Skills

After the incident in the city, Vanessa made her way to Elianora and Jædana's village, determined to share her expertise with them. As she arrived, Elianora and Jædana welcomed her with open arms, eager to learn from her. The warm sunlight cast a golden glow on their faces, illuminating their smiles.

Vanessa may have been carefree and outspoken, but she was also a skilled warrior, well-versed in the art of combat. She began teaching Elianora and Jædana some of her favorite tricks and techniques, insisting that they learn simple yet effective moves of self-defense. Her hands moved swiftly, demonstrating each move with precision.

"These skills will come in handy someday," Vanessa emphasized, her eyes sparkling with conviction. "You never know when you might need to protect yourselves." Her voice was laced with a hint of urgency, as if she knew that danger lurked around every corner.

As they trained together, Elianora, Jædana, and Vanessa grew closer, their bond strengthening with each passing day. They laughed together, supported each other, and encouraged one another to push beyond their limits. The sound of their laughter echoed through the village, a joyful melody that brought smiles to the faces of the villagers.

Before long, their friendship had blossomed into something beautiful, a connection that went beyond words. Elianora, Jædana, and Vanessa had become inseparable, a trio of strong and determined women who were ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead. They stood together, a united front against the unknown dangers that threatened their world.

Meanwhile, Lyra's transformation into Elianora was almost complete. She had gradually let go of her past life, embracing her new role with confidence and poise. The memories of her past still lingered, but they no longer defined her. She was Elianora now, a strong and fearless warrior, ready to take on the world. Her eyes sparkled with a newfound sense of purpose, and her heart beat with a fierce determination.

***

One day, Elianora Moonwhisper wandered to the same ancient banyan tree where the real Elianora used to sit with Crown Prince Kaidën, lost in thought. The tree's gnarled branches seemed to stretch out like withered fingers, as if beckoning her to sit beneath its shade. Elianora settled onto the worn earth, her back against the trunk, and closed her eyes. She breathed in deeply, the scent of damp earth and decaying leaves filling her lungs.

As she sat there, Elianora tried to recall the events that had transpired since Crown Prince Kaidën's departure. The day he had left to fight the Carnifex, the situation had taken a drastic turn. The Carnifex' attacks had intensified, even in the border areas. Driven out of the forest, they had become more aggressive, targeting farmers and their livestock. The once-peaceful villages were now plagued by fear and uncertainty.

The farmers, desperate to protect their livelihoods, had been forced to set traps along the forest borders. It was a perilous solution, one that put their own animals at risk. Yet, they were willing to take that chance if it meant saving human lives. The math was simple: if one animal's life could be sacrificed to save a hundred human lives, it was a price they were willing to pay.

All the border villages, including Elianora's, had joined forces to set traps along the forest borders, in areas where Carnifex attacks were most likely to occur. The villagers worked tirelessly, fueled by determination and desperation. They knew the risks, but they were willing to take them to ensure their survival.

Elianora's thoughts were interrupted by the sound of rustling leaves. She opened her eyes to find Jædana Eryandur approaching her, a look of concern etched on her face. "Elianora, what's wrong?" Jædana asked, settling beside her under the banyan tree.

Elianora sighed, her shoulders sagging beneath the weight of her thoughts. "I was just thinking about the Carnifex attacks," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper. "And how we're fighting back."

Jædana nodded, her eyes understanding. "We'll get through this, Elianora," she said, her voice filled with conviction. "Together, we'll find a way to defeat the Carnifex and bring peace back to our lands."

Elianora smiled, feeling a sense of gratitude towards Jædana. She knew that with friends like Jædana and Vanessa by her side, she could face anything that came her way.

***

A sense of unease settled over the village, like a shroud cast over the thatched roofs. It had been three nights since the Carnifex attack on the outskirts of the village. No one knew who had been targeted, only that the screams had echoed through the darkness, sending shivers down the spines of even the bravest warriors.

The villagers whispered among themselves, sharing hushed accounts of the attack. Some said it was Hatt's farm that had been hit, while others claimed it was the Eryandur's family home. The truth remained elusive, but one thing was certain: the Carnifex had struck again, leaving a trail of destruction and terror in their wake.

Elianora's thoughts turned to Crown Prince Kaidën, who had ridden into battle against the Carnifex. She wondered if he was safe, if he had received her messages. The uncertainty gnawed at her, like a rodent burrowing into her heart.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting the village in a golden glow, Elianora knew she had to do something. She couldn't just sit back and wait for the Carnifex to strike again. She needed to take action, to join forces with Jædana and Vanessa and find a way to defeat the Carnifex once and for all.