The sun had barely pierced the horizon when Kael and the trio emerged from the citadel's ancient corridors, stepping into a valley shrouded in mist. The air was crisp, carrying the faint scent of pine and damp earth, but something darker lingered—an unshakable tension that pressed against Kael's senses.
Selara's wings flexed, her gaze sweeping the valley. "Orcs," she whispered, her claws brushing lightly along a tree trunk for balance. "They're near… and organized. This isn't just a random scouting party."
Nyxara smirked, crouching low, claws digging into the soil. "Finally. Some real action. I was beginning to think our adventures were all shadow dancing and pretty murals." She flashed Kael a grin, playful yet fierce.
Aurielle's calm voice sliced through the tension. "Patience. These aren't mere brutes. Orcs of this kind often serve greater powers. Kael, their strength is considerable, but with strategy…" She glanced at him, her hands glowing faintly as protective energy gathered.
Kael's golden eyes scanned the valley, noting subtle movements in the mist. Orc scouts crept along ridges, armed with crude weapons that glinted in the weak sunlight. Their numbers were greater than the trio had faced before, their presence heavy and deliberate. He said nothing, as always, allowing his calm observation to anchor the group.
Selara nudged him playfully. "You're quiet again. You know, we're here too, right?"
Kael's lips twitched ever so slightly. "Focus. Assess."
The first wave of orcs charged, their war cries echoing through the valley. Nyxara leapt into the fray, claws extended, her movements a blur as she struck with precision and playful ferocity. Selara followed, her golden wings spreading wide as she dodged attacks and countered with elegant strikes. Aurielle maintained a protective aura, healing minor wounds and guiding their movements.
Kael moved with calculated perfection, anticipating attacks, countering with a force that combined raw strength and precise magical manipulation. The orcs, though brutal, were no match for the trio's combined synergy. Yet the battle was more than physical; it tested Kael's perception, strategy, and ability to coordinate with his companions under pressure.
Mid-battle, Nyxara dodged a strike and glanced back at Kael, laughing breathlessly. "See? Even the orcs think you're mysterious. I bet they're wondering what kind of dragon we're dealing with!"
Selara's wings brushed against Kael's side as she swooped past him. "And I think they'd be terrified if they knew how much fun we can have… together."
Aurielle's serene focus remained, though her eyes sparkled with amusement at the teasing interactions. "Playfulness is your strength as much as your skill. Trust and connection amplify your abilities."
The orc leader emerged, a hulking figure with jagged armor and a massive axe. His presence alone radiated menace, yet Kael's golden eyes met his without hesitation. A silent challenge passed between them before the leader charged. Kael stepped forward, the earth trembling under his weight as magic coursed through him, his aura flaring.
The battle escalated, each strike a dance of precision and power. Kael's stoic calm contrasted the chaos, guiding his companions through attacks and counterattacks. When the dust settled, the orcs lay defeated, scattered across the valley, and the trio stood unscathed, playful banter resuming even as they caught their breath.
Nyxara smirked, brushing dirt from her scales. "Well, that was fun. You're not so bad in battle, Kael, even if you are all serious and broody."
Selara nudged him gently. "See? We knew you'd handle it. But don't think you can hide your stoicism from us forever."
Kael's golden eyes swept the valley once more, wary yet calm. The orcish shadows had been but the first wave; he knew darker forces lingered beyond, waiting for the right moment to strike. Yet with Selara, Nyxara, and Aurielle at his side, he felt a pulse of reassurance—the first real warmth he had allowed himself in centuries.