The Eternal Forest was a place where serenity reigned, like a bubble of peace untouched by time. The ancient trees towered high, creating a canopy that filtered the moonlight into silver beams, covering the ground with tranquil shadows. Elyriel walked among the trees, her steps light as the wind itself. Her eyes shone like two lost stars, carrying the knowledge of the ages, but also the weight of many memories.
That night, however, something disturbed her peace. The winds carried distant whispers, and the Forest seemed to murmur with unease. Elyriel paused and closed her eyes, focusing on the whispers.
"He is coming, my lady..."
"The cursed one and his companion..."
She heard the silent warnings but remained resolute. Somehow, she already knew that this meeting was inevitable. It was one of the many prophecies her mother had whispered to her when she was still a young elf. As the moment approached, Elyriel lifted her head and allowed the moonlight to bathe her, recharging her strength.
It was then that she heard the sound of heavy footsteps and the rustle of a worn traveler's cloak. Emerging from the darkness,
the warrior who stepped forth was an imposing figure, whose features revealed both strength and suffering. He was tall and robust, with a presence that exuded a mixture of determination and melancholy. His body was marked by scars that told stories of past battles, each one a testament to his bravery and the challenges he had faced. His skin was bronzed, and although he appeared to be someone who had spent many years under the sun and elements, the shadow of pain still lingered over him.
The warrior's eyes were a deep shade of blue, like a stormy sky, reflecting a tormented soul filled with untold stories. They carried the wisdom gained from his experiences, but also the sorrow of a curse that haunted him. In moments of calm, those eyes could shine with a glimmer of hope, but they were usually dull, as if a cloud was always hovering over his mind.
His hair was dark and tousled, falling in waves around his face, which was adorned with a neatly trimmed beard. He wore a sturdy leather armor, showing signs that it had been made to withstand many confrontations. The heavy cloak that enveloped him was made of a fabric that resembled the darkness of night, almost as if he were camouflaged within the shadows.
Beside him, the white wolf that accompanied him was as majestic as he was. The wolf moved with silent grace, as if it understood the burden its master carried. Together, they formed a powerful duo, with a bond that transcended words. The warrior was not just a fighter; he was a guardian of secrets, a protector of his people, but also a man in search of redemption, battling against the shadow of the curse that relentlessly pursued him.
Elyriel, noticing the presence of the warrior and his wolf, decided to break the silence. She stepped forward, her silver dress flowing like the moonlight around her. With a serene gaze, she said:
— "You come from afar, traveler. What brings a man like you to this sacred place?"
The warrior, taken aback by the softness of her voice, hesitated for a moment, assessing the situation. He had faced many enemies, but this ethereal presence felt different, almost intimidating.
— "I seek answers," he replied, his voice deep and low, reflecting the weight of his journey. "A curse haunts me, and rumors have brought me here. They say you know the secrets of the ages."
Elyriel tilted her head, her expression blending curiosity and compassion.