In the forest.
???: (Hits the branches out of the way) Why do all these trees look the same???
???: Stop complaining Edvard, it's not gonna get us out of this forest anytime soon.
Edvard: So what? Do you see any way out?
???: Yes.
Edvard: What? Where?
???: Just beyond those trees.
They walk to the trees.
???: Shh...
Edvard: (Whispering) What? Who do you see?
???: (Whispering) I don't know, possibly bandits.
Edvard: What even is that place? It looks abandoned.
???: Seems like it, it's really run down.
Edvard: It looks familiar actually...
???: How come? It doesn't look familiar to me.
Edvard: Of course you wouldn't recognize it, you swing that stupid sword of yours all day.
???: Hey, it's better than being a bookworm.
Edvard: Do you want to know why that place looks familiar?
???: ...
Edvard: From what I've gathered from the books, that place looks exactly like the village Evergarden.
???: Evergarden? You mean-
Edvard: Yes. Where Elxianna used to live.
???: (Stays silent) ...
Edvard: You know Noah, you have to forget her eventually.
Noah: ...
Edvard: (Sigh) You're hopeless you know.
Noah: Whatever. Just continue. (He follows the bandits)
Edvard: Hey! Wait up. (He follows Noah)
???: Is anyone following us?
???: Not from what I can tell.
???: Good. Let's head inside.
The two take a step forward and vanish.
Noah: What the-?
Edvard: They just vanished into thin air...
Noah: Let's take a closer look.
Edvard: Wait! It might dangerous-!
Noah goes to the entrance.
Edvard: And of course he ignores me... ungrateful brat.
Noah: I heard that!
Edvard: I was just joking!... not....
Noah: (Rolling his eyes) Hurry up already.
Edvard: (Annoyed) I'm coming, I'm coming, geez not everyone was trained to be a head guard annddd topped their class in training like you.
Noah: This is the spot where they vanished.
Edvard: Wow we also have Mr. Captain Obvious with us today!
Noah: I shouldn't have partnered up with you.
Edvard: Humph. You should be grateful. Without me you wouldn't know the history of anything!
Noah: (In sarcastic tone) Oh nooo. I'm sooooo scared. What am I ever gonna do without history by my side? I don't think I can ever live without it. Please spare me oh wise one.
Edvard: Of course without me- that was sarcasm wasn't it.
Noah: (Pats Edvard's shoulder) It was. Very much so.
Magical particles begin to appear around them.
Edvard: (Concerned) Wha- What is this stuff?
Noah: (Stern) Get behind me.
Edvard: It looks like the same particles that those "bandits" were surrounded by.
Noah: Are we gonna be transported somewhere?
Edvard: From what we saw, it's most likely that- whoa...
Noah: What?
Edvard: Behind you...
Noah: (Turns around) Oh...
Edvard: I-I can't believe it. It's the village of Evergarden...
Noah: ?!
Guard ???: Halt! Who goes there?
Noah: (Sigh) Well isn't that just great.
Guard ???: Are you aware you are trespassing? I've never seen you in this village before. I know everyone in this village.
Edvard: Well that's because-
???: Noah? Edvard?
Both (Noah & Edvard): ?!
Guard ???: (Bows) M'lady... why have you come here? You should be in your room resting.
???: I had a hard time falling asleep so I figured I should walk around the town for a bit. Then, I over heard all the commotion I figured I should help.
Guard ???: I see...
???: Anyway, it's alright. Let them in.
Guard ???: But-
???: No buts, they're my friends. Let them inside, I haven't seen them in years.
The gate opens. Noah & Edvard walk inside.
She quickly hugs the both of them.
???: It's so glad to see the both of you.
Noah: ...
Edvard: ...We thought you were-
???: Dead? No. As you can obviously tell. (She smiles)
Noah: How did you- When did you- I thought you were-
???: I know, I know. I'll explain everything, let's get you both settled in first. It's not an easy task to find us.
Both (Noah & Edvard): ...
???: Come, I'll show you two to the Sunset Inn.
They both follow her to the Sunset Inn.
???: These will be your rooms for now. I'll let the innkeeps know of your stay here. They're busy at the moment.
Noah: ...
Edvard: ...Thanks...
???: (Smiles) It's no problem.
As she's just about to open the door to leave-
Noah: Elxia wait!
Elxianna: (Pauses and turns around to face him) Hm?
Noah: Are you really gonna tell us everything?
Elxianna: Of course, after all this time. You both deserve to know what happened. My disappearance, Evergarden's "fall into ruin", everything. I'll tell you guys in the morning. For now, rest. It must have been a rough journey here. Even if it was by accident.
Elxianna leaves the room.
Edvard: Wow, way to make me feel like I exist.
Noah: Sorry, I just didn't know what to say.
Edvard: It's fine, just get some rest.
Noah: Yeah... you too.
Edvard: Will do.
Noah and Edvard head to bed for the night.