The legend of Great Howl

Into the Depths

Elora nodded. "We must," she stated. "This is the next section of your test. Be bold, Aela. Whatever happens, I'll be with you."

Aela took a deep breath and then entered the cave. The light from the outside did not penetrate far into the tunnel, and Aela and Elora found themselves in a big cavern with stalactites hanging from the ceiling and stalagmites projecting from the ground. The air is silent, and the weird silence causes the hair on Aela's neck to rise. They move deeper into the cavern, the light from the opening behind them becoming faint. Soon, they can scarcely see, and the ground beneath them is uneven and dangerous.

Suddenly, they hear a low rumble as the ground starts to shake. The sound becomes louder, and as the ground shakes, the stalactites and stalagmites begin to move and fracture, forcing Aela and Elora to duck to avoid being hit by falling boulders. They rush forward, hoping to discover a route out of the cavern, but the shaking worsens, and they have to scramble to keep their balance. Suddenly, the ground splits in front of them, revealing a bottomless chasm. Aela and Elora are balancing on the brink, and Aela reaches out to take Elora's hand.

"Hold on!" Aela shouts as the ground continues to fracture. Aela and Elora are dangling over the pit, gripping onto one other's hands for dear life. The rumbling becomes more strong, and the cavern starts to crumble around them. Aela glances into Elora's eyes and detects fear. "We have to jump," Aela adds, her voice shaking. "Can you do it?"

Elora nods, and with a cry, they both jump into the darkness. The cavern crumbles behind them, and Aela and Elora fall into the unknown. They plummet for what seems like an eternity, and just when they believe they've hit rock bottom, they crash on something soft and springy. They sit up in a daze and glance around. They are in a cavern illuminated by a weak, pulsating light. The floor is covered with thick, spongy moss, and the walls are lined with glittering crystals. It's hauntingly beautiful, and for a minute, Aela and Elora can only look. Then they hear a snarl and turn to see a massive, bright beast approaching them.

"What is that?" Elora let out a gasp.

"It looks like a dragon," Aela said, "but it's glowing!"

The dragon roars, its breath is hot and fierce. It snarls, showing sharp fangs, and the air around it vibrates with energy. Aela and Elora retreat, but the dragon pursues them and traps them against the cavern's wall. Aela reaches for her blade, but it's not by her side. She must have dropped it during the autumn. Elora grasps Aela's hand and squeezes it. "We have to do something," she replies. "What can we do?"

Aela's mind races, and then an idea comes to her. "We have to face the dragon with courage," she said. "If we show that we are not afraid, perhaps it will not harm us."

Elora stares at Aela, her eyes wide. "Do you think that will work?" she inquires.

Aela draws a big breath. "I have to try," she says. Then she rises and faces the monster, holding her head aloft. "We mean you no harm," she says as quietly as possible. "We only wish to pass through."

The dragon growls, and then does something unexpected. It lowers its head, practically bowing before Aela. Aela is shocked, but she keeps her composure. The dragon looks at her and then speaks in a deep, rumbling voice. "You have shown courage," it says. "I will let you pass."

Aela and Elora can't believe their ears. The dragon steps aside, and they proceed cautiously passed it. As they move, Aela turns and looks at the dragon. Its eyes are friendly, and it nods towards her. Then it lowers its head and closes its eyes as if falling asleep. Aela and Elora continue on their way, still in shock at what has just occurred.

They wander for a bit until they reach a wide aperture in the cave. Through it, they can see a gorgeous meadow full of wildflowers and tall grasses. Aela and Elora walk out onto the meadow, the light warming their faces. They look around, and in the distance, they notice a tall, skinny man. It's the woman who spoke to Aela previously and sent her on this mission. As they approach, the woman grins and extends her hand. "Welcome," she replies. Aela and Elora approach the woman, and as they get closer, they notice that she is not quite human. Her skin is as pale as the moon, and her eyes sparkle with stars. A halo of light surrounds her, and she is so dazzling that Aela and Elora must squint to see her.

"I am the Lady of Light," the woman explains. "You have passed the first trial, and I am proud of you."

Aela and Elora bow their heads, overtaken by emotion. "We thank you," they say together.

The Lady of Light smiled. "Now, you must face the second trial," she said. "You must pass through the Hall of Reflection to see your true selves." It will not be easy, but if you succeed, you will gain wisdom and insight."

Aela and Elora stare at each other, their hearts racing. They don't know what to expect, but they know they need to be brave. They turn to face the Lady of Light and nod. "We are ready," they say.

The Lady of Light smiles and gestures towards a door in the distance. "The Hall of Reflection is through there," she goes on to say. "May the light guide you."

Aela and Elora approach the door, and it opens by itself. They take a deep breath before stepping inside. The door closes behind them, revealing a dark area lit only by a single torch. They look around, but see nothing but blackness.

Then they hear a low, booming voice emanating from all around them. "Look within," it states. "Look into your hearts and see your true selves."

Aela and Elora close their eyes and start to perceive images in their brains. They recall their youth, families, and friends. They see their blunders and the times they were harsh. They recognise when they are bold and when they are loyal to themselves. They feel at ease and accepted while watching. They recognise themselves for who they truly are, with all their flaws and qualities. They feel lighter as if a weight has been lifted off their shoulders.

The voice speaks again. "You have faced your true selves," that's what it says. "You've passed the second trial. Now you must continue your journey."

The door opens again, and Aela and Elora emerge into the light. They feel different, stronger, and more confident. They are prepared for whatever is ahead.

The Lady of Light is waiting for them. "You have done well," she says. "Now, it is time to face the third trial."