Lirien and Kael walked hand in hand, the warm sun on their skin, the sound of birds singing in the distance. They had finally returned home, their quest complete. But as they walked, Lirien couldn't shake off the feeling that something was missing.
"What's wrong?" Kael asked, sensing her unease.
Lirien hesitated, unsure of how to express her thoughts. "I don't know," she said finally. "It's just... we saved the homeland, we defeated the Shadow King. But it feels like there's still something missing."
Kael stopped walking, his eyes searching hers. "You're thinking about your past," he said softly.
Lirien nodded, her eyes welling up with tears. "I am," she admitted. "I thought that defeating the Shadow King would bring me peace, but it didn't. I still feel... lost."
Kael pulled her close, his arms wrapping around her tightly. "You're not alone," he whispered. "I'm here for you."
As they stood there, Arin and Eira approached them, their faces concerned.
"Lirien, what's wrong?" Arin asked.
Lirien sniffled, wiping her tears away. "I just... I thought that defeating the Shadow King would bring me peace," she said. "But it didn't."
Eira's creative spark flared with understanding. "You're carrying the weight of your past," she said softly.
Lirien nodded, feeling a lump form in her throat.
Arin's eyes filled with compassion. "We'll help you work through it," she said. "Together."
The three friends stood there for a moment, the weight of Lirien's emotions palpable.
Suddenly, Kael spoke up. "I have an idea," he said. "Let's go to the ancient ruins. I think I know where we can find some answers."
The others looked at him curiously.