"I told you, I don't want to!" San said right before storming out of his hut.

"Why not?" His father chased after him and grabbed his elbow. "San, you're the best fighter we've ever seen. This is a huge honor!"

The young Elf just shook his head and kept walking.

San didn't care about titles or ranks. It didn't matter to him that the King and Queen wanted to promote him to one of their head generals.

To him, it was more of a prison sentence. One where he would have to follow orders for the rest of his life and be ready to serve at the snap of a finger.

"Leave me alone, Father!" San snapped over his shoulder.

"San!"

Without looking back, San took off running. His father was right about one thing, San was the best fighter, and that also meant he was the fastest.

He knew he didn't need to worry about anyone catching him for now.

San ran through the forest and focused on just getting away from it all. The greenery around him was calling his name anyway.

He loved the place he lived and he loved being an Elf. San would never argue that. The speed, the strength, the heightened senses... they were all gifts from the gods who treasured Elves more than Eorthains. It made them superior in so many ways.

And the forest they had been gifted, named Celesta Forest in honor of the gods, was the most luscious place on Earth. The trees were always green and vibrant. Flowers grew everywhere, up the sides of trees, in large open clearings, lining the paths the Elves had taken the time to create...

San loved it all.

This was the main reason why he didn't want to be promoted. He was content serving in the army to protect and patrol their borders from attackers, but if that were to change he would miss the freedom he has now.

It was something he never wanted to lose.

When he stopped running, San found himself in one of their fruit orchards surrounded by blossoming trees. The air was sweet, promising a bountiful harvest of apples soon.

But then a harsh breeze blew past him, stirring everything and disrupting the peace.

"San!" A familiar, deep voice said from behind him. He turned to see his close friend, Yoongi, running up to him with a concerned look. "San, we--"

"Yoongi, you know I--"

The older Elf held up his hands to cut him off. "I know. But this is an emergency. I need you to come with me now."

<<~*~>>

Written by flamewhipper