Now awake once again, Edén and Brogar found themselves greeted by the sun beaming over the horizon, casting a warm, golden light across the lush fields that stretched out before them. The morning air was crisp and invigorating, filled with the scent of dew-kissed grass and the distant song of early birds. Before setting off, they took a moment to clean and reorganize their belongings, ensuring everything was in its proper place for the journey ahead. With their gear properly stowed and their spirits lifted by the promise of a new day, they once again set off in search of the Etins, their determination as unwavering as the rising sun.

As they continued their journey, the landscape gradually shifted from open fields to gently rolling hills. The road beneath their feet was well-worn, evidence of countless travellers who had passed this way before. The sky above was a brilliant blue, dotted with fluffy white clouds that drifted lazily in the gentle breeze. Birds flitted from tree to tree, their songs adding a cheerful soundtrack to their trek.

"We're making good progress," Edén remarked, breaking the comfortable silence that had settled between them.

Brogar glanced at Edén and nodded, his eyes scanning the horizon. "Aye, but we should stay alert. These lands may seem peaceful, but we never know what lies ahead."

As they walked, the road meandered through the undulating landscape, each turn revealing a new vista of rolling hills and verdant meadows. Occasionally, ancient oak trees stood sentinel by the roadside, their gnarled branches casting dappled shadows on the ground. The chirping of crickets and the distant call of birds filled the air, adding a lively undertone to the otherwise serene surroundings.

After a comfortable silence, Brogar spoke up, his voice thoughtful. "There are many Etins in the world, but we’ve only met three during our travels. Have I ever told you about them, Edén?"

Edén shook his head, glancing at Brogar with interest. "Not much beyond their race. Tell me about them."

"Well," Brogar began, "there’s Gorath. He stands at four meters tall, a giant with bark-like skin and a living moss cape. His hair is intertwined with vines and leaves, making him a living embodiment of the forest."

Edén imagined the figure Brogar described, intrigued. "What makes him unique from the others?"

"Gorath can communicate with plants and animals," Brogar explained, "and even his presence helps plants grow and heal. He's wise and calm, often mediating between urban dwellers and nature."

Edén nodded thoughtfully. "A guardian of the forest. Did you get to know him well?"

"Not as well as I'd have liked," Brogar admitted. "But we saw enough to know he’s a being of great wisdom."

They continued walking, the road winding through a stretch of rolling hills. The landscape began to shift subtly, the grass giving way to more frequent rocky outcrops. Edén's curiosity was piqued. "What about the others?" he asked.

"There’s also Braga," Brogar said after a moment. "He's almost as tall as Gorath but has stone-patterned skin and a physique built like a mountain. He always has his tools on him that he works with."

"I could guess what he does. He’s a builder, right?" Edén prompted.

"Exactly, but he would be angry if you just said that. He always says he is an expert builder," Brogar replied. "Able to shape stone and wood with his hands. He’s hardworking and fair, dedicated to quality craftsmanship."

Edén smiled. "Sounds like Dolgrim and Gruff would have enjoyed talking to him."

Brogar chuckled. "They did. Braga loved discussing building techniques with them. It was like watching master craftsmen exchanging secrets of their trade."

The sun climbed higher in the sky, casting long shadows across the road. Edén took in the scenery, the road now showing signs of more frequent use with deeper ruts and the occasional hoofprint.

"And the third Etin?" Edén asked, his curiosity not yet sated.

"Kaela the Kind," Brogar said, his voice tinged with admiration. "She's slender and agile, standing just under four meters. Kaela wears a mix of common clothing and natural elements, and her eyes glow with a luminescent light."

"And what makes her stand out from the others?" Edén inquired.

"Kaela communicates with wildlife and perceives spirits," Brogar explained. "She acts as a bridge between the physical and spiritual realms."

"Did she have any close relationships with your group?" Edén asked, thinking of the sanctum’s residents.

"Yes, actually," Brogar replied, a smile playing on his lips. "Kaela was good friends with Freya. They both shared a deep love for nature and often spent time together, discussing ways to maintain a balance between nature and civilization."

As Brogar spoke, they passed a small brook that bubbled cheerfully by the roadside, its clear water reflecting the morning sun. The journey continued, the road leading them ever closer to the distant mountains, their peaks now clearly visible against the horizon.

"They sound incredible," Edén said, his mind filled with the vivid images Brogar had painted. "Do you think they will help us?"

"If we can find them and prove our intentions are pure, I think they would," Brogar said, his voice filled with hope.

They continued their journey, the landscape slowly changing as they drew nearer to the mountains. The hills grew steeper, and rocky outcrops became more frequent among the grass. Edén and Brogar kept a steady pace, their eyes and ears alert for any signs of the Etins—or of danger.

Stolen story; please report.

As the day wore on, Edén and Brogar drew ever closer to the mountains. The towering peaks loomed large now, their sheer size and majesty becoming more apparent with each step. The air grew cooler, carrying the faint scent of pine and mountain streams. The road beneath their feet began to climb, winding its way through the foothills toward the base of the mountains.

"Look at those peaks," Edén remarked, awe in his voice. "They're even more impressive up close."

Brogar nodded, his eyes fixed on the distant heights. "Aye, they're a sight to behold. It's hard to believe we're finally here."

As they rounded a bend in the road, they noticed a disturbance in the distance. A caravan was making its way down a pass that ran alongside the mountain range. The caravan consisted of several wagons laden with goods, pulled by sturdy horses and oxen. Surrounding the wagons was a group of people—merchants in colorful attire and a contingent of rugged adventurers who appeared to be acting as guards.

"Looks like we've got company," Brogar said, narrowing his eyes to get a better look.

Edén's curiosity was piqued. "Let's see what they're about," he suggested.

They quickened their pace, drawing closer to the caravan. As they approached, the guards tensed, their hands moving to their weapons. One of the adventurers, a tall woman with a longbow slung across her back, stepped forward to address them.

"Hold there!" she called out. "State your business."

"We're travellers, just like you," Edén replied, raising his hands to show they meant no harm. "We mean no trouble. We're on a journey to find the Etins."

The woman's eyes widened slightly at the mention of the Etins, but she kept her composure. "Etins, you say? That's an unusual quest. What brings you to these parts?"

Before Edén could respond, one of the merchants, a portly man with a jovial face, stepped forward. "Peace, Lana," he said to the woman with the bow. "These folks look like they could use a bit of rest and perhaps some company. Let's hear them out."

Lana nodded reluctantly and stepped back, though she kept a watchful eye on Edén and Brogar.

"I'm Tarin, the leader of this caravan," the merchant introduced himself with a broad smile. "And these are my fellow merchants and our brave guards. We travel these roads often, trading goods between the towns and villages."

Edén and Brogar introduced themselves in turn, explaining their mission to find the Etins and the purpose behind it.

Tarin listened intently, his eyes twinkling with interest. "Well, you've certainly chosen a challenging path," he said. "The Etins are not easy to find, and these mountains can be treacherous. But you're in luck. We've heard tales of Etins in these parts, though sightings are rare."

"Any information you could share would be invaluable," Brogar said, his voice earnest.

"Of course," Tarin replied. "Why don't you join us for a meal? We can talk more then."

With that, the caravan set up a temporary camp by the roadside. The merchants and adventurers worked efficiently, unloading supplies and setting up a fire. Edén and Brogar were welcomed into the circle, grateful for the hospitality.

As they sat around the fire, enjoying a hearty stew and freshly baked bread, Tarin and the others shared what they knew about the Etins and the surrounding area. The conversation was lively, filled with tales of adventure and the challenges of travelling these rugged lands.

"The Etins are elusive," Tarin said, his voice low and conspiratorial. "But there are rumours of them living deep within these mountains. Some say they protect ancient secrets and treasures. Others believe they have a profound connection to the land, able to control the very elements."

Lana, the guard with the bow, added, "We've encountered strange phenomena on these roads—plants growing unnaturally fast, animals behaving oddly. If the Etins are behind it, they must be powerful indeed."

Edén and Brogar listened intently, absorbing every detail. The stories only fueled their determination to find the Etins and seek their aid.

As the fire crackled and the night grew darker, the conversation gradually died down. The caravan settled in for the night, and Edén and Brogar found a spot to rest. The mountains loomed over them, a silent reminder of the challenges that lay ahead.

"We're one step closer," Edén whispered, his eyes fixed on the sky and moon above.

Brogar nodded in agreement. "Aye, and with a bit of luck, we'll find the Etins soon enough."

With that, they closed their eyes, the warmth of the fire and the promise of the journey ahead lulling them into a restful sleep.

As the night deepened and the camp settled into a quiet slumber, Edén found himself waking abruptly, a sense of unease prickling at his senses. He lay still for a moment, listening to the sounds of the night. The crackling of the dying fire, the soft snores of the sleeping merchants, and the distant hoot of an owl seemed normal enough, but something felt off.

Edén slowly sat up, his eyes scanning the camp. His gaze fell on a shadowy figure moving stealthily among the sleeping forms, heading towards the edge of the camp. The figure paused briefly, glancing around before continuing their silent exit.

Curiosity and caution gripped Edén. He quietly nudged Brogar awake. "Something's off. I'm checking it out."

Brogar nodded, instantly alert. "Be careful."

Edén slipped out of his bedroll and moved silently after the figure. As he neared the edge of the camp, he noticed Lana, the guard with the longbow, also awake and watching the same figure. She caught Edén's eye and gestured for him to follow her.

Together, they trailed the mysterious figure, staying just out of sight. The figure moved with a practised stealth, clearly familiar with the art of sneaking. They led Edén and Lana away from the camp and into a small grove of trees.

There, under the cover of darkness, the figure met with a group of rough-looking individuals. Bandits. Edén and Lana exchanged a worried glance as they listened to the hushed conversation.

"You've done well," one of the bandits whispered to the figure, who had now removed their hood, revealing a young man with a tense expression. "We'll attack at first light when they're least expecting it. Make sure you're out of the way."

The young man nodded reluctantly, fear evident in his eyes. "I don't want to do this," he murmured. "But I have no choice."

"Remember, Titus," the bandit leader hissed. "You help us, and you can see them again. Betray us, and they suffer."

Lana's grip tightened on her bow. "We can't let this happen," she whispered to Edén. "We need to alert the others."

Edén nodded and seeing this unfold in front of him, he had no other choice but to follow Lana.

As they turned to head back to camp, a twig snapped under Lana's foot. The sound was barely audible, but in the stillness of the night, it was enough to draw the attention of the bandits.

"Who's there?" one of the bandits snarled, drawing his weapon. As one of the bandits cast some kind of blinding light, Edén and Lana were seen between the trees, frozen as panic crept over them.

As the leader pointed his weapon at them, he barked, “Kill them, I will deal with you later,” throwing the young man to the side as the bandits rushed at Edén and Lana.