A Soul Rewoven

Chapter 2. Village of Korawen

Scene 6. Unconventional Welcome

It took us the better part of the day to reach Korawen. We had to make frequent stops, as I wasn't in the best condition. Despite the sweat and aches, I pressed on, following Deres' steps across the rolling hills of the forest floor. There was a strange sense of nostalgia that kept me going, and the deep, dark forest felt strangely like home. Dirian's lighthearted chatter made each step feel lighter, and I absorbed his knowledge about the forest and his experiences as a traveler devoted to Lir.

Navigating confidently through the maze-like paths that crisscrossed the forest, we paused for a final breather. "The daylight is fading," I remarked, taking a sip from the leather bag filled with warm, unappetizing water. "We're close. We'll make it today," Dirian reassured me with a smile as he settled comfortably on a moss-covered fallen log.

"Yuna mentioned that you've been to the village before," I ventured, realizing we hadn't discussed Korawen yet. "Is it a nice place?" "It is," Dirian replied, scanning our surroundings. "Filled with friendly people. It's a small but diverse community, more so than most places." "What do you mean?" "There are all kinds of people living there. Mostly humans like me, but I believe a few elves reside there too." Satisfied with his assessment, Dirian met my gaze. "Most of them are born and raised in this forest, but for a settlement as small as Korawen, it has attracted people from all corners of the world who fell in love with Yuna and followed her here." "So I'll fit right in?" I smiled, a question in my voice, when suddenly, I heard a noise. It was faint but distant. "What?" Dirian noticed the change in my expression and asked.

"I heard something." I focused on my hearing, and the sound became clearer. Four sets of footsteps, cautiously approaching through the undergrowth of the forest. I could discern the clinking of their equipment and the shallow, focused breaths they took. "There are four people—three men and one woman—armed, closing in on us from behind," I whispered, relaying what I had picked up.

"You truly are remarkable," Dirian commented, flashing a brief smile. His calmness made me nervous. "They're still far enough away; they haven't split up yet." He mused to himself, "Talis, relax." He noticed my stern expression, sensing the readiness within me to fight and defend ourselves. "They're the wardens of Korawen. They'll try to encircle us, so we should let them." Dirian remained seated, stretching his arms. "It would be impolite not to allow them to catch us."

It took a few more minutes of nerve-wracking clinking and rustling until they got close enough to spring their trap on us.

Emerging cautiously from their concealed positions, bows at the ready, four wardens encircled us.

"Who are you?" The man, who exuded an air of experience, demanded, his eyes scanning us with suspicion.

"Stay where you are!" A commanding snarl accompanied the words, as the woman asserted her authority.

Taking advantage of the pause, I carefully observed the wardens. Clad in meticulously crafted leather armor, adorned with steel studs, they presented a formidable sight. Their faces bore an edginess, prepared to release a barrage of arrows should we prove troublesome.

"Remain calm, my friends," Dirian spoke with clarity and assurance, displaying his open palms. "I am Dirian, a devoted traveler of Lir. This is Talis, who has received the blessing of Yuna. We are allies of the gods, and we journey from the Nest to Korawen. Your elders are familiar with me. Let us meet with them."

A momentary silence hung in the air, broken by the leader of the wardens lowering his bow and bowing his head respectfully. "Forgive us for the aggressive welcome. I am Rhydan." I studied him intently—an imposing figure with a shaved head adorned by intricate tribal tattoos snaking down his neck and arms. His piercing blue eyes contained the intensity of a gathering storm.