Welcome to Elcor

The village of Elcor was a haven of warmth and light in the Edge of the Whispering Woods. Nestled beside ancient trees, its small, wooden houses glowed with the soft flicker of lanterns, casting a welcoming aura against the night sky. The air was filled with the sounds of life – the chirping of crickets, the distant hoot of what sounds like an owl, and the soft murmur of voices.
As Kai and Sakura entered the village, they were greeted by curious stares and friendly smiles. The villagers, a mix of humans and other races, seemed to possess an air of quiet strength and resilience. They had learned to live in harmony with the forest, respecting its power and its secrets.
Sakura led Kai through the winding paths, her steps light and familiar. She greeted the villagers with cheerful enthusiasm, introducing Kai as a lost traveler she had found in the woods. The villagers, in turn, welcomed Kai with open arms, offering him food and shelter.
They reached a small, cozy house, its walls adorned with climbing vines and colorful flowers. "Grams' house," Sakura explained, her voice filled with affection.An old woman, her hair as white as moonlight, emerged from the house. Her eyes, though wrinkled with age, sparkled with wisdom and kindness. "Sakura!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with relief. "You're late! I was worried." She noticed Kai standing beside Sakura. "And who is this?""Grams, this is Kai," Sakura said. "Kai… save Sakura from Nushi."Grams' eyes widened. "A Nushi? In the woods?" She turned her gaze to Kai, her expression serious. "You fought a Nushi? And survived?"Kai nodded, a little embarrassed by the attention. "I… I don't remember much," he admitted. "But I fought it. And Sakura… she healed me."Grams' eyes softened. "You have the gift of the stars," she said, her voice filled with wonder. She turned to Sakura. "And you, child… you have blossomed."Sakura blushed. "Sakura… lucky."Grams chuckled. "Luck is the handmaiden of fate, child. Come, come inside. You both must be weary."
The interior of the house was warm and inviting, filled with the aroma of herbs and freshly baked bread. A fire crackled in the hearth, casting dancing shadows on the walls. Grams bustled around, preparing a simple meal of stew and bread.As they ate, Kai told Grams about his amnesia and his encounter with the Nushi. Grams listened patiently, her eyes twinkling with understanding."You are a warrior, Kai," she said when he had finished. "That much is clear. And you have a strong heart. The stars have guided you to Elcor for a reason."Kai frowned. "But I don't know what that reason is," he said. "I don't know who I am, or where I belong."
Grams smiled. "Patience, child. The answers will come. For now, rest. Tomorrow, we will talk more."After the meal, Grams showed Kai to a small guest room. The room was simple but comfortable, with a soft bed and a warm blanket. Kai lay down, his mind racing with questions. He closed his eyes, trying to grasp the elusive fragments of his past. He saw flashes of images – a city in flames, a battle raging, a woman with kind eyes. But the images were fleeting, disappearing before he could make sense of them.He drifted off to sleep, the whispers of the forest echoing in his dreams.