The journey to the Blackwood Forest was long and arduous, with the icy wind biting at their faces as they traveled. The mountains slowly gave way to dense forests, the air growing thicker with the scent of pine and earth. The trees loomed tall and ancient, their branches intertwining to form a canopy that blocked out the sun. The forest was dark, even in the light of day, and the deeper they ventured, the more the shadows seemed to stretch and twist around them.
Aldric led the way, his senses on high alert. The Blackwood Forest was the domain of the Nocturnes—a reclusive and mysterious people known for their affinity with darkness and their mastery of shadow magic. The Nocturnes were said to be as elusive as the night itself, and those who ventured into their territory uninvited rarely returned.
Garrick walked beside Aldric, his eyes scanning the forest with a mix of wariness and curiosity. "Been a while since I've been in these woods," he muttered. "Always felt like the trees were watching me."
Aria, Kael, Lyra, and Finn followed close behind, their weapons at the ready. The recent battles had taken a toll on them, but they knew that this was only the beginning. The Ebon Maw was a threat that required every ally they could muster, and the Nocturnes were a crucial piece of that puzzle.
The path ahead was narrow and overgrown, the forest growing denser with each step. The air grew colder, and a heavy mist began to rise from the ground, swirling around their feet like living tendrils. The silence was oppressive, broken only by the occasional rustle of leaves or the distant call of a nightbird.
As they pressed on, Aldric noticed subtle changes in the forest. The trees grew thicker, their bark darker, and the shadows seemed to deepen, as if the very essence of the night was gathering around them. The light from the runes on their armor dimmed, swallowed by the surrounding darkness.
"We're getting close," Aldric said quietly, his voice barely more than a whisper.
Garrick nodded. "The Nocturnes don't take kindly to intruders. We need to be careful."
Suddenly, the path ahead opened into a small clearing. In the center stood a massive tree, its twisted branches reaching out like skeletal arms. The tree's bark was black as coal, and its roots spread out across the ground like a network of veins. At the base of the tree was an entrance, a dark tunnel leading down into the earth.
"This must be it," Kael murmured, his voice tense with anticipation.
Aldric approached the entrance, his hand on the hilt of his sword. He could feel the presence of the Nocturnes, watching them from the shadows. Taking a deep breath, he stepped forward, his voice steady and commanding.
"We come in peace," Aldric called out, his words echoing in the stillness. "We seek an audience with the Nocturne leader. We have passed the trials of the Dreadkin and seek to gain the support of your people in our fight against the Ebon Maw."
For a moment, there was only silence. Then, from the shadows, a figure emerged. Tall and slender, the Nocturne was clad in robes of midnight black, their face obscured by a hood. The air around them seemed to ripple with darkness, their presence both unsettling and awe-inspiring.
"You speak of the Ebon Maw," the Nocturne said, their voice a soft whisper that carried an edge of danger. "A foe that threatens not only the light but the dark as well. You seek our aid, but first, you must prove yourselves worthy."
Aldric nodded, his gaze unwavering. "We are prepared."
The Nocturne gestured toward the entrance of the tree. "Enter the Shade Hollow. Within lies a trial that will test your resolve and your connection to the shadows. Only those who truly understand the darkness will emerge victorious."
