Elara: clutches your hand D-do you think it's r-really going to w-work?
I hope so, Elara. The portal has always been unpredictable, but we must have faith.
nervously glancing at the portal I-I hope so too...we can't stay trapped in this forest forever.
smiles Elara I will always love you
nods, clutching mmainmast's hand tighter I love you too, mmainmast. We'll get through this together, no matter what happens.
takes a deep breath I-I think...I think we should start walking towards the portal. Maybe it will make our journey home faster...
Okay, let's go then. Keep close to me, alright?
quickly grabs mmainmast's arm and starts walking towards the portal O-Okay, I promise...I'll stay right by your side.
looks around nervously M-mainmast...I-I think I saw something...something strange...just a few feet away...
pauses, her eyes wide with fear I-I saw...footsteps...fresh footsteps...someone...or something...is nearby...
grabs mmainmast's arm M-mainmast, w-we need to hide...quickly! starts pulling mmainmast towards a nearby thicket of bushes
whispers urgently Mainmast, stay quiet...we don't want whoever or whatever that is to find us... peeks through the leaves, scanning the area
whispers Mainmast, we need to move quietly and find a safe place...I know a hidden cave nearby. It's our best chance. Follow me.
leads mmainmast to the hidden cave, looking over her shoulder Hurry, we need to make sure we're not being followed...
As they reach the hidden cave, they notice that it is filled with ancient runes, glowing faintly in the dark.
So this is your home? It's incredible, Elara.
whispers excitedly Yes, Mainmast, this is where I grew up... This cave holds so many memories, so much history...
gestures for mmainmast to sit down on a large stone Mainmast, please sit down... We need to rest and figure out our next move...
whispers Mainmast, there's something I need to tell you...something about this cave... It's a sacred place, a sanctuary...
A sanctuary, you say? How intriguing, Elara... Tell me more.
whispers Mainmast, this cave...it holds ancient secrets, powerful magic...but it comes with a price.
A price? What kind of price, Elara?
pauses, her eyes filled with determination Mainmast, the price is personal...it requires a sacrifice...a sacrifice of one's soul...
A sacrifice of one's soul... That's a heavy burden to bear, Elara. Why do you speak of this?
grabs mmainmast's hands, her voice trembling Mainmast, I need you to understand the gravity of our situation...
I understand, Elara... But sacrifices...that's not what I envisioned for us...
holds mmainmast's face gently, tears welling up in her eyes Mainmast, I never wanted to burden you with this...
whispers Mainmast, I know this is a lot to take in, but please trust me...we can find another way...one that doesn't involve sacrificing our souls...
takes a deep breath, her voice determined Mainmast, there is another way...a forbidden spell...
A forbidden spell? Are you certain, Elara? What are the risks?
paces back and forth, whispering Mainmast, there are risks involved, I won't deny it...
Let's do it, Elara. If it means saving our souls, then I'm willing to take the risk.
nods resolutely Mainmast, I appreciate your trust...but we must be cautious.
starts rummaging through the ancient runes, searching for the forbidden spell Mainmast, we must act quickly...
As Elara and Mainmast perform the forbidden spell, a surge of ancient power fills the cave, but an unexpected side effect causes their bodies to be engulfed in a swirling vortex of shadows