Azad and Ellie continued down the mountain path, the dense trees casting long shadows in the fading light. The fresh scent of pine and damp earth filled the air, mingling with the smoke from the coal they'd collected earlier. As they moved, Azad swung his axe, chopping wood while Ellie picked up pieces here and there.
Azad scoffed, "No more dirt shelters. We're building something solid this time."
Ellie gave him a nod of approval. "Couldn't agree more. My whole body still feels muddy. Ugh, I need a real wash!" She looked around, her nose wrinkled in disgust as she wiped her arm.
Azad smirked. "Says the one freaking out over a bit of mud. And you call me princess? Such hypocrisy."
Ellie rolled her eyes, muttering with a smirk, "Hmph! You wouldn't understand. Your hair's already a mess anyway."
Azad raised an eyebrow, trying not to laugh. "Right, and you're a royal highness for worrying about a bit of dirt."
Ellie glanced at Choco, who wagged his tail, padding along at her side as if backing her up. "See, Choco's got my back! Just admit you wouldn't last a second without me."
Azad sighed, chuckling. "Alright, alright, let's just find a spot to get you cleaned up before I have to listen to more complaints."
They wandered a bit farther until they found a clear stream trickling between the rocks. Ellie practically glowed with relief.
Ellie sighed, "Finally! You wouldn't know the joy of feeling clean, Azad."
Azad chuckled, watching her splash water on her face. "You're right, I wouldn't," he said, rolling his eyes.
Ellie smirked but didn't argue. Ellie cleaned up in the stream, while Choco happily lapped at the water beside her, shaking off the dirt and looking content.
When Ellie was finally done, Azad had already arranged a makeshift shelter—a simple, sturdy wooden box lined with branches to block the wind. As Ellie walked over, her eyes widened.
"Azad! When did you start thinking?" She let out a laugh, unable to hide her surprise. "I thought you were—what's the word—brainless?"
Azad rolled his eyes, grinning as he tossed her a blanket. "Can't you just say thanks?"
They settled into the shelter as dusk settled into night. Azad and Ellie finished a small meal with Choco curled up beside them, his ears twitching as he listened to the nighttime sounds. The forest around them was alive with the occasional rustle of leaves, the soft hoot of an owl, and the distant howl of a wolf.
As they rested, Azad's eyes grew heavy, the exhaustion from the day setting in. But not long after midnight, a faint rustling reached his ears, causing him to jolt awake. He sat up, straining to see past the glow of the small fire they'd lit for warmth.
Ellie stirred beside him. Choco's growl was low and steady, his fur bristling.
Azad held his breath. "What was that?" he whispered, glancing toward Ellie.
She pressed a finger to her lips, eyes narrowing in the dark. "Stay quiet. We're not alone."
Azad rose to his feet, gripping his sword tightly as he scanned the darkness. The rustling grew louder, and suddenly, a figure emerged from the shadows—a cloaked figure, tall and imposing, with red eyes glowing faintly in the dim light.
"Who are you?" Ellie called out, her voice steady but cautious.
The figure paused, then spoke in a low, gravelly voice. "I mean you no harm… but you are not safe here."
Azad stepped forward, his heart pounding. "What do you mean?"
The stranger's eyes glinted. "This land is wretched. There are those who would hunt you… and they are closer than you think."
Ellie and Azad exchanged a glance, their unease growing. The stranger took a step closer, lowering his hood to reveal a weathered face, scarred by time and battle.
"You seek answers," the man said, his voice heavy with knowledge. "I may be able to help… but first, you must leave this place. They will come soon, and you do not want to be here when they arrive."
Azad tightened his grip on his sword, glancing at Ellie. Her eyes were sharp, assessing the stranger, trying to determine if he was a friend or foe. But something in his voice, in the urgency of his warning, struck a chord.
"Who are 'they'?" Ellie asked, her voice low.
The man's gaze darkened. "The ones who betrayed your grandfather… they are still searching for you."
Azad's blood ran cold. The danger they had long feared was closer than ever.
"Come," the man said, turning toward the darkness. "I will lead you to safety… if you trust me."
Ellie hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "We'll follow."
With that, they gathered their things, extinguished the fire, and followed the mysterious figure into the night.