8

After the "Shadow Wedding" between **Esmond Dundragon** and **Carmen Sutton**, the atmosphere in the kingdoms of Skulls and Dragons was filled with speculation, heated debates, and rumors. Discussions raged in the taverns, markets, and squares, reflecting the citizens' varied reactions and the great repercussions of this event.

### Citizens' Dialogues

**Scene 1: Tavern in Eldrinor**

*A group of elves, including friends and strangers, share their opinions on the wedding.*

**Elion, an older elf:**

"Can you believe it? Carmen, the traitor to our cause, has now married the tyrant Esmond! It's an affront to Arya's legacy!"

**Lira, a young elf:**

"What else could we expect? Ambition speaks louder. She was seduced by power, and this is only the beginning of our misfortune.

**Finn, their friend:**

— I hear many are meeting in secret, planning something about this. What if an uprising occurs? It could be our chance for redemption!

---

**Scene 2: Market in Faelior**

*The villagers argue amidst a commotion in the market.*

**Carmen, a fruit vendor:**

— The wedding was a spectacle, but the joy is only skin deep. Did you feel the agony in the air? Peace was promised, but it only brought more divisions!

**Garon, a blacksmith:**

— And what about Carmen? The last time I saw her, she was giving those who supported her a contemptuous look. Now, she is the wife of a monster!

**Lian, a young merchant:**

— What worries me is that this union will strengthen Yurgol. If he feels secure, he will not hesitate to tighten his grip on us even further!

---

**Scene 3: Skulls and Dragons Newspapers**

**Newspaper Headline:** "Shadow Wedding: The Union of Power or the Shattering of Realms?"

**Article:**

"The recent marriage between Esmond Dundragon and Carmen Sutton was an event of both celebration and outrage. The daughter of the traitor Arya Eldertree now joins forces with one of the world's most feared leaders. Citizens of Eldrinor feel the pain of their betrayer, while the future of the elves seems bleaker than ever."

**Reader Reactions:**

— This union should not be seen as a marriage of love, but as a forced alliance that will mark the end of freedom for our people.

---

**Scene 4: Resistance Association in a Hidden Forest**

*A group of rebels gather in a hidden location in the forest to discuss the impact of the wedding.*

**Talin, a guerrilla:**

— We need to act now! Carmen is the key to Esmond's strength. If we can bring her back or expose her, we can destabilize everything!

**Aryanna, a former companion of Arya:**

— But what if Carmen doesn't want to come back? What if she's truly committed to her new role? We're dealing with a betrayal and an even greater betrayal of our cause!

**Talin:**

— Still, we can't let this go unanswered! We need to rekindle the flame of resistance and fight for the freedom we all deserve!

---

**Scene 5: Conversations in a Square in the City of Faelior**

**Old man of the neighborhood, speaking to a group of young people:**

— What should we expect now? Carmen's marriage is not only a blow to our people, but a clear indication that those in power have no scruples.

**Young elf:**

— I fear for what may happen. Yurgol is already making his moves, and this may only be the beginning of the end for us.

**Old man of the neighborhood:**

— We must gather strength and unite! Carmen's betrayal may have struck us, but we can never give up the fight for the light of freedom!

### Conclusion

The echoes of the "Wedding of Shadows" reverberated throughout every corner of Skulls and Dragons. The voices of the citizens reflected a mixed spirit of despair, indignation and an incipient will to resist. The reactions shaped new alliances, instigated fervent dialogues and provoked the need to confront the approaching darkness, ensuring that the struggle for freedom would never be forgotten. The future was still uncertain, but the flame of hope could, perhaps, still burn in the hearts of its people.