Emiren stood at the crossroads of three paths. His choice was not just a simple decision. It was something greater than merely picking a direction; it was a moment where his will could alter the very fabric of time. The paths before him split, each one leading into the unknown, while the trees around him, like silent watchers, stood still, hiding their secrets.
He looked at the black branch in his hands. It wasn’t heavy, but in its core, where the light pulsed, he felt the weight of all possible consequences. He couldn’t simply walk down any of these paths without understanding why they led where they did. What would his choice be?
The shadows from the trees grew deeper, and within their folds, new figures appeared. People who walked their own paths. Some, like him, seemed not entirely material, slightly translucent, but their faces held more determination than he had ever seen. They appeared to be part of this reality, immutable and unaffected by either time or choice.
A Glimpse of the Future
“Are you ready to choose?” a voice said from behind him. He turned around.
Before him stood Ardalys, the guardian of the Eternal Garden. His eyes glowed just as they had that first day they met. He looked at Emiren with a faint sadness.
“You already understand that every choice has its price?” he continued, observing the doubt reflected on Emiren’s face.
“I can’t choose,” Emiren said. “I don’t know what awaits me, and every path seems so difficult.”
Ardalys nodded and stepped closer, placing a hand on Emiren’s shoulder.
“That’s exactly why you must make the choice. Otherwise, you’ll remain where you are, wavering, and time will simply pass you by.”
The Dance of Decisions
Emiren looked at the paths that spread before him. Each had its own peculiarities, each hid its own uncertainty, its own fear, and its own hope. One path led to golden trees that shimmered with light, another to dark, scorched trees that seemed to be forgotten parts of this garden. The third path led into an endless forest where the trees grew in chaotic order but gave a sense of extraordinary freedom.
“You must choose,” said Ardalys, “but remember: each path leads to an end, and you must be ready to accept it.”
Emiren understood: time wasn’t just a line to walk, time was a song, and each of his choices was a note in this melody. He needed to find his harmony, but to do that, he had to take the first step.
He lifted his gaze and, gathering all his strength, began to walk down the path leading deeper into the forest. The leaves of the trees brushed against his skin, scattering bright flashes of light on him, as though he was becoming part of this garden. And despite the uncertainty that awaited him, he felt that now he was ready. His choice had been made, and this path was the only one he could continue on.
Shadows and Light
The deeper he ventured into the forest, the more the atmosphere around him changed. The shadows grew thicker, and he noticed that the trees seemed to “come alive.” They weren’t just growing; they were moving, as if watching every step he took. The air smelled like rain, though no clouds were visible.
From one of the trees appeared a mist that enveloped Emiren, filling everything around him with a soft, almost hypnotic light.
And then, before him, appeared a new figure. It was a young woman with short hair that glowed like sunlight. Her eyes seemed to have already seen all possible futures.
“You’ve chosen the path,” she said, her voice calm and pure, like water. “You’ve chosen freedom, but freedom doesn’t come without a price.”
Preparation for the Choice
“I’m ready,” Emiren said, his heart pounding faster. “I’m ready to know what awaits me next.”
The woman smiled, and her hands opened, scattering light into the air. Her gaze was penetrating and deep.
“Then move forward,” she said. “But remember: everything you choose will leave a mark. And this mark leads to something else.”
Emiren took the first step, and the darkness gradually began to dissipate, giving way to a new world. He moved forward, not knowing what awaited him at the end of this path, but feeling that time would not allow him to turn back.