The Starweave Secret

The rainy season harvest was a success. Watercress and taro filled Greenwood’s storage barns, their green leaves and sturdy roots a promise of full bellies. The village buzzed with excitement, elves laughing under the great oak as they sorted crops. Akira watched from his cottage porch, the air fresh with the scent of damp earth. His heart felt full, but a quiet ache lingered. He missed his mom, alone on Earth since his dad’s accident three years ago.

Elara joined him, her silver hair shining in the sunlight. “You look happy but worried,” she said, her green eyes soft.

Akira nodded, holding the old book that brought him here four months ago. Its leather cover was rough, covered in strange, glowing symbols. “I keep thinking about my mom. You said Elder Thalion might know how to get back to Earth. Now that the harvest’s done, maybe it’s time to ask.”

Elara took his hand, her touch warm. “Let’s go see him. Together.”

They walked to Thalion’s tree-house, its branches woven with vines that sparkled like stars. The old elf sat at a wooden table, his long beard white as snow. Books and scrolls were piled around him, smelling of old paper and magic. He looked up, smiling. “Akira, Elara, good to see you. What’s on your mind?”

Akira held up the book, his voice steady but nervous. “This brought me here from Earth. I need to see my mom again, maybe bring her here. Do you know how?”

Thalion’s eyes widened, and he took the book gently, like it were a treasure. “This is no ordinary book. It’s a Starweave Relic, made by ancient elves to connect worlds. It can open a door to your Earth, but there’s a catch.”

“What kind?” Elara asked, leaning closer.

Thalion’s face grew serious. “Opening a door for two people—you and your mother—needs huge magic. The book might not survive. It could burn up, leaving no way back to Earth.”

Akira’s stomach twisted. No way back? He thought of his mom’s farmhouse, her garden, the life he’d left. “So, it’s a one-way trip?”

“Maybe,” Thalion said. “The magic’s old, hard to predict. You’d need to decide if it’s worth losing that connection forever.”

Elara squeezed Akira’s hand. “If you bring your mom here, I’ll help her feel at home. We all will.”

Akira looked at her, his heart racing. Her promise made him feel stronger, but the choice was heavy. “I need to think about it,” he said. “I want my mom safe, but leaving Earth forever… It’s a lot.”

Thalion nodded, his eyes kind. “Take your time, Akira. The book’s magic is tied to the Grove of Whispers, where you arrived. We’ll need special things for a ritual, and a special night when the moons align. Come back when you’re ready.”

As they left, the village glowed with lantern light, elves singing softly. Akira held Elara’s hand, her warmth chasing away some of his worry. “Thank you,” he said. “For being with me.”

“Always,” she said, smiling. “We’ll figure this out, I promise.”

Back at his cottage, Akira lay awake, the book on his chest. He thought of his mom’s smile, Elara’s love, and the village that trusted him. The choice was hard, but with Elara by his side, he felt ready to face it.