As the group continued their journey, the dense canopy above cast dappled shadows across the forest floor. Raelyn walked alongside Benjamin, Maisie's reins loose in her hands as the horse trudged behind her. The hum of the forest was ever-present, a low vibration that seemed to weave through the air.

Benjamin glanced at her, his curiosity evident. "So... this quest of yours," he began hesitantly. "Why are the demons after you? You said something about that locket?"

Raelyn exhaled slowly, her gaze drifting to the locket hidden beneath her cloak. It felt heavier than ever, the weight of its purpose pressing against her chest. "The locket is a key," she said, her voice quiet. "It's the only way to find the weapon of the gods—a weapon powerful enough to rid Unevia of the demons."

Benjamin's eyes widened. "A weapon of the gods? That's... incredible." He paused, frowning slightly. "But if it's so powerful, why hasn't anyone used it before now?"

Raelyn hesitated, the question lingering in her mind as well. "The weapon was hidden—protected." she admitted. "Only the locket can lead us to it. But the demons know what it can do. That's why they're after it."

Benjamin nodded slowly, absorbing her words. "And the elves? You think they'll help you find it?"

"I hope so." Raelyn said, her tone laced with uncertainty. "The elves have the largest library of Unevia. Documenting its history, legends, magic and so much more. We're hoping to find something that can help us on our way."

Benjamin's expression shifted, a glimmer of determination lighting his eyes. "If it can save Unevia, the elves will certainly help you."

Raelyn glanced at him, surprised by the conviction in his voice. "You really believe that?"

Benjamin shrugged, though there was a hint of pride in his smile. "My father died fighting demons. If there's a chance to finish what he started... yeah, I believe it."

Raelyn's chest tightened at his words, and she offered him a small, genuine smile. "Thank you, Benjamin. That means a lot."

Hovan, walking a few steps ahead, glanced back over his shoulder. "Don't go getting any heroics in your head, lad," he said gruffly. "Demons don't care how noble your cause is."

Benjamin smirked. "I'll keep that in mind."

The group pressed on, the conversation fading into the hum of the forest as the towering trees loomed ever larger around them. Despite the uncertainty of their journey, Raelyn felt a flicker of hope. For the first time, it seemed, they weren't entirely alone.

The light filtering through the Brystwy Forest had begun to shift, casting a warm, golden hue across the dense underbrush as the sun dipped lower in the sky. The towering trees seemed to stretch endlessly upward, their thick trunks veined with luminous streaks of moss that glowed faintly in the dim light. The hum in the air, a low and constant vibration, had grown more pronounced, filling the silence with a sense of anticipation.

The group trudged forward, the rhythmic crunch of their footsteps on the forest floor blending with the faint rustling of leaves overhead. Raelyn felt the weight of the locket pressing against her chest, a constant reminder of their purpose. She glanced around, her unease growing as shadows shifted unnaturally at the corners of her vision.

Benjamin, walking slightly ahead, slowed his pace and held up a hand. "We should stop here for a moment," he whispered, his voice barely carrying over the stillness. "This is about where they usually find me."

Hovan raised an eyebrow, his hand hovering near his sword hilt. "Find you? You make it sound like you're the one being hunted."

Benjamin smirked nervously, his confidence wavering. "Well... that's sort of how it feels. But trust me, they'll come."

Raelyn pulled Maisie's reins closer, her voice hushed. "Are you sure? What if they don't?"

"They'll come," Benjamin assured her, though his tone carried a flicker of doubt. "The elves always know who enters their forest."

As they waited, the hum in the air seemed to grow louder, almost like a low chant reverberating through the trees. The leaves above rustled without a breeze, and faint whispers danced at the edges of Raelyn's hearing—soft, lilting voices just beyond comprehension.

Hovan crossed his arms, his sharp gaze sweeping the dense foliage around them. "If they're watching us, they're taking their sweet time."

As if on cue, the faint twang of a bowstring sliced through the air. An arrow struck the ground mere inches from Benjamin's boots, quivering upright in the soft earth. He yelped and stumbled back, his hands instinctively raised in surrender.

Raelyn's heart leapt as her grip on Maisie's reins tightened, while Hovan's hand shot to his sword. "Stay calm," Hovan growled, his eyes narrowing as he scanned the trees. "Let's not give them a reason to shoot again."

From the surrounding shadows, figures began to emerge. They moved with an ethereal grace, their footsteps silent as they seemed to materialize from the forest itself. Clad in cloaks of green and brown that blended seamlessly with the foliage, the elves held their bows steady, arrows nocked and pointed with unnerving precision. Their eyes glinted in the fading light, cool and assessing.

Lydia pulled Ruthie closer as the elves approached, her hand gripping the child's shoulder protectively. Benjamin's face was a mix of pride and apprehension, his gaze darting between the elves and his companions. Raelyn stepped forward, her pulse racing, but her voice steady as she addressed the leader.

One of the elves, taller than the rest and bearing an intricately carved bow, stepped forward. His eyes swept over the group, pausing on Hovan's hand still resting on his sword. "Benji," the elf said, his voice low and melodic, though his tone was neutral. "Who have you brought to our great city?"

Benjamin's head snapped up, his expression shifting to one of triumphant satisfaction. "Benji," he repeated, emphasizing the name as he glanced back at the others, a smug grin on his face. "Told you they call me that."

Hovan rolled his eyes, muttering, "Unbelievable," while Raelyn stifled a laugh, her earlier tension easing for a brief moment.

The elf's sharp gaze moved to Raelyn. "And who are you?" he asked, his voice carrying an edge of command.

Raelyn took a steadying breath, stepping forward despite the trembling in her legs. "I'm Raelyn, and this is Hovan," she said, her voice firm. "We've come to request an audience with your king. It concerns the demons and the fate of Unevia."

The elf studied her for a long moment, his expression unreadable. "And what proof do you have of your purpose?"

Raelyn reached into her satchel, her hands trembling slightly as she retrieved the letter from the elders of Caelluma. She unfolded it carefully, holding it out for him to inspect. "This letter is from the elders of Caelluma," she explained. "It speaks to our intentions and the urgency of our quest."

The elf gestured, and another stepped forward to take the letter. The second elf inspected the seal and script with meticulous care before nodding and whispering softly in Elvish to their leader.

The tall elf's expression remained stoic as he turned back to Raelyn. "Very well," he said finally. "You will be taken to Eryndoriel. But know this: no human has ever been granted entry into our great city. Your presence here is an exception, not a privilege."

He stepped closer, his tone sharpening. "Until our king has approved your stay, you will be under strict watch. Any sign of falsehood or ill intent, and you will be removed from the forest. Permanently."

Raelyn swallowed hard, her heart pounding, but she managed a nod. "We understand."

Hovan, his hand still near his sword, muttered under his breath, "Friendly bunch."

The elf raised a hand, signaling to his companions. The bows were lowered, though the tension in the air remained thick. "Follow us," he commanded. "We will take you to the Celestial Spire."