(Elvina pov)
Elvina perched on a sturdy branch not far from the flickering bonfire where the young man and the old man were roasting the bunny they had hunted. Her keen eyes watched them intently as she scribbled observations in her worn-out journal, a silent chronicler of her journey beyond the familiar borders of the forest.
The old man's wounds had improved; his gait was steadier, though he still relied on a makeshift wooden stick as a crutch. Fortunately, the arrow that had struck him bore no poison.
Yesterday, after the battle the trio had decided to leave the clearing to evade potential dangers. The old man's frailty necessitated the use of the wooden stick, while the young man clutched his chest, suppressing any blood that threatened to spill. The scent of blood lingered in the air, a beacon that could attract the attention of lurking monsters. And attract them it did.
As they traversed the shadowed paths, a pack of wolves emerged from the depths of the forest. Elvina, with a fluidity born of a lifetime in the woods, dispatched the wolves efficiently, her movements a dance of precision that drew admiration from the duo. The night passed, and as dawn painted the sky with hues of pink and orange, the decision was made to venture beyond the forest. Elvina assumed the role of their guide.
Today marked the end of the first day of their journey, and Elvina noted with satisfaction that the old man seemed more self-sufficient. This encounter with humans, her first of its kind, unraveled the myths she had heard. Contrary to the rumors, humans were not monsters; they possessed physiques akin to elves, normal limbs, and similar components.
She lowered her hand from her chin, her emerald eyes silently observing the duo. Their language eluded her understanding, but the gestures exchanged between the two spoke volumes of intelligence. As the bonfire crackled and the scent of roasting bunny wafted through the air, Elvina pondered the mysteries that unfolded in the company of these newfound companions.
The crackling flames of the bonfire danced in the night as the young man rose from his seat, a stick bearing a succulent, roasted bunny in hand. His chest was already bandaged, it seems he was also appeared to be better. His approach towards Elvina. With a gentle gesture, he presented the bounty to her, his motions a silent invitation.
Mimicking the act of eating, the young man extended the stick towards Elvina, who gracefully descended to the ground and accepted it with a nod of gratitude.
Returning to his seat, the young man's eyes gleamed with satisfaction, seemingly pleased by the silent communion. Elvina, holding the stick with the roasted bunny, observed him with an amused smile. "Weird kid," she muttered, the words carrying a playful affection for the human's endearing quirks.
Elvina took a bite of the roasted bunny. The flavors exploded on her palate, a blend of smoky richness and succulence. The bonfire crackled in rhythmic harmony, echoing the quiet bonding of individuals from different worlds.
The dawn of the next day they resumed their journey. The old man, to her surprise, appeared fully recovered after a day of rest, his steps steady and sure.
The young man, letting out a sigh of relief, as he witnessed the old man's rejuvenation. Hours passed, marked by the rhythmic cadence of their footsteps and the shared determination to avoid the lurking territory of monsters.
As the trees gradually gave way to the edge of the forest, the trio found themselves on the threshold of a vast plain of green grass. The young man, visibly fatigued, sank onto the soft grass with an audible exhale of relief. The old man, however, remained focused on the expansive horizon, his weathered face a canvas of contemplation.
Breaking the silence, the old man spoke to the young man, the words carrying a weight that made the young man rigid. A moment of tension hung in the air, and then, with a sigh of defeat, the young man stood up and patted his pants as if resigning to a decision.
His conflicted gaze met Elvina's, as if harboring words he struggled to express. The old man, observing the exchange, shook his head in a gesture of silent communication. Elvina nearby, observed them with curiosity, etching their every gesture and speech into her memory.
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There was a yearning to comprehend the unspoken language shared between the two humans. Elvina felt a growing determination to bridge the gap of understanding, to decode the complexities woven into their interactions.
-
Elvina peered out from the white curtain of the carriage, her emerald eyes absorbing the passing landscape with a mix of wonder and curiosity. The rhythmic clatter of hooves against the earth and the gentle sway of the carriage marked a stark contrast to the silent dance of the forest she was accustomed to.
Apart from the old man and the young man, the carriage housed other passengers. Their gazes lingered on Elvina, observing her with a sense of bewilderment as if she were an oddity from a realm beyond their understanding. Unfazed by their scrutiny, Elvina paid them no heed, her attention solely focused on the intriguing contraption that carried them forward.
In her mind, she coined it a "contraption" because it defied the simplicity of her woodland knowledge. It was a sizable object, a mobile shelter that enveloped them as it rolled along the path. A protective cover shielded them from the whims of the weather, a novel concept for Elvina who had weathered the elements under the open sky.
The carriage, propelled by large wheels reminiscent of those she had seen in ancient books, unfolded a new chapter in her exploration of the outside world. Its mechanism, a blend of innovation and practicality, captivated Elvina's attention as she inspected every inch of its structure.
Behind the contraption, a horse harnessed to it in a brown ensemble seemed to be the driving force. The rhythmic trot of the horse, guided by an unseen hand, propelled the contraption forward. Elvina, though unfamiliar with the mechanics, marveled at the harmonious collaboration between the horse and the contraption.
(Sebastian pov)
Sebastian eyes reflecting the weight of the decision, sighed in defeat as he gazed at the young girl. From the moment she had appeared before them that fateful night, a nagging hunch had tugged at the edges of his consciousness. The residual magic lingering in the air, a testament to her magical presence, still clung to the surroundings whenever she was near. It was testament that she was maintaining magic, which is impressive. Even at rest, she never let her guard down and disperse her spell.
The bewildering events of that night had left Sebastian with little time to ponder the mysteries surrounding the young girl. There were more pressing matters at hand, and as Ian whispered his concerns, Sebastian found himself at a crossroads.
"Granpa, what do we do now?" Ian's voice carried a hint of worry as he glanced at the young girl. Despite her assistance in their time of need, Sebastian knew they couldn't involve her too deeply in their affairs.
"We're going to stop at the Wyoming town nearby," Sebastian replied in a low whisper, his gaze fixed on the girl. "We need supplies for our journey. Then, we'll make our way to the underground mine near there and head for the exit close to Hollow town. We can't risk using the main road; if there are still other assassins nearby, they'll be expecting we use that. We will become an easy target."
Ian's concern deepened, and he couldn't help but voice it, "How about her?"
Sebastian shook his head, his expression a mix of resignation and determination. "Let her be. It seems she's incapable of understanding us fully. However, she could prove to be a valuable asset to our journey."
The weight of his decision pressed on Sebastian's shoulders, a moral dilemma that tugged at his conscience. Yet, his observations of the young girl, her actions and reactions, had solidified his conviction.
(Ian pov)
As Ian fell into a contemplative silence, memories of his journey to the forest lingered in his mind.
Two days earlier, they were making their way home from the usual hunt. Little did they know that this tranquil evening would soon be shattered by the harsh echoes of danger.
As on their way, an unexpected ambush was waiting for them. Unknown assailants, lurking in the shadows, descended upon them with swift and ruthless precision. Panic set in as Ian and Sebastian tried to flee only to discover the grim reality that their faithful horses had fallen victim to the ambush.
With no other option, they retraced their steps into the heart of the forest, attempting to outwit their pursuers among the dense trees. Yet, their hope for escape was short-lived. The enemy, somehow knowledgeable about their movements, closed in with relentless determination. Cornered and outnumbered, Ian and Sebastian found themselves thrust into a fight for survival.
It was amid the chaos of the confrontation that the mysterious girl appeared out of nowhere. She appeared like a phantom, an enigmatic figure drawn to the commotion. With swift and calculated moves, she intervened, turning the tide of the skirmish in their favor. Thanks to her unexpected aid, they managed to endure the ordeal.
However, the relief of survival was tinged with perplexity. The girl, though a savior in the direst of moments, seemed unable to comprehend their spoken words. A linguistic barrier created a veil of confusion, leaving Ian to wonder about the nature of their enigmatic rescuer.
Recalling his grandfather's cautionary words, Ian couldn't shake the realization that this was no ordinary ambush. The assailants possessed an uncanny knowledge of their whereabouts, hinting at a more sinister plot. Nervous thoughts of his family echoed in Ian's mind, his worry casting a shadow over the uncertain path that lay ahead.