Meleona and Levis were on a training session, trekking through the thick forest, heading north to find a better place to continue there training. As they pushed through the last of the brush in front of them, they stumbled upon a hidden treasure—a hot spring. It was a circle of clear, steaming water, surrounded by smooth stones and flowering plants. The steam rose up, wrapping the area in a warm, gentle hug. It was as if the forest had created a special place just for them to rest their tired muscles and mind.
Levis, with a big grin, didn't waste a moment. He quickly got out of his clothes and light leather armor, and with a joyful leap, he was in the water just like a kid. The hot spring was like a warm bath, and he let out a happy sigh as he relaxed, floating without a care in the world.
Meleona looked around, trying to find a spot where she could be alone but still hear Levis's splashes and cheerful whistles. She wanted a little privacy, but the sound of her friend enjoying the water made her smile. She forgot that he had removed his clothes before entering the water. As she turned back to tell Levis about how lucky they were to find such a beautiful spot, she saw him clearly for the first time since they stopped.
Levis was swimming carefree, his strong arms cutting through the water with ease. His back and shoulders were strong from all the bow shooting he did, and he looked like a hero from the tales they heard as kids. He was laughing and splashing, showing no shyness at all.
On his left chest was a unique star-shaped scar. It was a reminder of a scary day when his brother Calvin had defeated him using his fire to prove to him that he can't beat magic without magic. When Levis notices the expression on meleona's face asking for and explanation he provided one to break the awkward looking "This old thing?" Levis said, touching the scar lightly. "It showed up after that day with Calvin at the sparring ground. It's like my body wanted to remember what happened that day."
Meleona was amazed by the scar and how fearless Levis seemed. She felt a mix of surprise and admiration, and for a moment, she just stood there, her mouth open.
After Levis shared his story of his scar and the trauma of that day, Meleona took a moment to gather her thoughts, her eyes still fixed on the star-shaped mark. Then, with a gentle voice, she said, "That must have been a really tough day, I saw your courage bravery and strength that day. But it seems like you carry the scar now as a badge of courage. It's... it's actually quite brave." Her words were sincere, and even though she felt a bit shy, she wanted Levis to know that she admired his strength—not just the strength of his archer's build, but the strength of his heart too.
Levis, with a carefree chuckle, splashed water gently in Meleona's direction as a playful acknowledgment. "It's just one of many stories that make us who we are," he said with a warm smile. "And hey, every hero needs a scar or two, right?" His lightheartedness put Meleona at ease, and she found herself smiling back.
Levis, seizing a quiet moment by the spring, turned to Meleona with a curious gaze. "You've been a soldier for over two years, and we're about the same age. How did that come to be?" he asked, his voice gentle but earnest.
Meleona's expression darkened, as if a shadow had passed over the sun. She found a flat stone at the water's edge and sat down, her movements slow, almost reluctant. As she removed her sturdy boots and the heavy metallic armor, she seemed to be shedding the weight of her past along with them.
She began to share her tale, her voice a soft murmur that blended with the rustling leaves around them. Meleona was born into nobility, her mother a royal, the king's own sister. But tragedy struck when an orc disease, a vile remnant of the war, claimed her mother's life. Meleona was just five years old then, her world forever altered.
Her father, determined to maintain their noble status and strengthen their ties to the crown, became unbearably strict. Meleona and her younger sister were raised under his stern watch, every moment of their lives dictated by duty and expectation.
When Meleona was fourteen, a stranger, desperate and hungry, trespassed into the royal courtyard. While the guards gave chase, Meleona's heart urged her to act. She hid the stranger, sharing scraps of food, and later helped him flee the city's stern walls. But her act of kindness was discovered, and her father's fury was as cold as it was swift. He denounced her as a traitor, unworthy of their royal lineage.
Banished to the north for discipline under General Katerine, Meleona felt the sting of exile. Yet, General Katerine recognized the fire within her, the potential for greatness. She entrusted Meleona to Captain Klaus, a renowned light mage, hoping to mold her into a formidable soldier.
Arriving at the northern outpost, Meleona's heart was heavy with resentment. She despised them all for siding with her father, for tearing her away from her beloved sister. The isolation gnawed at her spirit, and after a few weeks, the urge to escape consumed her. She waited, bided her time, and when the chance arose, she fled into the unknown, determined to forge her own path.
Levis listened intently to Meleona's story, his eyes reflecting a mix of admiration and concern. After she paused for a while, he leaned forward, his expression earnest. "Meleona," he said softly, "your courage is as vast as this forest. To stand up for what you believe in, even when it costs you dearly, that's the mark of true nobility. No title or royal blood can define that. You are your own person, strong and free. And I'm honored to walk this path with you." His words were a balm to her wounded spirit. "But how and why did you come back to the outpost. And the way you are loved at the outpost is not a match to this story." Levis said looking straight into her eyes. " You are right I'll tell you everything." Meleona said in her steel cold voice