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"Well, you ought to run faster!" cried the elder as she streaked through the green half light that was always present in the Emerald Forests of Mistyc.

"No! Please, I can't run anymore!" The younger girl wailed in desperation. She had never been to this part of the forest before, and she was only eight years old. If she was left to far behind, the girl knew she would never find her way back. The older sister stopped and turned back to Ilyria, impatiently holding aloft her staff.

"Look, I told you I had to show you something. We have to get there before nightfall, it's very important-"

"Is it important enough for me to miss the Spring Ceremonies, Aria?" demanded the elf impetuously. "I don't want to see it if you've simply found another hurt fox or something."

"Do you, or don't you? I promise, this is the most incredible thing you've ever seen." Abruptly changing her tone, "Ilyria, I promise, you will not regret this, not ever."

Her little sister looked back at her, frightened. "Well, okay...But what happens if they come looking for us? Won't Jain miss you?"

"Yes, I suppose he will. Come on." Climbing to her feet, Aria turned to her sister and beckoned. "We're almost there anyway. I think we can walk the rest of the way.

A half an hour later, the two girls were breaking through the underbrush of a small clearing. It was surrounded by tall pine trees, and off to one side of it was a cave mouth.

"Come on, Illy, we go inside."

"What? Are you crazy? There's no telling what could be in there! This was a bad idea, Ari, I don't know how you talked me into it." The little elf girl sat down on the forest floor, refusing to go any further.

"Come on, Illy, you're too old for that! It's just a little further..." A sudden glow from the cave mouth made both girls look up. "It's starting already! Hurry!" Getting up quickly, Aria abandoned her little sister as she raced toward the cave opening. A few seconds later, with a little whimper of bad feeling, Ilyria followed.

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