Shrill screams and unearthly shrieks tore through the tranquil stillness of the mid-morning air, shattering the peace that enveloped the realm. Deldrach stirred from his slumber with a start, feeling the latent power of nature surge within him. Vines and exotic flowers yearned to burst forth from his fingertips, eager to ensnare and shield the sanctuary under his care. With a deep breath, he suppressed the primal urge, mindful of the chaos he could inadvertently unleash.

As he rose from his bed, a cascade of yellow-blonde locks cascaded over his chiseled features, partially veiling his intense gaze. Behind him, his faithful companions Kolvar and Ailas, both warriors in their own right, followed suit, roused by the piercing cries that echoed through the inn's corridors. Barefoot, Deldrach navigated the cool, ancient stones of the inn's interior with deliberate steps, straining to pinpoint the source of the distressing cacophony.

A fresh wave of screams reverberated through the chamber, causing the very walls to quiver in response. Deldrach's crimson eyes darted towards the room where Ara and Saida, the enchanting sisters under his protection, resided. Without hesitation, he surged towards their quarters, a primal instinct urging him to protect those entrusted to his care.

Throwing the door open, Deldrach was met with a harrowing sight. Saida, her delicate hands pressed firmly against her ears, was a picture of sheer distress, while Ara, her sister, thrashed wildly upon her bed, a tempest of frenzied movement and anguished cries. Despite his desire to offer comfort, Deldrach hesitated, mindful of the ancient edicts instilled within him over centuries.

"We do not touch without permission," the sacred law echoed in his mind, a reminder of the boundaries that governed his interactions. Observing how easily Ailas had allowed young Saida to reach out to him, Deldrach pondered the complexities of consent and connection in a world teeming with mystic energies and unspoken truths.

"Step aside," a commanding voice pierced the tense atmosphere, prompting Deldrach to yield his position. With a reluctant acquiescence, he made way for Kolvar, the seasoned warrior whose presence exuded a sense of calm authority. As Kolvar approached Ara, his movements were imbued with a gentle grace, his touch a soothing balm amidst the turmoil that gripped the room.

A hush fell over the chamber as Kolvar's pale blue hand came to rest upon Ara's trembling shoulder, the intimate gesture stirring a disconcerting sensation within Deldrach's chest. Observing Kolvar's stoic stillness, a flicker of concern crossed Deldrach's mind, briefly questioning if the warrior's breath had stilled altogether. Yet, before his apprehension could deepen, Ara's eyes fluttered open, a haunting glimmer of unshed tears lingering within their depths.

"Welcome back to the land of the living," Kolvar's voice, warm and reassuring, broke the silence, his charming smile a beacon of solace in the midst of uncertainty. Ara's response, though faint and raspy, carried a note of gratitude that resonated through the room, dispelling some of the lingering tension.

Intent on retreating to the solace of his own thoughts, Deldrach turned to depart, only to be halted by a poignant sight. Saida, her visage etched with horror, remained frozen in distress, her hands clasped tightly over her ears, a silent witness to the harrowing ordeal that had unfolded. Ailas, ever perceptive, offered a quiet explanation over his shoulder, shedding light on Saida's acute sensitivity to Ara's cries.

A pang of empathy tugged at Deldrach's heart as he regarded Saida's trembling form, her vulnerability stark against the backdrop of their shared trials. In that moment, the illusion of Saida's unwavering strength shattered, revealing a fragile resilience that mirrored his own hidden insecurities. A fleeting impulse to reach out and offer comfort stirred within him, yet an icy barrier of fear and self-doubt held him in check, a poignant reminder of the inner struggles that plagued him. In that moment of hesitation, Deldrach confronted a truth he had long evaded – that bravery, in its truest form, often lay in facing one's own vulnerabilities.

"Saida, are you alright?" Ailas's melodious voice reverberated in Deldrach's ears as he beheld the scene before him. Ailas was crouched beside Saida, his hands tenderly clasping her knees, urging her to break the silence that had enveloped her. Deldrach's gaze darted briefly to Kolvar and Ara, engrossed in a hushed exchange, before returning to the pair before him. It was in moments like these that he felt like an inconsequential fifth wheel amidst the familiarity that seemed to bind the others together. Did they share a history that eluded him? Saida, Ara, and Kolvar remained enigmas to him, their pasts shrouded in mystery. It was Ailas who had plucked him from obscurity a decade ago, ushering him into the enigmatic world of the Table. Once a chatterbox brimming with tales, Ailas had now assumed a more subdued demeanor, especially in the presence of Saida.

"I am well, Ailas. Ara merely startled me," Saida reassured her ancient companion, her lips curved in a gentle smile as Ailas lingered before her.

"I feared your delicate ears might have suffered," Ailas murmured, his grip on her knees tightening momentarily. "The sun climbs high; shall we break bread ere we depart?" Ailas's gaze flitted towards Ara and Kolvar, as if deferring to them as the arbiters of their quest, relegating Deldrach and himself to the periphery.

"Aye, we shall depart anon," Deldrach interjected, a flicker of determination in his eyes as he sought to assert his dwindling authority.

"I believe that question was meant for us," Ara interjected, her eyes ablaze with intensity.

Deldrach bristled at her assertion. "Your authority is no greater than mine. We offered our assistance, so should we not have a say in our departure and accommodations?" he retorted, sweeping a hand through his disheveled hair.

"Ailas has already arranged our lodgings. The decision was made with the Table's guidance," Ara shot back, her emerald eyes flashing with escalating fervor.

"I fail to see the issue at hand. We must stand united, break bread, and embark on our journey," Deldrach urged, his tone tinged with exasperation.

"My issue lies with you," Ara seethed, her voice laced with unbridled fury. "Saida spoke of your self-righteousness and volatile temperament. If it were up to me, you would have relinquished your knowledge and allowed us to pursue the quest unimpeded."

A surge of indignation coursed through Deldrach as he advanced towards Ara. She knew naught of the Table's tireless efforts to shield Seatorion from the ceaseless torment that plagued their realm. The Table stood as a bastion against the encroaching darkness, akin to a sovereign who remained cloistered within her palace, safeguarding her people from afar. The revelation of Tirvuic's betrayal, severing a sacred bond with the divine, had cast a shadow over Seatorion, its repercussions unfathomable to the uninitiated.

"You speak boldly for one so woefully ignorant. Cross me again, and I shall report to Chalia that our mission has faltered, withholding our aid entirely," Deldrach hissed, venom dripping from his words as his verdant vines slithered from his grasp, snaking their way to the ground. Ailas shot him a cautionary look, sensing the escalating tension in the room. Unfazed, Deldrach continued, his voice laced with disdain, "I can discern the source of Saida's acerbity and sharp tongue. Her sister, the ignorant meddler, ignorant of the sacrifices made behind the veil to safeguard the very realm she now endeavors to rescue."

"Recant your words, you despicable swine," Ara seethed, rising from her resting place, brushing past Kolvar to confront Deldrach. Despite standing at equal height, a fact that might have bruised Deldrach's ego under different circumstances, his fury rendered him impervious to such notions.

"Have I pierced a raw nerve? Excellent. You will require every ounce of fortitude to endure what lies ahead. Do you truly believe the Queen will extend her aid willingly? She is shrouded in a history of fear and animosity for a reason. Be wary, for one of her ilk does not proffer assistance without a price," Deldrach countered, his words laden with a foreboding warning.

"May we endeavor to maintain civility in our discourse?" Saida's gentle voice interjected, imbued with a soothing quality that sought to diffuse the escalating tension in the room. "Chalia granted the Table's aid willingly, Deldrach. There was no coercion. Our focus should be fixed on combating Tivruic and his unholy horde, not on internal strife. We have only just embarked on this arduous five-day trek, yet already our unity falters. Let us break bread, gather our belongings, and press onward. Channel your energies into our journey, not fruitless quarrels."

Ara and Deldrach stood locked in a silent standoff, each unwilling to yield, awaiting the other to concede in response to Saida's entreaty. When neither showed signs of relenting, Kolvar, the sagely figure among them, rose from his seat. He tenderly clasped Ara's shoulder before departing, a simple gesture that seemed to quell the fiery defiance in her gaze, softening her countenance.

Deldrach arched a skeptical brow, his gaze narrowed in contemplation. What unspoken bond did Ara and Kolvar share that a mere touch could assuage her ire so swiftly?

"I offer my apologies for my earlier outburst, Deldrach. I hope that as we journey together, we may forge a deeper understanding, and perchance you might regale me with your tale," Ara conceded, her tone tinged with lingering resentment yet devoid of hostility.

"I accept your apology, and I..." Deldrach paused, drawing in a deep breath. "I apologize for my lack of decorum. Typically, I pride myself on my manners." His admission prompted a suppressed chuckle from Ailas, earning him a sharp glare from Deldrach. Ara and Deldrach then clasped hands before making their way into the inn's dining area.

The innkeeper awaited them with a laden tray of fresh fruits, toast, and eggs, the tantalizing aroma igniting Deldrach's hunger. Having foregone the earlier meal in favor of slumber, he eagerly set to devouring the sumptuous offerings. Seated around a modest table, they filled their plates with the savory fare, savoring each delectable bite with gratitude for Ailas's choice of lodging and dining.

"Pray tell, Ailas, how did you chance upon such a charming establishment?" Saida inquired between mouthfuls of egg and toast.

"Through my network of well-traveled acquaintances," Ailas responded cryptically, prompting further curiosity.

"You have companions?" Kolvar interjected, washing down his food with a sip of orange juice, his gaze flickering to Ara, silently sharing the discovery of the refreshing liquid.

"Is that truly surprising?" Ailas countered, bemused by the inquiry.

"Well, given the clandestine nature of your existence, one might assume you have little time for social engagements," Kolvar explained, a hint of chagrin coloring his tone.

"Before my tenure at the Table, I led a life outside of the shadows. Though unnoticed by many, the friendships I cultivated held great value to me," Ailas revealed, savoring a sip of tea before casting a glance at Saida, who prodded her eggs tentatively, as if unfamiliar with them. "Perhaps this journey will yield new connections. The intricacies of human interaction never cease to intrigue me." A warm smile graced his features as he raised his cup. "To new friendships and uncharted horizons."

"Here, here!" they echoed in unison, toasting to the promise of camaraderie and discovery on their shared path.

As the mid-morning sun cast its golden rays over the quaint inn, the fellowship of adventurers finished their hearty breakfast, fueling themselves for the journey ahead. With a sense of purpose, they secured their packs, carefully organizing the provisions bestowed upon them by the hospitable innkeeper. Farewells were exchanged, gratitude expressed, and then, with resolute determination, they set forth on the path indicated on the aged map.

Ara and Kolvar, the steadfast leaders of the group, took the lead once more, their gazes fixed on the unknown horizon. Behind them, Saida and Ailas walked in perfect harmony, their arms intertwined in a show of camaraderie and trust. Deldrach, ever the outsider with a simmering temper that rivaled the fiercest of storms, lingered awkwardly on the periphery, feeling like a fifth wheel amidst the tight-knit quartet.

His brooding thoughts meandered through realms of uncertainty and self-reflection as the miles stretched before them, each step echoing with silent resolve. Deldrach couldn't shake the memory of Saida's mysterious disappearance, her abilities veiled in secrecy and intrigue. Her enigmatic powers hinted at a destiny far greater than the winding path they currently trod. Perhaps, once the dust of their current quest settled, she would find her place at the fabled Table, where legends were born and fates entwined.

But as the shadows of doubt loomed ever closer, Deldrach's mind drifted to darker contemplations. The looming threat of Tivruic, a malevolent force unleashed once more upon the realm, threatened to unravel the fragile tapestry of secrets and lies he had sworn to protect. Would his past deeds, hidden beneath layers of earth and time, finally come to light in the wake of impending chaos?

Lost in his musings, Deldrach trudged alongside his companions, the weight of unspoken words heavy upon his shoulders. Thirty miles of weary silence lay ahead, each step a testament to the burdens they carried—both tangible and intangible. As the road unfurled before them, Deldrach's heart brimmed with uncertainty and longing, yearning for a purpose beyond the confines of his haunted past. The journey ahead was fraught with peril and revelation, and Deldrach knew that the shadows of the unknown held both danger and redemption in equal measure.