The Unexpected Alliance

Chapter 12: The Unexpected Alliance

Lucian and Elowen sat in the dimly lit cave, the tension from their earlier encounter slowly giving way to cautious conversation.

After the ordeal of the potion and the harrowing journey back, they both needed a moment to catch their breath. Lucian, now feeling somewhat revitalized, broke the silence first.

"So, who are you, really?" he asked, his tone edged with suspicion. "And why are you wandering around a place like Murkmire? It's not exactly the kind of forest people visit for a leisurely stroll."

Elowen hesitated for a moment before responding. "I'm here to find Shadowroot," she said goijg straight to it, her voice steady but carrying an undertone of urgency.

As soon as the word left her lips, Lucian's expression darkened. His frown deepened as he leaned forward, scrutinizing her with a mix of disbelief and concern. "Are you out of your mind? Shadowroot grows in the darkest, most dangerous corners of any forest. If it's in Murkmire, it would be in the very depths of it. Do you have a death wish or something?"

Elowen shook her head quickly, sensing his alarm. "No, it's not like that," she hurriedly explained. "We don't have to go to the very depths of Murkmire. I've got a tool," she said, pulling a small, intricately crafted device from her pouch.

The object shimmered faintly in the dim light of the cave. "This tool can track dark areas where Shadowroot could grow. By extreme luck, I've already found where it is."

Lucian's eyes narrowed as he listened. His initial shock was slowly replaced by a cool indifference. "Good for you," he muttered, leaning back against the cave wall. "Now that you've found what you're looking for, you can go get it and be on your way." The disinterest in his voice was clear—he had no intention of getting involved in whatever quest this strange girl was on. Survival was his priority, and he had no desire to join in on some wild goose chase for a hooded stranger.

Elowen bit her lip, sensing his reluctance. She had to convince him, but the problem was, she had nothing of value left to offer. Before now, she had hired a few local hunters with the little wealth of gold she had brought from her realm who later turned on her. If she had known how dangerous the journey would be, she would have brought more resources. Now, all she could offer Lucian was a promise—a promise that might not even hold any weight in his eyes.

"I know I don't have much to offer you," she began, her voice laced with a hint of desperation. "But I promise, if you help me, I will return the favor in the future."

Lucian gave her a long, hard look, as if he were trying to gauge whether she was serious or just another fool wandering into Murkmire with no real plan. "You already owe me one and havent repaid me," he pointed out, his voice flat. "Now you want more favors? Why would I go out of my way to help someone I've just met and know nothing about?"

Elowen remained silent for a moment, realizing that her words alone wouldn't be enough to sway him. With a resigned sigh, she reached up and slowly pulled back her hood, revealing her face fully for the first time.

Lucian's breath caught in his throat. Her appearance was stunning, far beyond anything he had ever seen. Her features were ethereal, almost otherworldly—long, flowing golden hair, piercing emerald eyes that glimmered with an inner light, and a graceful, almost delicate structure that radiated both beauty and strength. It dawned on him at that moment: she wasn't human.

"I'm an Elf," she said softly, her voice calm but carrying a weight that only someone from another world could bear. "And in my world, an Elvian's word is their bond. I always keep my promises."

Holy shit I've managed to come in contact with another race, an Elf for that matter, am I finally becoming the main character of my story?.

For a moment, Lucian was speechless. He had heard tales of Elves, beings of immense beauty and power from the outer worlds, he the game myths there were a prak race, but he had never imagined he would meet one in a place like this. He found himself admiring her—this was no ordinary girl. This was a high-level being, far above any mere human. Even Uncle Asher's voice echoed in his mind with a hint of amusement.

Tsk tsk good kid, the old man's voice whispered, you've managed to come into contact with a high-level clan member from the outer worlds before even becoming a Seeker-level Mythbound.

Lucian blinked, snapping out of his reverie. Be that as it may, he thought to himself, I still have more important things to do.

His expression hardened once more. "Even if you are an Elf," he began, his tone firm, "I can't help you. I've got enough on my plate just trying to stay alive out here."

Elowen's face fell slightly, but she wasn't ready to give up just yet. "I can help you," she offered, her voice tinged with urgency. "I noticed you were searching for something hidden inside those beasts' bodies—a bottle of some kind. If you need more of them, coming with me would be the perfect move."

Lucian raised an eyebrow, his interest piqued. "Go on," he said, leaning slightly forward.

"The place where the Shadowroot lies hidden is surrounded by Moonwolves," Elowen explained. "Dozens of them, drawn to the excess moonlight coming from the Shadowroot. The people I hired before couldn't do anything against them. They were killed, and I had to flee for my life. But you," she continued, her eyes locking onto his with a determined gaze, "you've already killed several of them on your own. I'm sure you could fare better than a bunch of random hunters."

Lucian's eyes lit up with excitement at the thought. More Moonwolves meant more chances to find Potion X. He stared at her for a moment, weighing his options. It was risky, but the potential reward was too great to ignore.

"Say less," he finally said, a grin spreading across his face. "I'll come with you."

Elowen let out a relieved breath, a small smile curling her lips. She had convinced him, at least for now.

"Good," Lucian continued, his mind already racing with plans. "Describe the place to me so we can make preparations."

Elowen nodded, picturing the location in her mind. "It's a ridge with a narrow entrance," she began. "The ridge is surrounded by thick, thorny underbrush that's difficult to pass through. But once you're inside, the terrain opens up into a small clearing where the Shadowroot grows. The Moonwolves guard it fiercely, especially at night when the moonlight is strongest."

Lucian nodded, absorbing the details. A narrow entrance could be both a challenge and an advantage. They'd need to be strategic, make every shot count. His eyes gleamed with determination as he came up with a plan in his head. "We'll need more arrows," he muttered to himself, already thinking of ways to prepare for the upcoming assault.

Elowen watched him, her own determination solidifying. Whatever dangers lay ahead, she felt a strange sense of confidence. With Lucian by her side, maybe—just maybe—they stood a chance.