Evening descended upon the elven city softly — like mist dissolving all sounds.

  We sat among the firefly-lights, each lost in their own thoughts.

  Finn prayed for his parents.

  Edgar was silent, clenching his hands into fists.

  Elinia leaned against a tree, trying to remain composed, but even her gaze searched for an answer.

  When the elf finally descended the stairs, the silence became absolute.

  He stopped in front of me.

  “Zenhald… I have news personally for you.”

  His voice was calm.

  But the words struck straight into my heart:

  — You may not know this…

  But your parents.

  And your entire village…

  they are alive.

  I froze.

  — The forest accepted them as guests.

  — It shelters them as its own people.

  — You do not need to worry.

  I didn’t even realize when I exhaled.

  As if a massive stone I had been carrying in my chest all these weeks finally fell away.

  Noxus gently nudged me with his muzzle.

  Elinia turned away to hide her emotion.

  Finn smiled so sincerely that even Seteya’s gaze softened.

  But the elf raised his head — and his voice grew louder.

  — The Council of Branches has discussed the request of the humans.

  And here is their decision.

  We all straightened.

  — We will allow the human army to pass through our forest.

  — We will help with food, shelter, water, and fire.

  — We will give refuge to every warrior.

  Finn perked up:

  — Then… you’ll help in the battle?!

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  The elf shook his head:

  — We will not shed our blood.

  — Not yet.

  He slowly let his gaze pass over Norris, then over Haras.

  — Perhaps one day both peoples will stand as one formation.

  — But today is not that day.

  He continued:

  — We will receive the army.

  — But warn your people:

  If even one human violates our laws —

  we will punish them by our laws.

  Norris opened his mouth in relief.

  — You are saving thousands of lives, — he said. — We are in your debt.

  But the elf only gave a slight nod…

  and looked at Haras with a long, cold gaze.

  Then — vanished upward like a shadow.

  Norris exhaled as if a noose had just been removed from his neck.

  — We need to send word to the general.

  But it’s three days there… and three days back…

  We’ll lose a whole week.

  Then a young elf stepped forward — about fifteen, thin, fast as the wind.

  He bowed:

  — The Elder ordered that you be given Faelin.

  He will deliver the letter faster.

  Norris blinked in surprise:

  — Faelin?

  — A swift courier… thank you.

  The elf smiled and disappeared.

  Norris immediately wrote the letter and handed it to the small Faelin, who flew through the branches as if he were part of the wind itself.

  — Excellent, — Norris said. —

  While the letter travels, we prepare.

  He looked at us seriously:

  — Tomorrow we go on reconnaissance.

  The army will arrive in three days.

  We must learn EVERYTHING about the demons before the legions enter the forest.

  Finn swallowed.

  Elinia clenched her cloak tightly.

  Haras nodded.

  And then Seteya’s cold voice sounded:

  — And for now… light training.

  “Light” meant running around gigantic trees.

  After the first lap we were already sweating.

  After the fifth — Finn was praying to the gods not to die.

  By the tenth minute I felt like I was breathing hot air.

  Snow, cold — all of it vanished.

  We ran like wound machines.

  Seteya watched.

  — Enough, — she finally said.

  — Good.

  — Rest. Tomorrow is an important day.

  We collapsed onto the ground.

  And then an elven woman approached us.

  About twenty-five, tall, flexible.

  A face marked with light scars, strong hands — a warrior to the bone.

  She stopped in front of Seteya.

  And said in a calm, even voice:

  — You are a good warrior.

  But a bad teacher.

  Seteya frowned:

  — Oh?

  The elf woman nodded:

  — You break students with force.

  — And for the first time, you have such students.

  — Talented.

  — But fragile.

  — They will bloom…

  if they do not die first.

  Seteya fell silent.

  The elf looked at each of us with the eyes of a veteran who had seen death.

  — Protect them, warrior.

  — And yourself as well.

  Then she left as quietly as she had come.

  Seteya watched her go… for a long time.

  No one saw her face — but I noticed:

  for the first time, she looked like she cared.