Tension-charged air filled the space between Rufus and Lyra as they stepped out of the Forgotten Veil's temple. The sun had set low along the horizon, and golden rays which cast down the line of the horizon-illuminated path danced. Rufus had a subtle tide flowing through him, the gentle course of the power of the Celestial Convergence. Every spate reminding him that he had fought through battles, and the contests had gained some semblance of strength for him. But it was weighted as well, with a sense of responsibility that lay so heavily upon his shoulders.
"Ready for what comes next?" Lyra asked, her voice a steady anchor in his maelstrom of thoughts. She'd been his constant companion through this journey and the stability she brought bolstered his resolve.
He nodded, taking a deep breath. "I am. We need allies to prepare against the darkness. I feel it. And Elysara-"
He stood there, his eyes slowly focusing in the bright light. Worry wracked Lyra's face: part of it was fear, but a substantial part of it was resolve. "We should go to the town of Eldrith," she said. "That place is a juncture for trade and a haven for adventurers. There is a good chance people could be interested in combating this darkness spreading.".
They walked onward together towards Eldrith, a part of the land; it was always shifting as they walked so shifting as they moved. Harebells bloomed in clusters under sun-baked skies, flowers so masculine in hue it was jarring to compare to the weight that hung in the air. But Rufus's thoughts were otherwise entirely given over to trials he had lived through and looming threats ahead.
With every step that brought them closer to the town, sounds of excited markets and chatter of people swelled in their ears. Eldrith is a place wherein fortunes are won and lost in a day. Hope brightened in Rufus's eyes. This was their rallying point for support.
Thus, streets swarmed with itinerant hawkers peddling wares, laughter ringing as children played, adventurers talking of glory, yet beneath it all, Rufus sensed an undertow of unease-tension reigning palpable with fear whispering itself of the darkness creeping ever closer.
They wandered through the bazaar, taking in the view of all those merchants and their wares. A stoic blacksmith pounded out swords, and his products shone bright in the bright sunlight. Some kind of potion master stirred liquids colored sugar and perfumes that reeked sweetly intoxicating. There was an excitement to Rufus's voice as she said that this is a place to come and gather all one's resources and make some new allies.
"Let's go ask the blacksmith," Rufus suggested, nodding toward the muscle-bound man, covered in sweat as he tended by the fire. "We're going to need some weapons for the battles ahead."
As they walked over, the blacksmith stood, wiping the sweat from his brow. Callouses thickened his hands, telling of years spent hammering at metal. "What do you want, travelers?" he growled, looking them up and down.
Now, then, Rufus stands up, a sense of purpose heavy in his voice. "We have come to train for the shadows looming over Elysara. We need arms and allies. Will you stand with us in this fight?
He turned to gaze at the look on Rufus's face. "You carry within you the fires of a warrior, young one," he said. But what you speak of-the darkness-is not just a shadow. It is a storm gathering its strength. Many have been consumed by it and fewer still had the guts to fight back.
"We faced darkness once. We can do it again, together," Lyra said firmly, her voice unwavering. "Will you give us your gift?
He clasped his arms across his chest, deep in thought as they spoke to him. "You two are brave, I'll give you that. But that's not going to get you across the battle ground. I will craft them for you, but I have to know you are ready to use these."
Rufus nodded, the flames beginning inside of him. "We're ready. Show us what you can do."
The blacksmith nodded, accepted, and went to work explaining the way weapons are forged. In astonishment, Rufus watched this man shape melted metal into works infused with strength and skill in each piece. Battles spied, shadows endangering their world, and a resolve shared to do battle.
After some hour, the blacksmith came out with two swords well-forged. Their blades were aglow with a mystical aura as they represented the energy that flowed in Rufus. "These are made with care and spells of protection. They shall do you good in all the trials which await you."
"Thanks," Rufus said, thrusting forward to grasp the hilt of the sword. It balanced its weight so perfectly in his hand, an extension of his very will. "We won't let you down."
As they came out of the forge, purpose began building inside Rufus. When they went back into the forge with swords in hand, they had taken one step closer to readiness to face the storm that loomed on the horizon. But there was still much yet to be done.
"Let's go look for more allies," Rufus said. "Certainly there are people in this town who will want to rise up to defend Elysara."
They marched on into Eldrith, keeping ever a weather eye out for anyone who might want to join them. Rufus strolled along the streets, then caught sight of a swinging sign above a tavern. One of those places adventurers came in looking to spin tales and to make friends.
"Let's go to the tavern," said Lyra, bright-eyed and excited. "A good place, maybe we will find unresisting fighters there."
The air inside the tavern was warm, carrying roasted meat and freshly baked bread. In the tavern, roars of laughter and conversation filled the air of the evening as the patrons sat over their mugs of ale, recounting the adventures they had. Rufus felt camaraderie in his heart as he came up to the bar.
Two ales, please, Oldbeard," Rufus said to the bartender, a burly man with a thick beard. He set two mugs before them and they clinked their glasses together, sharing a moment of camaraderie.
Rufus looked over the room from his new vantage point at a table near the door, digging into his belt pouch for a piece of cheese to munch on. Across the room, he saw a circle of adventurers discussing their latest exploits, their faces set in serious concentration.
"Let's go speak to them," Rufus said, nodding toward the group. "They look like they've been on their share of battles."
As they drew closer, the adventurers looked up, suspicious. "What do you want?" one of them asked, a tall woman with a scar running down her cheek.
"We're recruiting allies in order to defeat the dark threatening Elysara," Rufus said softly. "We need fighters like yourselves. Want to come along?
She looked at her companions, suspicious writing across her face. "And why should we listen to you? You are nothing but travelers."
Lyra stepped forward. Her eyes blazed fierce. "We are not but travelers. Rufus has had some trials that tested his strength and resolve. He's the power of the Celestial Convergence. We're the one to change the tides.".
They looked at each other, their uncertainty dangling between them like the desire to laugh. "The Celestial Convergence?" she repeated, her voice not fully unchanged. "I have heard rumors of its strength. But that doesn't mean we are going to win."
Rufus was aware of their doubts but would not buckle. "I know you doubt it," he said, "but the darkness is real and getting stronger. We have a chance only if we can join our strengths.".
Okay. Fine. We'll listen, she said after a moment of tense silence. "But if you disappoint us, we're gone."
Rufus nodded eagerly, thrilled at the chance. "That's all I'm asking for. You have to see for yourselves".
During this period, they spent one hour discussing and making plans over a cold meal, and the tension faded away as they slowly started building bonds. Rufus felt a glimpse of hope since the adventurous guys started to open up to their stories and recited to him battles they'd fought and won.
As they schemed, the tavern grew miraculously silent. The door groaned open; one entered, hooded and indistinct, but presences demanding attention. That shiver ran down Rufus's back as he watched the stranger cast a glance around the room, his eyes settling upon Rufus and Lyra.
Pretty nice company you keep, Rufus, he said in a smooth, menacing voice. I see you've picked up quite a little group of misfits. How cute.
Rufus's anger leapt. "What do you want, dark mage?"
The figure smiled at him. His eyes glittered with malice. "Oh, just a friendly warning. You're playing a pretty dangerous game, trying to raise an army against forces you can't even hope to comprehend.".
Lyra stepped out with her sword. "We understand what we're dealing with, and we are not to be feared."
The dark mage let out a laugh. An eerie sound filled the room. "Fear is strong, dear. You will soon find that your boldness may not be enough. The storm is coming, and you are not prepared.".
And with that, the figure turned and melted into the shadows, leaving in his wake a chastened silence. Rufus felt a knot set in his stomach, a knot of dread. The darkness was real, watching them.
"Who was that?" one of the adventurers asked, voice trembling slightly.
His spit downed, Rufus paid no heed to the power that was rising within him. "A dark mage," he stated stiffly. "And if he's here it means that we're running out of time."
Tension ran rampant through the tavern, but Rufus refused to take a step back. "We have to ready ourselves for this storm. We must gather more allies and rise our defense too. Elysara waits for our arrival."
As they nodded to the resolution, they felt camaraderie. No longer were they wandering vagabonds but now power standing against the coming shadow.
Renewed in spirit, planned and debated the tactical approach; they even debated to seek their allies, to advance their cause and where lies the strongest ground to stand on. Now the weight of the world rested upon Rufus's shoulders, no more alone.
Night was dancing over the tavern with such vigor when Rufus knew it was going to be the start. Much lay ahead in the trial, and now they were prepared to face whatever darkness waits for them together.
And as the stars twinkled above, Rufus made his silent vow: to keep the little Elysara from harm. He stood against the storm gathering, a future filled with light, just beside Lyra and others in whom a spark of hope will shine brightly into the face of deepening darkness.