Meanwhile, in a secluded forest clearing, a group of elves gathered around a crackling fire.
Their leader, a silver-haired elf with piercing eyes, stepped forward. She wore lightweight armor crafted from bark and ivy, her presence commanding.
"The dragon is preparing its offensive," she declared, her voice sharp and clear. Her companions exchanged grim looks. "We must act before it destroys what remains of our land."
A frail-looking young elf hesitated before stepping forward. "Matron, wouldn't it be wiser to seek help from the humans? Their ingenuity could—"
"No," the matron cut him off, her tone leaving no room for argument. "The humans have never respected our forests. Their greed is no different from the dragon's. We must prepare to fight this battle alone."
The clearing filled with uneasy murmurs. The matron placed a steady hand on the gnarled trunk that served as the center of their circle.
