The forest was quiet save for the ragged breaths and shuffling steps of three individuals who looked as though they had barely escaped a terrible fate. They were battered and bruised, each leaning on the other as they limped toward a faint glimmer of hope in the distance—a gate that signaled a possible village beyond. Their clothes were torn, stained with both dried and fresh blood, the remnants of recent battles evident in every rip and bruise.
The elf woman, leading the group with a determined but weary expression, gripped her bow tightly. Every step sent a jolt of pain through her legs, but she pushed forward, unwilling to falter when they were so close to safety. Her vision blurred, but her resolve remained firm.
She raised her hand, signaling her two companions to stop. A chill ran down her spine as she saw a massive figure standing at the gate, its silhouette looming with an undeniable presence.
The two men behind her exchanged worried glances. "What is it?" one asked in a hoarse voice.
She could barely get the words out. "That… that's a spirit beast…"
Her companions tensed, preparing themselves as best they could, despite their fatigue. The elf woman attempted to draw her bow, but her hands shook. Her body screamed in protest, drained of both strength and Essentia, but the instinct to defend herself and her companions was too strong to ignore.
.
Grimfang observed the three with a calm, assessing gaze. He could smell the blood and feel the exhaustion radiating from their bodies. Yet, as they attempted to ready themselves, Grimfang's voice resonated through the air, deep and unthreatening. "Do not raise your weapons. I mean you no harm."
The trio froze, their expressions shifting from fear to confusion. They had heard stories of spirit beasts, but none that spoke in such a way. Slowly, understanding dawned on them.
"Grimfang… the guardian of the forest," one of the men whispered, a hint of awe in his voice. Despite their exhaustion, all three dropped to one knee in respect, recognizing his stature.
Grimfang's eyes softened as he regarded them. "Stand. There's no need to bow in such a state." He paused, eyeing their torn clothing and battered forms. "You are injured. What brought you to this condition?"
Before the elf woman could answer, a familiar voice called out from within the village.
Leiurus approached with a curious gaze, studying the scene before him. He walked up to Grimfang, hands casually in his pockets, as he looked over the trio with a mixture of curiosity and concern.
"So, Grimfang, what's the situation here?" Leiurus asked, his tone light but laced with genuine interest.
"They appeared suddenly at the gate, injured and exhausted. I was about to inquire about their intentions," Grimfang responded, his voice respectful.
Leiurus looked over the strangers, noticing their wary expressions and the glimmer of fear still lingering in their eyes. He sighed, folding his arms. "Let's not leave them suffering here. Can you heal them?"
Grimfang hesitated. "Are you sure? We don't know their purpose."
Leiurus shrugged with a confident smile. "If they mean harm, I'm sure you can handle it, right?" He gave Grimfang a wink.
With a nod, Grimfang's eyes glowed a faint greenish-gold, and the Essentia in the air swirled around the three strangers. The healing energy enveloped them, their wounds slowly mending and their strength gradually returning. As the pain faded from their bodies, they looked at Grimfang in awe.
The elf woman, regaining her composure, bowed her head slightly. "Thank you, Grimfang. We are in your debt."
Grimfang simply inclined his head. "Now, will you tell me what led to your injuries and why you approached this village?"
She hesitated, exchanging a look with her two companions. Just as she opened her mouth to speak, Leiurus interjected with a calm smile. "That can wait. You must be hungry, right? Come, let's get you inside the village."
The elf woman glanced at him, uncertain. "Are… are you sure it's alright?"
Leiurus nodded. "Of course." He then introduced himself, "My name is Leiurus… Leiurus Quinquestriatus."
The three of them froze at his full name. The elf woman's eyes widened as she asked, "Are you… associated with Lady Elyndra?"
Leiurus's smile faltered slightly before he gave a short nod. "Something like that. She's more of a… benefactor to me."
The elf woman and her companions seemed eager to press further, but Leiurus raised a hand to silence them. "All your questions will be answered once you're settled. For now, let's focus on getting you fed and rested."
He led them through the gate, feeling Grimfang's approving gaze on him as they entered the heart of the village. The day that had begun with joy and laughter was now tinged with mystery, as the presence of these strangers hinted at a story yet to be told.