The sun shines through the treetops as Terrance and Dario ride along the path northward, Terrance on his old mare and Dario atop of a beautiful brown stallion with a flowing black mane and tail. The leaves are turning yellow and orange and are gently falling off the trees as they go. Terrance looks around the landscape in awe at the pretty colors that adorn the trees. He has never been outside of his village and the thrill of seeing new lands fills him with wonder and excitement.
Dario rides beside the young man with a stern expression, deep in thought. Terrance looks toward the stranger riding through the forest. His eyes fall to a shiny object attached to Dario's hip. The bright emerald seems to glow with an otherworldly power that calms Terrance and puts him at ease.
"That's a beautiful emerald," Terrance says as he points to Dario's side.
"Huh, what?" Dario says as he quickly blinks his eyes, coming out of his thoughts.
"Your sword handle, it's really pretty." Terrance says.
"Oh, yeah, it's an heirloom passed down for centuries."
"So it must be really old then."
"You could say it's older than the hills," Dario laughs as he puts his hand on the hilt.
Terrance looks at the laughing man quizzically but also with a hint of fear.
"Can I see it?" Terrance asks.
"My sword?" Dario asks as he sees the excitement build in his companion's face.
"I'm sorry, but now is not the time or place. As you can see, it's quite old and I'd hate to have some kid drop it and damage it." Dario scowls.
"Oh, sorry. I just think it looks pretty," Terrance says as his eyes drift to the ground.
The two continue to ride in silence. The path before them beginning to cover with the leaves of the trees. A shadowy figure peeks out from behind a large tree watching the two as they go forward. A large grin slides itself up the figure's thin lips as it turns into a menacing smile.
"I finally found you."