Pillars of Age

Hilltop Shades, Distant Blight

AUVEDA

From a distance, the peak of a thickly forested hill stood majestic, shrouded in towering trees adorned with leaves in hues of brown and green. The early morning sunlight filtered through the canopy, casting dappled shadows that danced upon the forest floor, creating a serene yet mysterious ambiance.

Auveda and her unit hid behind ancient trees at the valley's base, their eyes fixed intently on the hilltop. The forest whispered secrets with the rustling of leaves, a symphony of nature that hinted at hidden truths. In the stillness, Vaethur appeared, sprinting towards them, his breath heavy with urgency.

"I found them as the Green Leaf foretold. But something feels off. We should approach them without delay," Vaethur urged, his voice tinged with unease.

Auveda's emerald eyes met his, a silent understanding passing between them. She nodded, and with a subtle gesture, they moved stealthily through the dense undergrowth, ascending the hill with practiced ease.

As they neared the summit, the scene unfolded like a hidden tableau. The hilltop revealed itself as the headquarters of the Forest Elf troops. Tents, camouflaged in the colours of tree bark and verdant leaves, were arranged meticulously, resembling a small, orderly village. Despite the apparent calm, the Forest Elf Soldiers were engrossed in dismantling their encampment.

"Greetings, sir. We have just arrived. May we ask why you are dismantling your tents?" Atvae inquired, her tone respectful yet curious.

"Greetings, young lady. We have been ordered to retreat. For details, you should speak to the leaders of this headquarters over there," the Forest Elf responded, his voice polite but distracted by his work.

"Then we should ask them directly," Vaethur suggested.

"Indeed. Wait here. Vaethur and I will speak with them," Auveda commanded, her tone authoritative yet composed. Her unit, the Forest Phantoms, acknowledged her directive with disciplined silence.

From the hill's crest, a breathtaking panorama stretched out before them. The Elder Forest sprawled beneath their feet, its vastness extending to the foothills of the towering northeastern mountains.

"A location too strategic to abandon," Auveda murmured, her gaze sweeping the horizon.

Two Forest Elves, their faces etched with weariness, turned as they heard Auveda's voice. They approached her and Vaethur, their expressions guarded yet respectful.

"Greetings, I am Maelha, leader of the Forest Army at this outpost. This is Galryth, head of a Forest Phantom unit operating in this region," introduced the female Forest Elf, clad in light armor adorned with green and brown fabric. Her long, light brown hair, tangled and unkempt, framed a face marked by exhaustion.

"Greetings, sir Galryth," Auveda replied, her voice steady.

"Greetings, fellow Phantom," Galryth responded, his dark brown hair neatly kept, though his eyes betrayed his fatigue.

"Greetings," echoed Auveda and Vaethur in unison.

"So, you are the leader of the newly arrived Forest Phantom unit?" Maelha asked, her curiosity piqued.

"Yes. I am Auveda, and this is Vaethur. We have just traversed the Elder Forest, guided by the Green Leaf, to reach this location," Auveda explained.

"Really? Then it's unfortunate you arrived just as we must retreat," Maelha said, a hint of regret in her voice.

"We noticed your troops dismantling their tents. Did you received an order to retreat?" Auveda observed.

Maelha and Galryth exchanged a look before Galryth nodded and stepped forward.