He sat down exhausted, his armor was a mess. The green ground ones beautiful now covered in spots of red. They'd told him not to fight the demon on his own. "Wait for Faistoh to come back with help. He's the quickest of us all, they'll be here in less than an hour."
He could'nt feel his legs as he sat there on his knees. Worn out but victorious. The corpse of a elder demon laying with wounds all over it a few feet away. He raised his gaze and looked at the terrified children near him. He'd saved them. He made it in time. A few seconds longer and who knows what had happened. They didn't dare move closer. Afraid that the demon would get up again if they did. There were shouts coming from further inside the dark forest. After inhaling a deep breath he gave out a quiet sigh. He was wasting time sitting here. However after a fight such as this one, one was allowed to have a quick break. The commander would surely punish him for acting on his own but he'd shrug it off. If the rest were to afraid to act in the good of the children, he would. They were the future and he was getting close to his fourteen year contracts end. After terminating his contract he'd buy a house near the sea. Build a boat and go out fishing every morning. Finally catch some of those daylight hours without being on a mission or forced to train. Maybe get a wife and some children to keep him company. He was nearing his fourties. There were not to many women of his age that were unmarried but he had already set his eyes on a tavern owner. She was a halfelf. She'd outlive him by far. A perfect mother to his children. She probably had some money saved up aswell. He'd spent most of his during his earlier years of service to the king. He'd saved some of course. One should always have a plan B in case retirement came early. He coughed up a little blood inside his helmet. Some internal damage was to be expected after today. He'd have to pay for a healer again but the benefits he would get for taking down an elder would clear those costs quick. He felt proud, and bit cold but this place wasnt known for It's tropical weather. The kids had gone quiet, understandable after such a sight. Not everyone kept their sanity after meeting a elder. Their unnatural shapes could mess with the heads of even the most experienced of hunters. The cold that had slowly been creeping in was now in full force. Still on his knees he loosened his cape and held it towards the children. Not feeling it in his hands anymore he bent his head and prayed to the gods. Offering thanks for guideing him to his juniors in time. His body filled with warmth ones his co-workers stepped out from behind the trees nearby. He was met with cheers and pats on the back when they returned back to the fortress. He was even offered paid leave so he could spend some time recovering. He knew exactly where he would go first. He'd ask her out for another dinner. After surviving something like this he felt like he could do anything. after that he'd buy that small piece of land and start building that house. His memories were swelling forth and he knew exactly where wanted to have it. Close to a abandon old monestary there was a perfect hill overlooking the land and sea.
They found him after a few hours. His body the center of a bubblelike aura keeping demons away. Inside the aura it was warm and cozy, the kids seemed to be well physicly. Their mental state to be observed.
~ Have you ever seen anything like this? The lady looked in awe as weaker demons touched the bubble and turn into ash. She moved over to examine her now deceased colleague. His body was slowly turning into stone.
~ I've never seen anything like this. This type of demon isn't known for turning people into stone.
8 years later
~ This place is known as heroes rest. The protective bubble keeps us hidden from any unwanted eyes. The statues are the corpses of a man from the order and the demon he slew. It's strictly forbidden to touch any of these. Punishment for doing such will be quite severe. Now offer thanks before setting down your bedroll.