Later - Village square
Krivex stood beside his Lord, eyes following the elf women as they disappeared behind the lodging doors. Silence lingered between them, thick with questions.
"My Lord… what's the plan?" he finally asked. "What do we do with them?"
Lumberling exhaled slowly, rubbing the tension from his temples.
"I don't know yet. We'll do what we can. For now, make sure everyone follows. No one is to provoke or interfere with the elves. Not a word. Not a glance."
Krivex nodded, his expression hardening. "Understood."
Lumberling's voice dropped lower.
"Also… send word to Skitz and the others. Have them return immediately. I want everything they can dig up on Sylra's past."
Krivex gave a quick salute and melted into the shadows.
Lumberling remained, alone beneath the darkening sky, the village square hushed and still.
He stared upward, the clouds thickening above.
He'd chosen to save Sylra months ago. But was it the right choice?
