Reverberation

The village of Eldenwood, nestled between ancient forests and misty mountains, moved at a gentle pace. Its cobblestone streets and quaint cottages held stories passed down through generations. The villagers often spoke in hushed tones about the enchanted forest bordering their homes—a place where magic lingered in the air and time danced to an unseen rhythm. Lila, a young herbalist with a mane of chestnut hair and eyes as green as the forest leaves, had always felt a pull toward the forest. Unlike her fellow villagers, who feared its mysteries, she embraced them. Her curiosity was insatiable, driving her to explore every nook and cranny of the village and its surroundings. One crisp morning, as the sun's rays pierced through the morning mist, Lila ventured to the forest’s edge to gather herbs. Her basket was soon filled with lavender, rosemary, and sage, their scents mingling in the cool air. As she reached for a particularly vibrant sprig of thyme, something caught her eye—a s...