When Crown Prince Kaidën Darkhaven read Elianora Moonwhisper's message, a warm smile spread across his face, illuminating his features. He was sitting in a sturdy canvas tent, its fabric flapping gently in the breeze, where he and Prince Uriel Darkhaven were preparing to begin their training with soldiers from another state.
Prince Uriel approached him, his eyes sparkling with curiosity, and asked, "It seems Elianora's message has arrived." Crown Prince Kaidën's smile deepened, and he nodded, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Elianora is very intelligent," he said, his voice filled with admiration. "She's not as innocent, soft, and emotional as she appears to be. She's asked me to take care of you too," he added, his eyes glinting with amusement, "and she's said that when everything calms down, she'd like to go horse riding with me."
Prince Uriel's face scrunched up in concern. "But brother, you know that horse riding is not good for girls!" he exclaimed, his voice tinged with worry. Crown Prince Kaidën chuckled and placed a reassuring hand on his brother's shoulder. "Don't worry, I think the situation will change by then," he said, his eyes glinting with a hint of mischief.
Just then, a gruff voice called out, "Alright, men! Let's get moving! We've got a lot of work to do!" The commander's voice cut through the air, echoing off the canvas walls of the tent, and the interior erupted into activity. Soldiers scrambled to gather their gear, the sound of clanging steel, the creaking of leather, and the murmur of voices filling the air.
Crown Prince Kaidën and Prince Uriel exchanged a brief, resolute glance before standing up, their faces set with determination. Their eyes gleamed with a fierce intensity, their jaws set in unwavering resolve. They joined the other soldiers, their footsteps echoing across the training grounds as they made their way to the designated combat zones.
The training grounds were a vast, open expanse of dusty earth, marked by a grid of white lines and dotted with various obstacles. The air was thick with the smell of sweat, leather, and metal. The soldiers formed up into neat rows, their armor glinting in the sunlight.
The training began with hand-to-hand combat drills, the soldiers practicing various techniques for taking down opponents. Crown Prince Kaidën and Prince Uriel moved swiftly and deadly, their movements a blur of precision and power. They were trained in the art of combat, their skills honed to perfection.
Next, they moved on to sword training, the clash of steel on steel echoing across the training grounds. The princes wielded their swords with precision and skill, their blades flashing in the sunlight. They practiced various techniques, from swift, slashing blows to powerful, crushing strikes.
Archery and marksmanship training followed, the soldiers forming up at the firing line to practice their aim. Crown Prince Kaidën and Prince Uriel took their places, their bows and arrows at the ready. They focused intently, their eyes narrowing as they took aim. The sound of bowstrings snapping and arrows flying filled the air, the princes' shots hitting their targets with precision and accuracy.
The days were long and grueling, the princes and their fellow soldiers training from dawn till dusk. But despite the exhaustion and the pain, Crown Prince Kaidën and Prince Uriel persevered, driven by their determination to protect their kingdom and their people. They knew that the Carnifex were a formidable enemy, but they were ready to face them head-on, armed with their courage, their strength, and their unwavering commitment to their kingdom.
Another year passed, and the rigorous training transformed Crown Prince Kaidën Darkhaven and Prince Uriel Darkhaven into formidable warriors. The innocence and tenderness that once adorned their faces vanished, replaced by seriousness and masculinity. Their bodies, once lean and agile, now rippled with powerful muscles, honed from countless hours of combat training. They stood surprisingly tall, their height and stature commanding respect.
Meanwhile, Jædana Eryandur, the young farmer's daughter, missed Prince Uriel dearly. Though their marriage had been arranged the previous year, she had not seen him since his departure for training. She knew better than to try to send him a message, for she was not from a noble background like Elianora Moonwhisper. Instead, Jædana focused on supporting her community, teaching them how to set up mirrors to deflect the Carnifex's attacks and sharing her knowledge of the forest and its dangers.
Jædana's family lived nearby, in a small cottage surrounded by fields of golden wheat and green pastures. She often visited Elianora's house, spending time with her family and learning from their experiences. Her own family had suffered a devastating loss when her elder brother, Marcus, vanished while grazing their goats near the forest. Though everyone suspected the worst – that he had fallen prey to the Carnifex – no one dared to accept it. They held onto the hope that Marcus would one day return.
As Jædana and Elianora worked together to protect their community, they also learned from each other. Jædana acquired skills in using small weapons, such as daggers, to defend herself against unexpected threats. She practiced her aim, throwing knives and shooting arrows with precision and accuracy. Elianora, in turn, gained a deeper understanding of the forest and its rhythms, knowledge that would serve her well in the days to come.
Together, the two young women supported each other, their bond growing stronger with each passing day. They shared stories, laughter, and tears, their friendship a beacon of hope in a world filled with danger and uncertainty.