As the companions wandered through the untamed and overgrown forest, Branden’s curiosity bubbled over. “Is there a name for this forest?” he asked eagerly. “Are there any people here? If so, what race? Can we meet them? Do you know any of them?” His questions came rapid-fire, his excitement palpable.
Antonio, Enzo, and Max chuckled at Branden’s enthusiasm, watching him with amusement as he bounced around the forest. Antonio, always the knowledgeable one, answered his questions first. “This is the forest of Eleon,” he explained. “As you may have guessed from the name, it’s inhabited by elves. They’re a peaceful tribe and won’t harm anyone.”
Branden’s face lit up with a smile so bright it seemed to outshine the sun itself. The other three companions were taken aback by the sheer radiance of his happiness. They had seen him smile before, but nothing compared to this.
The companions continued their walk through the beautiful forest, filled with blooming flower bushes and towering trees, until night fell. Time seemed to pass more slowly here than in the enchanted forest they had left behind.
“Night time is when all the animals come out, so Max and I will go hunting,” Enzo announced. Antonio offered to join them, but Enzo reasoned that he needed to stay behind to protect Branden and preserve the meat they would catch.
Meanwhile, Branden and Antonio set out to find a warm place to sleep for the night. After considering their options, they settled on an abandoned burrow as the safest choice. As they gathered sticks for a fire, they couldn’t help but feel a sense of peace and camaraderie.
Meanwhile, Max and Enzo had a successful hunt, catching an abundance of game. Before heading back, Enzo suggested draining the blood from the animals to spare Branden from the sight.
Max agreed, and they quickly prepared the meat for transport.
Max transformed into his dragon form, with Enzo riding on his back, and they flew back to the clearing where Branden and Antonio were waiting. After rejoining the group, they settled around the fire next to the burrow.
“We caught a lot of food,” Max announced, his voice tinged with pride.
“It should last us for several days.” Branden offered to cook the meal, showcasing his culinary skills once again.
The others eagerly agreed, remembering the delicious meal he had prepared for them before.
After cooking the meat slowly over the fire, Branden called out that dinner was ready. The companions eagerly dug in, their hunger sated by the delicious meal.
Once they had finished eating, they decided to turn in early to get a head start the next morning.
Crickets chirped softly in the background as the companions settled into the small burrow, the warmth of the fire and each other lulling them into a peaceful sleep.
In the embrace of their companionship, they felt safe and content, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.
YOU ARE READING
Hidden truths (bl)
FantasyA tale unfolds of a journey from strangers to friends and eventually lovers, where the narrative weaves the delicate threads of connection. In this story, the protagonists navigate the intricacies of their relationships, transcending the boundaries...
