The morning sunlight was like golden threads, quietly seeping through the gaps of the window, trying to illuminate the dark corner of the prison cell. The rays danced on the cold stone walls, making the originally gray walls show a sort of ancient and oppressive color under the morning sun, as if trying to tell a heavy history. The air in the dungeon still carried a damp and cold aura, seemingly freezing everything around.
In this harsh environment, Elwin sat quietly in the corner of the cell, his face handsome, his gaze firm. His back against the cold stone wall, the hard touch somewhat reflected his mood at the time. The graffiti and scratches on the surrounding walls were like scars left by time, silently telling the despair and helplessness of past prisoners. However, in Elwin's eyes, there was only resolve and determination, as if the suffocating predicaments did not make him feel fearful.
The cell door silently opened, and Liam's figure appeared in the doorway. Dressed in a white robe, his piercing gaze shot towards Elwin through the darkness. His face carried a scornful smile, not one of joy, but full of indifference and arrogance. He walked steadily to Elwin, looking down at him as if using his height to highlight his superiority. "You're lucky, lad. The leader has agreed to your request for a duel," Liam's tone was mocking and indifferent, his laughter echoing in the closed cell, each word sounded like a cold mockery, piercing Elwin's heart. "The duel is tomorrow morning, many will come to watch. Hope you can come back alive."
As his words fell, the oppressive silence in the cell seemed to deepen, only distant bird songs breaking this silence. Liam's gaze fell on Elwin's face, his eyes deep and complex, as if exploring the secrets deep within Elwin's heart, yet his curiosity was evident.
"Also, lad, the leader has agreed to fulfill one of your requests. What do you need? Like some food, perhaps this will be your last supper." Liam's tone was surprisingly gentle, like a wind-brushed lake, those experienced eyes filled with anticipation for the unknown.
Hearing Liam's words, Elwin paused briefly, his seemingly fragile yet iron-strong eyes slowly moved from the floor to meet Liam's. There was no surprise or fear on his face, rather, more determination and courage. Elwin swallowed hard, then began to speak firmly and gently, "I need some wine, and delicious food."
Elwin's words were brief, but revealed unwavering determination. A faint smile crossed his face as he looked at Liam, waiting quietly for his response. He knew this might be his only opportunity before the duel, he couldn't waste it, and he didn't know whether he could survive the upcoming fight. In Elwin's heart, this meal was not only for him, but also for the lonely Sok in the cell. He hoped to accompany Sok in his final moments, to give him some warmth, some comfort, a touch of human kindness.
After hearing Elwin's request, Liam was silent for a moment, then he nodded lightly, "Alright, I'll arrange it."
Liam's gaze moved from Elwin to Sok, the once mighty man now tightly bound by chains. Sok was silent, his eyes staring straight ahead, deep yet bewildering. A cold smile tugged at the corners of Liam's mouth, he turned and walked away slowly, each step echoing in the hollow cell.
Elwin watched Liam's retreating figure, the corners of his mouth lifted slightly, revealing a calm and firm smile. Then, he turned and walked to the corner of the cell, sat down, and began to quietly wait. In his heart, no matter the outcome of tomorrow's battle, he was ready.
That day, the atmosphere in the cell seemed different, there was an indescribable warmth, like the spring sun penetrating the cold stone walls, warming every corner. Perhaps, this was the power of humanity, to find a sliver of life, a speck of light, even in the darkest of environments.
As night slowly fell, the land was covered in a veil of silence and darkness. Yet within this pitch-black prison cell, a light was about to shatter this tranquility. The cell door creaked slowly open, and the last glimmers of twilight filtered through the gap, casting a winding ray of light on the mottled stone walls.
As the door of the cell was gradually pushed open, the approaching candlelight served as a beacon, illuminating the darkness ahead. A series of familiar yet strange dishes were served on the stone table in front of Sok, a sight that made one's mouth water.
The red salmon was tender, adorned with clear fish oil that seemed like a flickering flame, shining an inviting luster in the candlelight. The crispy roasted duck, with its full flesh under golden skin, was grilled just right. Sprinkled with vibrant spices, the aroma was tantalizing.
In addition, there were some peculiar dishes that looked more like works of art than gourmet food. There was a dish resembling a jellyfish, crystal clear and lively under the candlelight. There was also a pastry shaped like small flowers, sprinkled with icing sugar, reminiscent of springtime blooms.
Then there was the pale blue wine, clear and transparent, as if sapphires had melted into the bottle, a faint aroma wafting from the bottleneck. Under the candlelight, the wine in the glass shimmered brilliantly, as if stars twinkled within, ethereal and dreamlike.
For Elwin, these foods seemed like scenic beauty from another world; he had never seen such enticing food. Despite the worry and despair that filled the prison cell, they brought a touch of warmth and solace.
Two soldiers led Elwin into Sok's cell. Although the surroundings were still the cold stone walls, the vibrant food and sparkling wine on the table instantly filled the dreary space with life and warmth. Elwin entered the cell, glanced around, and looked towards Sok, who was chained against the wall. The old man, who had experienced many ups and downs, was now lowering his head, his eyes filled with loneliness and helplessness. Elwin looked at Sok with concern.
Despite being imprisoned, Elwin's spirit was incredibly strong. He looked at Sok, gave a slight smile, then walked to the table and carefully moved it closer to Sok, trying to make it easier for him to taste the food. Throughout the process, Elwin's movements were exceptionally careful, as if afraid to interrupt the old man's contemplation.
After the table was positioned, Elwin quietly sat down next to Sok, his eyes filled with indescribable care and emotion. He looked at the weathered old man in front of him and softly spoke, trying to alleviate his present loneliness and helplessness.
"Mr. Thorsson, I know this might not be what you want," Elwin spoke softly, his hand gently resting on Sok's shoulder, "but I hope that, at least while I'm here, you can temporarily forget those pains and troubles."
Sok lifted his head, his eyes met with the young man's, flickering with a hint of complexity. It seemed he had made a certain decision after a moment of silence, then he slowly nodded his head.
"You're always so optimistic, Elwin," Sok's voice was deep, but in his tone, there seemed to be a trace of admiration and emotion, "Even in such circumstances, you still manage to find hope. Perhaps this is why I've always valued you."
Elwin listened to Sok's words; he knew this was all he could do. He might not be able to change Sok's predicament, but at least he could provide some comfort and hope.
"I'm not someone special, Mr. Thorsson, I'm just doing what I can," Elwin's reply was both simple and sincere. He knew there was no need to disguise anything because Sok could see right through it.
"You are special, Elwin," Sok's voice was low but firm, "You may not realize it yet, but you will be everyone's hope. I hope you never forget your responsibilities and never give up on hope."
That night, Elwin and Sok talked a lot in the cell. Their conversation was like a warm ray of light, illuminating the quiet prison cell.