After Elara thanked him for his bravery, she noticed the knight's labored breathing and the way he clutched his arm. "You're hurt," she said, concern evident in her voice. "Let me see."
The knight tried to wave her off, attempting to appear unaffected. "It's nothing. I'll be fine."
But Elara was insistent. "Please, let me help. You saved my life. It's the least I can do." Reluctantly, the knight nodded, and she began examining his wound. Using her limited knowledge of healing, she cleaned the gash and bound it with strips torn from her cloak.
As she worked, she spoke softly. "I didn't get a chance to thank you properly. My name is Elara."
The knight winced as she tied off the bandage but managed a faint smile. "Sir Gareth," he introduced himself. "A former knight of the kingdom."
Elara looked up, curiosity piqued. "Former knight? What happened?"
Gareth's expression darkened. "I was exiled under false accusations. A plot by those who wanted me out of the way."
Elara's eyes widened. "I'm sorry to hear that. It seems we share a similar fate."
Elara and Gareth sat by the small fire they had built, the flickering flames casting shadows on their faces. The silence between them was comfortable, but Elara knew she needed to speak up.
"Sir Gareth," she began hesitantly, "where are you headed?"
Gareth looked at her, his eyes cautious. "I'm heading north, to the borderlands. There's a small village there where I hope to find work and lay low."
Elara's heart quickened. "That's where I'm going too. I heard there might be a place for someone with my...abilities."
What kind of ability? Gareth asked curiously
I am a Seer, Elara replied.
Gareth raised an eyebrow. "A seer in the borderlands? That's unusual."
She nodded. "Yes, but after my exile, I have nowhere else to go. I was hoping I could ask you...would you allow me to journey with you?"
Gareth's expression hardened. "Elara, it's dangerous out here. I'm used to being on my own. I can't be responsible for anyone else."
She met his gaze, her eyes pleading. "I understand, but I won't survive alone. You've seen that. I can help. I know a bit about healing, and I can see things...things that might be useful to us."
Gareth sighed, running a hand through his hair. "It's not that simple. If something happens to you, it would be on me."
Elara reached out, touching his arm gently. "Please, Sir Gareth. I have nowhere else to go. I can pull my weight, I promise."
He studied her for a long moment, weighing his options. Finally, he nodded slowly. "Alright, you can come with me. But know this: you'll have to keep up and follow my lead. This isn't going to be easy."
Elara smiled, relief washing over her. "Thank you. I promise I won't be a burden."
Gareth's eyes softened slightly. "For your sake, I hope not. Now, get some rest. We leave at first light."
As they settled in for the night, both of them knew that their newfound partnership would be tested in the days to come. But for now, they had each other, and that was enough.
As the first light of dawn filtered through the forest canopy, Elara and Gareth prepared to set off on their journey. The air was crisp, and a light mist clung to the ground, lending an ethereal quality to the surroundings. They moved with quiet efficiency, packing their scant belongings and making sure their path north was clear. The borderlands awaited them, a small village nestled among rolling hills where Gareth hoped to find an old friend who might offer them shelter and work.
As they walked, the silence between them began to dissolve, replaced by the gentle murmur of shared stories. The road was long, and conversation helped pass the time.
"Sir Gareth," Elara began, her voice curious but respectful, "you mentioned you were once a knight. What led you to this path?"
Gareth's expression darkened slightly as he recalled his past. "I was a knight, sworn to protect the kingdom and its people. But not all within the kingdom valued justice as I did."
Elara listened intently, her eyes filled with empathy. "What happened?"
Gareth sighed, his gaze distant. "There was a plot against the king, orchestrated by a few ambitious nobles. I uncovered their plans, but before I could act, they framed me for treason. The evidence they planted was damning. I was stripped of my title and exiled."
Elara shook her head in disbelief. "That's terrible. You must have felt so betrayed."
Gareth nodded. "I did. But it also gave me a purpose: to clear my name and bring those responsible to justice. That's why I'm headed to the borderlands. There's an old comrade there, someone who might help me get back on my feet."
Elara's face softened with understanding. "I'm sorry you had to go through that. I know what it feels like to be wrongfully accused. The seers, the priests...they all thought my vision was a cry for attention. But I know what I saw."
Gareth glanced at her, a hint of a smile touching his lips. "It seems we both have a lot to prove."
Elara returned his smile. "Yes, we do. And maybe, together, we can find a way to set things right."
As they continued their journey, the landscape changed from dense forests to open fields and rocky hills. They shared more of their histories, each story weaving a thread of trust between them. Gareth spoke of his early days as a knight, the camaraderie he once shared with his fellow soldiers, and the honor he held dear. Elara recounted her childhood, the discovery of her gift, and the bittersweet memories of the temple.
The sun climbed higher, casting long shadows across their path, and by midday, they paused to rest near a bubbling stream. Gareth took a moment to refill their water skins while Elara gathered some wild herbs she recognized from her training.
As they resumed their trek, Gareth pointed to a distant line of hills. "We're not far now. The village is just beyond those hills."
Elara looked ahead, a mixture of hope and trepidation in her eyes. "Do you think your friend will help us?"
Gareth's gaze was steady. "If anyone will, it's him. We fought side by side in many battles. He's a good man."