Once fertile, Druvan'hal'or is now trapped in destruction. Erindor, a village that was once a symbol of hope, is now reduced to ruins under the rule of the Orcs, who came like an unstoppable wave. The gray sky hangs low, like an endless burden pressing upon the land that was once full of life. Every corner of the village is filled with the heavy footsteps of Orcs, adding to the suffering of the few residents still clinging to life. They are forced to grind their hopes away in the emptiness, serving merciless conquerors.Ardan walks swiftly between the ruins of houses and streets that once echoed with laughter. His sharp eyes reveal determination, even though his soul and body have long been weary. Every step feels heavier, yet his spirit remains ignited. Beside him, Eira walks slowly, her face filled with confusion. It is the first time she has seen such a shattered world, and every corner of the village filled with suffering makes her feel alien in a place she doesn't recognize.They stop in front of Kaelen Marris's house, the elder of the village, who is leaning against the wall of his small home, which still stands more intact than the others. Kaelen looks at them with a sharp gaze that reflects wisdom and an unspoken burden. His wrinkled face suggests many years of experience, and despite his frail body, his eyes still radiate strength from the time spent contemplating the fate of this village."Ardan," Kaelen's voice is soft yet firm. "How are you?"Ardan nods slowly, trying to hide the exhaustion on his face. "Still holding on, Kaelen," he answers hoarsely, as though holding back the accumulated weariness. He glances at Eira standing beside him, a little worried. "I brought a friend. This is Eira, from outside the village."Kaelen studies Eira with great attention. His sharp eyes assess every movement, every layer of story hidden behind her appearance. After a few moments, he shifts his gaze and says with a thin smile, "Welcome to Erindor. Here, we just survive. Don't expect much under their pressure."The atmosphere falls silent for a moment, the only sound being the gust of wind adding to the quiet. Kaelen looks far ahead, toward the scattered ruins of the village, as though reflecting on more than just the present. "We are all tired, Ardan," he continues, his voice deeper, full of meaning. "But hope... hope doesn't always come the way we want it."Ardan sighs deeply, then looks at Eira with a meaningful gaze, as if seeking approval to continue the conversation. "I'll find a way to fight back, Kaelen. This has gone on for too long. We can't keep living in fear like this."Kaelen nods slowly, although his smile is slightly wry. "We'll see, Ardan. Sometimes, we must fight in ways we never expect."Eira, who has been listening silently, lowers her head, her eyes focused on the ground beneath her. Her heart is filled with confusion, every word she hears shakes her. She wants to speak, to voice the unrest inside her, but the words seem trapped at the edge of her lips.But before Eira can speak, Ardan breaks the silence surrounding them with a voice full of determination, though hidden exhaustion lingers. "Kaelen," he says, his tone lower but firm, "There's something we need to discuss later. We can't keep going like this forever. The Orcs are multiplying."Ardan's words hang in the air, as though carrying an emptiness that's hard to understand. Eira looks at Ardan with questioning eyes, and Kaelen observes both of them with a meaningful stare, as if evaluating what truly lies behind Ardan's words.Kaelen gazes at Ardan deeply, as if trying to pierce through the layers of emotion and hope hidden behind the words. After a few moments, he nods slowly. "We can't keep hiding," he says, his voice heavy but full of meaning. "But we must be careful. No one can know our plans."Kaelen's words carry an undeniable tension. He lowers his head for a moment, as if contemplating the consequences of every step they take. "Our enemy is not just the Orcs," he continues in a deeper tone, "but also distrust. When hope begins to fade, we must keep that fire burning, even if it's only in our hearts."Eira feels a strong urge within her to join in, even though she knows the path they are choosing is full of danger. Not long after their brief conversation, Ardan and Eira continue their journey through the shattered streets, heading to the farthest part of the village, where more residents still cling to life despite being trapped and desperate.With every step they take across the dusty, ruined ground, it feels as though they are walking through a corridor of time, full of fading memories. They meet a young woman who stands apart from the others they have seen. At the end of the road, her sharp eyes full of caution watch them. Her long, disheveled hair looks slightly unkempt, but there is a spark of spirit in her upright posture. The small smile on her face suggests a strength greater than any weariness that may have cloaked her.This woman is Lyra Dain, a brave soul well-known in the village for her courage in fighting the Orcs, despite her strength being no match for the enemy's forces. She watches them for a moment, ensuring there are no lurking threats, before walking toward them."Ardan," she greets in a low but enthusiastic voice. "You returned when this village needs you." Lyra glances at Eira standing beside Ardan. "Who is she?" she asks with full attention.Ardan looks at Eira, hesitates for a moment, then introduces her. "This is Eira," he answers briefly. "She's from outside the village."Lyra observes Eira for a moment, her eyes full of questions, but she simply nods as a sign of respect. "We need to make a plan," she says firmly. "The Orcs are becoming more aggressive. We can't keep living like this, under the fear that binds us every day."Eira looks at Lyra with curiosity. "How will you fight?" she asks softly. "You're so few, and they're too strong."Lyra gazes at Eira with a slight smile, but there is power in her gaze. "Small doesn't mean insignificant," she responds gently, yet with firm conviction. "We may be few, but if we can ignite the spirit that's almost gone out, we can change something. Maybe not now, maybe not easily, but that doesn't mean it's impossible."Ardan sighs, then folds his arms across his chest. His gaze shifts between Lyra and Eira, then he looks at the quiet village from where they stand. "Lyra's right," he says finally, his voice heavy as though bearing an unspoken weight. "We have to start small. Don't rush. One mistake could be fatal."Silence envelops them again. But within that silence, something begins to shift. Like a tiny spark that has just ignited—small, yet enough to begin the long-awaited resistance.**That day feels very long for Ardan. As usual, after his meetings with Lyra and Kaelen, which leave many questions in his mind, he finds himself back in the never-ending routine. Working under the strict supervision of the Orcs, who give no chance to rest, has become a part of his life. But this time, something feels different. Eira—the strange woman whose origins are unknown—keeps following his every step, her confused gaze never fading. Ardan feels something odd about her presence. She doesn't speak much, just remains silent, but her presence alone makes Ardan uncomfortable.The morning begins in the village's supply warehouse, a place that is usually quiet with piles of harvested crops: rice, corn, and wheat. Ardan lifts heavy sacks with practiced motions, moving them to designated spots. However, his eyes occasionally glance at Eira, standing by the door, observing with a gaze full of doubt. Ardan knows he is being watched, and it makes him uneasy."If you're just going to stand there, don't block the door," he says curtly, his eyes glaring at Eira. The atmosphere around them seems to tense.Eira flinches slightly, but does not change her stance. She shrugs and replies softly, "I can help," though there's a firmness in her voice that surprises Ardan.Ardan snorts, displeased with what he perceives as too much boldness. "Then take that over there," he says, pointing to a smaller sack. "But don't break anything. I don't want to get punished because of your carelessness."Eira nods, though her face shows a hint of anxiety. Her body, clearly unaccustomed to heavy labor, begins to show signs of fatigue. Sweat beads on her forehead, but she keeps trying hard to follow Ardan's orders. Though every muscle in her body begins to ache, Eira doesn't complain, and that slightly impresses Ardan, though he doesn't express it.By midday, Ardan continues his work in the livestock pen. The task is familiar: feeding the chickens, cows, and goats. It's a routine he's followed for years, but this time, Eira is again present. Her presence makes Ardan feel uneasy. He watches Eira with narrowed eyes as she attempts to feed the chickens, though her actions seem awkward and unskilled."Hey, don't scatter the food like that," Ardan says roughly, trying to suppress the growing frustration. "These chickens aren't guests at a dinner party. You have to be more careful."Eira looks at him with raised eyebrows, slightly confused by his tone. "I'm just trying to help," she replies calmly, though a trace of annoyance lingers.Ardan sighs deeply, frustrated by Eira's inability to follow his instructions easily. "Look," he says, stepping forward to take a handful of feed. "This is how you do it," he says, scattering the food evenly. "Do you think the chickens can share food politely?"Eira pauses for a moment, watching carefully. After a while, she tries again, this time more cautiously, and does it much better. Ardan gives a small nod of approval, though he says nothing.As the afternoon approaches, they both head to the cow and goat pen to milk them. A task Ardan has long been familiar with, but seeing Eira struggling again makes him feel uneasy. While Eira tries her best, Ardan stands by, occasionally shaking his head."Do you know, you're more of a hassle than a help," Ardan says curtly, almost sounding like a complaint.Eira rolls her eyes, holding back her annoyance. "I don't want to be a burden," she responds, her voice a little harder. "I just want to help."Ardan sighs deeply, growing more frustrated. "Then take it slow. Don't make these cows panic. They're smarter than you think." He quickly takes over the task, making sure the cows aren't disturbed. Eira can only stand still and watch, feeling somewhat helpless.**As twilight finally arrived, Ardan returned to his small, simple home at the edge of the village. The sun, beginning to set, cast a soft orange glow, but the beauty felt in stark contrast to the somber atmosphere of the village. When he reached the door of his house, Ardan paused for a moment, realizing that Eira was still following him. He looked at her with a face full of confusion."What are you really trying to do?" Ardan asked, his voice a mix of bewilderment and irritation. "You've been following me all day. You don't plan to come into my house too, do you?"Eira smiled awkwardly, though there was clearly a hint of embarrassment on her face. "I... don't know where else to go," she replied, her tone softer. "I just feel better not being alone."Ardan sighed deeply, feeling weary from everything that had happened. He rubbed his face with his hand, trying to calm himself. "Fine," he said finally, though his voice sounded reluctant. "You can stay here for the night. But only tonight, understand? Tomorrow I'll find you a place to stay. And you must stay inside. Don't let the Orcs see you."Eira nodded obediently, though her expression showed curiosity. "Why? Will they suspect me?"Ardan scoffed quietly, giving her a serious look. "Suspect you? Just look at yourself. With clothes like that and the way you speak, it's obvious you're not from here. The Orcs are cautious and a little brutal. If they see you, you might become the center of attention, and that would put us all in danger."Eira fell silent, finally understanding the truth in Ardan's words. She followed him inside the small house, feeling the tension that filled the air. The place was far from the comfort she was used to, but for now, it felt like a safe haven.**Eira stepped into Ardan's house, her eyes immediately drawn to the stark simplicity. The small room was filled with an eerie silence, almost as if time had stopped. There were no luxurious furnishings, only an old wooden table and two chairs, one of which had a wobbly leg. A small stove in the corner was rusty, with a few pieces of firewood struggling to ignite. The wooden walls creaked as the night wind blew through. A small shelf was nearly collapsing, holding cracked plates and cups missing their handles. In the corner, a thin straw mat lay on the dirt floor, serving as an uncomfortable bed. On top of it, an old, folded blanket barely visible in its faded pattern.Eira looked around with an expression that was hard to hide—not disgust, but pity. Ardan, who was busy placing a small cloth bag containing hard bread on the table, noticed her expression and stopped for a moment."What's wrong?" Ardan said, his eyes sharp.Eira was startled. "What do you mean?"Ardan stared at her briefly, then continued placing the bread without much care. "Do you think my house looks like a trash heap?" His voice was flat.Eira raised both her hands. "It's not like that, it's just... this is the first time I've seen a place like this.""Of course," Ardan replied, his tone growing colder. "You must be used to luxury."Eira lowered her gaze, feeling cornered. "I didn't say that," she said quietly. "It's just... it's very simple."Ardan snorted, unconcerned with her explanation. "Simple? More like 'poor,' right?"Eira fell silent, trying to find the right words. "I didn't say that," she said slowly. "I just... feel like there's warmth here, even if it's simple."Ardan turned with a blank expression. "Warmth?" he said sarcastically. "Are you serious?"Eira nodded, trying to convince him. "Yes. There's something unique about this place. Even the plate rack—""Unique?" Ardan interrupted quickly, "That broken plate rack is unique, huh?"Eira smiled faintly, trying to lighten the mood. "Well, I mean, it... could be called modern art."Ardan only glanced at her briefly, then returned his focus to the stove. "You're strange," he muttered.Eira sat down on the wobbly chair. It creaked loudly as she did, almost causing her to fall. Ardan glanced at her briefly."Be careful," Ardan said coldly. "If it breaks, you're responsible."Eira chuckled softly. "How would I replace it? With a straw chair?"Ardan shrugged indifferently. "Your call."A few seconds of silence hung between them. Only the small crackling fire in the stove could be heard.Eira finally spoke softly. "I'm serious. This place... I feel safe here."Ardan merely glanced at her, then lowered his head. "You're strange," he said flatly, but this time there was a slight warmth in his voice, though it was almost imperceptible.**Ardan opened the small bag he had carried, pulling out the dry, hard bread and a small pot of thin broth made from beef bones. Next to it were some overcooked wheat, drier than rice, and a small bowl of dried fish. There were no fresh vegetables, only a pinch of salt sprinkled on top.Eira looked at the food carefully. The hard bread was tough to bite, and the thin broth barely enough to fill a hungry stomach. This was a far cry from the luxurious food she was used to in the kingdom of Lyndralis—fresh fruits, choice meats, fragrant spiced dishes. Here, in Ardan's shabby home, this was all they had after a long day.Eira bit into the edge of the bread, trying not to show any expression that might offend Ardan.Ardan, sitting across from her with his bowl of broth, watched her intently. "You don't need to pretend," he said, his voice louder than it should have been. "This isn't luxury food, and you don't have to feel sorry for me."Eira looked at him, slightly surprised. "I'm not feeling sorry for you," she replied softly. "I just... have never eaten like this. But I know you've tried."Ardan snorted. "Food like this is enough to survive. If you want something tastier, I can't give it to you."Eira nodded, trying to hide the tension between them. "I know. I just haven't gotten used to it."Silence filled the room. Only the sound of spoons clinking against bowls could be heard as Eira awkwardly sipped the thin broth. Ardan ate quickly, not saying much, as if there was nothing to explain.After eating, Eira felt a strange sense of gratitude growing inside her. Though simple, this meal was a gift in a world full of destruction. However, that feeling didn't erase the awkwardness between her and Ardan. While Ardan seemed indifferent, Eira could sense there was a hidden wound behind his harsh words.Ardan placed his spoon down roughly and stared at Eira. "You can sleep over there," he said, pointing to the straw mat in the corner. "I'll keep the fire going. Don't make noise."Eira nodded quietly, not daring to say more. She lay down on the mat, trying to sleep despite still being hungry and restless. The silence of that night was filled only with the irregular beat of Eira's heart, while Ardan remained seated near the stove, lost in his solitude.**The night grew later, and the cold air crept into this small, cramped house. Eira lay on the rough straw mat, her eyes wide open despite the exhaustion weighing down her body. In the corner of the room, Ardan sat leaning against the fragile wooden wall, his eyes fixed on the fire that was beginning to dim. The sound of crackling wood blended with the stillness of the night, and occasionally, Ardan would move his stick to keep the fire alive—the only source of warmth in this house full of gaps.The sound of the wind howling outside grew stronger, making Eira feel isolated. Finally, she broke the silence. "Ardan, why do you stay here alone? Didn't your parents come home after work?"Ardan remained silent, only moving the wood in the fire. He shrugged with a blank expression, not looking up. "They died when I was 12. No one has come back since."Eira was taken aback; Ardan's words were cold. She paused, feeling awkward. "I'm sorry," she said softly. "I didn't mean to remind you of that."Ardan merely nodded without saying more, his eyes still focused on the weakening fire. "You don't need to apologize," he replied flatly. "Everyone has their own past."The room fell silent again, heavy with an unspoken tension, and Eira could feel the hidden wounds within Ardan. Despite his harsh demeanor, something about him called to Eira, urging her to know him better.Finally, Ardan broke the silence. "Sleep," he ordered. "Tomorrow we need to survive. Stay inside this house, I'll make sure everything's safe."Eira nodded softly, then lay back on the mat. The night felt long, but she knew their journey had just begun. Every step would bring them closer to the reality they would have to face: survival.**Morning arrived slowly, with soft sunlight filtering through the cracks in Ardan's house. Eira woke, her eyes heavy, but something she couldn't ignore stirred within her—a strange feeling that had haunted her since their conversation the night before. Her thoughts swirled, with no clear answers, yet the fatigue eventually took her back into a restless sleep.When Eira woke, the house that had been silent before now felt suffocating. There were no signs of Ardan. Only the silence embraced her. Suddenly, the door that had been tightly shut the night before creaked open, and Ardan appeared with his usual blank expression."Finally awake," he said gruffly. "You were snoring and talking in your sleep last night. I could hear you from outside."Eira froze, her face turning red, but inside, a feeling of irritation began to rise. She held herself in check, choosing to remain calm. "Ah, sorry," she replied softly. "I was tired from the journey yesterday."Ardan just nodded briefly. Behind him, a woman entered the house. She was calm, with sharp eyes and a demeanor that suggested she was no ordinary person."This is Mara Jyn," Ardan said, shifting aside to make room. "She can help."Mara Jyn smiled faintly, but there was depth behind her smile. "I heard about the incident at the cave. You were the one who healed Ardan, weren't you?"Eira nodded slowly, a bit surprised. "Yes, I just tried to help."Mara studied Eira for a moment, then offered, "If you need temporary shelter, I can take you in. This village isn't comfortable, but at least I can give you a safe place."Eira felt a sense of relief, though still hesitant. "Thank you, I appreciate it."Ardan stared at them without expression. "Take care of your business," he said flatly. "I've got work to do." Without waiting, he turned and left, leaving Eira and Mara in the silence.Mara motioned for Eira to follow. "Come on, to my house."Mara Jyn led Eira out of the house, through a nearly invisible back door. They moved quickly, carefully, avoiding any Orc patrols that might be nearby. Eira followed anxiously, trying to keep her steps silent."Don't go too fast," Mara whispered. "We need to stay calm."They continued on, hiding behind trees whenever a sound approached. The tension was palpable, but there was hope within it. Finally, after navigating a winding path, they arrived at a small house hidden among the trees.Mara entered first, checking for any danger. "Come in," she said. "Wait here until either I or Ardan return. Don't go outside."Eira nodded, feeling a little more at ease despite her worry. "Thank you," she said quietly.Mara gently closed the door behind them. The house was simple, with minimal but neat furnishings. Some herbs and plants decorated the corners of the room, revealing that Mara was a healer with great care.Eira sat down, reflecting. Although the place felt safe, she knew this peace wouldn't last long. The tension in the village and the constant threats lurking around made her realize that this was only temporary.