She brought her head up from her arms with a sharp gasp, staring ahead with large eyes while screams echoed in her head and disturbing images began to fade to reveal what was reality. It took a short while before it dawned upon her that she was awake, safe in her room and seated behind her desk. She lowered her gaze to the unfinished writing on the paper her arms rested upon, sighing while some of her hair fell before her face.

Not again…

Alys dropped her head back down upon her arms to bury her face away and quietly groan, clenching her eyes tightly shut while her fingers gripped for the quill which had stained the top of the paper with black ink. If the nightmarish visions weren't haunting her at night, they would while she was off guard. The horrifying screaming had shaken her awake from her unintentional nap, the usual terrifying ending of the dream but a distant echo in her mind. She never witnessed what happened after the Dofus shattered but then she didn't wish to know; somewhere she knew that there was no happy ending to the dream...

The sun was shining down upon her made bed, the warm rays of golden light indicating it was still morning. She could hear the sounds of the village as she looked towards the window but it was the smell of food and the rustling downstairs which had most of her attention while she plucked through the thoughts which crossed her mind. She sat motionless while taking in the calm moment before her eyes shifted towards the closed door when she heard someone coming up the stairs to the attic. "Come in," she said before any knocking could be heard, the doorknob turning before the door of the small attic creaked open.

Brown eyes peered in before Yugo opened the door a little further to lean into the room, looking over to the one seated behind the desk," Alys, breakfast is ready. You coming?"

Alys conjured a faint smile before she tried to brush some of her hair from her face and tuck it away in the scarf she wore, saying with a light nod," yes, just give me a moment." She looked a little drowsy and thoughtful while she sat hunched over the desk, causing Yugo to purse his lips as he observed her before taking a step into her room. He inched closer towards the desk, having her look at him with mild confusion before the unfocused gaze turned into a similar smile she carried before; faint and somewhat forced to feign she was fine.

"Didn't sleep well?" he asked, fishing for an answer even though he already knew for certain that Alys' night hadn't been as peaceful like his. He cast a curious glance at the paper her arms slipped away from as she sat up in the chair, seeing she had only written one incomplete sentence; a simple greeting and well wishes for the letter's receiver. He wondered for a moment who the letter was for, seeing no name on it.

Alys saw him peek, letting him have a look as it was nothing worth hiding and nodded a little in answer," not as well as I had hoped for." She caressed the smooth surface of the desk with her fingertips as she recalled the night and morning. She had woken up so many times that she had lost count and sleep, tossing and turning while thoughts and worries kept crossing her mind; she couldn't push past any of it, mulling things over and over till dawn came. Her dreams didn't come to her until after she had gotten up earlier this morning and prepared herself for today. This special day. "I'll manage," she said to reassure the boy, seeing him nod with a sympathetic smile. He understood what she was going through.

The last few days had been eventful, to say the least. Phaeris the Powerful had left Emelka the day before yesterday to continue his wanders, having stayed for three days to put the young dragons under some intense training. It had all been in vain for the most part; Grougaloragran refused to participate while Adamaï made no progress with getting past the mental barrier which prevented him from shapeshifting. It had left him bitter with frustration and it showed. The whole atmosphere in the inn had been tense ever since Alys had shared her dreams with Phaeris and her secrets came to light. It also didn't help that Adamaï didn't do well under Phaeris' supervision and teachings... Everyone had been on their toes and it began to take its toll on some.

"Ad had trouble sleeping too from what I gathered," the boy muttered, leaving out how he too had slept very little during the night. He didn't wish to make Alys feel unnecessary guilty though she was the cause for a restless night.

"How is he...?"

Yugo sighed at the question before he threw his hands up and grumbled," stubborn as ever. He is still upset about you not telling us about your dreams and him not passing Phaeris' training. And you know… last night's news." He shrugged, trying to act nonchalant and unfazed by what was discussed the night before. It had left an impact… He and Adamaï had talked about it during the night till Yugo was too tired to keep his eyes open, leaving the matter hanging in the air.

Alys had finally made her decision and had carefully brought it forward to Alibert, Yugo and Adamaï, but no matter how delicately she tried to tell them, they were all taken back by it. She would leave… today. The sooner the better, she had said and Alibert had solemnly agreed with her choice of words. She had spoken in depth with everyone she considered close about the dreams and while everyone had a different or a similar idea of what her dreams were showing her, one thing became clear; answers wouldn't come to her. She had to go after them. While the draconic brothers objected, they still showed support for her decision; it was the most sensible thing to do, yet it didn't feel right to have Alys go off on her own and the worry had been gnawing on Yugo's conscience.

"It is strange to think you'll be leaving today," Yugo muttered, still trying to make peace with the knowledge his fellow Eliatrope was to leave Emelka for an unknown period of time.

"I still haven't grown used to the idea myself, Yugo, but today is the day; there will be no change of mind. I have to do this…" she sighed, not able to hide her nerves. Today she would take the first step to becoming an emissary for the Eliatropes and her two kings but also to figure out the dream which was trying to send her a message, a message she still hadn't managed to decipher .

"Where will you start?"

"There is one place…" Alys said, sounding a little lost in thought though she was certain of the destination she had chosen as the start of her search," Bonta. Master Joris has been my teacher and guardian during our stay in Sadida. He has roamed this world longer than any of us… Phaeris aside. His knowledge on other regions and the Twelve's history would be most helpful in my search. It is worth a shot."

She saw Yugo nod in agreement, his chin cupped in a hand while his eyes were focused on the floorboards. "Will you send him a letter to let him know of your arrival?" His brown eyes turned to the letter which remained unfinished upon the desk, making the wild guess that the ink stained letter was meant for the master of Bonta.

Alys shook her head," there is no point in it. I will arrive before the letter thanks to the usage of a zaap. Besides, there is a large chance that master Joris will not be present within Bonta when I arrive, letter or not. I'll just have take my chances. That is part of an adventure, no?"

"Well, it is your first," Yugo smirked. He had gone on plenty of adventures before and while Alys had her own little adventure during her stay in Sadida, her starting a journey on her own accord was something completely different. He wished he could come along with her, but he understood her decision on doing this on her own; she had been relying too much on others and been under the protection of many. She needed to stand on her own two feet and she had proven in Shukrute that she was capable of such. "If you can't find him, you can always explore Bonta. That city is amazing! You should visit the Boufbowl Academy or the arena. You might see me and the others of the Real Boitar! Heh, that was a great match."

"I'll make sure to pay a visit," she smiled. The stories of the Boufbowl match against the famed Kriss la Krass and the Boufton Reds had been told many times in the small household and while she didn't know much about the sport or its rules, she knew that infamous match by heart all thanks to Yugo enthusiastic retellings. She rose to a standing, leaving the unfinished letter upon her desk as she brushed past Yugo to head downstairs, saying to him with a beckoning hand," first things first. We won't be getting anywhere with an empty stomach, now will we?" Her last breakfast in the inn. It sounded more depressing than it actually was but she couldn't help to feel a little melancholic at the thought.

Alibert was already seated with Chibi when the two Eliatropes made their way down the stairs, looking up from feeding the infant to smile to Yugo and Alys. "Everything in order?" he asked while sitting up a little in his chair, receiving a nod from the female Eliatrope while his son sat himself down across of him to start eating.

"I have packed everything away," Alys said when she took the chair next to Alibert, softly pinching Chibi's round cheek as he babbled happily, saying while hearing Adamaï rummage in the kitchen," I won't be taking much with me to Bonta; I figured it would be best to travel light."

"You better eat plenty then. Wouldn't want you to go hungry halfway to Bonta," Alibert laughed, remembering the time Yugo set off to find his true family. From what he was told, the rations he had made Yugo and Ruel for their journey didn't last for all too long. "Speaking of Bonta… I arranged a ride for you to the stationary zaap so you don't have to walk all the way," he said as he wiped off Chibi's mouth with a napkin, the infant being a messy eater," it was on short notice but Darvell will gladly take you there. He said he had time." It was a kind gesture of the young smith but when had Darvell ever turned down a request from his mayor? The man surely didn't take after his grumpy father Gil Preucel, always ready to lend a hand while working the forge in the village. "You sure you are ready, piwi...?"

"As ready as I can be," Alys said, sounding nervous while hoping she truly was ready. She didn't feel ready... There were many worries which made her doubtful like her lost memories, her inexperience and little knowledge of the world. There weren't many moments where she had been completely on her own since her awakening, always having someone to watch her back. It wouldn't be the case this time.

She shook off the ponders when Adamaï came out of the kitchen and joined everyone at the table, silently with a frown. He was still giving Alys the cold shoulder… could she blame him? She had tried to talk with him two days ago in an attempt to comfort him after Phaeris' training didn't bear any fruit but he wouldn't have any of it. Instead he turned his frustration towards her and admitted he felt like Alys didn't trust him and Yugo enough to tell them about her worries.

He called her selfish. After all they had gone through, he expected a mutual understanding and trust between the two of them. They had almost unintentionally destroyed each other in Shukrute and upon Crimson Claw and while neither had managed, it had been so very close to such a dreadful end for either of them. Both dragon and Eliatrope weren't in control of their actions, one possessed by a powerful Shushu, the other blinded by an awoken power and anger but it was still a frightening experience. The realization they had almost vanquished each other had scarred the bond they had, for better and worse… They often spoke often about it, either to console each other or to rekindle the connection they had but it always was a frail subject. She should have trusted him and Yugo, she should have told them sooner about the dreams. She did regret her decision to not involve them but there were only so many times she could apologize.

Yugo looked in between his brother and Alys while chewing thoughtfully, noticing the tension between them before he sat up a little in his chair and said while pointing the croissant he was eating towards Alys," you don't need much. You have your zaaps! And maybe along the way you'll make some friends you can journey with. You can stay at inns or maybe find a haven bag you could stay in when you are in the wilderness. Traveling is easy as long as you are resourceful."

"There is a large chance I might return to Emelka after I visit Bonta," Alys said, still puzzling her plan together. She hadn't thought any further than visiting Bonta all because nothing was certain and the amount of outcomes were endless. What if Joris didn't hold the answers or wasn't there? Would she really return here with droopy ears and tail or should she try and continue looking elsewhere? It all depended on what she would find in Bonta. Any new hints about her dreams would change her path completely," we'll see how it turns out. It will be an adventure all the same."

"Do write us if you continue your journey after visiting Bonta. Keep us updated so I won't be lying awake all night and worry about how you are doing. Though if you are anything like Yugo and Adamaï, I am sure there won't be anything to worry about."

Alys nodded to Alibert with an appreciative smile, trying to enjoy breakfast but she had a hard time swallowing anything down. It was soon time to leave. She glanced over towards Adamaï who continued to eat in silence, ignoring her while wearing a thoughtful frown. There was no time to try and mend things in between them; she had done everything she could with him. Hopefully he could forgive her during her absence. It didn't feel right to have an animosity with one of her future kings or a brother. "I am not one to seek trouble," she smirked, hearing Qilby's voice in the back of her head to remind her she was no fighter. She had proven him wrong; she would fiercely fight for what she believed in but to seek out trouble for the thrill of adventure wasn't like her," rest assured, Alibert… there won't be anything to be worried about."

Alibert's little family and a few villagers had gathered at the edge of the village underneath the large tree to say their goodbye and well wishes to the leaving Eliatrope when the afternoon crept in. Darvell, son of the Preucels and blacksmith of Emelka sat patiently waiting upon the cart's seating, his arm resting over the backrest while he watched Alibert crush Alys in a tight hug.

"We are going to miss you, sweet piwi," the large man with the patched up chef's hat said, holding the female Eliatrope firmly against his broad chest before he put her down and held her by her shoulders," make sure you write us. Let us know how you are… if anything goes wrong, you can always return here. Never hesitate… this is your home, alright?"

"Got it," Alys nodded and bent forward to place a peck upon Alibert's cheek, as affectionately as she always did. He wasn't her true father but he was the closest she had to one. Her stay at the Crunchy Gobball had been short, too short but the time spent underneath its roof was precious to her.

Grougaloragran came charging at her from a high angle the moment she was free from Alibert's embrace, bumping into her with a good deal of force and a frustrated sounding growl.

"Ow... Careful, Grougal, your horns…" she tutted as she caught the small dragon from grinding its forehead against her chest, his small leathery wings frantically beating while its lower jaw quivered as he looked at her with big glassy eyes. He was upset but like his big brother Adamaï he too refused to show any emotional weakness. Try as he may, it wasn't hard to see the whelp was struggling to keep up the tough act, especially when the Eliatrope hugged him," be good, alright? I don't want to hear any complaints when I come back." He wailed softly in response with a stiff nuzzle before squirming himself free from her grasp, quick to find cover behind Alibert's broad back.

"We'll keep an eye on him, won't we Ad?" Yugo said reassuringly and cocked his head to look at Adamaï who gave a nonchalant shrug. Babysitting Grougaloragran had been one of his main responsibilities for almost a year now; it wouldn't be any different after Alys has left. Yugo pulled a face when he looked at Adamaï and saw the dragon continue to be bitter before he nudged him with his elbow, having Adamaï sway a little before he looked at Yugo with an arched brow. Yugo jerked with his head towards Alys, as if to quietly tell Adamaï to go to her and say goodbye but all he got in return was refusal. As Adamaï looked away from his brother with a gruff huff and kept his arms crossed over his chest, Yugo muttered under his breath," fine..."

Alys had quietly watched the two brothers after she had taken Chibi in her arms to hold the infant one last time, feeling remorse for how Adamaï was behaving but there was nothing she could do about it. Not anymore at least. She handed Chibi back to Alibert before she spread her arms a little as Yugo stepped up to her and hugged her waist, smiling down upon him. "You'll keep an eye on Adamaï for me, won't you?" she asked, feeling Yugo nod after she rested her hand on top of his head. She grimaced for a moment, a quiver in her breathing as she took a deep breath. It was difficult not to be upset over leaving… she was leaving so much love behind. She hoped it would be worth it.

"Here," Yugo said as he looked up to her and fished something out from behind his back, holding it up towards her. It was a small bag, handmade from what she could tell. Alys took the pouch in both her hands while bending through her knees as Yugo beckoned her closer to him, tilting her head a little as he placed a hand against the side of his mouth to whisper in her ear," it is from Adamaï."

She gave a small smile in surprise before her blue eyes sought for the white dragon, seeing him stand with Alibert, his arms crossed and wearing an uninterested expression till he noticed the female Eliatrope was looking his way while holding the stitched pouch in her hands. He rose a brow until he caught sight of Yugo's wicked grin and quickly stuck his chin up in the air with a royal harrumph, rolling back into pretending he was still cross with Alys.

Yugo snickered before he wrapped his arms around Alys' neck, saying as he pulled her down and hugged her," you'll find some kamas and an ogrine in the bag to activate the zaap portal to Bonta, courtesy of papa Alibert." A moment of hesitation fell between them before he said softly with a broken voice," I'll miss you…"

Alys hugged him back and held him tight after he had pulled her down to her knees, whispering to him," I'll miss you too, my little king." She knew she would return to Emelka but she also had a feeling it would be a while before she would see Yugo, Adamaï or Alibert again. She got up to her feet again once Yugo withdrew from the hug, attaching the gifted pouch to her belt before she straightened her back and looked at the gathered group of people before her. It was time…

She cast one last glance to Adamaï, seeing him look towards her from the corner of his eyes with a look of repentance. If he wasn't so stubborn in nature, they would have been able to say goodbye to each other. Alys smiled to him with a small nod to show him it was alright before she turned around and climbed onto the cart to sit next to Darvell, saying to him with a hushed tone in her voice," I am ready…" She wasn't.

Darvell gave her a sympathetic smile, seeing her reluctance and hesitation before he nodded and whipped with the reins to bring the two dragoturkeys pulling the cart into motion. "Here we go then," he said as the beasts began to move in a slow trot, leaving the shade of the large tree to get onto the road. Alys shifted on the bench to turn around and look towards everyone who had come to bid her safe journeys, seeing Yugo and Adamaï jog a little after the cart with Grougaloragran in tow.

"We'll see you soon!" Yugo called out as he wove after her with his arms, smiling towards the female Eliatrope. Behind him Alibert remained at the edge of the road with Chibi held on an arm, waving with the young Eliatrope's small hand while the infant giggled, oblivious about what was happening.

"Say hello to your boyfriend for us!" Adamaï suddenly said with a raised voice, finally speaking after two days of silence while causing the female Eliatrope to sit speechless on the cart. His hat almost hid his mischievous grin from her but she could see it as he jogged after his brother, pleased with surprising her and not being too late with seeing her off properly.

Alys rose a little on the bench, chuckling under her breath at Adamaï's teasing and finally throwing his stubbornness aside before she called out to him with feigned annoyance," he's not my boyfriend!" She smirked as she lowered herself back down, seeing the three brothers slow down in their running to come to a stop in the middle of the road, waving to her for as long as she was still in sight. It seemed the young dragon would forgive her after all, it just needed time. Hopefully he would approach her as he had always done the next time they would see each other again. She'll miss him, that was for certain.

Darvell snickered as Alys sat herself back down on the seating next to him, asking with a tilt of his head while looking amused," boyfriend, ey?"

"Ohh Goddess, not you too," Alys said with a short but soft laugh and looked towards him as he let his dragoturkeys lead the way by following the road. They had quite a ride ahead of them towards the zaap portal so it was best to make herself comfortable and have a conversation going. Darvell was one of the few villagers she was able to get along with, a very sociable and hardworking man," no… he is a friend, a very good friend. He taught me many things and kept me safe when times were rough. I hold a great admiration and respect for him and Adamaï likes to tease me about it." She glanced back over her shoulder, no longer seeing the two dragons and Eliatrope while the large tree at the edge of the village remained a recognizable landmark; she would see it even when the rooftops of the houses had been obscured by the forest or the hills. Her home was beginning to slip away from her, the official step to begin her quest taken; there was no turning back now. "I don't mind the teasing. It keeps things… nice."

"Brothers, right?" he asked before he shrugged a little while smirking at himself, not having much to say on the matter as he was the only child of the Preucels. He could imagine how tough it was, especially if two of your so called brothers were dragons," you'll have to tell me how you, Yugo, Adamaï and Grougaloragran are related. I still don't quite get it… adopted I get, but it is different for you, no?"

Alys ran a finger across the playful stitches sewn along the pouch's edges as she chuckled, saying while looking at Darvell past strands of wheat colored hair," very different. It is a long story but I guess we have the time." It would be a decent subject to pass the time with, a subject she knew about and was able to share in colorful detail. It was something she would be repeating for many times to come if she were to prepare the World of Twelve for the Eliatrope's arrival. She wasn't able to use her Wakfu to form moving images as Qilby was capable of but she had no need for such when sharing the origins of her people with others. Her enthusiasm would give shape to her words.

As Darvell continued to steer his mounts along the road, she spoke of the firstborn and their draconic brothers and sister and how they, just the six of them, created the foundations of that which would grow into the Eliatrope civilisation so many years ago.