The morning sunlight spilled over the village, casting everything in a warm, golden glow. The once-tense air between the villagers and adventurers had softened considerably. Kaelen sat by the well, watching as villagers exchanged conversations with his companions. It was a stark change from when they'd first arrived.
A burly farmer showed Riven how to secure a bundle of firewood properly. Elara knelt beside a seamstress, learning how to patch up a torn satchel. Even Kaelen himself had found common ground with a healer in the village, sharing remedies and discussing the peculiarities of the local flora.
Kaelen couldn't help but smile. "This is good for all of us."
.
Riven hefted another stack of heavy wooden planks, his muscles flexing under the weight. He could feel the villagers' eyes on him, some impressed, others cautious, but no longer fearful.
A young man working beside him gave him an appraising look. "You're strong," the villager said. "Were you always like this?"
Riven smirked. "Not always. It takes training. And time."
As they worked together, Riven found himself enjoying the simplicity of the task. It wasn't often he got to relax—his life as an adventurer had always been about surviving the next battle. Here, among these simple people, he felt a strange sense of normalcy.
Leiurus stood by, observing the growing camaraderie with a sense of satisfaction. The villagers seemed more relaxed, the adventurers more at ease. He spotted Riven carrying another load of wood with ease, his strength apparent in every movement.
The sight sparked an idea.
"Riven," Leiurus called, walking over.
Riven placed the planks down and raised an eyebrow. "What is it?"
"I couldn't help but notice your skill with your hands—and your strength," Leiurus began, carefully choosing his words. "I've been thinking… Would you teach me how to wield a sword?"
Riven blinked, caught off guard. "You? A sword?"
"Yes," Leiurus said, his tone light. "I'm curious about it. Plus, it seems like a useful skill to have."
Riven crossed his arms, frowning. "You realize this isn't easy, right? It's not just swinging a blade around. If you're not careful, you'll end up hurt."
Leiurus grinned. "I understand. But even if I get tossed around, it's my own fault. I won't hold it against you."
The villagers nearby had started to glance over, curiosity evident on their faces. Riven hesitated, lowering his voice. "Look, I don't want to upset the trust they're finally giving us. If you mess this up…"
"I'll vouch for you," Leiurus interrupted, his tone reassuring. "If anything goes wrong, I'll take full responsibility."
Riven gave him a skeptical look, his sharp eyes scanning Leiurus's lean frame. "Do you even train?"
Leiurus scratched the back of his neck nervously. "Well, not… exactly."
Riven raised an eyebrow. "Then how do you look like that?"
"Uh… genetics?" Leiurus said, a bit too quickly.
"Genetics?" Riven repeated, his tone laced with confusion.
"Healthy eating!" Leiurus corrected hurriedly, realizing his slip. "Lots of healthy eating."
Riven stared at him for a moment, then shook his head with a small chuckle. "Fine. I'll show you some basics. But don't blame me if you wake up sore tomorrow."
Leiurus smiled brightly. "Thank you in advance."
.
From across the village square, Elara watched the exchange between Leiurus and Riven with growing curiosity. She leaned closer to Kaelen, who was sitting beside her. "He's full of surprises, isn't he?"
Kaelen nodded, his gaze thoughtful. "Swordsmanship isn't the only thing that interests him, it seems."
Elara tilted her head. "What do you mean?"
Kaelen gestured subtly toward the villagers. "He's deeply tied to this place. You can tell. But there's something more to him. Something… unusual."
Elara hummed in agreement, her gaze lingering on Leiurus. "He's odd, isn't he? He's well-loved by the villagers, connected to Grimfang—uh, I mean Grymdras Felrahn, Keeper of the Verdant Glen—and he even carries Lady Elyndra's name."
Kaelen raised an eyebrow. "Are you saying you're suspicious of him?"
"Not suspicious," Elara said, her tone softening. "Just… curious. He's unlike anyone I've ever met."
Her eyes traced Leiurus's features as he laughed at something Riven said. His face was sharp yet gentle, with high cheekbones and a straight nose. His hair, a deep obsidian black, dark translucent blue highlights that shimmered faintly in the sunlight, falling in soft waves to his shoulders. His eyes, a striking dark blue, held a quiet intensity that seemed to see everything. His skin was smooth and pale, almost luminous in its clarity, and his lean frame carried an effortless grace.
"He's… attractive," Elara admitted, almost to herself.
Kaelen turned to her with a raised eyebrow. "Really?"
Elara shrugged, feigning nonchalance. "You don't think so?"
Kaelen shook his head, smirking. "I'll leave that judgment to you."
Elara laughed softly, her cheeks tinged with a faint blush. "He's just… interesting. That's all."
Kaelen said nothing, but he couldn't deny that Leiurus's mysterious nature intrigued him as well.
.
Leiurus felt Elara and Kaelen's gazes on him as he walked with Riven toward a clear area in the village. He chuckled inwardly, guessing they were probably dissecting his sudden interest in swordsmanship.
Riven handed him a practice sword, its weight unfamiliar in Leiurus's hands. "First, get used to holding it," Riven instructed. "Feel the weight. Balance it."
Leiurus nodded, gripping the hilt and trying to mimic Riven's stance. The adventurer smirked, stepping closer to adjust Leiurus's posture.
"Keep your back straight. Feet apart. You're not holding a broom, so stop slouching."
Leiurus couldn't help but laugh. "You're a tough teacher."
"You'll thank me later," Riven said, his tone dry.
As they began practicing basic movements, Leiurus felt a strange thrill. The rhythm of the training, the weight of the sword—it was exhilarating in a way he hadn't expected.
From the sidelines, Elara watched with a thoughtful expression, while Kaelen shook his head with a faint smile.
"This village is full of mysteries," Kaelen murmured.
"And Leiurus might be the biggest one," Elara replied.