Aurora Magazine 2017

that differentiated today from all other days, was the war between the Salbo and the Kuvah people. Aurora was pulled aside by Tauren, her junior master. He seemed panicked, as one would, when hope was slowly diminishing. Shaky was he, as his strength faded with the land, as it did for all the elders and masters of her people. “Listen, Pup. You must take this far from here,” said Tauren as he handed her the most prized treasure of Kuvah people. She looked down as he discreetly handed her the Lifestone. Her eyes widened as she studied the stone. It was warm to the touch, as if it had been sitting in a kettle of boiling water. It gave off a distinctive glow, like a twinkling star in the black of night. “I couldn’t possibly escape from here. Why would you choose me of all the Kuvah people? Certainly there are some more qualified than I. What can I d-” “Hush! I chose you, because you have the skill to carry out this task I have entrusted you with. I should know, for I trained you myself. You do this, because you must,” said Tauren. “You must take this to the Life Tree, and bury it deep, deep into the tree’s roots. Then, and only then, will we have a fighting chance.” “But-” “Go! You must go, before it is too late!” Tauren exclaimed, as he handed me a pack of supplies and shoved me toward the city borders. Aurora, with tears in her eyes and determination in heart, ran for all she was worth. She reached the forest tree line and heard cries erupt from all around her. She turned, weighed down with worry over her people, and cried. It was short-lived as she noticed her rivals headed in her direction. One launched an arrow and it whizzed past her and embedded itself in the tree to her left. That was all it took, and she was running again. Aurora woke with a start, sweat drenching her skin. As if sensing her discomfort, the emerald trees she saw last night, began to fade, as the corruption took ahold. She packed her belongings up quickly, and began her trek through the forest once more. The

63