The Light Of Nomanland

Visions of the future

Ever before Ariel fell asleep, the goddess had answered her silent prayers. It was time for Ariel to have a glimpse of what awaits her in the future. In a vision of the future, the goddess takes Ariel on a journey into the mystical depths. She was going to make her see the potential destinies of Nomanland. As Ariel drifts into a meditative state, she is forced to see a surreal vision of the possible future of Nomanland. Things moved so fast she couldn't hold onto one, neither could she understand what she was seeing. After a while, all she could see was a white light and out of the white light came a voice, saying:

"You have made the right decision, Ariel, now I will take you into the future of Nomanland."

Ariel closed her eyes as the light became too bright for her vision to handle. After a while, she opened her eyes, Ariel found herself standing on top of a desolate hill as she overlooked a Nomanland she barely recognized. The evergreen Greenwood has wilted into a twisted, skeletal forest, the streams and rivers ran dark with pollution. There was a great shadow looming over the empty villages, the streets were so silent that it haunted echoes of the lives that once flourished there. The lands were all ruled by a figure cloaked in darkness, and it suffered from an endless winter. Fear and despair were a poison to the hearts of its people.

Ariel was unable to turn away as she saw the faces of her family and friends, also the faces of strangers who once shared a dream of a bright future for their homes. It was a dark future. In it, her clan was scattered, and the people were subjects under a tyrannical power that showed no mercy.

"This is a glimpse into the mission of the darkness threatening Nomanland,"

"It is also a path where indifference and hesitation may lead" the voice said again after that vision was wrapped.

Ariel was speechless, her heart had begun to ache with despair. Just before her eyes, she was in another vision. The clouds were scattered, giving way to a warm, golden sun to bathe the land in brilliance. Unlike the previous vision, in this vision, Ariel could see Nomanland flourishing as a beacon of prosperity and unity. Greenwood had grown even more vibrant and its people gathered in open markets, sharing stories and laughter. She could see the children of Greenwood playing in the streets while the gardens bloomed with life and color. She could see her coven standing together, strong and bonded with the task of guiding Nomanland towards peace and progress.

Above all, there was someone that caught Ariel's eyes. She noticed her own reflection standing near a pool of clear water. Her reflection was dressed as a leader, her gaze was calm but resolute. Before her eyes, the vision fades away and she hears the same voice once again.

"This is a vision of strength, light and wisdom"

"It is the promised future of Nomanland if you are willing to take up the mantle of leadership and courageously embrace your destiny."

"Who are you?" Ariel was curious to know who was talking to her.

"I am the goddess, the light of my people and I have chosen you to wedge war against the darkness that threatens the peace of my people."

After the vision faded away, the goddess continued speaking to Ariel through the surrounding whispers of nature:

“Every future comes with a choice, and every choice has its cost.”

The goddess once again reminded Ariel of the weight that accompanies leadership. Although the path of light is a trail of love and unity, it requires sacrifice, not only her own desires but also her heart's deepest wishes. Ariel instantly recollected the prophecy's dark warning that love could lead her to ruin.

When Ariel eventually emerges from her vision, she is faced with a difficult decision because her heart is divided between duty and self-preservation. She finally discovered she cannot overlook her role in Nomanland's destiny. The weight of the Goddess's words echoed in her mind:

"If you choose to lead, you will face fearsome challenges, but you will also have the power to shape a brighter future."

As she woke up from her sleep, the voice of the Goddess remained, a final whisper of guidance:

“Fate is shaped by those bold enough to embrace it.”

With a renewed purpose, Ariel prepares herself for the journey ahead, having in mind that every step she takes henceforth will shape the fate of Nomanland.