Audric looked more relieved and was panting fast, his appearance bespeaking the exertion he had endured, looking like he was soaked in sweat. He breathed slowly, endeavoring to catch his breath. Audric was supported gently by Kaden, and he sat on the grove soil, getting himself together. Everyone collectively took a moment to recuperate from the recent encounter. The bloodsuckers, now lifeless, had turned a deep crimson red. They were filled with the venom and blood they had sucked from Audric's injuries.
"Kaden, we are all on this water, and Audric is sitting on the soil. Why are the thorns not piercing us?" Sierra inquired, her curiosity piqued. She was surprised that, despite her proximity to the bloodthorns when she was looking for the bloodsuckers, she hadn't been poked by the thorns.
"The thorns are attracted to blood," Kaden explained. "However, if you maintain a calm pace, they refrain from attacking. It's only when you rush that they pierce you and feed on your blood."
"The bloodsuckers sucked the bad blood and venom that were introduced by the bloodthorns," Sierra said, putting two and two together.
"Yes," Kaden confirmed.
"We can't stay in the grove like this. Let's go," Kaden said. Xav assisted Audric by draping his arm over his shoulder, and they began walking slowly. The group traversed the grove at a measured pace until they reached the shore, They all sat on the shore for moment due to their clothes that were soaked.
"We should have accepted the offer to rest for the night," Kaelyn said, "for now, we will have to spend more time here or sleep again."
Audric assessed his condition, saying, "I appear fine. I'm not too badly affected. The pain has subsided. I might be slightly slower, but I'm manageable."
Upon hearing his words, the group felt a collective sense of relief. Audric's reassurance that he was okay alleviated their concerns about him being a burden.
The group squeezed their clothes, moving the water from their clothes, and shivered because of the cold wind and icy water.
They stood up and and continued their journey into the open field.
As they walked through the open field, a gate came into view. The gate's design was identical to the one they had seen earlier, with intricate carvings that seemed to dance across its surface. Yet, whereas the earlier door had seemed to swallow light, this one appeared to radiate vitality, its darkness infused with a warm, golden glow that hinted at life stirring within. The wood grain seemed to glow with a soft, golden hue, and the carvings seemed to shimmer with a subtle, otherworldly energy.
The group gave each other glances and Astrid nodded. She stepped forward and tapped the gate. Gate immediately opened and the group entered the gate and entered the other side. The gate shut behind them.
They saw a bridge before them, lengthy and eery. There was mist and fog around so they did not have a clear vision of the bridge.
" So we cross it?" Kaelyn asked, a curiosity piqued.
" No we fly over it, what else are we supposed to do." Xavier replied, his tone laced with sarcasm.
Kaelyn rolled her eyes.
" It's just a bridge, let's cross." Sierra said.
The group agreed. Well they had to, it's not like they were just going to stand there looking at the bridge.
As the group crossed the bridge, a soft whistling noise could be heard behind them. Turning back, they could see a flock of strange avian creatures flying behind them, riding the air currents that blew through the cloud gorge. The bird-like creatures appeared as if they were made of clouds and vapor, with their wispy bodies shifting colors depending on the light. The flock was following the party, curious about the group
"What are those?" Sierra asked with curiosity. "Turtledoves," Kaden replied. Sierra's brow furrowed in thought. "Turtledoves?" she repeated, like was thinking of something.
When they crossed the bridge,and arrived at the other side,a breathtaking haven of ice and water unfolded before them. Flowing streams and ethereal creatures captivated their senses. The group gasped in awe, their eyes fixed on the serene landscape.
Before them stood another gate.
Yes, another gate
The gate stood before them, its sleek surface glinting like polished glass in the light. The gate's main body was a deep, rich blue, almost purple hue that seemed to shimmer and glow in the surrounding environment. But what caught their attention was the thin, silver beam that ran horizontally across the gate's center. The beam seemed to hum with a gentle, warning energy, as if it was waiting to respond to any touch.
"Ice and water, turtledoves, ice gates... Just like I thought," Sierra said thoughtfully. "We are in House Glacier." Known for its beauty and popularity among tourists, House Glacier seemed to live up to its reputation.
"Let's see if we can enter," Kaelyn said, reaching out to touch the gate. As her fingers made contact with the silver beam, she felt a gentle yet firm resistance. The beam pushed back against her touch, repelling her with a soft, cushioned force.
The gate stood before them, its sleek surface glinting like polished glass in the light. The gate's main body was a deep, rich blue, almost purple hue that seemed to shimmer and glow in the surrounding environment. But what caught their attention was the thin, silver beam that ran horizontally across the gate's center. The beam seemed to hum with a gentle, warning energy, as if it was waiting to respond to any touch.
"Ice and water, turtle doves, ice gates? Just like I thought. We are in House Glacier." Sierra said with thoughtfulness
" Let's see if we can enter." Kaelyn said
She reached out to touch the gate, her fingers made contact with the silver beam, and suddenly, she felt a gentle yet firm resistance. The beam seemed to push back against her touch, repelling her with a soft, almost cushioned force.