Lucia's Point of View

Depths of the Hollow Forest

Moments Prior

The creature Arthur called ‘Breeze’ carried me through the air. As we flew away from Arthur and Aydan, I saw the men begin to argue. I couldn’t hear what they said, but Arthur was visibly upset. However, he also looked scared as I saw him take a few glances in my direction. When I could no longer see them, and there was water beneath us, I heard a many cry out my name.

“Lucia!” Multiple people said in a joyous tone.

Ayda and her mother quickly wrapped me in their arms. “Aydalia!” I cried out happily. “You’re awake!” I hugged them back for a moment before I looked her over. “And your scars are gone…” My head tilted as I examined her. “How did-“

“That would be me.” A voice called from the water. “It was requested that I fix her scars. Not overly difficult, but still a bit of a waste to use my lake on such vanity such as someone’s looks.” She was very blue and almost blended into the water where I missed her. “Although, it was apparently to pay a debt that had to deal with you.”

“And you are?” I asked after a moment as the others just listened.

“Marina. At your service.” She quickly gestured to the towering golem on the edge of the tree line. “That’s Rock.”

“Lucia.” My greeting made her smirk. “Well, regardless of your beliefs, thank you for healing her.” I told her earnestly before I turned back to Aydalia. “Do you know what’s going on? The last thing I remember is us being next to The Veil.” A gasp left my lips. “Where’s Alwin!? I think we were under attack!”

The mother and daughter glanced at each other before Aydalia gestured to her side with her head. I followed it only to see Alwin sitting there only a couple dozen feet away with Greigh watching over him. He looked horrible. Tears came to my eyes as I saw his eyes meet mine and he gave me a weak wave. His panting made it worse as I ran over to him.

“Alwin!” I moved to my knees in front of him as I placed my hands on his cheeks. “What happened to you!?”

Smiling, he leaned into my hands. “I’ll be fine. I’m just glad you woke up.” The man choked back some sobs. “I-I-I’m sorry, Lucia. I should’ve-“

Wrapping him in a hug, I felt how thin he was, and I cut him off. “It’s okay. Whatever happened, it’s over now.”

The two of us had a moment. One that the others were nice enough to give to us. Greigh had even stepped away. He may’ve smelled horribly, but that didn’t matter to me. I could feel his ribs as I held him. However, it wasn’t long until I felt his body shaking. Pulling away from him and looking him over filled me with worry. Never before had I seen the Elven General in such a state.

“He’s malnourished, Lucia.” Aydalia informed me as her hand rested on my shoulder. “Being starved and facing extreme dehydration will do that to someone.”

“Then we need to get him some food and water!” I replied.

Alwin grunted as he got to his feet while shaking his head. “It doesn’t work like that. If I eat too much, or have too much to drink, it could do more harm than good. This will be a process to recover from, but as one of the only two survivors, I have no right to complain.”

“Survivors?” I whispered. “What?”

“We were wiped out, Lucia.” Alwin answered pitifully. “You were tortured horribly and on the brink of death.” He then held my hands. “Both of your pinky fingers were missing.” My eyes were wide as he spoke. “Arthur saved us. Well, he came for you and found me on the way.” Letting go, he gestured to himself. “This is how Arthur found us only a few hours ago.”

Greigh quickly added. “The last few hours have been really trying. Emotions have been high, and Arthur was poisoned when he returned. His actions…” The captain paused as he tried to find the right thing to say. “Were not all in his control.”

Ayda hugged me from the side. “We all thought you were dead.”

A new voice spoke up, and I turned to face her. “Arthur was rather distraught when he witnessed your supposed death. Never before had I seen the man so emotional.” She gave me a light bow. “My name is Camoa. Arthur came to me for aid, and I was able to stabilize you.”

“And he took my memories?” I asked.

The Druid nodded. “He did. Many of us thought it was a bad idea given his condition, but he was adamant.”

“I was informed as such.” My hands went to the sides of my head as I continued. “He knows my mother…”

“…” No one replied.

I looked up to see everyone avoiding my gaze. “Wha-“

A howling cut me off as it echoed through the tree line. Rock immediately slammed both his arms on the ground before Marina motioned for him to stop. Even Breeze moved into the air at her command. All three readied themselves, almost as if they had been expecting this.

“Breeze, you handle the other side. Rock, the front.” She ordered. “I will assist both of you when and where I can while keeping the group safe.”

“What’s happening?” Aydalia inquired.

“Intruders.” Marina answered before everything turned to chaos.