Chapter 4: The Oracle's Cave
In a dense forest. Lan Yue and the stranger, now introduced as Li Feng, are traveling on a narrow path.
After running away from the assassins the whole night, they finally decided to have some rest.
Lan Yue and the stranger stand facing each other so she can examine some of his wounds.
Lan Yue / FL
(crossing her arms) Alright, I saved your life and kept your secrets. What’s next? Are you going to vanish into the night?
Stranger
I owe you a debt. Let me repay it.
Lan Yue / FL
Repay it? By dragging me into more trouble? Thanks, but no thanks.
Stranger
You’re involved whether you like it or not. They’ll come back, and when they do, you’ll need someone who can fight.
Lan Yue / FL
So, what? You’ll protect me out of the goodness of your heart?
Stranger
(pauses) Something like that.
Lan Yue / FL
Fine. But if things got out of control, you’re on your own.
Stranger
Agreed. And call me Li Feng.
Lan Yue / FL
(suspiciously) Li Feng? That’s your real name?
Li Feng / ML
(smirking) It’ll do for now
Lan Yue / FL
(huffing) You could at least try to look less suspicious. You’re wearing all black in broad daylight.
Li Feng / ML
It's practical.
Lan Yue / FL
It’s conspicuous. Practical would be blending in.
Li Feng / ML
(smirking) Says the woman arguing with an exiled prince.
Lan Yue / FL
(stopping abruptly) You’re what?!
Li Feng / ML
Keep your voice down.
Lan Yue / FL
You’re telling me I’ve been harboring an exiled prince, and you thought that wasn’t worth mentioning sooner?
Li Feng / ML
Would it have changed anything?
Lan Yue / FL
Yes! No! Ugh, I don’t know. Just... tell me what’s going on.
Li Feng / ML
I’ll explain later. For now, we need to reach the Oracle’s Cave.
Lan Yue / FL
You’re really milking the whole ‘mysterious fugitive’ thing, aren’t you?
They arrive at a moss-covered cave, the entrance glowing faintly with an otherworldly light.
Lan Yue / FL
(whispering) This is it? It looks... creepy.
Li Feng / ML
That's because it is.
They step inside. The cave walls shimmer with strange symbols, and a frail figure sits at the center, surrounded by glowing orbs.
The Oracle
Ah, the cursed prince and the moonlit maiden. Welcome.
Lan Yue / FL
Moonlit maiden? You’ve got the wrong person.
The Oracle
(chuckling) Do I? The pendant you carry begs to differ.
Li Feng / ML
We need answers. What is this pendant? Why does it glow?
The Oracle
Patience, child. The pendant is a key, and you two... you are its destined bearers.
Lan Yue / FL
Destined bearers? Of what?
The Oracle
A curse that binds heaven and earth. To break it, you must follow the moon’s path.
Li Feng / ML
And if we fail?
The Oracle
(smiling cryptically) Failure is not an option.
Lan Yue / FL
Age : 22
A skilled village healer, and the Moonlit Maiden chosen by the pendant.
Initially distrustful of Li Feng but grows closer to him during their journey (will love him in the future). Often witty and resourceful.
Independent, sarcastic, compassionate, and quick-thinking.
Li Feng / ML
Age : 25
An exiled prince seeking to reclaim his honor and protect his kingdom. One of the destined bearers of the keys.
Slowly forms a bond of trust and camaraderie with Lan Yue (will love her in the future). Loyal to his people and family.
Noble, determined, strategic, with a dry sense of humor.
The Oracle
Age : Unknown (appears ageless)
A mysterious guide who reveals the prophecy and sets Lan Yue and Li Feng on their journey.
A neutral character who aids but does not interfere directly.
Cryptic, wise, calm, and otherworldly.
That's it for this chapter.
Happy reading!
(*≧ω≦)
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