The midday sun of Frostflee loomed above the town of Ebonheim, its light diffused by a veil of gauzy clouds, lending the air an ethereal chill. It was a day like any other, with the townsfolk bustling in the throes of their daily errands, the clangor of metal, and the hum of magitech in the air. The occasional whinny of horses and clop of hooves punctuated the general hubbub.

Kaela's boots crunched over the frosted grass, her brown eyes ever-watchful under the brim of her hood. A group of Silverguard soldiers flanked her, their armor clinking as they walked with a purposeful stride, following Kaela's lead. They'd traveled to the southern edge of Ebonheim's farmland, where snow-capped firs marked the start of Eldergrove's forest.

She paused for a moment, tilting her head as she strained her ears, listening for the telltale crackle and creak of breaking wood. A faint snap answered her attention. A nearby tree crashed to the ground, its crown spraying a shower of pine needles and ice fragments onto the soil.

She watched the loggers swarm over the fallen tree, swinging their axes as they set to work trimming its limbs and splitting the trunk into manageable sections. A Magitech cart pulled by a pair of sturdy draft horses stood waiting to haul the finished timber back to the mill for processing. A stack of logs already filled the flatbed of the wagon.

"Uuugh, being on patrol duty sucks," Deneve complained, adjusting her sword belt as she squinted in the sun. The cool glow of polished steel peeked from under her crimson cloak as she shifted her weight, arms crossed impatiently. "Just walking around doing nothing while the others have fun."

"Look on the bright side," Kaela offered, suppressing a yawn with one gloved hand. "At least the weather's pleasant. A little chilly, but the skies are clear, and the wind's calm. Nothing to complain about."

Deneve grunted. "Speak for yourself, Shadowhawk. You have no idea how boring patrols can get. Once the novelty wears off, that's when it gets tedious." She leaned in, lowering her voice. "And, I mean, who's going to attack us anyway? It's not like a bunch of brigands are gonna ride in on horseback and try to raid the farms. Even if they did, our response time is pretty quick."

Kaela nodded absently, having already tuned out Deneve's grumbling. The seasoned veteran always had something to complain about, from the food at the barracks to the weather to even the most mundane tasks, such as sweeping floors or making beds. The fact that Deneve never got tired of complaining about her circumstances spoke volumes about her personality. The woman would probably complain about not having anything to complain about, should her circumstances change.

Still, Kaela couldn't help but agree with the latter sentiment; patrolling the town's perimeter often grew monotonous and redundant.

Another log slammed to the earth nearby, bringing Kaela's awareness to the present. The loggers hooted with approval, and one of the foremen signaled the driver of the wagon, who whistled at the horses and flicked their reins. The cart rolled forward, wheels clattering over frozen dirt as it passed by. It stopped beside Deneve, who glanced at it briefly, and waved her hand dismissively at the driver. "Yeah, yeah, move along. Keep going."

The driver nodded and snapped the reins again. The wagon creaked and groaned under the weight of its load, pulling slowly onward. It vanished from sight when it crested the slope leading back to town.

Kaela turned her attention back toward the logging site. She pushed back her hood to better view her surroundings.

Her hawk-like gaze darted from one detail to the next, studying every leaf and branch of the nearest fir tree. An unfamiliar noise sounded from deep within the trees, causing her ears to perk up.

It didn't come from the logging site, and it definitely wasn't made by any animal or bird she'd encountered before.

She signaled Deneve and the other Silverguards, whose expressions immediately switched from boredom to alertness. The five drew their swords, their blades singing as they came free from scabbards.

Deneve motioned for two of the guards to cover the left flank. The two disappeared into the brush with barely a rustle, blending into the shadows beneath the canopy. Deneve beckoned the remaining two to follow her, taking position on the right.

Kaela drew her twin daggers from their sheaths and blended into the foliage. Her cloaking spell rippled outward, shrouding her form in a nimbus of shadow. She prowled through the undergrowth, using the vegetation for cover while keeping pace with her squadmates.

As she stalked past a thick cluster of bushes, she noticed movement from her peripheral vision.

A figure emerged whose very presence seemed to draw the light and distort the air, as though the space around him begrudged his existence within its fold. He moved with an eerie grace, his steps leaving no print upon the freshly fallen snow.

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His skin, as if sculpted from moonstone, was etched with luminescent cracks and shimmering fractures. These jagged rifts in his flesh pulsed with a cobalt luminescence, highlighting the contours of his face with a strange radiance that left ghostly afterimages in her vision whenever she blinked.

The stranger's attire mirrored the tumult of his form. As he moved, the fabric—no, not fabric but a simulacrum of shadow and starlight—rippled with the motion, seams fraying into the ether and reforming with each step.

She recognized the style as a cheongsam, a form-fitting garment with flowing sleeves and a high collar. But this variant resembled the tattered remains of a mourning shroud rather than the refined elegance of royalty.

The robe flowed smoothly around him, clinging tightly to his lean frame. Its high collar and tight sleeves contrasted beautifully against his stark white skin, while his waist-length hair spilled over his shoulders like a midnight river.

Upon his brow sat two horns, arching back like the tines of a celestial crown, their gleam like the polished cobalt of a starlit sky.

Kaela felt the weight of his gaze before it settled upon her. His eyes—they burned like smoldering azure coals, piercing straight into her core. For a brief, terrifying instant, she felt as if she stood before an entity that regarded her as less than a speck of dust.

A slight frown creased the man's face.

"Is this what passes for human stealth nowadays?" He sniffed disdainfully, shaking his head. His voice, while cultured and resonant, held an alien inflection that accentuated his disdain. "Paltry, to say the least."

Kaela froze, holding her breath, muscles taut. She fought the urge to swallow as she clung to her position. A subtle shift in the underbrush nearby told her that the other Silverguard had also spotted the stranger, and hid themselves as well.

He stared directly at her hiding spot, as if he could sense her despite her camouflage. "I know you're there, girl. Come forth and reveal yourself. I will not harm you. I simply wish to parley."

The hair on the back of her neck stood up, and a prickle of fear spread along her spine. Whoever or whatever this man was, he'd seen through her invisibility cloak. His gaze swept across the area, passing over her, and then back to her again, seemingly seeking further targets.

Slowly, carefully, Kaela stepped out from her hiding place, making no sound as her feet touched the ground. She released the magic weave surrounding her body and allowed the shadows to dissipate around her form, revealing herself to the man.

With a final glance at the others' positions, she made a decision and strode boldly forth, daggers still in her hands. Her gaze locked onto the figure in front of her. "Who are you?"

The man dipped his head in acknowledgment, regarding her with a placid expression. "My apologies. I forget that you humans have a tendency to assume the worst in strangers. I am Kelzryn, an acquaintance of Ebonheim's. May I inquire as to the whereabouts of our mutual friend?"

Kaela lowered her daggers slightly as her alarm waned.

He was one of Ebonheim's acquaintances? She had never heard of the goddess mentioning someone who looked like...this. And his name didn't ring a bell.

"You'll have to forgive us if we remain wary. We haven't seen you around before." Kaela kept her tone polite and neutral, but the edge of caution remained.

The man acknowledged her words with a brief tilt of his head. "Understandable. I am new here, and have yet to be introduced to the local populace. All I want is to speak with Ebonheim. Take me to her...please." The last word came out sounding awkward, as if unused to addressing others in such a fashion.

The corner of Kelzryn's mouth twitched, as if a smile threatened to break loose. But his composure soon returned.

Deneve and the others emerged from concealment, surrounding Kelzryn but maintaining their distance. Their blades remained unsheathed, ready for action at the first sign of trouble. They cast cautious glances at the newcomer but otherwise appeared content to defer judgment for now.

Kelzryn surveyed the gathering of armed guards, raising one eyebrow in a slightly sardonic gesture before focusing back upon Kaela. "I have no quarrel with you or your comrades. There is no need for hostility between us." He waved a hand in dismissal. "Besides, if I wished you harm, I'd have done so already."

He moved as if to take a step toward Kaela, causing her and the other guards to tense, raising their weapons instinctively.

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He halted, glancing down at their drawn swords pointedly. "As you can see, I bear no weapon. I pose no threat to you or yours."

"Your very appearance puts us on edge," Deneve said with narrowed eyes. "I don't think you're a beastkin, and you're definitely not a human unless you're using some illusion magic to make yourself look intimidating. So, what exactly are you?"

Kaela took the opportunity to study the strange being before her, noting his movements, mannerisms, and clothing. The odd cracks and fractures that marred his flesh and garments didn't appear to cause him discomfort or pain. If anything, he seemed indifferent to their presence. His bearing reminded her of the noble dignitaries from the empire of Huijin, whom she'd encountered while working as an assassin during her mercenary days. However, his manners lacked the overt haughtiness that she'd grown accustomed to.

His expression remained tranquil throughout Deneve's questioning, as though he'd experienced similar encounters before.

He gazed steadily back at them, seeming unperturbed by their scrutiny. His luminous gaze lingered briefly upon Deneve's face before he answered, "I am Kelzryn. Do you require more than that?"

"That tells us nothing except your name. Are you human or beastkin? A spirit?" Deneve demanded, undeterred by his attitude. She edged closer, her sword point moving with her, hovering in the vicinity of his chest. "Your eyes glow blue and your skin appears to be cracked. If you're using illusion magic, drop it right now. Otherwise, I'll force you to reveal your true form."

Kaela noted that his demeanor changed subtly in the face of the aggressive challenge, becoming slightly more guarded. While he maintained his stance with poise, the sharpening of his gaze hinted at displeasure.

Something tells her not to let this escalate any further.

"Deneve, lower your sword." Kaela sheathed her daggers and placed her palm lightly against Deneve's blade, pushing it downward gently. "This isn't helping."

Deneve gave her a startled look, but obeyed, though her posture remained ready for battle.

Kaela directed her attention back toward Kelzryn, fixing him with an unflinching stare. "I apologize for Deneve's rude behavior. She tends to act without thinking sometimes, but she means no offense by her words. She merely wants to understand your intentions."

Kelzryn nodded slowly, accepting the apology. "Very well. I have no desire for conflict either." His tone softened, becoming more conciliatory. "All I seek is to speak with Ebonheim."

"And what business do you have with the goddess?" Kaela asked.

"That is between Ebonheim and myself alone," Kelzryn replied curtly. "And none of your concern." He paused, tilting his head ever so slightly. "Though, since you asked so nicely, I suppose I can oblige."

Kaela waited patiently for him to continue.

After a lengthy pause, the stranger continued, "I wish to show my gratitude to her. She had freed me from a dark prison and helped restore my health. I owe her my life. Now, I would repay this debt in kind."

"She's not one to demand repayment," Kaela informed him. "I understand your desire to express your thanks. But..." She pondered whether to tell him the truth or not, but figured he would realize sooner or later. "Ebonheim is currently away."

"Away?" Kelzryn frowned, and the ethereal cracks in his skin glowed brighter for a moment. "Where has she gone? When will she return?"

"She left a few days ago, heading to the eastern entrance of the valley." Kaela gestured eastward, indicating the direction Ebonheim had departed in. "She's accompanied by a few of us. It shouldn't take too long, though."

A small muscle in Kelzryn's jawline tightened for an instant. Then, it relaxed as he let out a sigh, releasing a visible plume of mist in the frigid air. The glow within his cracks faded somewhat, though they continued to shift and pulse with a muted energy. "How inconvenient..."

The soft crunch of footsteps preceded the arrival of Bjorn Hjelmstad a few moments later. He glanced at the assembled guards and the unknown individual before turning toward Kaela. "What's all the commotion here? Some sort of disturbance?"

"Sort of. This gentleman claims to be an acquaintance of Ebonheim's. We weren't sure if that's the truth or not," Kaela explained, nodding toward Kelzryn. "It seems that he owes Ebonheim his life, and wishes to repay his debt."

Bjorn stroked his beard thoughtfully. "Hmm, I'm not familiar with any acquaintances who bear your appearance. What's your name, stranger?"

"He said his name was Kelzryn," Deneve chimed in, glancing sideways at Bjorn. "Does that sound familiar to you?"

Bjorn's eyes widened as recognition dawned on him. "K-Kelzryn?! But you're..." He rubbed the bridge of his nose with his thumb and forefinger, a confused expression clouding his features. "Right, your appearance has changed quite a bit from the last time we met."

Kaela couldn't help but notice how the blood drained from Bjorn's face at the revelation. "Sir Bjorn, what's wrong? Do you know him?"

"Wait, you know this guy?" Deneve asked. "Then, he's telling the truth?"

Bjorn coughed awkwardly, rubbing the back of his head sheepishly. "Um, yes. Sorry, I hadn't recognized his appearance at first, since it looks different from before. Let's just say that Ebonheim's helped him through a rough patch recently."

Kelzryn offered Bjorn a thin smile. "I remember you. One of the four who ventured into my lair and accompanied Ebonheim. Thank you for your aid. I never had the chance to thank you properly until now." He bowed his head slightly, a formal gesture, then straightened again.

"Lair?" Kaela and Deneve exchanged bewildered glances. They both shrugged. "Uhh...okay? Well, if Sir Bjorn confirms that you know Ebonheim, then I suppose there's nothing further to discuss. Should we escort him back to town?"

"Er, sure..." Bjorn replied, giving Kelzryn another nervous glance. "Ebonheim is away currently, so..."

"Then I shall wait for her return," Kelzryn interrupted smoothly. "Until then, I'll spend my time learning more about the settlement that she holds so dear."

Bjorn sighed. "I guess I can't stop you, can I?"

Kaela, still watching the conversation with growing interest, cleared her throat delicately. "If you wish to stay awhile in town, I recommend you take care to blend in. Humans tend to have a negative reaction when faced with someone who is...different."

Deneve snorted, earning a reproachful glare from Kaela. "Well, he kinda sticks out in a crowd. The whole glowing cracks on his face, skin color, and weird clothing are...kinda hard to miss." She shrugged, unfazed by Kaela's disapproval. "Not to mention those horns."

Kelzryn gave a light shrug, not appearing particularly perturbed. "This is the best I can manage, in my weakened state. My natural form is not appropriate for interacting with mortals such as yourselves."

Deneve turned to Bjorn, who appeared rather uncomfortable, for reasons she couldn't comprehend. "Can you just tell us what exactly is he?"

"Um...well...he's..." Bjorn fidgeted, seeming quite reluctant to offer any explanation. "To put it simply, a dragon."

"Excuse me?" Deneve sputtered incredulously. "Dragon?!"

The other Silverguards also exclaimed in surprise and disbelief, exchanging startled glances amongst each other.

Kelzryn merely eyed them all calmly, as though unconcerned about the general reaction to the revelation.

Kaela found herself at a loss for words.

Weren't dragons just mythical beings, spoken of in stories? Drakes were a rare sight, but they weren't actually "dragons" described in legends. Dragons commanded the elements and could level cities with their breath, flew through the heavens, and possessed power rivaling gods. At least, that's how tales often depicted them.

And this person before her, with his sleek and alabaster form, certainly looked more humanoid than a giant scaled lizard with wings. He carried himself like nobility, and his cultured speech reminded her of aristocrats.

But then again, the presence that he exuded carried an unmistakable aura of power and authority. Even her instincts screamed that he posed a great danger, a potential threat if provoked.

"Ahahahaha!" Deneve let out a barking laugh, clutching at her sides as she doubled over. Tears formed at the corners of her eyes as she struggled to regain control over her breathing. "Nice one, Sir Bjorn. Tell us another tall tale." She wiped tears of mirth from her face, struggling to maintain a straight face as she stifled a giggle. "Okay, okay, seriously now. What's this fella really about? C'mon, fess up."

"I'm not joking." Bjorn looked uneasy. "He's a dragon...in human form."

"Yup, you've been pulling our legs long enough." Deneve nudged the Hjelmstad warrior playfully. "Honestly, that's a good one. You should go become a bard! Imagine, a real-life dragon. Pfffttt! Ha-ha!" The other Silverguards nodded their heads in agreement with her words. Only Kaela and Bjorn maintained pensive silence, both of their faces reflecting apprehension.

Kelzryn seemed disinterested in their debate, studying his fingernails instead, picking out stray specks of dirt as though it was the most fascinating activity in the world.

"Tsk," Deneve tutted in irritation at the lack of support from the rest of the team. "Oh come on, don't tell me you guys are buying this crap as well. What, a dragon in human form? It's too stupid to be believed. Don't tell me you're falling for these lies as well?" She glared at the others in challenge, her arms crossed. "Am I the only sane one here?"

"Perhaps your perception needs adjusting," Kelzryn spoke quietly, not bothering to look up from his current task. "Or perhaps, I need to demonstrate for you. Not all of my abilities are crippled after my ordeal, even if I have yet to fully recover."

Bjorn immediately began to retreat, backing away cautiously while raising both hands in a placating gesture. "H-hold on, we can talk this through!"

The other Silverguards quickly followed suit, also stepping back warily, while Kaela tensed. She kept her eyes fixed upon Kelzryn's form, waiting for the slightest indication of hostile intent.

Kelzryn observed their reactions with a cool detachment. He glanced in Deneve's direction for a moment before walking over to the base of a massive fir tree. With an elegant gesture, he reached out and plunged his hand into its trunk, his arm sinking wrist deep within the thick bark as though it were merely a half-submerged rock within a shallow lake.

The Silverguards watched in awe as he gripped the base of the tree firmly, his muscles rippling beneath his pale skin. With a mighty heave, he tore the massive fir from the earth, roots and all, lifting it into the air with ease. A shower of soil and dislodged stones pelted the ground, peppering the nearby trees and brush with debris. Its crown swayed violently above him, scattering leaves and pinecones.

Before anyone could react, he tossed the entire tree high into the air, sending it sailing over their heads and crashing down behind them. The ground shook from the impact, knocking several Silverguards off their feet. Deneve stumbled, catching herself on her knees while her eyes bulged in shock. Kaela remained standing, but only just, her eyes widening with shock and disbelief.

Kelzryn dusted off his palms nonchalantly, as if nothing unusual had occurred. He smoothed out the wrinkles in his cheongsam, ignoring the scattered dirt and grass stains upon its surface.

He walked back toward the dumbfounded group with measured steps, hands clasped behind his back. "Shall I continue demonstrating my abilities for you, or would you prefer to cease wasting my time?"

Deneve swallowed hard. She straightened herself as she tried to regain her composure, staring at Kelzryn with fresh appreciation. "I...uh, um..."

"I...think...we've established that...he is...a dragon," Kaela managed to say, still stunned. "Or at least, has the strength of a dragon. If you told me that you were a god, I wouldn't blink twice."

Kelzryn tilted his head, regarding her intently. "I'm flattered, but no, I'm not a god."

A rush of cold sweat trickled down the back of her neck, and her stomach tightened anxiously. Under his intense scrutiny, she became acutely aware of the way he loomed over her, and the raw power contained within his slender form.

"Well, if you're satisfied, may we proceed?" He inquired politely, arching a brow. His azure eyes flickered expectantly.

Deneve, still shaken from the demonstration, cleared her throat awkwardly as she stammered, "W-we should probably escort you back to town, considering...erm...I mean...um..." She trailed off, apparently uncertain how to phrase her thoughts tactfully.

"Agreed," Kaela said quickly. "Come along, everyone. I have a feeling this won't be our last interaction with this, uh...gentleman." She emphasized the last word carefully.