In the moonlit glade, the air was thick with unspoken tension as Elirion waited, his dark gaze trained on the silvery mist swirling across the forest floor. His normally serene composure was broken only by the subtle tightening of his jaw. He had long learned to contain his emotions, but even for him, the prospect of speaking with Aravos again was less than ideal.
A faint shimmer of blue and white light heralded the arrival of the other elf. The figure stepped into the clearing, heels clicking against the ground, and his pale blue skin almost glowed in the dim light. He looked powerful, a walking storm in elegant form. His intense gaze fixed on Elirion with that familiar sharpness.
"Elirion," he greeted, voice as cool as the night air. "We both know this isn't my choice."
"I'm well aware," Elirion replied, holding his ground, his voice soft but carrying a strength of its own. "But if we're to work together, we must discuss our... differences."
A bitter smile tugged at the corner of Aravos's mouth. "It's amusing that you would say that. Tell me, what could we possibly need to discuss that hasn't already been said?"
Elirion's gaze softened, if only for a moment. "The past. Leave it there," he said, his tone firm. "We both seek the same goal. Let's not make this harder than it needs to be."
For a long moment, they stared each other down, the silence broken only by the whispers of the forest. Finally, Aravos let out a sigh, crossing his arms with reluctant acceptance. "Fine. But don't expect me to make this easy for you."
"Wouldn't dream of it," Elirion replied, a hint of a smirk flickering across his face as they stood together, two opposing forces, poised and ready to act as one.
Elirion's smirk faded as Aravos crossed his arms, sharp blue irises watching him with a mixture of irritation and intrigue. For all their differences, Elirion had to admit Aravos' raw power was unmatched. It was, perhaps, the one quality that had kept them from clashing outright-they understood each other's strengths, even if they wouldn't admit it.
"Let's make one thing clear," Aravos said, his tone firm, almost challenging. "I'm here because the mission requires it, nothing more. As soon as this is over, we go back to handling things our own way."
Elirion inclined his head slightly. "Agreed," he replied, eyes never leaving Aravos. "I'm not here to change you, Aravos. But if we're to face what's coming, we need to trust each other in battle."
Aravos' gaze softened, though only slightly. "Trust isn't given, Elirion. It's earned. And last I checked, you haven't exactly given me reasons."
Elirion paused, measuring his response. "I don't need your trust for the long term," he admitted, voice steady. "Just enough to keep both of us alive through this mission."
After a moment, Aravos let out a reluctant sigh, his fierce expression melting into something more guarded but no less intense. "Fine. But let's make one thing clear-if you try to control me out there, you'll regret it."
Elirion gave a nod of acknowledgment, a glimmer of amusement breaking his calm exterior. "Duly noted. Now, shall we?" He gestured toward the dense forest path ahead, one he knew they'd have to travel side-by-side if they were to succeed.
As they moved forward, Aravos followed with measured steps, his heels striking a cadence that echoed in the silence. Though no words were exchanged, there was an unspoken understanding between them, a fragile but powerful truce in the face of the challenges ahead. The forest grew darker as they ventured deeper, ancient trees looming high above, casting twisted shadows that danced in the sparse light. Elirion moved with a quiet grace, his form nearly blending with the shadows, while Aravos followed with purposeful, rhythmic steps, each one a reminder of his unyielding spirit.
