Erend and Aurdis lingered in their kiss for a while in that tower. The warmth between them offering a brief escape from the burdens that weighed heavily on their shoulders. For a moment, the world outside is not exist. No harbingers, no Great Calamity, no looming battles. It was just them.
But soon, their lips parted. The silence stretching out between them before Aurdis spoke with soft and curious voice.
"What were you doing? You just fly away in a hurry."
"Yeah, I just killed the second harbinger of doom," he said. "It's part of the prophecy. I believe Eccar already told you about the first that we killed. I'll explain everything in more detail to the others."
Aurdis nodded, but a sad smile crept onto her lips. Her eyes reflecting the bittersweet realization that their moments together were fleeting, always interrupted by the call of what must be done.
Erend saw it, the hint of sadness that softened her face and guilt tugged at him.
Erend sighed and said. "I'm sorry that we can't talk more. I wish we had more time, but—"
Before he could finish, Aurdis gently placed a finger on his lips and cutting him off with a reassuring look.
"It's okay," she whispered. "Let's go to the council. There will be time for us later."
With that, she took his hand and gently pulled him toward the council room, her grip strong yet tender.
Together, they made their way through the palace halls, their footsteps echoing off the stone floors.
When they entered the council room, the atmosphere shifted immediately. The room was filled with tension, the faces of king Gulben and the other Elves council were stern, waiting for Erend's report. They knew that he just came back from fight based on what Eccar had said to them moments before.
He stood before them, his gaze sweeping across the gathered figures, before he began to speak.
"I've just returned from a battle," Erend started. "With the help of two Archmages from the human kingdom of Astoria, we've defeated the second harbinger of doom."
"We can only bolster our defenses. Both Magical and physical. It's the only way to ensure we're not caught off guard."
A tense silence settled over the room, everyone lost in their thoughts as they considered what lay ahead. The unknown danger loomed large, casting shadows over their heart. Each of them understood that the stakes were growing higher and the path forward was shrouded in mystery. The unknown always become the greatest fear of any living being.
Erend glanced around the room, seeing the worry etched into the faces of the council, and he felt the weight of their hopes on his shoulders. But he also don't have any idea about how or when the next harbinger will come next.
Saeldir was the first to break the silence.
"We can't wait any longer. We need to strengthen the barriers now and fortify the kingdom even more before it's too late." His gaze shifted to Aerchon and Aurdis, silently urging them to act with him.
Aerchon rose from his seat without a word, his face already set with determination. Aurdis followed, casting one last glance at Erend. Her eyes softened as she gave him a small smile.
"Be careful," she whispered before turning to leave with her brother and Saeldir.
King Gulben watched them go, nodding solemnly, allowing his children and the Archmage to depart. He can only trusted them to do what was necessary to protect the kingdom for now.
Continue your adventure with m|v-l'e -novelhall.net
Erend then walked closer to the king.
"I need to leave for a while, Your Majesty" he said. "Eccar and I have something to take care of."
King Gulben studied him for a moment, sensing the gravity behind Erend's words. Though the king's expression remained stoic a brief flicker of understanding crossed his face. He gave a slow nod. "Go, then. Do what you must."
With the king's blessing, Erend wasted no time. He quickly left the council room and made his way to the balcony where he had seen Eccar earlier.
"Eccar," Erend called out. "Lets go!"
---