CHAPTER 2 (Preparations for the journey)

Espie was curious about this place, this Valley of Dreams. Espie's curiosity led to her thinking about asking the Spirit Elders. Espie dashed towards the Spirit Tree, finding all seven of the Spirit Elders meditating around the tree. One of them noticed Espie heading towards them and asked while opening an eye "What is it Espie? Anything wrong?"

Espie answered "There was a flying light spirit who asked me to go to the Valley of Dreams, her name is Celestia and she left me a scroll about tasks to help spirit communities on the way."

The seven Spirit Elders were shocked to hear what Espie had to say and all had eyes popped wide open. "You know that's the other side of this world? The Valley of Dreams is where spirits go to acquire psychic abilities. Going there requires treacherous and gruelling months of travelling. Spirits who have gone out of Nibel, usually do not return as they either adapt to their preferred environment or perish fruitlessly, trying to find a home that is to their liking. If you're really thinking about going, go with your friends. It's better that way than you being all by yourself."

Next, Espie climbed up the Spirit Tree to the top and found Ori talking to Sein. "Hey Ori! I read about your adventures and now I'm finally meeting you! And hey Sein, the one who helps to watch over Nibel! Anyways, what would you two advise me on venturing out of Nibel?"

He answered "Just be careful of impending dangers and take care of yourself during the journey. In my youth, I had to cleanse poisonous blobs of blight everywhere and had to deal with monsters on the way everywhere with the abilities I got from absorbing light from Ancestral Trees. Although my journey was exhilarating yet exhausting, it was well worth doing my part to help sustain Nibel, but I'm not so sure about the outskirts."

Sein added "After the days of decay, it seemed like Nibel has remained peaceful and harmonious throughout the years. I would not know what dangers will there be during your journey, but I can give you some of my light similar to what the Ancestral Trees gave to Ori, for you to defend yourself on the way since you do not have any special abilities. This would allow you to cast Spirit Flames unlimitedly, but you have to use them appropriately."

Sein and the Spirit Tree glowed brilliantly like the sun and transferred some spirit light to Espie. Upon receiving the light, she stood with a stance and fired a Spirit Flame while shouting "heeyaah!" This shocked Ori and Sein for a while, then there was silence before a wave of laughter kicked in. Espie felt excited about the journey ahead, given the rare skill by them.

After getting the powers, she thanked them and climbed down from the top of the Spirit Tree.

Espie went to look for her friends going with her and assembled the group so that she could give out different items to each of her friends.

They organised themselves and shared about each other's abilities before they started their preparations for the long journey ahead.