Cool night air welcomed Rufus and his new friends as they stepped out of the tavern with high spirits, forged within its walls. Vibrant life teemed in the streets of Eldrith, lanterns flickering like stars against the soft blue night sky. Rufus couldn't help but hold the ominous words of the dark mage in his head, yet he felt a stronger sense of purpose in himself than what his fears would suggest.
"Where do we go from here?" Lyra asked, furrowing her brow as they walked side by side.
Rufus glanced around, surveying the whirlwind activity of the town. "We need to shore up our position here. If we can fortify Eldrith and establish a base of operations, we can more effectively organize our efforts toward allying with others."
As Rufus strolled through the various townspeople, he would see silhouettes of adventurers standing near a pit where there was a fire burning and chattering about stories of old exploits. He could tell that they were a line up with good strength; each one had it in him.
"Let's speak with these adventurers," he said, nodding at the group. "We might find more willing hands to join our cause."
Rufus stepped forward to the fire, its flame to lick his skin and snatch whiffs of the roasted meat through the air to tempt him. The adventurers turned to them with curiosities wringing with a reservation.
"Of stories or by the fire?" asked a stout man with a bushy beard, standing in front of him, arms crossed over his broad chest.
Rufus took a deep breath, steadying himself on the resolve that had gotten him this far. "Actually, we're here presenting an opportunity. Darkness is falling on Elysara, and we are marshalling our allies to stand against it. Would you like to join us?"
The man raised an eyebrow, sarcasm lining his eyes. "And why should we trust you? Just because you say the darkness is coming doesn't make it true."
"We've seen the darkness already," Lyra said, stepping forward, her voice resolute. "Rufus has something of the Celestial Convergence in him. We need solid fighters; you look as if you have seen a few battles to your name."
The stout man looked at his companions, and the scowl hardening softened again. "The Celestial Convergence? That's some heavy talk for two wanderers."
Rufus felt the reluctance, the weight of their distrust. "I know you don't want to, but the threat is real. We can't dismiss it. Elysara needs protectors, and you are all certainly up for the job."
The man became silent for a moment. He uncrossed his arms and leaned forward in the chair. Intrigue lit up in his eyes. "What do you propose?
We have to be watchful over this place better and stronger in defense. We shall prepare ourselves for the winning of some more allies and for the storm as it is drawing near, Rufus said. "If we can really win here, then we are in a position to bind those who will be willing to fight together.".
He nodded slowly, thoughtfully. "You've got my attention. But I'm going to need to see you in action first. Talk is cheap, after all."
"Yes," Lyra piped in, her gaze never wavering. "We can show you what we are capable of. Let's show you our strength."
And so the portly man turned to his friends, "Well, let's see what you're made of. We'll conduct a sparring match right here, under the stars."
Rufus could feel the excitement in this prospect. He would not only prove himself but forge bonds with potential allies too. As they cleared out space around the fire, he turned to Lyra. "Are you ready?
"Always," she replied, determination plain on her face.
The first match opened between two of the adventurers: it was a tour of skill and muscles, which chilled the blood of onlookers. Rufus watched intently, analyzing techniques and strategies, knowing that every bit of information would be invaluable for battles to come.
It was his turn now when finally, a few rounds have already been done. He stood up straight, his heart thumping in his chest. The chubby man was toward him, and he could see the fire burning inside his eyes; the hunger for competition was on his face.
"Prove what you have to say," the man challenged by raising up his fists in the air.
Rufus nodded and focused as he tuned into the energy of the Celestial Convergence inside him. The flow would heighten his senses so that, when they broke into sparring, Rufus's rhythm was almost immediate-with a fluid dodging and weaving.
He stood back against the onslaught of movement in a flurry of counter-attack, but Rufus was prepared for that too, and dramatically agilely strongly prancing, exhibited fabulous defenses. With each one of the exchanges, Rufus found himself gaining more confidence and his excitement about the match lit the fire inside of him.
He continued fencing with Rufus, who put himself fully to the task of carrying out his movements as flowing, relaxed, and as balanced as possible. Now he recalled teachings in the Forgotten Veil Temple: humility, wisdom, and responsibility. He would not defeat his opponent but prove himself worthy.
At last, with an energetic sparring, Rufus pinned the stout man down on to the earth, both men panting.
"Yield?" he proposed, his grin spreading across his face.
The fellow laughed and nodded, a clear sign of deference. "You've got skill, lad. I can see you're not all prattle."
Rufus assisted him to his feet and the friendship was sealed then. "Thanks to you. Together we shall move forward on to whatever comes our way."
With every game, they were bowled over by the way Rufus and Lyra forged a connection and reached the depth of trust between them.
The last game is done, and excitement and determination fill the air.
"Right," said the stout man. "We respect you. I'm in. We'll stand with you against darkness".
The rest of the adventurers all nodded in agreement one by one. Shared purpose bonded them. Rufus felt thankfulness explode within him to know they were no longer alone in fighting their own cause.
As night fell, Rufus gathered everyone there to him and flickering flames lit up their faces. "Thanks for all of you coming with me. We're still at the very start of this thing, and the fact is, we are all together now so who knows? Perhaps we will make things better now.".
"First things first," Lyra said. "We need to scout the area for any dangers that may lurk here. If that dark mage is as vicious as he's made out to be, we are going to need to be prepared for anything."
One of the adventurers nodded his head. He was wiry and fast on his feet. "I've lived here. I can lead out a scouting party to look for signs of danger."
Good, Rufus replied, admiring the effort. "But we'll also have to obtain supplies. I think we should send some of you to the surrounding villages to recruit more manpower and supplies.".
Discussing the plans with fullness, he felt the weight of responsibility settle very comfortably on his shoulders. He had indeed moved from being the son of an exiled duke to a leader who led others against the approaching darkness.
"Together we'll stand against the storm," he declared, determination flickering in his eyes. "Elysara will not fall into despair while we draw breath.".
He smiled to Lyra, who looked at him through encouraging eyes. They'd come that far, they'd come this far, but things still were not smooth ahead; it would get worse-and they would yet make it, said Rufus and went in without another word.
Then the booms of destiny crept into the sky-a beginning for trials and triumphs. Stars gleamed at his sight when Rufus felt hope slowly blooming inside of him, a light in the darkness trying to consume their world.
And that moment, he knew they were ready to stand whatever the storm had prepared.