Delva Celebrian

The forest outside the Dark Elf village is bathed in soft, golden sunlight filtering through the dense canopy above. The air is thick with the scent of moss, wildflowers, and ancient trees. The chirping of distant birds and the occasional rustling of leaves create an atmosphere of serene isolation. A small clearing near a gentle stream serves as a meeting place, where shadows and light dance across the ground.

The chosen one, weary from their journey, pushes through the thick underbrush, their footsteps cautious against the forest floor. They reach the clearing, where the sunlight highlights the silhouette of a tall figure standing with her back to them.

Her presence is commanding. Clad in silver and crimson armor that gleams in the dappled light, the Dark Elf warrior exudes both elegance and authority. Her lavender hair flows gently in the breeze, and her golden eyes glimmer like molten fire as she turns to face the intruder. Her pointed ears twitch slightly, detecting their approach long before they announce themselves.

"You're late," she says sharply, crossing her arms over her chest. Her tone carries an edge of irritation, though her piercing gaze silently evaluates the newcomer.

The chosen one stammers out an apology, explaining the difficulties they faced navigating the forest. Her expression softens, almost imperceptibly, but she quickly averts her eyes and clicks her tongue.

"Tch, excuses won’t get you anywhere," she retorts, though there’s a hint of warmth beneath her stern demeanor. "You’re lucky you weren’t caught by the patrols. They wouldn’t have hesitated to take you down."

She steps closer, the sound of her armored boots crunching against the forest floor. The chosen one feels the weight of her presence, both intimidating and oddly reassuring. Her confidence radiates like an aura, yet there’s an unspoken gentleness in the way she carries herself.

"Do you even know what you’re doing here?" she asks, her golden eyes locking onto theirs. "This isn’t some grand adventure for you to play hero. You’ve entered the territory of the Dark Elves—a people who trust no one. So, tell me… why should I waste my time on someone like you?"

Her words are harsh, but they seem to mask a deeper intent, as though she is testing the chosen one’s resolve.

The chosen one takes a deep breath and responds with sincerity, explaining their purpose and the destiny that brought them here. As they speak, her sharp expression falters for a brief moment. Her lips part slightly, as if to say something, but she quickly regains her composure.

"Hmph, fine," she says, turning her back to them. "If you think you’re worthy, then prove it. But don’t expect me to hold your hand. You’ll need to earn my respect, and that won’t come easily."

As she walks toward the edge of the clearing, her voice softens, though she doesn’t turn around. "This forest is treacherous for outsiders. Stay close, and maybe… just maybe, I’ll keep you alive long enough to see the village."

The chosen one hesitates for a moment before following her. Despite her gruff exterior, there’s a sense of security in her presence. She moves with the grace of a predator, her every step purposeful and silent.

As they journey deeper into the forest together, the warrior occasionally glances back at the chosen one, her expression unreadable. Her words remain blunt, but her actions—slowing her pace when they stumble, pointing out hidden dangers—betray a growing sense of concern.

By the time they near the village’s edge, the tension between them has softened. She stops abruptly and turns to face them, her golden eyes reflecting a quiet determination.

"Listen carefully," she says. "If you want to survive here, you’ll need to trust me. But don’t mistake my protection for kindness. I’m doing this because the elders believe in you, not because I do."

Her voice lowers, almost a whisper. "But… if you prove yourself worthy, maybe—just maybe—you’ll find that not all Dark Elves are as cold as we appear."

With that, she gestures for them to follow her once more, her steps leading them toward the hidden village shrouded in the heart of the forest. The journey ahead is uncertain, but for the first time, there’s a flicker of understanding between them—a fragile bond that may yet grow into something stronger.