Elara Blackwood: clutches her sword, eyes narrow So, this is the welcome I get? Lovely. Just lovely.
A sudden gust of wind blows past them both, revealing a portal opening behind Elara. She stumbles forward, weakly grasping onto the edge of the portal
grips the edge of the portal, pulling herself forward with all her remaining strength Hold on, Thunderstrike. We're almost there.
They emerge on the other side, in a lush forest. Both are visibly exhausted, but alive.
panting heavily, supporting Thunderstrike as they stumble forward We're safe for now, but we can't let our guard down.
Weakly Safe... for now...
takes a moment to catch her breath, scanning their surroundings We need to find shelter before our enemies catch up to us.
Struggling to speak There... should be... a village... nearby...
nods, determination in her eyes Alright, Thunderstrike. We'll head towards that village. But we need to stay alert. Danger could be lurking around any corner.
Raises a hand weakly There... Village... ahead...
grabs Thunderstrike's hand, supporting his weight Alright, let's move. We'll make our way to that village and find help. Just hold on tight.
As they walk towards the village, Elara notices several armed guards patrolling the entrance.
As Elara and Thunderstrike approach the village guards, they are immediately detained on suspicion of being part of the rival clan responsible for the recent attack.
The guards grab Elara and Thunderstrike by the arms, one brandishing a weapon at them
narrows her eyes, stepping forward with defiance We may have stumbled upon your village, but we are not your enemies.
Raises his head weakly Not... your enemy...
steps closer to the guards, her voice firm and unwavering We come in peace. We were attacked and forced to flee. We seek refuge, nothing more. Guard 1: skeptical Refuge? And why should we believe you?
Raises his hands, one clutching his side Trust... us... please...
takes a deep breath, her voice steady and resolute Because we have no reason to cause harm.
Weakly Help... us... please...
steps even closer, her eyes locked with the guard's If you doubt our words, then kill us. Prove your suspicion. But know this - if you harm us, you will regret it. her voice is filled with conviction and a hint of menace Guard 1: hesitates, glancing at his fellow guards Fine. We'll take you to the village leader. He'll decide what to do with you.
tightens her grip on her sword, keeping her guard up We'll go with you, but remember, one wrong move and we won't hesitate to defend ourselves. Lead the way.
The guards nod and lead them towards a large building in the center of the village.
keeps a close eye on the guards, her hand always ready to draw her sword We're not your prisoners. If you try anything, we'll fight our way out.
They reach the large building, which appears to be the village chief's hall. The atmosphere inside is tense, with several armed guards stationed around the entrance.
steps forward with a calm yet determined expression We seek asylum in your village. We have been wrongfully accused and pursued by our enemies.
Raises his weak arm, gesturing towards the entrance Enter... we... will hear... your plea...
enters the hall confidently, her gaze sweeping across the room We come seeking refuge, not to cause trouble.
Voice trembling Hear... us... please...
stands tall before the village chief, her voice unwavering We seek refuge for my brother and me.
The chief nods slowly Very well... What is your name... and why... are you being hunted?
leans forward, her eyes piercing through the chief's gaze My name is Elara Blackwood.
Raises an eyebrow Blackwood? That... sounds familiar...
nods curtly Indeed, it is. My family has a... complicated history with your village. But I assure you, our intentions are purely defensive.
Leaning back in his chair Complicated... indeed. And how exactly did you end up fleeing from your home?
takes a deep breath, her voice steady and compelling Our home was attacked by a rival clan.
One of the guards whispers something to the chief, who listens intently.
locks eyes with the chief, her tone unwavering We fled because we were hunted. Our lives are in danger, and we seek sanctuary.