Zero

Golem

In the heart of a snowy forest mountain-pass, where ethereal whispers of winter danced through the air, rode Irilla, a petite elf girl with eyes that sparkled like the stars above. Draped in a warm blanket, she sat upon her noble steed with the grace of a princess, a stark contrast to the biting cold that enveloped them. Beside her strode Liah, a tall and formidable human paladin, her strong frame clad in gleaming armor, a massive backpack brimming with supplies slung over her shoulder.

The forest around them was a tapestry of glistening frost, ancient trees standing sentinel against the harsh winds. As they ventured deeper into the winter wonderland, Irilla let out a small huff, her British accent ringing through the crisp air, "Why is it so cold—" The chill nipped at her cheeks, but the warmth of her blanket offered a sense of comfort amidst the frost.

Liah, her laughter resonating like a melody, turned back, her smile shining through her helm, "At least the blizzard is gone—" She shook her head in disbelief, reflecting on their recent adventures. "Seems the boys killed the mammoth—"

Irilla's eyes widened, her breath catching at the thought. "Can't believe it; I mean, I knew Jay was powerful, but... a dragon, a mammoth, what else—"

A playful smirk danced on Liah's lips as she tilted her head, curiosity twinkling in her eyes. "Sooooo—this Jaylen guy, you seem pretty set on finding him. Why?"

Caught off guard, Irilla's cheeks flushed a delicate shade of red, her heart racing as she fumbled for words. "Uhm—I—" She stuttered, clutching the back of her head, "I just want to make sure he's alright—"

Liah chuckled softly, her laughter a warm ember in the biting chill of the air, but it was soon extinguished by an unexpected sight that unfolded before them. "A camp—" she declared, her tone shifting to one of urgency as they drew near. The girls halted, their eyes sweeping over the remnants of what had once been a bustling gathering. Liah's brow furrowed, her instincts finely tuned to the whispers of the wild. "The fires are snuffed out. It seems people once roamed here," she observed, her voice laced with concern. "But these footprints—they're old, faded. They left this place long ago." Irilla blinked, awe mingling with admiration at Liah's perceptive gaze.

"They must've completed their mission and moved on to the next land," Liah groaned, her hand brushing wearily against her face. Turning her gaze toward Irilla, who remained perched on her mount, a small smile broke through her worry. "I can't believe it... He's out there again, taking on missions and fighting with that same spark. I wish I could see him shine."

"What do you mean?" Irilla inquired, tilting her head in curiosity as Liah guided the horse back toward town, their boots crunching in the snow underfoot as they navigated the snowy forest.

"He's been MIA for years—ever since the accident..." Liah's voice trailed off, the smile fading to a shadow of melancholy.

Irilla's smile returned, tinged with warmth and nostalgia. "Jay has that effect, always drawing people out of their shells," she mused, reflecting on the day they had met him

. She could still picture it vividly: slammed against a locker, surrounded by a circle of high-powered mages jeering and belittling her abilities. Irilla felt like a ghost, invisible and powerless, until a tall, blonde elf boy stepped into her world, his amethyst eyes sparkling like stars against a dark sky. With a swift motion, he knocked one of her tormentors flat on his back, chasing away the rest with a simple, defiant smile. "I'm sorry about them," he had said, his voice a gentle caress, "They are just weak." And before she could find the words to express her gratitude, he bowed and vanished into the hallway, leaving her with a flicker of hope and a smile that lingered long after he was gone.