The Amethyst Stone

Raveryn - a relatively normal world...or so one would think. There are, you know, normal people that go to 9-5 jobs. Go to school. Read books. Then, there are the people who...do magic? Yes, you read that right.

Magic is a controversial topic in the world of Raveryn. It's like if you believe in ghosts or unicorns. If you walk up to an average person and ask them any of the previous statements, they will think you're nuts. But then, there is the one percent who may possibly believe you.

Aurora stands out from the crowd, a one percent anomaly. But what sets her apart is not just a mere quirk or talent. No, Aurora possesses the ability to wield magic. While most people dismiss magic as a fanciful notion, believing it to be mere fiction, they remain ignorant of its true existence. Magic is not a figment of imagination; it is a tangible force. And depending on the person who possesses it, magic can be both captivating and perilous.

Ever since Aurora was a young child, she had always had an interest in magic, more so now that she is grown up. Though, it could be because of her parents dying. Everyone has that one hobby they distract themselves from – an escape from reality. Magic is Aurora's escape.

Her mother died when she was just five years old. She lived a little while with her father until he also passed away from an illness six years ago. Now? She lives alone in a small cabin, just outside of the city. She has been living there peacefully for about a little over a year now.

Let's talk about before that.

After her father passed away when she was nineteen, Aurora crossed paths with a man named Lucas Ackland. At first glance, he appeared to possess all the qualities that any girl would desire: tousled brown hair, a hint of stubble on his face, mesmerizing emerald green eyes, and a radiant white smile. However, appearances can be deceiving. Aurora soon moved in with him, just three months into their relationship. It was then that she discovered his true, manipulative nature.

Lucas gradually became controlling, manipulating Aurora to isolate her from her friends and remaining family members. She was left with no one because of him. When the five-month mark arrived, signs of verbal and emotional abuse began to show. From that point onward, things spiraled downward, and Aurora knew she couldn't continue living in such a toxic environment, even though she loved him deeply. It was time for her to break free.

He left for work one day, and she decided it was now or never. She packed up her things and walked out the door, not looking back. A year later, he found her, but a lot can change in a year. She grew more confident. She dyed her hair. She promised herself to never let a man treat her the way he had treated her ever again. She finally found her voice.

Being oblivious to the impact of his actions, he dismissed her concerns and persistently tormented her, until she ultimately resorted to obtaining a restraining order against him. Ever since then, he made futile attempts to regain contact with her, all in vain. Meanwhile, she sought solace in the tranquility of her current cabin, where serenity has prevailed. The latest update she received was that he found himself incarcerated, facing allegations brought forth by his new girlfriend.

But enough of that. Let's cut to the present day.

⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯ 𓃡 𓃡 𓃡 ⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯

Aurora gently closes the book in her hands, a sense of relief washing over her. For the past month, she had immersed herself in the study of portals and spell casting, yearning to discover a way to open a gateway to a realm that exuded tranquility instead of hostility.

"I believe I have finally grasped it," Aurora murmurs to herself, reaching for the notebook resting on the coffee table before her. Carefully, she replaces the book with the notebook, its pages filled with her meticulous notes. Upon finding an empty page, she takes hold of her pen and begins to scribble down her newfound understanding.

Latrop tsyhtema.

"Now all I need is an amethyst gem," Aurora exclaimed, rising from her seat. She made her way to her bedroom, eagerly opening the drawer of her bedside table. Inside, a small square container awaited her touch. As she carefully lifted the flap, her fingertips brushed against the smooth, velvety material that lined its interior. Nestled within, shimmered a radiant purple gem.

"Alright, let's get down to business," Aurora declared, her determined gaze fixed on the stone she held in her hand. She delicately tucked it away in her pocket, knowing its significance. Returning to her cozy living space, she slipped into her shoes and grabbed her keys from the hook. With confidence in her step, she ventured outside, making sure to lock the door behind her.

Strolling along the sidewalk, Aurora's lustrous chestnut hair dances gracefully in the breeze as she makes her way towards the secluded forest trail near her home. Venturing into the woods, the ambiance gradually transforms. It becomes more vibrant and teeming with life; melodious birdsong fills the air, playful chipmunks dart about, and bees flit from one flower to another. Reaching the heart of the woods, she pauses and veers off the well-trodden path. Aurora glances over her shoulder, contemplating whether she has distanced herself sufficiently from the trail to remain unnoticed.

Once she decides on the right spot, she carefully positions herself so that, if her plan works, the portal will face horizontally from the path. This way, it will blend in with the surrounding rock pile and appear as nothing more than an ordinary collection of stones. The mysterious fortress, emanating a vibrant purple glow, will remain hidden from prying eyes.

Aurora pulls out the purple amethyst gem, cupping it in the palms of her hands. She takes a calm, deep breath and closes her eyes, trying to focus all her energy on the gem in her hands. In a soft tone, she says "latrop tsyhtema." She lays the gem gently on the ground in front of her and takes a step back. A few moments go by. Nothing happens.

"I guess it's time to return to the drawing board." She sighed, turning around to head back to the trail.

As Aurora turned, the earth beneath her feet trembled with an unexpected force. Startled, she quickly spun around and her eyes widened at the sight before her. Two remarkable purple stones emerged from the earth, positioned about five feet apart. As they continued to rise, their elegant curves became more pronounced. Surprised by the unexpected turn of events, Aurora instinctively took a few steps backward, shielding her eyes from the intense glow radiating from the stones. She had doubted her spell's success, but now it seemed she had underestimated its power.

Her jaw fell open in astonishment as she uncovered her eyes. Before her stood a magnificent stone arch, its vibrant purple hue capturing her gaze. An amethyst gem, intricately engraved in the center, added an aura of enchantment. Peering through the archway, she could see the lush greenery of the forest beyond. With a mixture of apprehension and curiosity, Aurora tentatively reached out her hand towards the entrance.

As her hand drew closer to the threshold, a mesmerizing ripple effect emanated from her touch, traveling all the way to the pinnacle of the arch. Time seemed to stand still as she contemplated the decision before her. Should she take the plunge, leaving behind the familiar world she knew? The possibilities beckoned, tempting her with the unknown.

What's on the other side? What if this realm on the other end of this portal is worse than the one she's in right now? Will she be able to come back after she walks through it? or is it going to close once she reaches the other side?

All these thoughts were swirling in Aurora's mind, but one thing was certain - it was a risk she was willing to embrace.

⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯ 𓃡 𓃡 𓃡 ⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯

The sky stretched out above, a vibrant shade of blue. No clouds in sight. The forest-green leaves sway softly in the summer breeze. Everything appeared incredibly calm in this place. It was as if time had stood still, and a profound silence engulfed the surroundings, bringing a sense of serenity and peace.

Aurora observes the scenery surrounding her. At least the amethyst portal is still standing. Aurora can't help but notice how quiet it is here, something she's definitely not used to. In the bustling city of Raveryn, there was never a moment of silence. The air was always filled with the symphony of life; the rumble of cars passing by, the chatter of people lingering in the distance. In the enchanting realm of Versipellia, one's gaze is captivated by the grandeur of endless emerald meadows and a multitude of magnificent trees that extend beyond the horizon.

In Aurora's eyes, it felt as if her wildest dreams were coming true. Everything seemed perfect, almost too good to be true. But deep down, she couldn't help but wonder, what was the catch?

Aurora glances around trying to detect any kind of pathway. "Which way should I go?" muttering to herself, she scratches the back of her head. Having little to no choice, she begins walking through the fields in hopes to finding a pathway that at least leads somewhere.

She had only been walking for what felt like a mere five minutes when she found herself standing at the edge of a dense forest. Before Aurora could take another step, she immediately stops in her tracks. A crunching sound as if someone is stepping on twigs can be heard in the near distance. She looks around cautiously, trying to spot any movement.

She takes a deep breath, her heart pounding in her chest. Out of the corner of her eye, she catches a glimpse of movement. The tall grass beside her seems to tremble for a split second, as though someone had just passed their hand through it. Her gaze slowly focused on the tall grass ahead of her. And there it is, right before her eyes, a pair of vibrant lemon-yellow orbs staring directly back at her. She holds her posture, unsure of what to do next.

Should I move? What animal is it? is it going to attack or flee?' are some questions floating through Aurora's mind.

She decides to stay still, waiting to see if the animal will begin on whatever journey it was on. A few moments go by of the two just absently staring at one another. Until it moves forward slowly. Aurora takes a few steps back as it walks out of the grass and into the clearing.

But...wait what?

Standing in front of her is no animal.

"I don't think we've crossed paths before," the man remarks, offering his hand to Aurora. "I'm Ethan."

Aurora shook his hand, a glimmer of joy lighting up her face as she realized she wasn't alone anymore. "I'm Aurora," she said, a smile spreading across her lips.

Ethan grinned, taking in the sights around him."So may I ask, what are you doing out here in the middle of, well, nowhere?" He couldn't help but let out a soft chuckle, hoping to brighten the conversation.

"Well," Aurora hesitates, considering whether she should reveal the truth. Should she provide him with a detailed explanation of why she finds herself in his world, or simply offer a brief summary?

"You're not from around here, are you?" he said with a confident tone, as if he had somehow already figured it out.

Aurora shook her head and replied, "No, it's actually quite a long story."

He nods politely and turns to face the dense forest ahead. "Well," he adds, turning his gaze towards Aurora. "We're not too far from Wendolyn. Would you like to tag along?"

Aurora looks back to where the portal stands, a subtle purple light beam emitting from it toward the sky. knowing she won't lose the portal location; she nods her head to Ethan and takes a step forward so she's beside him.

"Where else am I going to go?"

Ethan hesitates for a brief moment, contemplating the statement. "You know what? You're right," he concedes with a shrug. Pointing toward a hidden path concealed by the thick greenery, he nods in its direction and begins walking. Aurora follows closely behind.