The march toward the next battleground was interrupted by an unexpected encounter. A small group of travelers appeared on the horizon, their banners unfamiliar. As they drew closer, it became clear that they were not ordinary travelers but a delegation from the elven kingdom.
Queen Lyanna greeted them with caution, her hand never straying far from the hilt of her sword. The leader of the group, an elven woman with silver hair and piercing green eyes, stepped forward.
"I am Lady Sylvana," she said, her voice melodic yet firm. "We've come to offer aid in your fight against the invaders. Their encroachment threatens not only your lands but ours as well."
Lyanna studied her for a moment before nodding. "We welcome your aid, but trust must be earned."
Sylvana's gaze shifted to Atreya, her expression unreadable. "And who is this young warrior?"
Atreya met her gaze, feeling an odd sense of familiarity. "I'm Atreya," he said simply.
Sylvana's lips curved into a faint smile. "There's more to you than meets the eye, Atreya. I can sense it."
---
The elves' arrival brought new hope to the army, their archers and mages bolstering their ranks. But it also brought tension, as old prejudices and mistrust simmered beneath the surface.
Atreya found himself drawn to Sylvana, her wisdom and calm demeanor a stark contrast to the chaos around them. She, in turn, seemed intrigued by him, often offering cryptic advice that left him pondering her true intentions.