ASHIX-THE LOST GUARDIAN

"Even the strongest swords must rest in their sheaths. Even warriors of destiny need moments to breathe, to laugh, to simply be."

The warmth of the hearth crackled inside Maelin's hut, casting gentle shadows on the walls as the storm outside Velmora faded into a cool breeze. Naru lay sprawled across a woven mat by the fire, snoring softly, tail twitching as if chasing something in his dreams. Elira leaned against a wooden beam, plucking dried herbs and tossing them lazily at him, giggling each time he snorted in protest.

Ashix, meanwhile, sat at the low table, half-asleep, with his chin resting on his hand. A bowl of thick root stew sat before him, untouched.

"You going to eat that or study it?" Marini teased, scooping a generous helping from her bowl and slurping it. "Because I'd gladly help with your portion."

Ashix blinked, then shook his head. "It's… uh, got leaves in it."

Elira snorted, "Gods, he's hopeless. You fight shadow beasts and command winds, but a few floating leaves terrify you?"

"It's green, Elira," Ashix said, deadpan. "Green things are usually poison in the wild. That's survival instinct."

"You were not raised in the forest Doesn't mean you are a royalty!" Marini laughed. "

"Still," Ashix muttered, then made a face as he finally took a bite. "Okay, that's actually not bad."

Maelin, who had been crouched near the fire grinding spices, turned her wrinkled face to them with a sly grin. "It's mountain root, fennel stalk, and pickled yugo leaves — good for the soul and great for flatulence."

A beat of silence passed.

Naru let out a sudden loud fart in his sleep.

The entire hut erupted in laughter.

Marini nearly dropped her bowl. Elira fell off the beam she was sitting on. Ashix choked on a mouthful of stew while Maelin smirked proudly.

"See? It works quickly," Maelin said with a mischievous twinkle in her eye.

After the laughter settled, they leaned back, full and tired. The kind of tired that comes not just from fighting or traveling, but from carrying too much emotion for too long. Here, in this quiet sanctuary, it was safe to let go.

"So…" Elira began, tossing a piece of bark into the fire. "What now? We still haven't figured out what Kael Thorne's doing beneath Velmora."

Maelin stood, brushing dust off her palms. "That festival you stumbled into wasn't just for show. Kael's influence here is old, deeper than the roots of the black oaks. He's not just revered — he's worshipped as a savior who banished the 'false gods' centuries ago."

Ashix furrowed his brow. "But that's a lie."

Maelin nodded. "Of course. But lies told long enough become truths to the desperate."

A soft voice came from the doorway. It was the guardian girl they'd rescued — now cleaned, bandaged, and dressed in soft linen. Her dark eyes glowed faintly beneath the candlelight.

"You saved me," she said quietly, looking from one face to another. "Why?"

"Because it was the right thing to do," Marini replied simply.

"I'm Faye," the girl said. "And I know where he hides his temple."

Silence.

"Kael?" Ashix asked.

Faye nodded. "There's a ruin deep beneath Velmora. Old as the stars. But not many remember it. I... I used to dream of it — before they came and took me."

Maelin crossed the room and placed a hand gently on Faye's shoulder. "She's one of the last of the Moon Seers. They're born with glimpses of places the rest of us can't see anymore."

Ashix stood. "Then we have to go."

"Tomorrow," Maelin said, firm. "You've barely slept. Let your body heal. Let your soul settle."

Naru snorted again from his corner. Everyone turned and stared at the creature.

"What?!" Naru exclaimed telepathically in their minds, half-awake. "You people keep talking like I don't need beauty sleep too."

Ashix laughed again, deep and honest this time. The fire crackled, casting warmth not just over their skin, but into their hearts.

---

That night, beneath Maelin's thatched roof, they rested like true companions. No weapons at their sides. No shadow looming just yet. Just warmth, food, and laughter in the heart of a village still lost in lies.

And come dawn, the truth beneath Velmora would await them.