Merslin and his companions tirelessly pursued clues to unravel the mysteries of the High Elf forest. This time, they decided to seek out shamans and druids—renowned figures across the Celesta Continent, though rarely encountered. With the help of the gnomes, dwarves, and various human kingdoms, they finally secured a chance to meet them.
Standing before the party, Merslin spoke with resolve. "This journey may reveal critical truths. Let's hear what the shamans and druids know about the ancient slumber."
Lydia nodded firmly. "They're not easy to meet. But to solve this mystery, we need their wisdom."
Aria, eyes gleaming with curiosity, added, "I'm excited. If the druids know even a fragment of the truth, their insight could be invaluable."
Lisa, carrying a heavy pack, gave a determined nod. "Now's the time for true cooperation. Thankfully, our alliance with the gnomes, dwarves, and human leaders made this meeting possible."
Guided by their allies, the party ventured deep into the forests of Celesta. There, hidden amidst emerald foliage and serene nature, dwelled the druids. Towering trees cast long shadows over mossy ground, and birds sang softly as if whispering secrets to the travelers.
They were welcomed by the druid leader, Riadan, cloaked in deep green with a staff etched in ancient glyphs. Her gaze was still and timeless, like the forest itself.
"You seek knowledge of the ancient slumber," Riadan said gently, her voice like the wind through leaves.
Aria stepped forward eagerly. "We heard the druids know something about why the High Elves chose to sleep. Could you help us understand?"
Riadan paused, then nodded slowly. "We druids understand but a sliver. Ours is the trance of prophecy through nature. But the High Elves chose a slumber far deeper, one that spans ages."
Lisa tilted her head. "Do you know why? What did they hope to gain?"
Riadan sighed, her eyes drifting to the trees. "Legends say they sought to avoid a coming catastrophe. Whether it protected them—or doomed them—we cannot say. We believe they foresaw something they could not fight."
Lydia furrowed her brow. "The Blood Elves also speak of such a legend. But we've never known whether it was truth or distortion."
Riadan extended her hand toward the ancient trees. "Our foresight comes through harmony with nature. But theirs... theirs was a decision to step beyond the natural cycle. Whatever they sought through that slumber, it may be something only they understood."
Aria jotted down notes, murmuring, "Then we must learn what disaster they were trying to escape."
After speaking with the druids, the party traveled into the Celesta mountain ranges to meet a shaman known for bridging the worlds of life and death. By nightfall, they reached his cave—covered in runes and totems, lit by flickering flames casting strange shadows.
The shaman, long-haired and deeply wrinkled, welcomed them.
"You seek the ancient slumber," he rumbled, his voice echoing with eerie calm.
Merslin bowed respectfully. "We wish to understand why the High Elves made their choice."
The shaman closed his eyes in thought. When he opened them, they were void of emotion. "It was no rest, that slumber. It may have been a ritual of transcendence—or perhaps an escape from death. But theirs... it felt unnatural. Distorted."
Lydia's eyes narrowed. "You mean there's something wrong with the slumber they chose?"
The shaman nodded slowly. "Death and rebirth flow through the natural cycle. But their slumber strayed from it. Whatever their reason, it was not... right."
Aria reflected aloud, "Then we need to know what they hoped to gain—and what price they paid."
Lisa spoke quietly. "Whatever they chose, we must understand its consequences."
The shaman murmured, "The deeper the sleep, the greater the cost. Whatever they gained, they paid dearly. Only they know what it truly changed in them."
Though they learned much, Merslin and his team still lacked a clear answer. Yet they now understood: the ancient slumber was not mere retreat, but a decision shadowed by danger and sacrifice.
Lisa declared, "We must uncover the rest. This mystery won't solve itself."
Merslin nodded. "We need to find what their choice meant—and what price they truly paid."
Aria glanced at her notes. "Let's piece the puzzle together. We're getting closer."
With renewed determination, the party pressed on. The secrets of the High Elves' ancient slumber were layered deep—but the veil was beginning to lift.
***
In Search of Idanna
Merslin and his companions were searching for a way to enter the mysterious forest, the home of the High Elves. This forest was surrounded by powerful ancient magic, making it nearly impossible to approach. It was then that Lydia brought up a legend about a fabled Blood Elf named Idanna.
"Idanna once sought ancient power to save both the High Elves and the Blood Elves," Lydia said quietly. "She used that power to rescue our ancestors from peril—but in doing so, she led us into darkness. It was because of her choice that we made a pact with demons."
Her voice trembled with a mix of reverence and resentment. "We survived because of her. But we lost too much. I know who Idanna was… and yet, I can't fully forgive her."
As Merslin pondered Lydia's words, a familiar voice echoed in his mind. It was the Magic Book from Wonderland, a mysterious entity that existed in neither Earth nor Luminaris, and only spoke to Merslin.
"Merslin, find Idanna. She tried to save the High Elves, but her choice brought darkness to the Blood Elves. Her intentions were noble, but the outcome was... complicated. Her power is needed once more—but beware, that power is still dangerous."
It was a warning from another timeline—another version of Merslin.
Taking both the Book's words and Lydia's legend to heart, Merslin began tracing Idanna's location. The group ventured deep into the forest, where they believed she had secluded herself.
After facing many dangers, they arrived at an ancient ruin—Idanna's sanctuary. She was still there, continuing her research into the ancient powers. Although she initially regarded them with suspicion, she gradually opened up after Merslin shared the warning from the Magic Book and his mission.
Idanna studied Merslin closely. His eyes, his determination—even his appearance—stirred something in her.
"You… You remind me of the Merslin from the past," she said softly. "Not just your face, but the resolve in your heart. It's like fighting beside him all over again."
Merslin blinked in confusion. "You fought beside him? But I'm not that Merslin."
"I know," Idanna replied with a faint smile. "But I've lived a long time. Seeing you brings those memories back. The past, the present… maybe even the future—it all intertwines."
Then she told them her story.
"I sought ancient power to save everyone. To protect the High Elves… and the Blood Elves. But my good intentions led to disastrous consequences. That power drove the Blood Elves to the edge, forcing them into a demonic pact. I've asked myself over and over… did I choose wrong?"
Lydia, filled with conflicted emotions, finally spoke. "Because of you, our race survived. But we paid a terrible price. Though the pact is broken now, the pain you left us with… we can't forget it."
Idanna nodded slowly. "I understand your pain. If I hadn't used that power, the Blood Elves may have taken a different path. But at the time, I had no other choice."
Merslin, witnessing their exchange, interjected carefully. "Your choice came from a good place. But outcomes alone don't define truth. Right now, we need your power again—to break the curse on the forest and save the High Elves. Will you fight with us?"
Idanna fell silent, torn by the memories of her past decisions. But as she looked at Merslin, she made her choice.
"This time, I will wield that power the right way. I'll save the High Elves… and purify the darkness that plagues the Blood Elves."
She joined the group and began preparing to dismantle the magical barrier surrounding the forest. With her help, Merslin and his companions could finally enter the heart of the High Elves' domain. Still, the weight of what her power might bring was not lost on her.
Lydia stared at Idanna, still conflicted. "If you use that power again, the consequences could be beyond what we can handle. But if we face it together, I believe your choice can save everyone."
Idanna nodded. "Every time I use this power, I wonder what price it will demand. But if I'm with you… I think we can endure it."
Merslin gently took her hand. "Then we'll fight together. We'll make sure your choice becomes the hope that saves us all."
Together, they stepped into the forest's depths, preparing to confront the corruption of the High Elves and the schemes of the ancient gods. Idanna placed everything on the line to wield her power one last time, and Merslin's party stood at her side—ready for the battle that would shape the fate of their world.