Voyage Across Lake Tempestas

Arandell, a young boy who possessed a bold heart, stood by the shore of a vast lake. The calm waters sparkled under the sun’s glow and stretched as far as the eye could see. The goal was elementary yet grand: to seek out the Elves, those ephemeral creatures of lore rumored to dwell beyond the lake’s far-flung edge. He needed the Elves’ help, that was all he knew. The mentor who had taught so much was nowhere to be found. Who else but the Elves could help save the land of grandfather’s youth?

The task ahead was monumental—construct a boat robust enough to brave the lake’s expanse. Arandell’s father, a talented craftsman, had passed down the art of carpentry as related to boats and other such useful tools. Though young, Arandell was eager to try out the knowledge he possessed. Every morn, the sun's rays colored the sky a warm palette of orange and rose, cast a golden glow over the calm waters of the lake. The colors danced on the water's surface - a breathless scene. As dawn's rays touched the lake, Arandell worked hard. He gathered lumber from the forest, each log chosen thoughtfully. Carefully, he sawed, shaped, and attached the planks, and a vessel formed that would carry them safely across the lake through any storm.

Days became weeks as Arandell worked. Soon, a sleek, sturdy boat took form. He named her Cypress, for she would be as strong a boat as the tree she was made of for the adventure across uncharted waters. When the boat was ready, Arandell prepared for the journey. He packed all he and Leal, the steadfast pup, would need: food, water, and a map, hand-drawn under the old raccoon’s counsel. At last, heart full of courage, he set out on the lake. The boat wove smoothly over the lake as she was created to do. Leal seemed to know no fear when he boarded Cypress.

The lake was peaceful at the start of the journey, but as Arandell ventured farther, the atmosphere grew cold, and the sky darkened. Shepherded through the vast expanse by the stars that shone above, he carefully plotted the course to where the snow-capped peaks should be after seven days of travel. Days and darkness merged as Arandell journeyed on. The boat, though tested by gusts and waves, held fast. He encountered creatures of the lake—perplexed fowl, lazy bass, and even a playful otter who seemed to share the wonderment of the vast lake.

Yet, for all the beauty that surrounded the boy, Arandell's quest felt endless. One eve, as he gazed across the dark waters, he saw a gentle glow out where the shore should soon appear. Heart hastened, he looked out at the shore; the Elves, perhaps, were near. As the boat approached the shore and the glow became stronger, Arandell saw shapes appear from the fog. Ethereal and graceful, the Elves stood on a shore made of resplendent sand. The Elves were surrounded by a soft, ethereal glow cast from the strange lamps they held above them. They had manes that resembled melted gold and eyes that sparkled as pale onyx. He gazed out at the faces that appeared. Serene, yet not warm, they welcomed Arandell gently to the shore.

When Arandell stepped off Cypress, he felt overwhelmed - full of wonderment and nervousness. The Elves moved gracefully and possessed otherworldly beauty. They seemed to exude an aura of Atlantean knowledge and power. He stood before them. He felt small and unprepared for the moment that was now here. Yet, resolved to present the plea, he stood tall and found the strength to speak.

"Here stands Arandell, son of Loran the carpenter," he began, speech steady regardless of the nervousness he felt deeply. "The reason the voyage was attempted was not for me alone, but for our world. We’ve come to seek your help to save the land dear to me. The darkness creeps closer and threatens to consume all that our world stands for. Vala has come on her black dragon and has taken control of my country. She has plans to destroy everyone. Even now, she has set her eye upon the Dwarven halls. Can you help us?"

The Elves regarded the boy solemnly, eyes effulgent and full of unspoken knowledge. One of them, taller and more beauteous than the rest, stepped forward. Her words created a soft melody as she spoke, and each word held the burden of eras past.

"Arandell, we have watched as the shadows grow stronger and the balance of the world changes. We have known that, eventually, Vala would appear on her black dragon and attempt to turn the world over to the darkness.”

Was the elf who stood here Alyndra? Was she the ruler of the Elves here where the lake meets these resplendent sands? Surely, only she could command all the elves here.

“We have known for many years that the Lentha must be restored to power for the race of men to escape the darkness as the next era comes. How have you come to locate our home on these shores so far from your homeland?”

Arandell responded, “The Lentha were destroyed by Vala.” He thought they should know. “And my mentor told me tales of where you may have moved after you left the forests near the areas populated by men. He helped me learn about maps and the world and the races that occupy the world. My father was a carpenter and taught me the trade.”

“Has your mentor come, as well?”

“No, my mentor’s absence spurned my journey to your shores."

Alyndra's gaze softened as she heard Arandell's tale. Her pale onyx eyes reflected the glow cast by the Elven lamps. She could sense the courage and boldness that burned through to the core of the young carpenter's heart. The burden of fate lay heavy upon those broad shoulders as he stood before them, a mere mortal who sought help from these elves of age-old knowledge and power.

"We have heard of the carnage wrought by Vala and the hopeless quandary that has befallen your land," Alyndra spoke. Her cadence soothed and seemed to resonate, full of the very essence of nature. "Rarely, mortals seek out us elves, even when the darkness confronts your world so forcefully. Your journey here speaks volumes of your character, Arandell son of Loran."

Arandell felt a surge of thankfulness for Alyndra's knowledge and acceptance. He knew he had found an ally, the ethereal ruler of the Elves, one who held the knowledge of nearly a full era.

Alyndra spoke, “We should speak of the current events elsewhere. Let us head to the hall.”

As they walked, Arandell saw Alyndra softly speak to another elf who appeared also to be a leader. He wondered what the plan and the future would hold.