The knights rode ahead toward the territory, leaving Raymond and Ellora at the edge of the forest. Raymond remembered Grandpa Ludwing's words: "From here, you must continue alone. The forest will test you, and only together will you find the way."
They stepped into the Elf Forest. Silver leaves shimmered above them, streams glowed faintly, and flowers pulsed with light. The air felt alive, humming with quiet magic.
Further, a small elf child appeared, eyes wide with fear. He caught Ellora's dress and tugged at it in desperation "Please… help us, please" the child begged. "A dark globe...the, the elders. The spring is poisoned. the magic, our magic doesn't work''. the child was teary and scared.
Raymond and Ellora followed the child deeper into the forest. In a clearing, they saw the elders bound by shadows, their chants silenced by the globe hovering above the spring. It pulsed with dark energy, countering every spell the elves tried to cast.
Raymond drew his sword, but before he could strike, Ellora stepped forward. Her hands glowed with blue light, her voice steady as she wove incantations. The shadows hissed, striking at her, but she held firm. Raymond was stunned—he had not expected Ellora to be this strong. For a moment, he faltered, watching her with disbelief. Then he recovered, charging forward. His blade clashed against the globe, sparks flying. Ellora's light surged at the same time, weakening its hold. With one final strike, Raymond shattered the globe into fragments, its dark energy dissolving into mist.
The elders were freed, the spring cleared, and the Jewel Water flowed again, glowing with crystal light. The elves rejoiced, their tribe was saved.
That night, celebrations filled the forest. Music echoed through the trees, lanterns glowed, and the elves danced in gratitude. The elder stepped forward, placing a silver bracelet on Ellora's wrist. "A blessing," he said. "May it guide you, and bind your path with strength." he seemed to know something or at least have sensed it.
Ellora bowed her head, gratitude shining in her eyes. Yet there was more—a glint of understanding, as if she knew something deeper, as if they had realized something in unity. Raymond noticed, confusion stirring in him. Why did they look like that? Why did her eyes hold meaning he could not grasp?
As the celebrations continued, Raymond's gaze lingered on her yet again. At this point he had given up on resisting. All he had was confusion and a hope to clear this confusion someday. She smiled faintly, her thoughts were clear; I refuse to let it repeat...
Raymond felt unsettled. He saw the guilty, remorseful expression on her face, but could not understand its source. He resigned himself to confusion, yet a strange certainty grew, something unknown bound them together, he was becoming more and more certain.