Chapter 84 Echoes Of Hope, Seeds Of Trust

• The discovery of the dormant Heartstone beneath The Shattered Steppes of Kaelen infused the team with renewed vigor, despite their lingering exhaustion. This wasn't just about cleansing the land of the Shadow Weaver's influence; it was about sparking a true rebirth, offering a tangible future beyond the ghosts of war. The colossal, lifeless crystal represented a profound opportunity, but it hinged entirely on their ability to bridge the centuries-old chasm between the descendants of the Sky-Riders of Aer and the Stone-Guard of Terra.
• Their first step was to seek out the isolated clan of Stone-Guard descendants, known for preserving ancient lore. Guided by Kael’s refined sensor readings of their subtle psychic signatures, and utilizing Rune’s and Lyra’s unparalleled tracking skills, they traversed a treacherous, rock-strewn canyon. They found the clan living in a hidden, fortified settlement carved into the sheer cliff faces, their lives a testament to resilience but also deep-seated suspicion.
• The initial encounter was tense. The Stone-Guard, heavily armored and wary, met them with spears and crossbows. Their Elder, a wizened woman named Terra-Spoke Lyra, her face etched with the hardships of a life lived in shadow, radiated distrust. She saw strangers, not allies, and her people had learned through generations of bitter experience that outsiders often brought more pain than help.