Months had passed since Kael had begun his training, and with each passing day, his body had grown stronger, more resilient. The endless hours of hauling heavy beams, sparring with his father, and performing the strange exercises had begun to pay off. He was taller now, his muscles more defined, his arms and legs no longer the skinny limbs of his youth. His father had started taking him more seriously in their sparring matches, though Kael still ended up on the ground more often than not. But each fall, each bruise, only strengthened his resolve.
One morning, Kael found himself near the river, the same one where they had thrown the mysterious silver ring into the water months ago. The rushing of the river was soothing, the cool breeze brushing his face as he practiced his stances. His weapon of choice, a sturdy branch he had cut down himself, swished through the air as he went through the movements his father had drilled into him. His mind was focused, his body moving with purpose as he imagined himself in battle, dodging and striking invisible foes.
The sun was high in the sky, casting dappled light through the trees that lined the riverbank. The soft murmur of the water was the only sound, until a sudden rustling in the bushes caught his attention. Kael froze, lowering his branch as his gaze darted toward the source of the noise.
And then, from between the trees, she emerged.
At first, Kael thought he was imagining things. A young girl, seemingly his age, stepped out of the forest with the grace of a deer. Her golden hair glowed in the sunlight, cascading down her shoulders like a waterfall of light. But what struck him most were her eyes—brilliant golden orbs that shimmered like polished gems, set above high cheekbones and delicate features. Her skin was pale, almost ethereal, and her ears—Kael's heart skipped a beat—were long and pointed. An elf.
The girl was dressed in a warrior's garb, though it was unlike anything Kael had ever seen. Her clothing seemed to be woven from leaves and natural fibers, tight-fitting and practical, yet somehow elegant. Her arms were bare, revealing slender, yet toned muscles, and at her side hung a small dagger, though she made no move to reach for it. She stood there, silent and still, her gaze locked on Kael, as if studying him as much as he was studying her.
For a moment, they simply stared at each other.
Kael, unsure of what to do, took a step back, his heart racing. He opened his mouth to speak, but no words came out. His mind scrambled for something to say, something that wouldn't make him sound like a complete fool. But how could he? This was an elf—a creature from the stories, a being of legend, standing right in front of him. And she was real.
"Uh… hi?" he finally managed to say, though it sounded more like a question than a greeting.
The elf girl didn't respond. Her eyes flicked to the branch in Kael's hand, then back to his face. She tilted her head slightly, her golden hair catching the light in a way that made her look even more otherworldly. Kael noticed the way her hand rested lightly on the hilt of her dagger, though she didn't seem threatened. It was more as if she was simply cautious, observing him as he stood there awkwardly.
They didn't speak the same language—that much was clear. But as they stood there, neither moving nor speaking, Kael couldn't help but feel a strange connection. It wasn't just her appearance that captivated him—it was the way she held herself, the quiet strength and calm that radiated from her. She seemed as much a part of the forest as the trees themselves, blending seamlessly with the natural world around her.
Minutes passed, though it felt like hours to Kael. He wasn't sure what to do—was he supposed to leave? Should he try to communicate somehow? He felt the weight of the silence pressing down on him, unsure whether to run or stay.
Finally, the girl's eyes softened, and without a word, she turned and disappeared back into the forest, moving so fluidly that Kael wondered if she had ever been there at all.
For a long time, he stood there, staring after her, his heart pounding in his chest. The encounter had been brief, but it had left an indelible mark on his mind. He could still see her in his mind's eye—the way her golden eyes had watched him, the way her ears had twitched slightly as she stood there, silent and mysterious.
---
That evening, Kael hurried home, eager to tell his parents what had happened. His mother, Lira, was in the kitchen, preparing dinner, while his father, Ronan, was seated by the fire, mending an old tool. Kael burst through the door, his words tumbling out in a rush.
"I saw an elf today," he blurted, still breathless from the walk home. "Down by the river. She was beautiful, and—and she didn't say anything, but she was just standing there, watching me. She had golden hair and eyes, and these long ears, and she looked like a warrior or something."
Ronan raised an eyebrow, glancing at Lira, who wiped her hands on her apron and turned to face Kael with an amused smile.
"An elf, you say?" Ronan said, his voice filled with skepticism. "Are you sure you didn't just imagine it, lad? You've been working hard lately. Maybe the sun got to your head."
"I'm serious!" Kael insisted, frustration creeping into his voice. "She was real! She didn't say anything, but I could tell she wasn't from around here. Her clothes—they were different. And her eyes… I've never seen anything like them."
Lira chuckled softly, shaking her head. "Kael, dear, if you did see an elf, it's no wonder she didn't speak to you. The elves from the native tribes around here aren't like us. They don't mingle with humans often, and when they do, it's rare."
Ronan leaned back in his chair, a thoughtful look crossing his face. "Elves, huh? It's strange to see one near Eldenwood. They usually keep to themselves, deep in the forests. But you're right, they are known for their beauty and their… unusual ways."
Kael frowned. "You believe me, then?"
His father nodded. "I do, lad. Elves aren't unheard of, though they're more common in the bigger kingdoms, like Rheloria. Strong mages and warriors there—some of them elves, even. But here, in a place like Eldenwood? You must have caught her attention. Probably didn't think you were worth talking to."
Lira added, "Elves have their own language, Kael. They're an ancient people, and most don't bother learning our tongue. You're lucky she didn't try to scare you off."
"Why would she? I wasn't doing anything," Kael muttered, feeling a bit defensive.
Ronan chuckled. "Elves aren't known for making small talk with farmers' sons. But they're part of the world, just like us. Though, like your mother said, it's strange to see one here."
As Kael sat down for dinner, his thoughts wandered. The encounter had opened his eyes in ways he hadn't expected. How much did he really know about the world outside Eldenwood? The girl's appearance was a stark reminder of his own ignorance. There were kingdoms, cultures, and people out there he had only heard of in passing. Perhaps moving to Rheloria, the nearest and most powerful kingdom, would do him some good—expose him to things beyond the quiet village life he had known for so long.
But even as the idea formed in his mind, he knew it was something his parents would never approve of. To them, Eldenwood was home, a place of safety and familiarity. The idea of leaving it behind, venturing into a world filled with mages, warriors, and elves, would be seen as madness.