Rukar trudged through the dense forest, his limbs heavy with exhaustion. His armor weighed on him like a burden, each step sending aches through his battered body. His greatsword dragged behind him, carving a trail through the dirt. The battle on the snowy mountain had taken everything out of him, and now, with fatigue creeping into his bones, he sought shelter.
After what felt like an eternity of wandering, he stumbled upon a small cave nestled between thick roots and underbrush. He gathered nearby branches and bushes, carefully covering the entrance before stepping inside. The cold rock walls offered little comfort, but it was safe, and that was all that mattered. Letting out a weary breath, Rukar lay down, his body surrendering to exhaustion as sleep claimed him.
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Eryndil arrived at the village of Duskmere under the cover of night. Every muscle in his body ached from the long journey, and his normally sharp elven senses dulled from exhaustion. He pulled his hood lower over his face, moving with purpose through the dimly lit streets.
At the village inn, he approached the innkeeper, his voice calm but firm. "A room for the night. And a meal in the morning."
The innkeeper, a burly man with tired eyes, wordlessly accepted the payment and gestured "upstairs second room on your left". Eryndil wasted no time, climbing up and shutting the door behind him. The moment he lay on the rough mattress, sleep took him.
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Lucian reached Duskmere just before dawn. The prince’s usually pristine armor was covered with dirt, and fatigue hung on his features. He strode into the inn, weary but determined.
"A room," he said, his voice carrying the tone of one accustomed to being obeyed. The innkeeper, who had just awoken, glanced at him, then sighed and took his payment. "Upstairs third room on your right"
Without another word, Lucian ascended, his body crying for rest. As soon as he locked the door behind him, he collapsed onto the bed, letting exhaustion overtake him.
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By noon, Lucian woke, stretching away the stiffness in his limbs. He descended the stairs, spotting the innkeeper behind the counter.
"I'm looking for any strangers who arrived recently," Lucian said, his voice casual but firm.
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The innkeeper hesitated, but when Lucian slid a few gold coins across the counter, the man changed his tune. "A few travelers came through. Could be merchants, could be drifters. Hard to say."
Lucian nodded. "Where are they?"
The innkeeper tilted his head toward the tables. "See for yourself."
Lucian took a seat in the corner, ordering a meal to avoid suspicion. He listened carefully to the chatter around him. A few dwarves clanked their mugs together, laughing heartily. Farmers discussed their fields, while merchants debated the price of grain. Then, his eyes settled on a lone figure at the farthest table, eating in silence.
The stranger’s hood was drawn low, obscuring his features, but something about his posture, the way he carried himself, felt familiar. Lucian watched closely, waiting for confirmation.
After finishing his meal, the hooded figure rose and exited the inn. Lucian followed, keeping his distance. They left the village behind, walking along the dirt road before the stranger finally stopped. Without turning around, he spoke.
"You’ve been following me for a while now. Either state your purpose or leave."
Lucian stepped forward. "I need to know if you were in the wood elf kingdom recently."
The hooded figure turned, lowering his hood slightly to reveal his sharp elven features and piercing gaze. He pulled his spear free, pointing it at Lucian. "Who are you, and why do you ask?"
Lucian slowly raised his hands, though his other hand hovered near the hilt of his sword. "My name is Lucian, prince of Drakenshire. I was sent by the Wood Elf King himself to find you."
Eryndil’s grip on his spear tightened. "And why would a human prince concern himself with my whereabouts?"
Lucian sighed, lowering his guard slightly. "Because what happened in the wood elf kingdom is happening elsewhere. My kingdom has fallen into chaos. Three years of imprisonment cost me my throne, and now my homeland is infested with traitors and possessed soldiers. A dark elf was spotted before the corruption spread. The same thing happened in the wood elf kingdom. That is no coincidence."
Eryndil narrowed his eyes. "You claim dark elves are responsible?"
Lucian nodded. "Or worse—demons. Either way, something is manipulating events from the shadows. Alone, we stand no chance. Together, we may uncover the truth."
Eryndil hesitated, then slowly lowered his spear. "I was sent by the High Priestess to forge an alliance with the wood elves. But if your words are true, the corruption spreads deeper than we anticipated. If that is the case..." He met Lucian’s gaze. "Then I will accept this temporary alliance."
Lucian extended his hand. "Then we move forward together."
Eryndil grasped it briefly before releasing. "For now. But do not think I trust you yet."
Lucian smirked. "Fair enough. Let’s find out what’s really happening."
With that, the two warriors continued their journey, their fates now intertwined in a battle against the unseen enemy lurking in the darkness.