> 00:04:19,200 Speaker 1: flows within the earth, a reflection of the stars above. 52 00:04:20,839 --> 00:04:23,960 Speaker 1: There are many roots within these caves that have caused 53 00:04:24,000 --> 00:04:28,680 Speaker 1: many to be lost in the darkness. Forever, we can 54 00:04:28,760 --> 00:04:34,560 Speaker 1: provide light, reveal hidden paths, and protect you from unseen dangers. 55 00:04:35,320 --> 00:04:41,520 Speaker 1: Where our light shines, the shadows retreat. You refer to 56 00:04:41,600 --> 00:04:44,960 Speaker 1: this as the kingdom of Ildoria. I thought all the 57 00:04:45,000 --> 00:04:49,200 Speaker 1: old names had been forgotten or were forbidden to be spoken. 58 00:04:49,000 --> 00:04:49,960 Speaker 2: Ariah asked. 59 00:04:51,240 --> 00:04:55,280 Speaker 1: One of the luminae, with a soft glow emanating gently 60 00:04:55,360 --> 00:04:59,680 Speaker 1: around it, responded to Ariah's question with a clear voice, 61 00:05:00,279 --> 00:05:06,800 Speaker 1: yet carrying the weight of untold cycles of time. The 62 00:05:06,839 --> 00:05:11,880 Speaker 1: true names of places hold power, a memory of themselves 63 00:05:12,320 --> 00:05:17,039 Speaker 1: that not even the darkest shadows Kenny race. While the 64 00:05:17,080 --> 00:05:20,440 Speaker 1: people of the land may forget or be forbidden to 65 00:05:20,520 --> 00:05:25,440 Speaker 1: speak them, we the Luminae, are keepers of its history 66 00:05:25,880 --> 00:05:31,400 Speaker 1: and guardians of its truths. Eldrea's name and its essence 67 00:05:31,960 --> 00:05:35,200 Speaker 1: has always lived on in the whispers of the earth 68 00:05:35,680 --> 00:05:39,320 Speaker 1: and the songs of the stars, waiting for the day 69 00:05:39,400 --> 00:05:42,400 Speaker 1: when it could be spoken aloud once more. 70 00:05:42,440 --> 00:05:44,880 Speaker 2: With hope. 71 00:05:45,880 --> 00:05:50,760 Speaker 1: Mariah nodded her head in acknowledgment. She had realized that 72 00:05:50,839 --> 00:05:54,120 Speaker 1: many of the place names, like the Starlit Summit of 73 00:05:54,160 --> 00:05:58,400 Speaker 1: Eldoria or the Whispering Blade had roots in the minor 74 00:05:58,520 --> 00:06:02,640 Speaker 1: kingdoms they were located in, but it had been so 75 00:06:02,839 --> 00:06:08,279 Speaker 1: long since they had been said or used. Esther stood 76 00:06:08,320 --> 00:06:12,839 Speaker 1: and said, then, let's get started. With your light and guidance, 77 00:06:13,360 --> 00:06:15,680 Speaker 1: I am sure we can find our way through to 78 00:06:15,800 --> 00:06:23,680 Speaker 1: the exit we seek. The Luminae gathered around Esther and Riah, 79 00:06:24,080 --> 00:06:29,400 Speaker 1: their fur glowing brighter and brighter, casting a soft, radiant 80 00:06:29,480 --> 00:06:34,600 Speaker 1: light that pushed back all the darkness of the cave. Together, 81 00:06:35,040 --> 00:06:39,640 Speaker 1: they began to move, the Luminae leading the way, revealing 82 00:06:39,720 --> 00:06:44,000 Speaker 1: many features of their surroundings that even with Ester's light, 83 00:06:44,279 --> 00:06:45,159 Speaker 1: they had not seen. 84 00:06:48,120 --> 00:06:49,800 Speaker 2: Walking they passed. 85 00:06:49,400 --> 00:06:54,040 Speaker 1: By walls that sparkled subtly, with embedded minerals catching the 86 00:06:54,160 --> 00:06:58,400 Speaker 1: light and creating a muted shimmer rather than the dazzling 87 00:06:58,520 --> 00:07:06,560 Speaker 1: display they first saw. The Luminae paused occasionally, not only 88 00:07:06,600 --> 00:07:10,400 Speaker 1: to ensure Esther and Aarya were following, but also to 89 00:07:10,480 --> 00:07:15,280 Speaker 1: point out interesting aspects of the cave that were easily overlooked. 90 00:07:17,600 --> 00:07:21,800 Speaker 1: They showed them small intricate rock formations shaped by water 91 00:07:22,320 --> 00:07:26,440 Speaker 1: over countless years, and patches of moss and other small 92 00:07:26,480 --> 00:07:30,480 Speaker 1: plants that added a touch of green to the predominantly 93 00:07:30,600 --> 00:07:37,200 Speaker 1: gray stone thriving in the cave's consistent cool climate. The 94 00:07:37,360 --> 00:07:45,160 Speaker 1: artifact's influence had not reached this deep streams of clear 95 00:07:45,280 --> 00:07:50,800 Speaker 1: water crossed their paths at intervals. These waters, the Luminae explained, 96 00:07:51,200 --> 00:07:55,400 Speaker 1: were vital to the life that persisted here, nourishing the 97 00:07:55,520 --> 00:07:59,760 Speaker 1: sparse yet resilient plant life that managed to exist in 98 00:07:59,760 --> 00:08:04,160 Speaker 1: the u s these low light conditions, the cave occasionally 99 00:08:04,240 --> 00:08:10,480 Speaker 1: opened into larger chambers where the ceiling stretched high above. Here, 100 00:08:10,680 --> 00:08:14,080 Speaker 1: the Luminae's light seemed to gather and fill the space, 101 00:08:15,000 --> 00:08:18,640 Speaker 1: softening the starkness of the rock with a warm glow. 102 00:08:21,080 --> 00:08:25,040 Speaker 1: In these chambers, Esther and Ariyah found simple carvings on 103 00:08:25,080 --> 00:08:30,360 Speaker 1: the walls that suggested previous visitors, or perhaps ancient guardians 104 00:08:30,400 --> 00:08:34,880 Speaker 1: of the cave. The Luminae explained that these marks were 105 00:08:34,960 --> 00:08:37,880 Speaker 1: left by those who had once sought the wisdom and 106 00:08:38,000 --> 00:08:43,920 Speaker 1: protection offered by the cave's depths. The cave felt like 107 00:08:44,000 --> 00:08:50,400 Speaker 1: a living part of Eldoria's past. Ariah began to notice 108 00:08:50,400 --> 00:08:54,520 Speaker 1: a change in the air around them. The further they traveled, 109 00:08:54,880 --> 00:08:58,080 Speaker 1: the more she could feel a gentle breeze brushing against 110 00:08:58,120 --> 00:09:03,679 Speaker 1: her skin. This subtle wind grew steadily stronger, a sure 111 00:09:03,840 --> 00:09:10,319 Speaker 1: sign they were approaching an exit. She spoke quietly to Esther, 112 00:09:11,120 --> 00:09:14,360 Speaker 1: we are almost there. I can feel it, yes, and 113 00:09:14,480 --> 00:09:18,520 Speaker 1: none too soon. I'm getting tired from the walk, Esther 114 00:09:18,679 --> 00:09:24,640 Speaker 1: said with a weary laugh. Ariah chuckled. Speaking to the 115 00:09:24,720 --> 00:09:29,480 Speaker 1: Luminae walking beside her, Ariah asked, I have read many 116 00:09:29,520 --> 00:09:32,760 Speaker 1: books about the peoples of the realm. Before the gray 117 00:09:32,800 --> 00:09:36,280 Speaker 1: fell upon us. I think we were allowed to study 118 00:09:36,280 --> 00:09:39,360 Speaker 1: those who lived before us as a kind of punishment. 119 00:09:40,840 --> 00:09:44,360 Speaker 1: But in all my studies I have never come upon 120 00:09:44,480 --> 00:09:51,360 Speaker 1: your name, the Luminae responded, its fur resonating with the. 121 00:09:51,280 --> 00:09:52,840 Speaker 2: Pitch of its voice. 122 00:09:53,679 --> 00:09:57,080 Speaker 1: I can't speak as to why we weren't recorded. The 123 00:09:57,160 --> 00:10:00,880 Speaker 1: Luminae have long been the silent guardians of this Kingdom's 124 00:10:00,960 --> 00:10:05,839 Speaker 1: most sacred and hidden paths. We are as ancient as 125 00:10:05,840 --> 00:10:11,400 Speaker 1: the land itself, a living embodiment of Eldora's once abundant 126 00:10:11,480 --> 00:10:16,400 Speaker 1: good magic. In times of old, when good magic flowed 127 00:10:16,440 --> 00:10:20,559 Speaker 1: freely and the realm thrived in harmony, the Luminae were 128 00:10:20,600 --> 00:10:25,600 Speaker 1: seen by all, guiding lost travelers and protecting the realm's 129 00:10:25,640 --> 00:10:32,280 Speaker 1: secret wonders. However, as darkness crept into Eldia, casting long 130 00:10:32,400 --> 00:10:36,640 Speaker 1: shadows over the land and dimming its magical essence, the 131 00:10:36,720 --> 00:10:42,200 Speaker 1: Luminae retreated into the shadows, becoming myths to most. But 132 00:10:42,320 --> 00:10:48,439 Speaker 1: with the Princess's return, all that will change. Esther interrupted, 133 00:10:48,640 --> 00:10:50,840 Speaker 1: up ahead, Look the light coming in. 134 00:10:50,920 --> 00:10:51,720 Speaker 2: It's the exit. 135 00:10:53,280 --> 00:10:57,560 Speaker 1: Esther and Eriah walked cautiously to the cave's exit, their 136 00:10:57,640 --> 00:11:03,240 Speaker 1: eyes scanning the surroundings carefully. The transition from the cave's 137 00:11:03,320 --> 00:11:07,240 Speaker 1: warm lit interior to the cold gray of the outside 138 00:11:07,280 --> 00:11:12,439 Speaker 1: world was jarring at first, but as they adjusted, They 139 00:11:12,480 --> 00:11:16,160 Speaker 1: took in the landscape around them, looking to make sure 140 00:11:16,200 --> 00:11:21,200 Speaker 1: a pack of chickaloors was not waiting for them. The 141 00:11:21,280 --> 00:11:25,360 Speaker 1: cave's mouth opened onto a vantage point that overlooked a 142 00:11:25,480 --> 00:11:29,480 Speaker 1: vast expanse of the realm, providing a clear view toward 143 00:11:29,559 --> 00:11:33,559 Speaker 1: the dark silhouette of the castle where Ester's father was held. 144 00:11:36,480 --> 00:11:40,160 Speaker 1: The land between them and the prison was harsh and blighted, 145 00:11:40,720 --> 00:11:46,680 Speaker 1: a once fertile plain now spoiled and desolate. Sparse withered 146 00:11:46,760 --> 00:11:51,600 Speaker 1: vegetation dotted the land, and what forests remained were gnarled 147 00:11:51,640 --> 00:11:56,640 Speaker 1: and leafless, their shadows casting long, dark fingers across the ground. 148 00:11:59,080 --> 00:12:04,040 Speaker 1: The castle boomed on a craggy outcrop, its formidable walls 149 00:12:04,080 --> 00:12:10,320 Speaker 1: and towering spires silhouetted against the sky. Its position gave 150 00:12:10,400 --> 00:12:14,640 Speaker 1: it a view of all that approached. The path through 151 00:12:14,640 --> 00:12:18,520 Speaker 1: the castle was lined with the same needle bearing plants, which, 152 00:12:19,120 --> 00:12:22,640 Speaker 1: if you were unfortunate enough to rub against them, would 153 00:12:22,720 --> 00:12:28,120 Speaker 1: result in considerable discomfort. The remnants of what might once 154 00:12:28,200 --> 00:12:31,760 Speaker 1: have been roads were now overgrown and forgotten. 155 00:12:34,160 --> 00:12:37,000 Speaker 2: As Esther and Eriah looked at their path. 156 00:12:36,760 --> 00:12:41,360 Speaker 1: Forward, the luminae, their soft glow a stark contrast to 157 00:12:41,440 --> 00:12:45,440 Speaker 1: the surrounding gloom, spoke in a tone that matched the 158 00:12:45,480 --> 00:12:51,880 Speaker 1: scene before them. The path ahead is fraught with challenges, 159 00:12:52,360 --> 00:12:56,240 Speaker 1: but it leads to the heart of your quest. Remember 160 00:12:56,760 --> 00:12:59,240 Speaker 1: the light you carry within you is the beacon in 161 00:12:59,320 --> 00:13:08,559 Speaker 1: this darkness. Returning to the cave's interior, Ester asked the 162 00:13:08,640 --> 00:13:14,199 Speaker 1: Luminae who had just spoken, that castle looks almost impossible 163 00:13:14,240 --> 00:13:17,959 Speaker 1: to enter. Do you have any other guidance you could share? 164 00:13:19,880 --> 00:13:23,280 Speaker 1: Are there patrols or creatures waiting for us amongst the 165 00:13:23,320 --> 00:13:30,040 Speaker 1: path towards the castle, Ariah added? Looking at her, Esther thought, 166 00:13:30,040 --> 00:13:35,760 Speaker 1: Ariah looked worried or maybe anxious. Am I so naive 167 00:13:35,800 --> 00:13:37,920 Speaker 1: to believe that this is even possible? 168 00:13:38,040 --> 00:13:38,480 Speaker 2: She thought? 169 00:13:40,600 --> 00:13:43,880 Speaker 1: The chickaloors and scaleks who drove you into this cave 170 00:13:44,280 --> 00:13:47,800 Speaker 1: are unaware of this exit. They will not see you 171 00:13:48,000 --> 00:13:53,520 Speaker 1: until you approach. The castle itself is guarded by human guards, 172 00:13:53,920 --> 00:14:02,480 Speaker 1: chiccalores and scaleks. It's an almost impenetrable defense. Esther's heart sank, 173 00:14:03,320 --> 00:14:08,400 Speaker 1: I've come so far, how can we fail now? But 174 00:14:09,400 --> 00:14:15,520 Speaker 1: the Luminae responded, they are over confident and arrogant. No 175 00:14:15,800 --> 00:14:19,480 Speaker 1: army or group of people would dare approach, but they 176 00:14:19,520 --> 00:14:23,880 Speaker 1: are completely unprepared for the possibility that one or two 177 00:14:24,040 --> 00:14:28,480 Speaker 1: might challenge. Your size is your advantage, so there is 178 00:14:28,520 --> 00:14:32,360 Speaker 1: a chance. Esther asked, there is hope that we will succeed. 179 00:14:33,680 --> 00:14:38,520 Speaker 1: There is always hope. Another luminae replied, as you have 180 00:14:38,720 --> 00:14:43,480 Speaker 1: capabilities you have yet to discover. Have faith in yourself 181 00:14:43,560 --> 00:14:44,800 Speaker 1: and your strong knight. 182 00:14:45,880 --> 00:14:48,840 Speaker 2: Hope. We have, but a plan we do not. 183 00:14:49,840 --> 00:14:53,120 Speaker 1: How can we exploit their weakness and gain entrance into 184 00:14:53,160 --> 00:14:58,640 Speaker 1: the prison? Ariah asked the luminae, their light dimming slightly 185 00:14:59,040 --> 00:15:03,080 Speaker 1: as if to reflect the seriousness of their council, shared 186 00:15:03,120 --> 00:15:07,239 Speaker 1: with Esther and Ariah a strategy to navigate the landscape 187 00:15:07,560 --> 00:15:14,320 Speaker 1: and infiltrate the fortress. Beyond this ridge one began lies 188 00:15:14,360 --> 00:15:18,160 Speaker 1: a forgotten path, concealed from those who do not know 189 00:15:18,200 --> 00:15:22,600 Speaker 1: its secrets. It winds through the shadow of the valley, 190 00:15:23,080 --> 00:15:26,160 Speaker 1: hidden from the eyes of the castle guards by the 191 00:15:26,280 --> 00:15:33,320 Speaker 1: very desolation they ignore. They explained that the guards, confident 192 00:15:33,480 --> 00:15:37,240 Speaker 1: in their high walls and isolated by their disdain for 193 00:15:37,280 --> 00:15:42,000 Speaker 1: the lands beyond, rarely ventured into the bleak wilderness or 194 00:15:42,080 --> 00:15:47,640 Speaker 1: patrolled its borders. Their arrogance blinds them to the simpler 195 00:15:47,760 --> 00:15:53,680 Speaker 1: paths the ones cloaked by nature, The Luminae continued, Follow 196 00:15:53,840 --> 00:15:58,280 Speaker 1: the dry riverbed that cuts through the valley. It will 197 00:15:58,400 --> 00:16:00,680 Speaker 1: lead you to a thicket of what was the shrubs 198 00:16:00,720 --> 00:16:05,720 Speaker 1: of fruit within a hidden entrance to the dungeons lies 199 00:16:05,840 --> 00:16:12,120 Speaker 1: long forgotten by those inside. It was once an escape route. 200 00:16:12,360 --> 00:16:16,360 Speaker 1: Now it will serve as your entry to this terrible place. 201 00:16:19,680 --> 00:16:23,520 Speaker 1: The Luminae cautioned them. Move under the veil of night. 202 00:16:24,200 --> 00:16:28,360 Speaker 1: The Guard's over confidence is your ally, But haste and 203 00:16:28,520 --> 00:16:33,480 Speaker 1: noise are your foes. They expect no assaults so small, 204 00:16:34,040 --> 00:16:38,760 Speaker 1: no invasion so silent. Your strength lies not in force, 205 00:16:39,320 --> 00:16:47,080 Speaker 1: but in stealth and surprise. Esther and Ariah listened intently, 206 00:16:47,640 --> 00:16:52,120 Speaker 1: memorizing the path and understanding the wisdom in exploiting the 207 00:16:52,160 --> 00:17:00,960 Speaker 1: guard's weaknesses. Ariah, looking at Esther, nodded in agreement. They 208 00:17:01,080 --> 00:17:06,440 Speaker 1: had the plan they needed. As darkness started to fall, 209 00:17:07,160 --> 00:17:10,640 Speaker 1: Esther and Ariah thanked all the luminae as they prepared 210 00:17:10,680 --> 00:17:15,240 Speaker 1: to embark on the final leg of their journey. It 211 00:17:15,280 --> 00:17:18,600 Speaker 1: wouldn't be easy, but they were ready to slip through 212 00:17:18,640 --> 00:17:23,680 Speaker 1: the shadows, move quietly and quickly, and use their enemy's 213 00:17:23,880 --> 00:17:29,639 Speaker 1: arrogance against them. Esther's father was so close that she 214 00:17:29,720 --> 00:17:34,760 Speaker 1: could almost feel his presence across the landscape between them. 215 00:17:35,640 --> 00:17:40,720 Speaker 1: With each step forward, her heart quickened. The thought of 216 00:17:40,880 --> 00:17:45,199 Speaker 1: reuniting with her father, of seeing his face again after 217 00:17:45,280 --> 00:17:50,159 Speaker 1: all these years, made her even more determined. She was 218 00:17:50,280 --> 00:17:58,720 Speaker 1: finally on the verge of seeing him again. And that 219 00:17:58,880 --> 00:18:04,359 Speaker 1: is the end of this part. Good Night, sleep tight.