Alethea stood before Arin,her posture relaxed.

"Teach me," she said,her eyes sparkling with determination.

Arin nodded,a hint of a smile. "First stance. Feet shoulder-width apart,weight evenly distributed."

Alethea adjusted her feet,her movements fluid.

Arin circled her,correcting her posture.

"Shoulders back, chest open. You're a warrior,not a target."

Alethea's gaze met his,a flicker of amusement. " I won't be a target."

Arin chuckled,alow,rough sound. We'll see."

Their training sessions became a daily ritual. Alethea learned quickly,her natural aptitude impressing Arin.

Alethea's sword sliced through the air, precision and power in every strike. A smile crept onto Arin's face, pride swelling in his chest.

But as he gazed into her focused eyes, a flicker of familiarity sparked. His mind wandered to another warrior, one with the same fire and dedication.

Arin's expression faltered, his mood darkening. Memories long buried resurfaced, and with them, the ache of loss.

He turned away, his eyes scanning the horizon as if searching for escape.

"Alethea, take a break," he called out, his voice gruff.

Alethea lowered her sword, curiosity sparkling in her eyes. "Everything okay?"

Arin sheathed his own sword, his expression serious. "We need to replenish our supplies. We can't survive on berries and stream water forever."

Alethea nodded, understanding. "Where will we go?"

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Arin scanned their surroundings, his gaze settling on a nearby path. "There's a village a few hours east. We can trade for food and gear."

Alethea nodded,shouldering her pack."let's move."

As they walked, the forest grew denser, shadows deepening. Alethea glanced at Arin, his profile stern.

She could sense that something was off, but she refrained from asking. She'd learned that Arin's reserved nature wasn't easily breached. His past remained a locked door, and she'd grown accustomed to not prying.

Instead, she focused on their surroundings, her senses heightened. The rustling leaves and snapping twigs served as a reminder of the wild's unpredictability.

Arin's eyes scanned the forest, his expression stoic, but his mind betrayed him. Memories crept in, like shadows seeping through cracks.

He was back on the battle-scarred fields of the Red War. Blood and bodies covered the ground, yet the surviving warriors brandished their swords, ready to die for their kingdom. The clash of steel, the screams of the fallen, and the thunder of hooves echoed through his mind.

Amidst the chaos, one figure stood out - a woman with emerald eyes and golden hair. Her bravery inspired her allies, and her sword sliced through the enemy ranks with deadly precision. With each strike, she motivated her comrades, her voice ringing out above the din.

" Hold the line!"

" For the kingdom!"

" We will not yield!"

Her emerald eyes flashed as she fought, her presence a beacon of hope amidst the carnage. Arin's memories lingered on her, his thoughts tangled in the past.

Alethea's voice broke the spell, drawing Arin back to the present.

"Arin!" she called out, her tone laced with concern.

He blinked, his gaze refocusing on the village ahead. His eyes, usually vigilant, had been distant, lost in the battle-scarred past. For a moment, he was oblivious to their surroundings, unaware of the potential dangers lurking nearby.

Alethea's expression furrowed, her eyes scanning their surroundings, ensuring they weren't threatened. "You okay?" she asked, her voice softer.

Arin cleared his throat, shaking off the lingering memories. "Yeah, fine."

But Alethea knew better. She'd seen Arin's distant stare before, though rarely. His usual sharp instincts had been dulled, a sign of the turmoil brewing within.

Arin's gaze hardened, his expression freezing into its usual mask of calm detachment. He pulled up his scarf, concealing his face from prying eyes.

Alethea followed suit, her own scarf covering her features. But her mind wasn't on the village or potential threats. Her thoughts lingered on Arin.

She'd seen glimpses of turmoil beneath his stoic surface, hints of a painful past. Wondering what could have happened to him, Alethea's concern deepened.

What had triggered this episode? Was it something from his past, or something more recent?

Arin's voice broke into her thoughts. "Stay sharp."

Alethea nodded, refocusing on their surroundings.

But her gaze kept drifting back to Arin, searching for cracks in his armor.