A Mysterious beckoning

A Mysterious Beckoning

The Trifta I

In-universe date: Era Nova, April--May, Year 1

Real-world date: 2 August 2026

Author: Astesh Ùshriredëm

---

Several Years Ago

"No stone grows instantly. Be patient."

Astesh thought of the last words they heard from an elder before they were reborn.

Astesh was younger at the time, soon to go on their own Trifta, a journey all Dravali took when they became old enough. Astesh set out, looking for new sights, new places, and new experiences.

Now, under the night sky, they marveled at the beauty of the sky, the celestial bodies twinkling slowly like they were winking at Astesh, sharing their secrets to them.

Astesh almost was asleep, the crackling of their campfire lulling them when a bright streak cut across the sky.

Astesh's eyes went wide as they scrambled up to their feet, their hands already reaching for their bag. They quickly put out the coals, a flutter in their heart.

Excitement, anxiety, fear, and wonder all flowed through their mind, the calm stream of thoughts quickly turning to a roaring deluge.

The path ahead seemed to call them forward, the fading scar in the sky guiding them.

Trees, bushes, small animals of all kinds parted before Astesh, and their vision narrowed.

Just before everything faded to black, it all suddenly stopped, the jarring change momentarily breaking the hold on their attention.

A creeping thought wormed its way to the front of their thoughts:

What if whatever was drawing them near had hostile intentions? What if they were running headlong into danger?

Once again Astesh heard the words of the elder:

"If you want the world to open itself to you, you must open yourself to the world."

Astesh takes a deep breath, calming their mind back to a steady stream. A quick, cautious look shouldn't hurt.

The land started rising sharply, the incline proving to be a challenge.

Atop the hill, the vegetation was at its thickest, with large stone formations rising from the dirt.

An impossible glint, momentary in nature, squeezes through a crack in the formations.

There is something here... something powerful.

Astesh looks once more to the stars above.

Is this what was drawing them near? Had the stars above led them here?