The River’s Gift

Chapter 2

The sun had fully risen, casting a warm glow over the village of Alkadia. Down by the river, Neria, Elara’s mother, moved with the practiced grace of a seasoned huntress. Her sharp spear cut through the water with precision, piercing the surface as she targeted a swift-moving fish. Neria’s eyes, the same luminous green as her daughter’s, were focused and intent, her muscles honed by years of skill and labor.

With a swift motion, Neria lifted the spear, the struggling fish glistening in the morning light. She set it down on the smooth stones at the river’s edge, pulling out her knife to begin the meticulous task of cleaning it. Her hands moved deftly, the blade slicing through scales and flesh with practiced ease. She worked quickly, her thoughts wandering to her daughter, Elara, who had always been as nimble and determined as the fish she now prepared.

Neria looked up from her task, her eyes catching a movement in the distance. There, descending the hill with the agility of a mountain goat, was Elara.

Rinsing the blood off her hands She Set The knife aside, Neria cleaned her hands in the clear, cool water of the river, wiping away the remnants of her work. She stood and waited, her heart swelling with love as she watched Elara draw nearer. The girl moved swiftly, her face alight with the joy of the morning’s climb.

When Elara reached her, Neria opened her arms, enveloping her daughter in a warm embrace. The familiar scent of the river and the earth clung to them both, a reminder of their deep connection to this land and to each other.

“Mother,” Elara said, her voice filled with warmth. “I climbed to the summit this morning. The world is so beautiful from up there.”

Worry filled Neria’s eys she didn’t want her to go up the mountain alone lest her fear would come through.

”you should have told me you were going up the mountain I would have followed you”. She says in deep concern.

“But mother that was when i was little, I’m not a child anymore”.. Elara says with confidence.

Neria looked at her Daughter, Her golden hair shimmered in the sunlight, and even from afar, Neria could see the spark of purpose in her daughter’s eyes . She felt a surge of pride and a touch of melancholy; Elara was growing into a remarkable young woman, full of promise and potential. But this made Her mother incredible worrid.

Smiling Neria pulling back to look into her daughter’s eyes. “I can see the beauty of the world right here,” she said, brushing a stray lock of hair from Elara’s face. “You are growing into such a fine woman, Elara. Your spirit is as strong and as free as the wind on the mountaintop.”

Elara’s eyes shone with a mixture of pride and determination. “I feel it, too, Mother. I feel like there is something out there calling to me, something I need to discover.”

Neria nodded, understanding the restlessness in her daughter’s heart. She had felt it once herself, long ago. “The world is vast, and our place in it is not always clear. But you, my dear, have a strength and a light within you that will guide you. Trust in yourself and in the spirits of our ancestors.”

They stood together by the river, the water flowing steadily past, carrying with it the promise of life and the continuity of their ancient traditions. Neria knew that Elara’s path might take her far from Alkadia, but she also knew that the bond they shared and the lessons of their ancestors would always be a part of her daughter’s journey.

With a final squeeze, Neria released Elara, turning back to the fish she had been preparing. “Come, help me finish this,” she said, handing Elara the knife. “There is much to do.

Elara took the knife, her heart swelling with love and gratitude for her mother’s wisdom and strength. Together, they worked by the river, their hands moving in harmony with the rhythms of their ancient ways.

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