Subterra: Dark Relm

Part 4: The Gathering at Oakridge: Secrets of the Past, Strength for the Future

Arrival at Oakridge

(After a gruelling journey, Seraphina, Galen, and Damon finally reach the peaceful village of Oakridge. The villagers welcome them warmly, and to Seraphina's delight, her loyal guard Zev is there to greet them. Unbeknownst to her, King Thalric had secretly sent Zev to ensure her safety and to prepare for reclaiming the kingdom.)

Zev: (bowing respectfully) "Welcome, Princess Seraphina, to Oakridge Village. And of course, a warm welcome to you two as well."

Seraphina: (smiling with relief) "I'm glad you're here, Zev. We have much to prepare for the coming battle."

Galen: (rubbing his stomach) "Finally, some food! I'm starving."

**Damon: (grinning)"And I could use a drink... or two."

Zev:(nodding)"You'll have all you need. After all, you've brought the princess here without a scratch. But first, you should meet the head of the village, Mister Garrick."

Garrick:(stepping forward, his voice warm and welcoming)"Greetings, Princess Seraphina, and to you two fine young men. It's an honour to have you here. Please, allow me to host you in my home. You'll be well cared for after your long journey."

(The group follows Garrick to his house, where they are offered a moment of respite. Seraphina indulges in a hot bath, washing away the fatigue of their trek. Meanwhile, Galen devours a mountain of food, and Damon finds solace in a corner with a drink in hand, savouring the much-needed alcohol.)

In the Depths of Eldoria Castle

(Back in Eldoria, Vorath, with a sinister glint in his eye, descends into the castle's dungeons to pay a visit to the imprisoned King Thalric and his loyal subjects.)

Vorath:(mockingly) "Ah, what a sight! The great King Thalric and his noble men. While Elowen enjoys the company of your kingdom's finest women, I'm here to discuss something far more important with you."

Thalric: (seething with anger) "So it was you all along... the one behind this treachery."

Vorath:(grinning wickedly) "Oh, you give me too much credit, Your Majesty. Yes, Elowen is just a young, power-hungry pawn in my grand design. But let's not dwell on that-I came here for a reason."

Thalric:(defiant) "Speak, then. What do you want?"

Vorath : (leaning in, voice dripping with malice) "I'm after your most precious possession-the Luminara Stone. Where is it?"

Thalric: (with steely resolve) "Never. The Luminara is the lifeblood of Subterra. You'll never lay your hands on it."

Vorath: (growing impatient) "Don't waste my time, Thalric. Listen up, all of you! I'm offering a treasure trove beyond your wildest dreams and freedom for anyone who tells me where the Luminara is. Your families will live in luxury for generations."

One Soldier: (hesitating, his resolve weakening) "Are... are you serious? You would really do that?"

Vorath: (smiling predatorily) "Absolutely. Tell me what I want, and the rewards are yours."

Thalric: (roaring) "You fool! Don't say a word! He's evil, and he's toying with us."

Soldier: (fearfully) "Forgive me, my lord... I don't know anything about it!"

Vorath: (laughing coldly) "Hahaha... very well, it seems you've all chosen wisely. But I wonder how wise you'll feel after two days without food or water."

(With a sinister smile, Vorath orders the guards to withhold food and water from the prisoners, leaving them to suffer in the dark.)

In Oakridge Village, Eldoria

(After a night of rest, Seraphina, Galen, and Damon gather with Zev and Garrick to discuss their next move.)

Garrick: (thoughtfully) "The princess has returned safely, and Master Orin mentioned that he was heading to Subterra. I believe he may arrive today or tomorrow."

Zev: (impatiently) "Do we really have to wait for him? We should start planning now, though I have managed to gather a few soldiers from across the kingdom."

Seraphina: (concerned)"We must have faith in Master Orin. But I worry... what if he's in danger?"

Damon: (confidently) "There's no chance of that. He's powerful enough to take down entire groups of soldiers without breaking a sweat."

Galen: (with a smirk) "Don't let his age fool you."

Garrick: (nodding in agreement) "I know Orin well. He was once a great warrior of Nythoria, known throughout all of Subterra. The last time I saw him was right here in Oakridge, when he took two small children to the outside world for their safety. And now, here you are... how time flies."

Galen: (surprised) "We're from Subterra? But who are we?"

Garrick: (sadly) "That, I do not know."

Damon: (determined) "Then we must ask him when he arrives. How strong was he in his prime?"

Garrick: (with respect) "He could go toe-to-toe with giants and knock them out with ease. He trained soldiers to become great warriors and taught them how to use Veyra."

**Galen:(curious) "Veyra... what is that?"

Seraphina:(explaining)"That glowing fist you used to shatter the giant rock-that was Veyra."

Damon:(reflecting) "Master never gave us a name for it... so that's Veyra."

Zev: (serious) "It's the strength of willpower and the aura of our souls. It's difficult to master and not everyone can use it."

Garrick: (with a challenge in his voice) "Speaking of Veyra, why don't we see just how powerful yours truly is?"

Seraphina: (intrigued) "Why not? Though I'm not sure mine can compare."

Garrick:(with a smile) "Come outside. I'll show you."

Galen: (excited) "Measuring our Veyra... sounds interesting."

Zev: (with a confident nod) "Let's see how well Master Orin has trained you."

Damon:(determined) "You will."