"Listen," Rain began, his voice steady but laced with urgency, "we're facing a threat that could bring chaos not just to us, but to the entire Spirit Realm. Gorm the Obliterator is powerful, and if he succeeds in his ritual to tear open the Underworld, the consequences will be catastrophic."
Druger's expression hardened. "We've just recovered from one war, and now we might be heading into another. But if this is the only way to protect our people, we have no choice."
Hana nodded, her voice tinged with sorrow. "I don't want another war, especially after what happened to Chin and the others who died . . . but if we don't stop Gorm, everything we've built, everything they sacrificed for, will be destroyed."
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"It won't be easy," Druger added. "Among the races in the Spirit Realm, the Gnomes are some of the most brilliant. Their machinery is nearly unstoppable, and their fortress is impenetrable. If we're going to lay siege to it, expect a long, grueling battle."
Elder Keldar nodded gravely. "This isn't going to be an easy siege. We need to alert our blacksmiths to forge as many shields as they can. There's also the problem of procuring siege machines."
"We'll also need rations for the expedition, and we'll need to rally an army," another elder chimed in.
"Wait. Are we even sure they're telling the truth?" someone questioned, doubt evident in their tone.
"Sand Elves and Orcs don't jest about matters like this," another replied firmly. "These races are known for their integrity and pride. They're strong, and they see no honor in deceit or underhanded tactics. If they've come to us with this warning, it's because the threat is real."
At the side, Rain was silent, deep in thought. After the fall of King Kraggul, he had hoped for a period of peace. But now, another threat loomed on the horizon, one that could be even more devastating.
The thousand Ebizo soldiers had long since returned to the sea. Rain had already dispatched a messenger to inform General Varlox of the situation, trusting him to relay the message to Lord Izumi. After all, Rain had promised to keep him informed of any major threats they faced.
Lord Izumi might have to send his soldiers back to battle with them again.
"So, it's decided," Druger said, and all eyes turned to Rain, awaiting his response.
Rain was quiet for a moment, closing his eyes tightly as the weight of the decision pressed down on him. He had truly believed that their struggles were over, but now another enemy had emerged, threatening everything they held dear.
Finally, Rain opened his eyes, his gaze resolute as he addressed the room. "We will go to war and stop this dark entity, Gorm. We'll protect our lands and our people, no matter the cost."
=======
When night fell, Rain stepped outside the village, seeking a moment of calm amidst the whirlwind of preparations for the upcoming journey to the Dustplain. The inside of the village had become stifling with all the activity, and he needed a breath of fresh air.
As he wandered, he spotted Thraigar talking with Helliana and Santi near a large rock under the moonlit sky.
"Lord Rain," Santi greeted him with a formal nod.
Rain couldn't help but wonder if all Sand Elves were as serious and formal as she was. But there was no denying her beauty — her dark bronzy skin, white hair, and amber eyes gave her an otherworldly grace that was captivating. Not to mention her stunning figure and her impressive curves.
"What's wrong, my friend? Why are you staring at Santi like that?" Thraigar asked, baffled by Rain's gaze. "Santi isn't food."
Santi added, "Even better, the Goliaths are already fighting alongside us to defeat Gorm."
Rain's smile faltered slightly. "That's . . . great." He wanted to be thrilled for Thraigar, but the thought of his friend reuniting with his family on the battlefield dampened his enthusiasm.
Rain noticed the sudden sadness in Thraigar's eyes and asked, "What's the matter? Aren't you happy about this?"
Thraigar sighed deeply. "I will miss this place . . . and you, my friends."
A hollow, sad feeling filled Rain's heart. "We'll surely miss you too."
"It's not the end of the world," Helliana interjected, trying to lift the mood. "You can always come back and visit."
"Y-yeah . . ." Rain agreed, though the thought made him uneasy. Thraigar wasn't exactly built for solo journeys — he had no sense of direction and might not even be able to read a simple map. The idea of Thraigar getting lost, or worse, captured by some hostile tribe, made Rain worry for this gentle giant.
The trio continued talking through the night, reminiscing and sharing stories until Helliana and Santi decided to retire to their tents.
"Aren't you going to sleep, my friend?" Thraigar asked.
"I will, just need to take in a bit more fresh air before heading back," Rain replied, staring out at the dark horizon.
Thraigar nodded. "I see. Just don't wander too far."
"Don't worry," Rain said with a small smile. "I'll be fine."
Rain then wandered away from his territory, his destination clear. He was going to see Eve tonight.
He wasn't in a hurry, taking his time as he walked, lost in thought. His heart was heavy, burdened with grief over Chin's death, and now, a new threat loomed in the form of Gorm — a threat that could very well claim more lives among his already weary troops.
Who's going to die this time? Rain wondered, his fists clenching involuntarily.
"Troubled?"
A soft, melodic voice drifted to his ears, accompanied by the familiar scent of flowers. Thousands of glowing butterflies appeared around him, coalescing into a single, ethereal form.
"Is something troubling you?" Eve asked, her voice as soothing as a lullaby. She floated gracefully in the air, her robe fluttering in the moonlight. As always, her face was hidden beneath her hood, her emotions a mystery.
Rain looked up at her, a faint smile on his lips. "Good evening, Eve."
"Good evening, Rain . . ." Eve replied, her tone gentle. She floated down to a large boulder where they often sat and talked under the stars. "Come and sit with me."
Rain hesitated for a moment, then moved to join her, feeling a strange sense of comfort in her presence.