NEW LIFE IN ANOTHER WORLD

2.A Lonely Nobleman

As the campfire crackled and the aroma of roasting meat filled the air, the knights settled down for their evening meal. The sun had dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows that danced with the flickering flames. The female lead, still in awe of the strange world she had been thrust into, sat among the knights as they enjoyed their dinner.

The female knight introduced herself as *Elara*. Elara, with her short, elegant name, had a demeanor that was both commanding and gentle. As she and her fellow knights gathered around, they began to ask the young woman about herself.

Elara smiled warmly, her eyes filled with curiosity. “We’ve never seen clothing like yours before. What is your name, and where do you come from?"

Seraphina hesitated, glancing around at the unfamiliar faces. She was reluctant to reveal too much about herself, unsure of how much they might already know or how they might react. “I’m not entirely sure where I am,” she admitted, her voice steady despite her inner turmoil. “I just woke up here, and I’m still trying to understand what’s happening.”

Elara nodded, her gaze sympathetic. “This is the Kingdom of Aeloria,” she said, gesturing to the camp around them. “We’re currently in the Blackwood Forest, known for its magical creatures and dangerous terrain. It’s a place where only those trained in combat and magic venture safely.”

Her eyes widened as she took in the name and the description of the forest. “Aeloria… Blackwood Forest. I’ve never heard of it before, and there's Magic in this world?”

Another knight, a burly man with a beard, chimed in, “The Blackwood Forest is notorious for its magical creatures—some are harmless, but others can be quite dangerous if provoked. It’s not a place for the untrained to wander.”

She nodded, trying to hide her growing unease. “I understand. I really don’t know how I ended up here. I was just getting ready, and then… I was in the forest.”

As the knights listened, they exchanged glances. It was clear that they were fascinated by her story and concerned for her well-being. Elara, sensing their growing curiosity, decided to ease the tension with a bit of levity. “You mentioned you don’t know magic. We do have some magicians among us. If you’d like, you can see a bit of their craft before we return to the city.”

Her eyes sparkled with interest. “That would be wonderful. I’ve never seen magic before.”

The knights nodded and began to demonstrate various magical feats—showing her illusions, enchanting lights, and the manipulation of elements. The young woman was captivated, her fear momentarily forgotten as she marveled at the displays of power and beauty.

As the night wore on, the conversation shifted to more practical matters. The knights discussed their plans to return to Aeloria and offered to take her with them. “We can’t just leave you here,” Elara said firmly. “You’re a stranger in a dangerous place. We’ll take you to the city, where you’ll be safe. It’s not common for outsiders to come here, but we’ll make sure you’re taken care of.”

She felt a mix of relief and gratitude. “Thank you. I don’t know what I would have done without your help.”

Elara smiled, her gaze kind but resolute. “We’re glad to help. It’s not every day we find someone from beyond our borders. You’re welcome to stay with us until we reach the city.”

As the first light of dawn began to creep over the horizon, the knights prepared to depart. They packed up their camp and readied their horses, ready to guide the Seraphina through the Blackwood Forest and back to the safety of Aeloria.

Seraphina, her heart still racing from the previous day’s events, took one last look at the forest that had become both a prison and a source of wonder. She was eager to see more of this magical world and, perhaps, to uncover the secrets of her unexpected journey.