What is the main focus of Chapter 1: Dust and Dreams?

This chapter introduces Sarah Morgan at the start of her journey, as she enters the archaeological contest and begins to wrestle with her hopes, fears, and sense of identity.

Where does the story take place in this chapter?

The story unfolds in Normandy, Lakeview, within the world of Signi. It follows Sarah’s daily life at home and her first steps into the world of archaeology.

Do I need to read the previous Roots Beneath entries before Chapter 1?

No. Chapter 1: Dust and Dreams is written so new readers can jump in, even if they haven’t read the previous lore cards or books.

What themes are explored in this chapter?

The chapter explores memory, family, self-doubt, curiosity, and the courage it takes to pursue a dream, even when you’re unsure where it will lead.

Is this chapter connected to the music on Whispers of Summer?

Yes. The track “Dust and Dreams” on the Whispers of Summer album is directly inspired by the events and emotions of this chapter.

What is Sarah Morgan hoping to achieve by entering the archaeological contest?

She’s looking to prove herself, find purpose beyond her family’s expectations, and discover a deeper connection to Signi’s history.

Will I see more of Sarah Morgan’s family or new relationships develop in this chapter?

Yes. While Sarah’s immediate family was introduced in earlier lore, this chapter deepens those relationships and reveals new layers of her home life, setting up future connections and conflicts.

Sarah Morgan at dusk, sitting outside an archaeological dig tent, hands dirty, holding a w

Echo
of a
Beginning

A single step into the past stirs echoes of the future.

In the dust of forgotten places, dreams awaken, and destiny begins to whisper.”

Chapter I • Dust and Dreams

In the quiet hours of a sunlit memory, I watched the dust swirl like ancient whispers, each mote cradling a secret dream of a world long past, waiting patiently to be rediscovered.

Waiting for the Call

It had been two months since I signed up for the archaeological contest at the Lakeview Public Museum.

My nerves were on edge, waiting for any news.

I could hardly contain my excitement; even checking the mailbox had turned into a ritual I couldn’t skip.

Normally, that was Dad’s job, but I had been getting there before him so often that he eventually chuckled,

“Sarah, checking twice a day won’t make the letter arrive any faster.”

His words didn’t stop me, though.

Every day, I went back to look.

And every time I reached the mailbox, it felt like the world itself was holding its breath with me, as if something unseen was waiting to see what I would do next.

The Rain and the Letter

On Sunday afternoon, just as the sky opened up with a gentle drizzle, I left my room and headed to the kitchen for a fresh cup of coffee.

I planned to sit on the porch and enjoy it while watching the rain, a simple pleasure that always made me feel centered.

Just as I finished pouring, I saw Dad’s car pull up outside, earlier than usual.

Smiling, I waved to him as he climbed out, only to step right into a puddle, splashing his pant leg and causing his work bag to slip from his grasp.

I could tell he was annoyed, but he hid it well, giving me a warm, if slightly exasperated, grin.

“Sarah, honey, could you grab the bag for me and put it on the kitchen sink?” Dad called out as he reached back to close the car door.

“Sure, Dad,” I replied, picking up the damp bag and carrying it inside.

As I did, he turned to the mailbox.

My heart skipped a beat, maybe today would be the day.

The rain pattered against the windows like a thousand tiny whispers.

As Dad stepped inside, shaking off the drizzle, I wondered, for just a moment, if the rain was trying to tell me something.

When he came into the kitchen, he was holding a crisp white envelope in his hand.

“Sarah,” he said with a sly smile, waving the letter in the air, “looks like I beat you to it this time.”

The Invitation

The sight of it left me speechless, and the excitement was evident on Mom’s face as well.

She rushed over, calling for Jenna and Stefan to join us, thrilled that the moment we had all been waiting for had finally come.

“Dad, can you read it?” I asked, feeling a mix of anticipation and nerves.

Clearing his throat, he opened the letter and began to read aloud.

"Congratulations! We are excited to inform you that you have been selected as one of six participants for the Lakeview Public Museum’s Archaeological Dig Contest. Your application showcased a remarkable passion for archaeology and a strong interest in uncovering history, which distinguished it among many impressive entries…”

As he read, the words danced in my mind: uncovering history.

Even then, part of me knew, history never sleeps quietly.

Sometimes, it stirs when you dig too deep.

When he finished, I could hardly breathe from the joy bubbling up inside me.

Mom wrapped me in a tight hug, beaming.

“Your grandma is going to be so proud of you,” she said softly.

“I have to call her right away!” I exclaimed, eager to share the amazing news.

I dialed Grandma’s number with trembling fingers.

As soon as I heard her familiar voice, I burst out, “Grandma, guess what! I made it! I’m one of the six people chosen for the archaeological dig contest at the Lakeview Public Museum!”

Grandma’s voice, warm and filled with pride, came through the phone,

“Oh, Sarah! That’s wonderful news, my dear! I knew you could do it. You’ve always had that spark for history.”

“I love you, Grandma,” I said, my voice softening.

“I love you too, Sarah. Now, go celebrate with your mom, and don’t forget to breathe!” Grandma teased.

I grinned. “I’ll try, but no promises!”

I hung up the phone, feeling even more determined to do my best.

The Day of the Contest

The day of the challenges finally arrived, and I could feel my nerves buzzing as I lined up with the other contestants.

There were three events:

the Pottery Reconstruction Puzzle,

Ancient Language Deciphering,

and the Map Reading and Site Location Test.

I had been looking forward to this for weeks, and now that it was here, the excitement nearly overwhelmed my anxiety.

The Tests Begin

I dove into the Pottery Reconstruction Puzzle with determination.

As I pieced the shards together, my hands trembled slightly.

Some pieces fit perfectly, while others stubbornly refused to align.

I managed to finish just before time ran out, but as I looked at my reconstructed pottery, I wasn’t sure if it was good enough.

Next was the Ancient Language Deciphering challenge.

My heart raced as I looked at the ancient script before me, trying to identify familiar symbols.

I managed to translate a few of the simpler phrases, but the more complex passages left me confused.

The clock seemed to speed up, and when the buzzer sounded, I felt a wave of frustration, I knew I could’ve performed better.

The final test, Map Reading and Site Location, was my favorite.

I’ve always had a passion for maps; there’s something captivating about envisioning ancient civilizations and lost cities.

As I examined the maps and marked locations, my confidence soared.

I felt like I was acing this one, finally, something was going my way.

I explained my reasoning with conviction, hoping to compensate for my earlier errors.

The Long Wait

After the contest, I returned home completely stressed.

Those 72 hours of waiting felt like an eternity.

I kept replaying everything in my mind, every little mistake I’d made, all the things I could’ve done differently.

At night, as I lay awake replaying my mistakes, the silence in my room sometimes felt… heavier.

As if the air itself was holding something back.

Mom and Dad tried their best to comfort me, but I was too anxious to let it sink in.

Finally, the call came.

It was the museum, informing us of the date for the announcement of the winners.

The moment I heard, my heart leaped, and my parents, who had been just as anxious, exchanged excited glances.

They seemed so cheerful on the ride to the museum, and I could tell they were proud of me, just for having the opportunity to participate in something so significant.

I think that moment, seeing their faces as they drove me there, was almost as fulfilling as winning would be.

The Announcement

When we arrived, the museum was alive with energy.

A small crowd had gathered near the entrance, consisting of other contestants and their families, chatting excitedly.

The museum halls smelled of stone and time.

Somewhere deep in its walls, I imagined old memories shifting, half-forgotten, half-awake.

My parents mingled with the crowd, exchanging greetings with a few familiar faces while I ventured further inside, where the exhibit for the contest entries was set up.

Taking a deep breath, I stood there, my heart racing, waiting for what would happen next.

The Contestants

In the main hall, I glanced to my right and spotted Jennie beside me.

She was wearing a lovely yellow dress with a white lace collar, her hair neatly tied back in a ponytail.

She looked bright and cheerful, but I noticed her hands were trembling slightly.

She seemed just as anxious as I felt.

Trying to offer some reassurance, I leaned in and whispered, “Don’t worry, Jennie. I’m sure you did great.”

She turned to me with wide, worried eyes and managed a small smile.

“Thanks, Sarah. I hope you’re right,” she replied, her voice barely audible.

In front of me stood a girl named Lidia, exuding an air of confidence that almost came off as arrogance.

She wore a striking red dress with ruffled sleeves and shiny black boots.

Her chin was held high, and her expression conveyed that she was certain of her victory.

To my left was Amelia, dressed in a soft blue sweater and a flowy skirt that reached her knees.

Her dark hair framed her face, and she kept fidgeting with the hem of her skirt.

She was quiet and shy, glancing around with wide eyes as if she wanted to disappear.

I could relate to her nervousness; I was shaking inside too, but doing my best to hide it.

The Results

Finally, the moment arrived.

The judges stepped forward to announce the winners, and the tension in the room was palpable.

“And in first place,” the judge said, drawing out the suspense, “Jennie!”

I heard Jennie gasp next to me, her face lighting up with sheer joy as she covered her mouth in disbelief.

“In second place,” the judge continued, “Amelia!”

Amelia’s eyes widened in shock, and she blushed deeply as she stepped forward, clearly overwhelmed.

“And third place goes to… Sarah!”

My heart raced as I heard my name.

A wave of relief and excitement washed over me, and I exhaled a breath I hadn’t realized I was holding.

I looked over at Mom, Dad, and Grandma in the audience, all clapping proudly with huge smiles on their faces.

Final Reflection

After the results were revealed, my heart was pounding in my ears.

Third place.

I came in third.

I managed a smile, but disappointment tightened in my chest.

I had been so close to breaking into the top two.

It was hard not to dwell on how I could have improved just a little bit more.

Before I could spiral into those thoughts, my parents rushed over, their faces glowing with pride.

“Sarah, you were amazing!” Grandma exclaimed, pulling me into a warm hug.

“Third place out of so many competitors? That’s fantastic!”

Dad chimed in, playfully ruffling my hair.

“You poured your heart into this, and that’s what counts. We’re so proud of you for giving it your all.”

Tears threatened to spill from my eyes.

“I just… I wanted to come in first,” I whispered, my voice trembling slightly.

Mom responded, her voice soothing and gentle.

“Even if you didn’t take first place, making it this far is a big deal, Sarah. It shows your passion and talent.”

I nodded, a small smile breaking through my disappointment.

Their support made it easier to cope, and I realized how much I had gained from this experience.

Still, as I looked once more at the contest maps and pottery pieces,

I couldn’t shake the feeling that digging into the past would always feel this way, like chasing something just out of sight.

Author: Langley F. Creates & Ladie Rhias
Illustration: Signitunes Studios
Release Date: June 1, 2025
Part of the Roots Beneath Saga · Connected to the album Whispers of Summer
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Connected Lore

Origin: Child’s Vow: The moment that began Sarah Morgan’s journey, marked by a mysterious promise and the first whispers of legend.
Winterfest Joy: Memory of Home: Sarah’s earliest Winterfest memory, filled with warmth and wonder.
Sleepless Mind: A moment of reflection and quiet insomnia years after Origin.