The stars gleamed above as Argolaith, Kaelred, and Malakar moved steadily through the wilderness, the dark silhouettes of distant mountains looming like sleeping titans in the distance.
A quietness had settled over them, not just from exhaustion but from contemplation.
Malakar's words still lingered in their minds.
"The Five Trees do not expect you to find them all at once. They wait… until you are ready."
Argolaith clenched his fists as they walked. He wanted to be ready.
But was he?
After a while, Kaelred broke the silence.
"So… how exactly do we listen?"
Malakar smirked. "Patience. You mortals are always so eager for answers. The call of your Five Trees has always been with you. You've simply never taken the time to notice it."
Kaelred scoffed. "Right. Because that's easy to do when you're constantly fighting for your life."
Malakar chuckled. "Then let's make it simple. Close your eyes. Breathe. And listen."
Kaelred and Argolaith exchanged glances.
