After many days of walking, the five companions were almost to Ravenfall when Commander Slate appeared, accompanied by three other members of the Twelfth. The group halted, their eyes filled with expectation as they waited to hear why Slate had suddenly appeared. Slate pointed toward the town, which was now visible beyond a hill adorned with a small waterfall. The forest had thinned as they approached, and he spoke in a hushed tone, "The walls are covered with archers and what appears to be mages. What should we do, Lord Mythos, Princeling Jud? We could engage them, but I fear it would result in a massacre of everyone within the walls, not just those on the walls."

Jud followed Slate's gaze, shaking his head slightly, causing his horns to snap a nearby branch. Suddenly, shouts emanated from the walls, and a group of people on horseback emerged from the keep. The Twelfth Regiment, who had been hiding, formed a protective wall using their shields. Slate and his second-in-command stood at the forefront, ready for whatever might transpire.

Jud, eager to catch a glimpse, jumped and leaned forward, trying to get a better view. He was lifted up by Mythos, and he could just barely make out the riders, who had come to a halt. The figure at the front of the group seemed to be none other than Mayor Leonhart.

"Mayor Leonhart?" Jud exclaimed, filled with curiosity.

The figure swiveled their head from the duo in front to Jud, now visible on Mythos's shoulder, and shouted, "By Avalon's beard, is that you, Jud?"

Mythos waved his hand, signaling for the Regiment to part ways. Leonhart, upon seeing Jud on Mythos's shoulder, reached for his sword, his hand hovering just above the hilt. The townsfolk, hearing Jud's name and seeing him, erupted in cries of joy and relief. The town's walls came alive with expressions of jubilation.

The Regiment, now split down the middle, stood prepared to move back into formation as Mythos walked towards where the riders were positioned. Jud, beaming with pride and relief, sprinted toward the leather-clad Cyclops.

Leonhart couldn't help but glance at the creature trailing behind Jud, his face a mix of nervousness and slight terror. Observing as it tapped its wrist and transformed into a human-like figure, Leonhart couldn't ignore the aura of royalty it exuded. Brown hair cascaded over its shoulders, and its slender frame concealed a strength that surpassed ordinary mortals. Its pale, silver-tinted skin seemed untouched by hardship.

Leonhart's initial pity turned to fascination as he locked eyes with this enigmatic stranger. There was something about those eyes, a depth of experience and wisdom that hinted at encounters with the extraordinary. A fleeting glance between Mythos and Leonhart conveyed a shared sense of sadness, as if they were disappointed by the town's misconception that Mythos's Mechanites would attack the organic beings as if they were wild, starved animals.

"Hello there, Mayor Leonhart," Mythos began, his presence commanding respect. He waved his hand again, and the Regiment shifted into human forms. Their weapons vanished, replaced by swords and spears. Mythos spoke with a gentle but authoritative tone, "Mayor Leonhart, may we continue our discussion closer to town? If needed, I can leave my soldiers here. But it is getting dark, and, while I don't mean this as an insult or mockery, I doubt you can be safe once the Children of Night emerge with the setting sun."

Leonhart nodded in agreement and immediately called out, "Constables, prepare the town. This man is coming with us."

As they slowly dismounted their horses, Jud, who had been jogging to catch up, walked beside Leonhart. Thoughts and questions swirled in his mind, but one thing stood out among the rest: who was this mysterious man accompanying Mythos, and what was Jud's connection to him?

Seizing an opportunity to provide some answers, Jud began, "Hey, Pops, thanks for welcoming Mythos into town. We came on a diplomatic mission. We were afraid the Federation might try to eliminate me if I suddenly showed up after being gone for almost a month. Mythos brought the soldiers out of concern for me and Astra." With a casual gesture, Jud indicated the white and blue kobold, who had managed to remain unnoticed until now. Jud could only guess that she was around his age, based on what he knew of Kobolds.

Leonhart, with a fatherly smirk, playfully punched Jud's shoulder. "So, you go on an expedition, disappear for nearly a month, and return with a girl?"

As they approached the keep's entrance, Leonhart raised his voice so the villagers could hear. "Ha, Jud, my boy, you're making your mark in the world. So when can I expect grandchildren to spoil?"

Leonhart's teasing caught Jud off guard, and his blue scales turned a deep shade of purple with embarrassment. Shocked by his own comment, Leonhart halted for a moment, then put his arm around Jud's shoulder, and they continued walking together.

"My boy, you're too young to be a father," Leonhart exclaimed with disbelief. "Please, for the love of all that is good and holy, tell me you didn't!"

Jud sputtered at his father figure's words. "No, and she doesn't even know I like her," he replied, shaking his head in exasperation. "I don't even know what she does in her free time. She's always so serious, and when I do see her not being serious, she gets serious half a second later."

As the group continued, they walked through the now-crowded central street of Ravenfall. The townsfolk had gathered to see the returning hero and confirm that Jud had indeed returned safely. The air was filled with cheers, tears of joy, and an overwhelming sense of relief.

After traversing the central street, the group arrived at the entrance of the Cyclops's manor. The grand doors swung open, revealing Sebastian, the loyal butler with distinguished white hair who had served Leonhart for decades.

"Seb, tell the cooks that we need food for six," Leonhart instructed. "And prepare a bit of everything. We have a member of royalty dining with us."

Sebastian, with the grace that only seasoned butlers possessed, disappeared into the manor to relay the orders.

"My dear Mayor Leonhart," Mythos inquired, standing regally behind him, "would it be acceptable for me to simply call you Leonhart?"

Leonhart, taken aback but honored, stammered, "Ah, yes, your majesty, that would be most welcome."

Mythos chuckled, finding amusement in the situation. "Your majesty?" Leonhart queried, puzzled.

Mythos, with a warm smile, replied, "Now I see where Jud gets it from."

With the tension between them significantly eased, both Mythos and Leonhart found themselves sharing laughter. The group settled in for a meal that would not only satisfy their hunger but also strengthen the bonds forged on their arduous journey.

Meanwhile, Astra, to Jud's surprise, had become quite intoxicated during the festivities and was now swaying in her seat. She began to sing a slurred, comical rendition of a song that Mythos told him was called Soldier, King, Scholar, and Stableman on a Monday.

Jud, standing up, decided to step away for a moment and headed to the garden at the back of the mansion. He found a quiet spot, resting against a young oak tree, to gather his thoughts. He was so deep in contemplation that he failed to notice Astra, who was still drunk, wandering over and falling on him, bursting into laughter.

It was only when she unexpectedly punched him in the snout that he snapped out of his thoughts. His nose began to bleed slightly from the impact. Reacting on instinct, he grabbed her leg with his tail, and in the process, they tripped over each other. Their horns collided, resulting in both of them yelping in pain as bone scraped against bone. Somehow, they managed to get tangled up in an awkward mess.

Astra, partially sober due to the pain, stopped moving and spent the next few minutes with Jud, straightening themselves out. Once they were finally untangled, she plopped down beside him, accidentally spilling some ale on Jud's shirt.

Feeling exhausted, Jud rested his head against the tree, being careful not to touch his still-aching horn to it. Astra, now seemingly calm, continued to sit beside him. After a few minutes had passed, Jud's hornache had subsided, and he noticed very faint crying coming from Astra.

"Astra, are you okay?" Jud asked with a concerned look.

Astra tilted her head slightly, holding her horns. "You lizard-brain gecko, we were just playing. There was no need to use your horns!" She whimpered, tears still in her eyes.

Jud, with blood trickling from his nose, pointed and exclaimed, "This was playing? And I didn't use my horns. You hit your horns on mine and got yourself tangled. All I did was pull your leg out from under you! It was instinct because you surprised me!"

Jud and Astra sat by the oak tree, both nursing their minor injuries from their unintended tussle. The moment was filled with a mix of discomfort and a growing sense of camaraderie. Jud, always one to find humor even in awkward situations, couldn't help but chuckle.

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"Well, I suppose that's one way to break the ice," he mused, wiping the trickle of blood from his nose with the back of his hand. "We've had quite the adventure today, haven't we?"

Astra, her cheeks still flushed from the alcohol, managed a weak smile. "I suppose so," she replied, her voice still slightly slurred. "Who knew a peaceful diplomatic mission would turn into this?"

They both laughed, the tension easing further. Astra, gradually regaining her composure, leaned back against the tree, looking up at the starry night sky.

"It's a beautiful night," she remarked dreamily. "The stars are so bright. I never really took the time to appreciate them before."

Jud joined her in gazing at the night sky. "Yeah, they are," he agreed. "You know, when I was a kid, my dad used to tell me stories about the stars and the constellations. It always made me feel connected to something greater."

Astra turned her head to look at Jud, a hint of curiosity in her eyes. "Your dad sounds like quite the storyteller," she said.

Jud nodded, a fond smile playing on his lips. "He was. He used to say that the stars were like ancient storytellers, etching their tales into the canvas of the night sky for all to see."

As they continued to talk, their conversation drifted from one topic to another. They spoke about their pasts, their dreams, and the challenges they had faced along their respective journeys. The night air was filled with the warmth of their shared stories, and with each passing moment, they found themselves growing closer.

Back inside the manor, Mythos and Leonhart were engrossed in discussions about the town's future and the potential alliance between their people. Leonhart was impressed by Mythos's wisdom and vision for a peaceful coexistence, and he couldn't help but feel a growing respect.

Meanwhile, the Twelfth Regiment had settled in the manor's barracks, their duties for the night temporarily put on hold. They shared stories of their own adventures and the challenges they faced as protectors of Mythos and his companions.

The evening passed in a blend of heartfelt conversations, laughter, and shared moments. The bonds between the members of the group grew stronger, forged not only through their shared experiences but also by the simple act of spending time together.

The long journey and the events of the previous night had taken their toll. Mythos, Leonhart, and the others could feel the weight of exhaustion settling in.

Jud and Astra, still sitting by the oak tree, had gradually grown quieter as their conversation waned. The cool breeze, the rustling of leaves, and the soothing sounds of nature enveloped them. Astra, leaning against Jud's shoulder, felt the fatigue wash over her, and her eyes began to droop.

Jud, too, was on the brink of exhaustion. The events of the day had been emotionally and physically draining. He looked down at Astra, who had fallen asleep beside him, her breathing slow and steady. Her scales had returned to their normal blue color, and she looked peaceful in her slumber.

Smiling softly, Jud shifted his position to make himself more comfortable against the tree trunk. He closed his eyes, allowing the sounds of the garden to lull him into a state of relaxation. It didn't take long for the weariness to overtake him as well.

Meanwhile, Mythos and Leonhart continued their discussion about the alliance between their people. They spoke of strategies, resources, and the importance of unity in the face of the looming Federation threat. Their voices were low, but their words carried the weight of the responsibility they shared.

After a while, their conversation drifted to the topic of Jud and Astra, the two young adventurers who had unexpectedly become integral parts of their group. They discussed the unique bond between the two and the potential they saw in their abilities.

Leonhart couldn't help but smile as he talked about Jud. "Mythos, you know, Jud is like a son to me. I've watched him grow into the fine young man he is today. He may be impulsive and headstrong at times, but his heart is in the right place. And that Astra, she's got a strength and determination that's truly remarkable."

Mythos nodded in agreement. "I've seen their potential, Leonhart, and I believe they have a role to play in the challenges that lie ahead. They have a connection, a bond that goes beyond friendship. It's as if fate has brought them together for a reason."

As they continued their discussion, Mythos's acute senses detected a faint sound coming from the garden. He paused mid-sentence, his ears perking up as he listened intently.

Leonhart noticed Mythos's change in demeanor and followed his gaze to the garden. At first, he couldn't quite make out what had caught Mythos's attention, but then he saw it—the sight of Jud and Astra, still wrapped in slumber, nestled against the oak tree.

Mythos and Leonhart exchanged a knowing look, realizing that the young adventurers had fallen asleep under the midnight Moon. Their peaceful expressions told a story of trust, friendship, and the unbreakable bonds formed during their journey.

With a soft smile, Mythos rose from his seat, leaving his unfinished breakfast behind. Leonhart followed suit, both leaders quietly making their way to the garden to stand beside the sleeping duo.

The moon light bathed Jud and Astra in a gentle glow, casting gentle shadows on their features. Mythos and Leonhart watched in silence, their hearts touched by the sight before them. The tension of their responsibilities and the weight of the impending battle momentarily faded away.

Leonhart placed a hand on Mythos's shoulder, a gesture of understanding and camaraderie. "It seems they've found a moment of peace amidst the chaos," he whispered.

Mythos nodded, his gaze never leaving the two young adventurers. "Yes, Leonhart. And in that moment, I see hope, strength, and the power of friendship. They may be our greatest allies in the challenges that lie ahead."

The two leaders stood there for a while, allowing Jud and Astra to continue their peaceful slumber. It was a reminder that, in the face of adversity, there were moments of serenity and connection that gave them the strength to carry on. Heading back in they went to bed figuring it best to leave them there as it would be entertaining at breakfast.

The aroma of breakfast beckoned them back inside the manor, where the rest of their companions were already enjoying the meal. The Twelfth Regiment shared stories and laughter, and the atmosphere was one of camaraderie and unity.

As Mythos and Leonhart took their seats, the conversation naturally shifted to the events of the previous night and the unexpected slumber of Jud and Astra in the garden. Some of the members shared amused glances, having noticed the two young adventurers' absence.

Slate, ever the vigilant commander, chimed in, "It seems our Princeling and the Kobold have had quite the adventure, even in their sleep."

Laughter erupted around the table, and Mythos couldn't help but join in, his deep voice resonating with mirth. Leonhart grinned, enjoying the lighthearted moment. It was a welcome reprieve from the weighty discussions of the morning.

The breakfast continued with shared anecdotes and fond memories of the journey so far. It was a reminder that, despite the impending challenges and the uncertain future, there was strength in their bonds, and they were not alone in their struggles.

After breakfast, Mythos and Leonhart decided to give Jud and Astra a little more time to rest. The group dispersed to tend to their respective duties and prepare for the day ahead. The sun had risen high in the sky, and the town of Ravenfall bustled with activity.

Meanwhile, in the garden, Jud began to stir from his slumber once more. He blinked his eyes open, squinting against the sunlight. His first realization was that he had slept longer than he had intended.

Astra, still nestled beside him, was also waking up. She yawned and stretched, her blue scales glistening as she moved. Her eyes met Jud's, and they shared a moment of silent understanding.

"We must have been really tired," Astra said with a small smile.

Jud nodded, a sheepish grin on his face. "Yeah, I guess we were. But it was a good sleep."

Just then they noticed the smell of breakfast in the air,

As Jud and Astra entered the manor to grab a quick meal, they were met with the aroma of breakfast and the chatter of their companions. The dining hall was alive with conversation and laughter. It seemed that the group had moved on from the events of the morning, focusing on the day's tasks.

Just as Jud and Astra were about to join the others, Commander Slate approached them, a mischievous grin on his face. He cleared his throat loudly, commanding the attention of everyone in the room.

"Princeling Jud, Kobold Astra," Slate began with an exaggerated seriousness, "I believe it's high time you hear what I said earlier this morning. We may be in the safety of Ravenfall, but there's something you two should know."

Jud and Astra exchanged knowing glances, fully aware that Slate was about to tease them mercilessly.

Slate continued, his voice laced with humor, "You both have shown valor and determination on this journey, and we commend you for it. But it seems that last night, you decided to show us a different kind of partnership."

Jud's face turned slightly red, and Astra had to stifle a giggle. They had a feeling Slate was referring to the rather awkward situation they had found themselves in under the tree.

Slate, unable to contain his amusement, continued, "Yes, it appears that our Princeling and our Kobold had a cozy little nap together under a tree. And from what I heard, it was quite the spectacle!"

Laughter erupted around the room, and even Jud and Astra couldn't help but join in. They had known that their companions would have noticed their slumbering adventure.

Slate, still teasing, concluded with a wink, "Well, well, I must say, it's not every day that we witness such a heartwarming display of unity in the face of danger. Perhaps you two should consider becoming official nap buddies!"

Amidst the playful banter and laughter, Jud and Astra couldn't help but appreciate the camaraderie and light-heartedness of their companions. As the laughter died down, Jud and Astra found themselves at the center of attention, but it was a friendly and lighthearted atmosphere that surrounded them. They both realized that their companions had grown into a close-knit family during their journey, and they were grateful to be a part of it.

Jud, still grinning, raised his mug in a mock toast. "To unexpected naps and even more unexpected friends!"

Astra joined in, clinking her mug against Jud's. "To unity and the bonds we forge along the way."

The sentiment was met with cheers and smiles from their companions, and the breakfast resumed with renewed energy and enthusiasm.

As the day unfolded, preparations for the alliance between Ravenfall and the Mechanites continued. Discussions turned to strategy, logistics, and the sharing of resources. It was clear that both sides were committed to standing together against the looming threat of the Federation.