Capítulo 2: Stone scales
Idris retired for the day, his body collapsing onto the bed with a heavy sigh. It took no time for him to slip into a deep sleep, the exhaustion from his day's labors pulling him under like a weight. His muscles ached for rest, and now, at long last, they had found it.
A smile spread across his face as he sank into the comfort of his bed. His eyes fluttered closed, and he drifted into an ambiguous space, where reality blurred and dreams took form. "What is this...?" he thought to himself, unaware that his mental state had yet to succumb to true slumber. The sensation of water lapping against his feet stirred him. "Why is there water under my feet?" He lifted one foot, then thumped it down again, confirming the fluid's presence.
When he finally opened his eyes, nothing greeted him but an impenetrable darkness. Panic washed over him as he surveyed his surroundings, feeling the cold, alien ground beneath him. "W-where am I...?" His lips parted to call out, but his voice faltered, trapped behind a barrier in his throat.
"You won't be able to speak here, child," a voice emerged from behind him, gruff and commanding. Startled, Idris spun around, searching for the source. The man who stood before him was striking: white-haired, with pale skin adorned in intricate tattoos that seemed less decorative and more like markings of significance. He radiated an aura of both authority and mystery.
Idris wanted to ask, "Who are you? Why am I here? What is this place?" But something deep within him stilled his tongue. "You bear many questions, child," the man continued, "but I'm afraid we don't have enough time to satisfy your curiosity." Idris felt his frustration mount, yet he was inexplicably drawn to the man's presence.
"You must take care of it, as it is your duty. It has been bestowed upon you by 'IT,' and you shall not neglect it." Idris furrowed his eyebrows in skepticism. "What could that possibly mean?" he thought, feeling a swirl of confusion. "You are next to me, and you must be present in your position before it's too late. They're coming. I bid you farewell, my child, and good luck."
As the darkness began to fade and the man's figure blurred into nothingness, Idris felt a heavy weight settle in his chest. Would he meet this enigmatic figure again? Would he truly fulfill the duty that had been placed upon him? Just as these thoughts began to crystallize, a wave of panic washed over him, and he woke with a gasp, the morning light spilling into his room.
The remnants of the dream lingered in his mind like a vivid painting, but soon his attention was drawn to the large egg that sat on the table beside his bed. It gleamed invitingly, its colorful surface a stark contrast to the dimness of his dream. He had found it on his doorstep yesterday, a mystery that had captivated him. "What a feast it will make!" he thought, grinning as he envisioned a sumptuous meal of fried egg, perhaps with herbs and crusty bread.
Rising from his bed, Idris felt the coolness of the wooden floor beneath his feet. Stretching his arms above his head, he shook off the last remnants of sleep and turned to the egg once more. Its mottled surface, glistening with hues of green and blue, beckoned him closer. "This will be the best breakfast ever," he mused.
After splashing cold water on his face, Idris began his morning routine. He combed through his unruly hair, brushed his teeth with a worn bristle brush, and donned a simple tunic. Today was a rare day off from the relentless labor at the construction site, and he felt a sense of excitement brewing within him. With an apron tied around his waist, he approached the kitchen area, ready to embark on his culinary adventure.
As he reached the egg, his excitement morphed into hesitation. The shell appeared as hard as stone, smooth and unyielding. "How on earth will I crack this thing?" he wondered aloud. Inspiration struck suddenly: "Baking! Perhaps the heat will make it crack."
With no prior knowledge of cooking, he approached the earthen oven nestled in the corner of the kitchen, a simple structure made of clay and bricks. He opened the heavy door, feeling a rush of warmth escape. Carefully, he placed the egg inside, hoping the fire would transform it into a delicious meal. He closed the door with a firm thud and stoked the flames, watching as they danced eagerly around the logs.
Minutes passed, but the egg remained silent, undisturbed in its heated sanctuary. Unable to contain his curiosity, Idris opened the oven again. The heat enveloped him, and he peered inside, searching for any sign of progress. Just as he was about to reach for the egg, a loud crack reverberated through the room, startling him.
His heart raced. "What was that?" he exclaimed, eyes wide as he stared into the oven. Another crack followed, this one louder and more definitive. The shell had begun to splinter, fissures spidering across its surface like lightning bolts. Idris watched, entranced, as the egg quaked and vibrated, an otherworldly energy radiating from it.
Then, with a final resounding crack, the shell burst apart. Bits of the colorful exterior flew through the air, and from the shards emerged a tiny creature. Idris's breath caught in his throat as he beheld it: a diminutive being, no larger than his hand. It was black as coal, with delicate wings that fluttered nervously, and its large, violet eyes gleamed with curiosity.
"By the gods," Idris breathed, his heart racing as he crouched down to get a better look. "What an extraordinary creature!" The little being wriggled free from the remnants of its shell, letting out a soft growl that echoed around the kitchen. Idris's mind raced—was this some sort of exotic reptile? Perhaps a rare find that had come from far away?
His thoughts were interrupted by a sudden clamor outside. He recognized the familiar voice of his friend, Garren, whose laughter rang through the village square. The sound of his footsteps grew nearer, and before Idris could fully comprehend the scene unfolding before him, the door burst open.
"Idris! You in here?" Garren called, his boisterous demeanor radiating mischief. He stepped inside, his eyes widening as he took in the sight before him.
"What in the name of the gods is that?" Garren exclaimed, pointing toward the tiny creature flitting about the room, its wings shimmering in the sunlight.
"I—I think it's some sort of reptile," Idris stammered, excitement mingling with disbelief. The creature looked up at him, cocking its head, as if it could sense his joy.
Garren stepped closer, his skepticism giving way to intrigue. "A reptile from a bird egg? That's a new one! What kind of magic are you dabbling in, Idris?" He leaned in, eyes sparkling with curiosity.
Idris looked back at the little creature, which had stopped its exploration to gaze up at him with those big, purple eyes. In that moment, something clicked deep within him. There was an unspoken bond forming, a connection that felt inexplicable yet profound. The creature was small and delicate, with tiny, black scales shimmering in the light. It seemed to radiate an innocent affection that tugged at Idris's heartstrings.
"You know, I think she's adorable," Idris said, unable to hide his smile. "Look at how she's looking at me. It feels like... she understands me."
Garren raised an eyebrow, skeptical yet intrigued. "Understand you? It's a reptile, Idris. Are you sure it's not just hungry?"
Idris shook his head, feeling warmth bloom in his chest. "No, it's more than that. I can feel it. Like she's been waiting for me." The little creature let out another soft growl, tilting her head to the side as if she were listening intently. Idris leaned in closer, feeling an undeniable connection. In that moment, he knew that this was no ordinary reptile; it was something extraordinary.
"Come here, little one," he said softly, extending a hand. The creature hesitated for a heartbeat before hopping onto his palm, looking up at him with an earnestness that was almost human. Idris felt an overwhelming sense of protectiveness wash over him, as if he were meant to care for this fragile being.
"Alright, maybe it's not just some random lizard," Garren admitted, his skepticism waning as he studied the creature. "What are you going to name her?"
Idris pondered for a moment. The connection he felt was so strong, it deserved a name that embodied its essence. "I think I'll call her Nyx," he decided, inspired by the creature's dark scales and those captivating violet eyes. "It suits her."
Garren chuckled. "Nyx it is, then. Just don't let her eat your boots or something!" They both laughed, but Idris felt a sense of purpose swell within him. With Nyx by his side, he knew that this was just the beginning of an extraordinary journey—one that would unravel mysteries beyond his wildest dreams.
Status de energia semanal
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Poder 
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Poder