As the sun began its descent, casting long, amber-tinted shadows upon the forest, Lysandra turned her gaze towards the dense undergrowth. "We need something more your speed, Elrian. A creature you can engage with." A hint of a smile tugged at the corner of her lips. "A forest chicken."
Arlan snorted, amusement twinkling in his eyes. "A forest chicken? Are you sure he's ready for that after the wolves?"
Lysandra's smile widened. "It's the perfect opponent for him to apply what he's learned."
Elrian, still trying to process the weight of what he'd just done with the wolves, blinked in confusion. "A chicken? You want me to fight a chicken?"
But as they ventured deeper into the forest, Elrian quickly realized that a 'forest chicken' wasn't anything like the domesticated fowls back in the village. It was bigger, more agile, and it had talons that looked sharp enough to pierce through leather.
They soon spotted one, pecking at something amidst the underbrush. With a nod from Lysandra, Elrian approached cautiously, trying to remember all the lessons he had learned so far.
The forest chicken, sensing his presence, turned its beady eyes toward him and let out a challenging squawk. Without warning, it lunged at Elrian.
Taken aback, Elrian tried to sidestep, but his movements were too slow. The bird's talons raked across his forearm, leaving shallow cuts. Elrian winced but pressed on, trying to strike the bird with the flat of his blade, aiming to stun it.
However, the chicken darted to the left, then to the right, its movements unpredictable. Each time Elrian thought he had it cornered, it would find an opening and lash out, leaving him with more scratches and pecks.
From the sidelines, Arlan and Lysandra observed closely. Occasionally, Lysandra would call out advice. "Watch its feet, not its beak!" "Shift your weight!" "Anticipate its next move!"
But the forest chicken proved to be a formidable opponent for the novice Elrian. It was relentless, using its agility and size to its advantage. At one point, Elrian found himself on the ground, the bird attempting to peck at his face. With a shout, he managed to push it off and scramble to his feet.
The dance between boy and bird continued, with Elrian slowly starting to anticipate some of its moves. He managed to dodge a couple of lunges, even getting in a few good swings. But just when he thought he might have the upper hand, the chicken, with a final defiant squawk, flapped its wings and took off, disappearing into the dense canopy.
Elrian, panting and covered in scratches, watched it go, a mix of relief and frustration evident on his face.
Arlan approached, clapping him on the back. "Well, that was... enlightening."
Lysandra smiled gently, "Every opponent, no matter how big or small, has something to teach us. Today, you learned from a chicken. It's a start."
Elrian, catching his breath, managed a wry smile. "I think I'll stick to eating them from now on."
The trek back home was filled with the sounds of nature; birds singing, leaves rustling, and the distant call of creatures echoing throughout the forest. The serene atmosphere was disturbed when a rustling from the bushes caught Elrian's attention.
Emerging from the thicket was a rabbit. Unlike the forest chicken, this creature had an innocent demeanor, its big eyes watching Elrian and his parents curiously. Arlan and Lysandra exchanged glances, seeing another opportunity for their son to practice.
"Alright, Elrian," Lysandra began, "remember your footing and your strikes. Use what you've learned."
Elrian hesitated for a moment, looking into the rabbit's eyes. But then he remembered his previous failure and took a determined step forward.
The rabbit, sensing danger, tried to dart away, but Elrian was quicker this time. He lunged, trying to corner it. The creature zigzagged, dodging Elrian's attempts to pin it down. However, it was clear that Elrian had learned from his previous encounters. His movements were more measured, his anticipation better.
After a few minutes, he managed to get the rabbit cornered. Raising his hand for the final strike, Elrian looked down at the creature. Its chest heaved rapidly, eyes wide with fear. The weight of what he was about to do pressed down on him.
In that moment of hesitation, the rabbit, using its powerful hind legs, pushed past Elrian and scurried into the underbrush, disappearing from sight.
Elrian stood still, processing the encounter. Lysandra approached, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder. "It's okay to feel compassion, Elrian. It's what makes you human. But remember, in some situations, hesitation could be the difference between life and death."
Arlan added, "You're improving. You're learning. But it's not just about techniques or physical prowess. It's also about mental strength and understanding your emotions."
Elrian looked down, feeling a mix of pride and disappointment. He had come close, yet let the rabbit escape. Still, he knew that every experience, every encounter, was a step forward in his journey.
The peaceful ambiance of the forest was instantly shattered by the appearance of the four colossal green wolves, their sleek, mossy fur shimmering under the dappled sunlight. Their eyes glinted with a dangerous intelligence, and as they inhaled deeply, whirlwinds began to dance around them, highlighting their wind affinity.
Their very presence seemed to suppress the normal sounds of the forest.Arlan and Lysandra moved in unison, positioning themselves between the wolves and Elrian. Their every muscle tensed, ready for whatever came next. "Elrian," Lysandra said, her voice sharp and alert, "stay behind us.
These are Windward Wolves, and they are not to be taken lightly."Arlan's eyes narrowed as he analyzed the creatures. "These wolves are known to move in packs. It's rare to see them so close to the village. Something must have drawn them here," he whispered, more to himself than anyone else.