In a land of broken dreams, only the brave dare to rise.
Zach, the brave leader of the Renaissance band, fights against the seven kingdoms-Drakonium, Aetheria, Sunridge, Oakridge, Solaria, Aurelia, and Elysium. Together with his loyal friends, who a...
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Each of the Renaissance Band members found themselves drawn to silence, winding down from a long, emotionally charged evening.
The weight of what lay ahead settled over them like a comforting blanket—
An excitement tinged with uncertaint—
Yet steadied by the presence of one another.
One by one, each of them retired to their tents with murmurs of "good night" exchanged in gentle, almost sleepy tones.
Andhur, with his usual boisterous flair, was one of the first to leave, clapping a hand on Qarek's shoulder as he staggered to his feet.
"Let's see if I don't snore everyone awake!" Andhur joked, though it was met with a few smirks and groggy eye-rolls, softened by affection.
Qarek shook his head with a little smile, muttering,
"Good luck, Andhur. You might just have to sleep on the other side of the shore."
One by one, they left the circle—each giving a final glance at the fire and to the friends they'd grown closer to, acknowledging without words the journey they were about to share.
Leeani, Yzavynne, and Kazaks lingered a bit longer, caught in soft conversation before they too sought the warmth and shelter of their tents, each holding their own hopes and worries close to their chest.
Zach, seated on a log near the fire with Ruby beside him, squeezed her hand one last time.
They exchanged a silent promise in their gaze—
One they didn't need to say aloud.
He was the last to rise, helping Ruby to her feet and, with one last look at the dim glow of the fire and the scattered tents, they both retreated to rest.
Zach caught sight of Nert and Jiighual seated by the fire, the two who had chosen to stay awake a bit longer.
He gave Ruby's hand a final squeeze before releasing it and crossing over to them, a trace of concern in his eyes.
"How are you both holding up?" Zach asked, his voice quiet but warm.
"I know the poison's effects were pretty rough during the battle."
Nert glanced up, a hint of surprise flickering across his tired face, followed by a faint smile.
"It's... subsiding, somehow. Not gone, but it feels more manageable than it did earlier."
Jiighual nodded in agreement, shifting slightly on the log to meet Zach's gaze.
"It's like the worst of it has passed. A dull ache now, nothing like when we were fighting."
Zach let out a small sigh of relief, giving them each a grateful nod.
"I'm glad to hear that. I'll keep watch tomorrow morning, so get some rest if you need it."
