The stone-covered path snaked through the dense forest, flanked by towering trees whose roots pressed against the trail like the ridges of some ancient beast. The air hung heavy with the scent of moss and damp earth.
A young elvin male, with sharp emerald eyes hair tied back into a neat braid, led a group of hooded figures. His steps were light but purposeful, the kind of grace only elvin blood could bestow.
"Stay vigilant," he said, his voice low but commanding. "We don't know what's lurking ahead." The group hummed in acknowledgment, their faces shadowed beneath the hoods of their cloaks. Weapons glinted faintly at their sides as they moved in formation.
