The forest path was now in front of them and the town behind. The sun created golden flecks on the dirt road due to the overhanging leaves. Auron hummed a light tune to himself during the walk to keep the mood lively.


    Leona made a check on the map. “We should reach the next town by nightfall.”


    Erik sighed. “Finally. I’m getting tried of sleeping on dirt.”


    Elias walked behind them, being silent as he always was. With his fingers resting on the hilt of his sword, the way he appeared seemed much more relaxed and carefree than he harbored.


    No one else knew, and he preferred it that way.


    They began walking, oblivious to the fact that red eyes were watching them from above.


    Through the trees, a low growl resonated. Then suddenly, a beast appeared from the shadows lurching forward.


    It was immense, resembling a wolf but had jagged bone spikes rising from its back. A snap of branches preceded it.


    Auron did not have the time to react before the thing charged their group, gnashing it’s teeth.


    “Dire Fang!” Leona exclaimed.


    The brute charged toward Erik but he managed to evade by sidestepping him and with a single swift arm motion, cut his flank with a plethora of questions surfacing in his mind. The titan who was supposed to kill him was devoid of muscles which he expected him to have.


    Why was a creature of such size so weak? Auron wanted to comprehend, but it was evident that the surrounding deceitful broad forest will metamorphose into a sanctuary of sanguine within moments. It was not something one would like to witness.


    Leona lifted her staff. "Auron, Erik, retreat – I’ll bind the creature!"


    Even before Leona could complete her sentence, Elias was already moving. He sprang toward the back of the creature, sword brandishing. He cut deep into the monster’s leg muscle with his blade, complimenting his sword with his mark.


    Firing off a frustrated wail, the Dire Fang subsequently lined its focus towards Elias, twisting its body and samming its thick appendage into his torso directing him to gain agility.


    With a charge fueled by anticipation, they sprinted ahead, their blades piercing through the Dire Fang’s skin. It howled and then fell silent, the body twitching weakly before becoming completely motionless.


    With a grin plastered across his face, Erik cleaned his sword on the grass. “Easier than I thought,” he replied.


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    “Yes,” Leona exhaled, lowering her staff in relief. “Well done.”


    “Ughhhhhh,” Elias groaned as he tried to push himself with a grunt only to wince as sharp pain leapt through his ribs. It didn''t help that his vision was so foggy.


    “Alright,” Leona sighed, looking his way briefly before shifting her gaze to Erik. “We should hurry. More of these monsters can appear and we want to avoid that.”


    Elias inhaled gradually, pushing down the pain to stand, but because of his ribs no hand was offered. There were no questions about his well-being either.


    Only Auron hesitated.


    “Elias, you—”


    “Let''s go Auron,” Erik shouted. “We have to move.”


    His fists tightened as Auron bit his jaw and chose to stalk forward after the rest.


    As slow as this might sound, it quite literally pained Elias to move.


    Elias was deep in thought regarding the ache shooting from his side, unable to ignore the pulses of pain in his lungs with each inhale. As he was lost in thought, he began capturing the campsite bit by bit.


    Out of view from the fire, Elias made sure to pick a spot near the edge to best manage the brownish bruises and possible cracks on his ribs.


    Checking while resting surely should avoid as much pain as possible. Waking up shouldn’t always have to gale an array of rough cracks and bruises.


    While he grabbed at the slices in his sides, Leona healed Erik’s cut with a soft, “Hold still,” while waving her solder. The rest hadn’t forgot about their earlier interactions, which carded an eerie atmosphere to the whole conversation.


    “Thanks,” Erik said as he flexed his fingers.


    Auron observed, looking away only to check Elias. His frown deepened.


    He rose after some time and moved closer, taking a knee next to Elias.


    “Here,” Auron said, pulling out a small vial. “It’s not much but it should help.”


    Elias scanned the potion before taking it. “Thanks.”


    Auron shifted weight, staying silent for a moment. “You don’t have to bear everything by yourself.”


    Elias tightened his fingers around the vial. “It’s not a big deal.”


    Auron sighed. “Come on, Elias. It’s okay to accept help sometimes.”


    “Trust me. I have it handled.”


    While partaking the sides, Auron could see the other individuals on the ground have dinner. Others were more energetic, laughing. Auron was about to turn towards the talk but with one final look at Elias…


    Elias remained at length until the whole chilly night set in, frozen in place.


    Some burned bright, but others were remaining in darkness.


    He closed his mouth and screamed; it was foolish for him to put forth that much effort when the best option was simply walking over and sitting down.


    The campfire, which was burning brightly not long ago, now was reduced to embers, barely illuminating the now still campsite while also accentuating the particles of sand drifting calmly in the serene night air.


    Elias noticed that Erik was snoring faintly, Leona nestled comfortably under her thick blanket, while Auron was now using his sword as a makeshift pillow. Everyone, save for Elias, was now fast asleep.


    So too did Elias. Blending into the dark.


    Even so, Auron had no other choice than to meet him the following week to guide him on the steps of winter. Auron didn’t really seem fond of the thought.


    He brought up one hand to scratch the back of his head.


    He undid his coat and took out the small crystal as well. Uncorking it took no considerable effort; as such, there was no aim for time spent in hand to ready himself for further advances.


    Within the stone''s core, a warm silver glow flickered as he attempted to channel energy within it. The ribs he had received from the Dire Fang grievous wound still smarted, and they responded in kind.


    He inhaled deeply as magic flowed through him, allowing him to seamlessly add together the shattered pieces of his bone and muscle.