Letters

After that fateful night, the situation took a drastic turn. Elianora and Kaidën's interactions became scarce, as the attacks by the Carnifex intensified, casting a dark shadow over the land. The Carnifex, once creatures of the night, now roamed freely, striking fear into the hearts of all. Their attacks, once confined to the evening hours, now extended into the morning, leaving no time of day safe.

The people, once carefree, now lived in constant fear, their daily routines dictated by the Carnifex's menacing presence. The evening hours, once filled with laughter and socializing, were now spent huddled indoors, waiting for the dawn to break. But even the morning hours, once a time for chores and errands, were now fraught with danger.

The Carnifex's reign of terror had devastating consequences. Many herds of sheep and goats, the livelihood of countless families, were destroyed, leaving the people on the brink of desperation. In response, King Lysander ordered that all young men be trained in combat, arming them with the skills necessary to eradicate the Carnifex threat.

The young warriors, determined to reclaim their land, prepared to venture into the heart of the jungle, seeking out the Carnifex's lair. The uncertainty of their mission weighed heavily on their minds, as they knew not where the next attack would occur. The Carnifex had left no village untouched, their trail of destruction and death a grim reminder of the danger that lurked in every shadow.

Many lives had been lost, countless families torn apart by the Carnifex's brutal attacks. The people lived in fear, their hearts heavy with grief and uncertainty. But amidst the darkness, a glimmer of hope flickered, as the young warriors, armed with courage and determination, prepared to face the enemy head-on.

Everyone noticed a peculiar trend in the Carnifex's attacks: they seemed to target only living things, as if drawn to the very essence of life. During their rampages, houses, fences, and other property were destroyed, reduced to splintered wood and shattered stone. But despite the increased presence of mirrors, which had been hoped to deter the Carnifex, there was no significant effect. It was as if the Carnifex were impervious to the reflective surfaces, their malevolent presence undiminished.

One day, Elianora sat under the ancient banyan tree, its gnarled branches stretching towards the sky like withered fingers, its leaves rustling softly in the breeze. The tree's massive trunk, twisted with age, provided a sense of comfort and security, a reminder of happier times. Suddenly, a pigeon landed before her, its feathers a soft gray, its eyes bright and inquisitive. As she reached out to touch its gentle head, she noticed a message tied to its claws, a small piece of parchment rolled up and secured with a thread.

Her heart skipped a beat as she recognized the handwriting – it was Kaidën's, strong and confident, yet tinged with a hint of longing. The message was long, detailing the dire situation in the kingdom. "Elianora, I know you must be waiting for me, sitting under our beloved banyan tree," Kaidën wrote. "But I fear I may not be able to meet you for a while. The situation here has become increasingly strange, and Father has grown strict, reminding Uriel and me of our royal responsibilities. We cannot simply leave our duties to visit the village."

Kaidën's words painted a picture of uncertainty and danger, of a kingdom on the brink of chaos. "We are being sent to another state for training, and no one knows how long it will take. The Carnifex are growing bolder, their attacks more frequent and more deadly. I fear for the safety of our people, and I fear for our own safety as well."

As Elianora read on, her heart grew heavier, her mind filled with worry and concern. Kaidën's final words were etched in her memory, a poignant reminder of the danger that lurked in every shadow. "I've sent my loyal pigeon, Chamku, to bring messages to you. I implore you, do not wait under the banyan tree – it is not safe. Your Kaidën."

Elianora hugged the letter to her chest, the parchment crumpling softly against her silk blouse. Her eyes became moist, brimming with unshed tears, as she thought of Kaidën undergoing rigorous training, his strong, determined face etched in her mind, now seeming fragile, vulnerable to the dangers that lay ahead.

As she stood beneath the ancient banyan tree, its gnarled branches stretching towards the sky like withered fingers, the warm sunlight filtering through the leaves, casting dappled shadows on the ground, Elianora felt a pang of sorrow, her heart heavy with worry. If she gave in to her own selfish desires, she would only become a burden to Kaidën, weighing him down with unnecessary worries, distracting him from his duties.

Steelining herself, Elianora wiped away her tears, her fingers tracing the curves of Kaidën's handwriting, the familiar loops and flourishes a comforting reminder of his presence. With a newfound sense of determination, she replied to his message, her words pouring out from the depths of her heart.

"I know my Kaidën," she wrote, her hand moving swiftly across the parchment. "Not only are you intelligent and strong, but you are also wise. You worry about me, and that's why you sent me this message, to keep me informed. Don't worry about me, my love. Fulfill your duties, and I will wait for you."

Her words spilled out, a promise of devotion, of loyalty. "When this is all over, we'll ride horses together, feeling the wind in our hair, the sun on our faces. We'll walk along the river, hand in hand, watching the stars twinkle to life. I wish you good health, my love. Tell Uriel to be careful too."

As she finished writing, Elianora felt a sense of calm wash over her, like a soothing balm applied to a wounded heart. She knew that she had made the right decision, that she would stand strong, waiting for Kaidën's return. With a soft smile, she folded the parchment, her heart filled with hope, with love.