Sianna and I made our way through the forest. Gradually, conversations began to unfold between us, making the long journey a little less tiring. Sometimes her voice sounded shy, but noticing my friendly smile seemed to bring her to life, and the conversation grew warmer.

At one point, Sianna paused, her gaze flickering over me, and, biting her lip slightly, she exhaled as if deciding something important.

— Ellard… — she began, a bit shyly. — Will you be able to take me to my home? It’s… quite far, — she briefly lowered her eyes, then looked up at me with hope. — The capital of my people.

I nodded without hesitating for a second. For the first time in a long while, this felt like a true calling. I wasn’t just on the road; I was here to help.

— I will definitely take you home, — I replied confidently, feeling warmth rise in my chest.

— That’s now my goal—to make sure you’re alright.

Sianna blushed slightly, but her face brightened with relief. She smiled a little, as if feeling protected next to me, and we continued on.

After wandering in the forest for a while, I began to sense Sianna's little body tiring. But I tried not to show it, continuing step by step. At one point, she slowed down and looked back.

— Are you sure you’re okay? — she asked cautiously, noticing that I was starting to fall behind.

— Absolutely, — I replied, trying to sound upbeat.

However, it soon became clear that we needed a break. We sat down under a sprawling oak tree, and in that silence, her quiet voice broke my thoughts.

— Why are you so sure you can protect me alone?

For a moment, I hesitated, wondering how to respond. Then I exhaled, thinking carefully about each word.

— Once, people’s lives depended on me, and maybe I’ve just gotten used to relying on myself,

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— I spoke, recalling my past life. — I knew their lives were in my hands.

— That’s… hard to imagine, — Sianna said thoughtfully, looking off to the side as if recalling something of her own.

When we rose again, she suddenly walked confidently ahead as if she knew the way. After a while, we stumbled upon an old stone archway, nearly completely hidden by moss and leaves. It was adorned with ancient symbols barely visible in the thickening twilight.

— This is an ancient portal. One of those left by our ancestors so the elves could return home, — she explained, tracing her fingers reverently over the stone.

The symbols suddenly glowed with a silvery light, and the arch seemed to come alive, as if awakening from a millennia-long sleep. I couldn’t take my eyes off it, experiencing a strange, almost mystical feeling.

— Is this… safe? — I asked, unable to hide my surprise.

— Yes, — Sianna replied confidently. — We’ll go straight to El-Anner, to my capital.

She took my hand, and we stepped into the portal. The light brightened, my head spun, and when my eyes opened again, a majestic sight lay before us.

We stood in a square at the heart of the elven capital. I looked around, astonished by the architecture, the elegance of the pale stone buildings, the patterns that adorned the walls, arches, and bridges. Fountains sparkled with crystal streams, and the air was filled with delicate aromas, as if nature and architecture had merged into one.

— Welcome to El-Anner, Ellard, — Sianna whispered, clearly pleased to be back. She surveyed the city; her eyes shone with happiness and relief.

I nodded, trying to contain my awe. The elven capital was magnificent and seemed timeless. Passersby, noticing us, stopped and looked at us with mild surprise. Their faces and posture spoke of nobility, even wisdom I hadn’t seen in humans.

As we made our way to the central square, guards in shining silver armor approached us. Their faces were calm, but their gazes were sharp, watching me warily. One of them, apparently the leader, stepped forward, intently scrutinizing us.

— Who are you, and where have you come from? — he asked sternly, his voice cold.

Sianna stepped forward, her tone growing firmer:

— I am Sianna, from the Tielin clan.

This man saved me from the slavers in the forest and brought me here so that I could return home.

The guard froze, his eyes widening. He immediately bowed his head and gestured to his subordinates.

— Princess Sianna... We will inform the royal family of your return immediately! — he announced, signaling one of the guards, who promptly set off for the palace.

After that, the guard turned back to me, and I sensed that his gaze was now filled with respect.

— Man, — he said, looking me straight in the eyes. — You have acted nobly. Your courage will not go unnoticed.

I nodded, feeling an emotion that was hard to describe. I just knew that this encounter would change everything.