As Elira slowly opened her eyes, she was startled to find Zephyr sitting on his bed, staring off into the distance as if lost in a dream. At first, she thought she was still dreaming herself, so she pinched herself sharply. The sudden sting confirmed the reality of the moment. Sitting up, she quietly moved to Zephyr's side.
Feeling her presence, Zephyr turned, and when he saw her, a wide smile bloomed across his face, his eyes shimmering with unshed tears. Realizing he was crying, he quickly wiped his face, chuckling softly as he reached out and pulled her into a tight, grateful embrace.
"Thank you," he whispered, his voice thick with emotion. "Thank you for saving me on the battlefield."
Elira, momentarily surprised, let out a small laugh. "You big idiot," she teased softly. "I was barely hurt compared to you."
Zephyr shook his head, his expression softening. "You're more important to me, Elira. I knew they'd patch me up somehow... but if something had happened to you..." His voice trailed off, heavy with unspoken fears.
A faint blush spread across Elira's cheeks, and she quickly looked away, clearing her throat. "I think you're feeling better now, huh?" she murmured, trying to change the subject. But Zephyr's eyes locked onto hers, a curious glint in his gaze.
"Actually," he said slowly, "there's something I keep remembering from the fight. I saw someone on the battlefield—fighting like a beast. Blood everywhere... that warrior faced a one-armed enemy, fierce as a storm. We need to find him. He's someone we could really use."
Elira swallowed hard, her heart pounding. She forced herself to stay calm, hiding the fact that she had been the one fighting like that. "I have no idea who that could've been," she replied lightly, shrugging. "Maybe he left after you went down."
Zephyr frowned, considering her words before sighing. "Alright... maybe we missed our chance." He glanced at the time. "We'd better get ready for the council meeting. It might have already started without us."
Meanwhile, in the war tent, General Thorn's voice cut through the tense atmosphere. "I propose that both Sir Zephyr and Lieutenant Elira be kept out of the battle today."
A flurry of shocked protests erupted around the table, voices rising in confusion. "Why?" demanded one officer. "They're two of our strongest warriors!"
Thorn slammed his hand down on the table, commanding attention. "Have you all forgotten what happened yesterday? Sir Zephyr was nearly killed by a large-scale magic attack from Arcanan's Sage. If it weren't for Lieutenant Elira, we might have lost him."
The tent fell silent, the weight of his words sinking in. One officer spoke up, his voice uncertain. "But, General, how do we keep Zephyr out of the fight? We all know his nature. He won't stand by while others are risking their lives."
Thorn nodded thoughtfully. "That's exactly why we need a diversion. I suggest we send both of them to Ravenmere on an urgent mission. There are reports of a monster wave approaching. We'll instruct them to protect the town, and I'll make sure they understand they cannot leave until the threat is contained."
The officers exchanged glances, finally agreeing to the plan. As the room settled into uneasy silence, the sound of footsteps outside announced Zephyr's arrival. Thorn silenced the room with a sharp glance, and moments later, Zephyr and Elira entered the tent.
Once everyone was seated, Elira waited for Thorn to signal her to speak, but instead, the general stood, addressing them directly. "Lieutenant Elira, Sir Zephyr," he began, his voice firm, "today, both of you will be sitting out of the main battle."
Zephyr blinked in surprise. "With all due respect, General, we're two of the strongest here. How can we just sit out?"
Thorn met his gaze steadily. "Both of you are being sent to Ravenmere. We've received reports of a monster wave approaching the town. I need you there to ensure its safety. You are to stay until the threat is dealt with."
Zephyr hesitated, exchanging a glance with Elira. Though he was clearly reluctant, he finally nodded. "Understood, General."
Elira stood to leave, but Thorn's hand on her shoulder stopped her, silently signaling for her to remain seated. She complied without a word, waiting for Thorn to finish.
Once the room had emptied, Elira remained behind, waiting until only she and General Thorn were left. When the moment came, she cleared her throat. "Sir Thorn, wait."
Thorn turned back, his eyes twinkling with knowing amusement. "I expected you to stop me. Sit down," he said, motioning to a chair.
Elira sat, her brow furrowing as Thorn explained the plan. "You and Zephyr are going to Ravenmere, not the battlefield," he said. "You need to make sure he doesn't get involved in the main fight. He doesn't realize how close he came to death yesterday, and he needs rest—more than he understands."
Elira thought about the risks, her brow furrowing. "But Sir, what about the Sage and that 'pest' of hers?"
Thorn chuckled softly. "While you were resting, I received word. Thanks to you cutting off that man's arm, the Sage spent all night healing him. Neither of them will be joining the fight today, and her magic will be weakened."
Elira nodded, now fully understanding the strategy. "Understood, Sir. I'll make sure the Hero stays out of the fray."
Thorn placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Good work, Lieutenant. I'm proud of you." He gave her a final nod before leaving, and Elira followed soon after.
Outside, she spotted Zephyr standing next to their horses, waiting with a smirk. As she approached, he raised an eyebrow. "Took your sweet time, didn't you?" he teased. "Ready to go, my lady?" His eyes glinted with mischief.
Elira rolled her eyes. "Let's get going, then. We have a town to protect."
They mounted their horses, and after a few minutes of riding, Zephyr asked, "How long will it take to get there?"
"Two hours by the main road," she replied, "or one if we cut through the forest."
He grinned. "You know me—we're taking the forest."
Elira feigned worry. "But there might be monsters there. Will you be alright, princess?"
Zephyr's face flushed red. "Who are you calling princess?" he muttered, glaring at her. "And don't worry about monsters—there's nothing I can't slay."
As they entered the forest, Elira glanced at him with a mischievous smile. "Slaying monsters sounds boring. Let's make it interesting—a bet."
Zephyr's eyes lit up. "I'm listening. What's the wager?"
She smiled. "Whoever slays the most monsters wins. The prize? A wish—anything the winner wants. But there's one rule."
Zephyr raised an eyebrow. "What's that?"
"No holy sword," Elira said. "That would make it unfair."
He thought for a moment, then nodded, a confident grin spreading across his face. "Alright, but don't regret it when I win. No backing out."
Elira laughed. "Same to you, Hero. No backing out."
They spurred their horses into action, racing toward Ravenmere, both determined to claim victory in their little game.
As they approached the town's gate, the guards stepped forward, their expressions weary and stern. The signs of stress were evident in their bloodshot eyes and the nervous way they gripped their weapons.
Elira leaned toward Zephyr, her voice low. "Let's not make a scene. These guards look like they've been through enough."
Zephyr smirked. "You mean I shouldn't make a scene. Got it."
When they reached the gate, one guard stepped forward, his tone sharp. "Halt! State your business."
Elira dismounted gracefully, motioning for Zephyr to follow. "We're adventurers passing through," she said smoothly, offering a disarming smile. "He's my junior, still learning the ropes."
Zephyr rolled his eyes but stayed quiet, allowing Elira to take the lead. The guard eyed them suspiciously, his gaze lingering on Zephyr's armor. His brow furrowed. "That insignia..."
Zephyr tensed, realizing the mistake too late. The guard's demeanor shifted in an instant. "Wait, you're from Valoira! Why would a Valoiran knight be traveling this far without an escort? And during a monster wave?" His tone was laced with suspicion.
Before Zephyr could respond, a younger guard stepped forward, eyes widening. "Wait, is that... Sir Zephyr? The hero of Valoira?"
The older guard blinked, his suspicion melting into shock. "You mean the Zephyr? But why would he sneak into Ravenmere like this?"
Zephyr scratched the back of his head, offering an awkward grin. "Long story. Let's just say we're here to help with your monster problem."
The guards exchanged glances, their tension easing slightly. But before they could lower their weapons completely, a thunderous roar echoed from the distance, sending a chill through the air.