The campfire crackled softly, casting warm flickers of light across the campsite. The group had settled in for the night, each taking their positions. Shivay sat against a large tree, his sword resting beside him as he stretched out, feeling a sense of calm after the long day of travel. Senira had set up her spot nearby, her tails swaying gently in the night breeze. Queen Ellaria and her guard Galadorn were on the opposite side of the fire, discussing their next course of action.
As the firelight danced in the darkness, Shunaya's voice echoed in Shivay's mind. "So, what do you think of our traveling companions?" her tone playful and teasing, clearly in the mood for some banter.
Shivay chuckled under his breath, knowing full well where this conversation was headed. "You mean the powerful Queen and her equally imposing guard? They're... capable." He tried to keep his tone serious but failed miserably as Shunaya picked up on his sarcasm.
"Capable?" Shunaya mocked, her voice dripping with amusement. "I saw the way Galadorn was eyeing you earlier. Bet he was sizing you up, trying to figure out how much of a threat you are. I wonder what his stats are. Wanna check?"
Shivay smirked, activating his appraisal skill discreetly, his eyes briefly glowing as he scanned Galadorn's stats.
---
[Galadorn - Captain of the Queen's Guard]
Race: Elf
Level: 85
Strength: 210
Agility: 260
Magic Power: 180
Vitality: 200
Skills:
Elven Swordsmanship (Master Level)
Wind Magic (Advanced Level)
Nature's Blessing (Passive Ability)
Elven Grace (Passive Speed Boost)
---
"Not bad, huh?" Shivay thought to himself, impressed. "Level 85... That guy could probably take out a small army by himself."
"So, you're saying you could take him in a fight?" Shunaya teased, her voice dripping with playful challenge.
Shivay grinned. "Maybe. But I think I'd rather not test that theory. Besides, if anything goes wrong, I've got you, don't I?"
"Flattery will get you everywhere," Shunaya quipped, clearly amused. "Now, what about our dear Queen? She's been awfully quiet, hasn't she? I wonder if she's hiding something."
Shivay shrugged. "Let's find out." He focused on Queen Ellaria, activating his appraisal skill once more.
---
[Queen Ellaria - Ruler of the Elves]
Race: Elf
Level: 92
Strength: 180
Agility: 220
Magic Power: 350
Vitality: 190
Skills:
Nature Magic (Master Level)
Healing Arts (Expert Level)
Royal Command (Authority Skill)
Elven Archery (Advanced Level)
---
"Level 92?" Shunaya's voice echoed in surprise. "She's stronger than I expected. A nature magic master? She could probably bring the entire forest to life if she wanted to."
"Yeah," Shivay replied, raising an eyebrow. "Let's just hope she's on our side, shall we?"
---
Meanwhile, on the other side of the campfire, Senira and Queen Ellaria had struck up a conversation. The Queen's curiosity about the strange duo had clearly gotten the better of her, and now her golden eyes were fixed on Senira with quiet intrigue.
"So," Ellaria began, her tone light but inquisitive, "you and Shivay... How did the two of you meet? You seem... close."
Senira chuckled, a playful smile tugging at her lips. "Oh, it's a long story. Let's just say fate had a funny way of throwing us together."
Ellaria's eyebrow arched slightly, a glimmer of amusement in her eyes. "I see. And, if I may be so bold, are you two...?" She let the question hang in the air, her expression suggesting she already knew the answer.
Senira's grin widened, her nine tails flicking behind her. "Well, let's just say I've claimed him." She leaned in conspiratorially. "He's a bit clueless, though. Never had a girlfriend in his whole life. Can you believe that?"
Ellaria let out a soft laugh, clearly entertained by Senira's playful tone. "I wouldn't have guessed. He carries himself with such confidence."
"Oh, trust me," Senira said, smirking, "he's still figuring things out. But it's adorable watching him try." She glanced over at Shivay, who was busy in his silent conversation with Shunaya. "He's got that 'strong and silent' thing going on, but deep down, he's a softie."
Ellaria chuckled softly, casting a glance at Shivay. "He does seem like the type who hides his emotions behind a stoic face."
Senira nodded in agreement, her tails swaying gently. "Exactly. But it's okay. He'll get there. I'm patient."
The Queen smiled, clearly enjoying the lighthearted banter. "And I assume your connection with him is more than just a partnership for this mission?"
Senira's eyes sparkled mischievously. "You could say that. We're bonded by the hearts, but... there's more. I've decided I'm not letting him go, not that he has much of a choice."
Ellaria laughed, the sound melodious and genuine. "He's lucky to have someone as persistent as you by his side. But I wonder if he's fully aware of just how fortunate he is."
Senira smirked. "Oh, he'll figure it out. Eventually."
---
As the night deepened and the fire began to burn low, Shivay and Senira's conversations mingled with the sounds of the forest. The bond between the two was growing stronger with every step they took on this journey, and even though they were surrounded by powerful allies and faced unimaginable challenges ahead, they found comfort in each other's presence.
Shivay glanced over at Senira, catching the tail end of her conversation with Queen Ellaria. He couldn't help but feel a sense of warmth and appreciation for the way she always seemed to handle everything with such grace and confidence.
"What's she telling the Queen over there?" Shunaya teased again, her voice ringing with amusement. "Bet she's embarrassing you."
"I can only imagine," Shivay replied, shaking his head with a smile. "But I think I'll survive."
The playful banter between Shivay and Shunaya continued as the camp slowly quieted for the night. Meanwhile, the camaraderie among the group was growing, their shared purpose bringing them closer together as they prepared for the challenges that awaited at the World Tree.
And, for the first time in a long time, Shivay felt a sense of belonging—not just with Senira, but with this entire group.
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Sorry for the delay in the chapter uploading as I am in my college exams. But from now the chapter will be updated regularly.