Erend was just sitting comfortably in the living room, laughing along with his sister, Arty, and their mother. The warmth of home enveloped him, a rare moment of peace after everything he'd endured. The clinking of mugs and the faint scent of freshly brewed tea filled the air, adding to the serene atmosphere.
But just as he leaned back in his chair, a voice resonated in his mind. The voice sounds urgent and unmistakable. Saeldir's voice.
Erend stiffened, the laughter dying on his lips. He blinked rapidly, his expression shifting from contentment to alarm.
"I need to go," he said abruptly, his voice firm yet tinged with regret. Rising from his seat, he cast a glance at Arty and their mother. "It's important. I got a call from the other side."
Arty's smile faltered, her eyes narrowing with concern. She exchanged a glance with their mother, both of them silently acknowledging the weight behind Erend's words.
"Okay," Arty said softly, her tone a mix of worry and understanding.
Their mother simply nodded, her gaze lingering on Erend with the quiet acceptance of someone who knew this was inevitable.
Erend offered them a small, apologetic smile before turning and making his way upstairs. The moment he entered his room, he locked the door behind him and sat heavily on the edge of his bed.
The telepathy start for real this time, Saeldir's voice filling his head.
Saeldir's tone was as grave as ever.
"I have news from Eccar in the other world. He discovered beings—perhaps gods—who bear a deep grudge against the Dragonborn. Their power and motives remain unclear, but one thing is certain: they want revenge."
Erend's brow furrowed as the weight of Saeldir's words sank in. He leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees, his fingers laced together in thought. His heart pounded, the earlier peace now shattered.
Erend muttered.. What kind of power could be strong enough to threaten a Dragonborn? And why now?
"I need more information,"
Erend then leaned back on his bed, his fingers rubbing his temples as he focused his thoughts.
"What's going on? First of all, is Eccar alright?"
Saeldir's response came swiftly with unease.
"I actually don't know. From what I've gathered, he might have been taken captive by the enemy in that world."
Erend let out a long sigh, his frustration evident.
"Taken captive. But I don't think that Eccar will be that easily defeated. How did it come to this? How does this suddenly have to do with us Dragonborn? Didn't the people from that world say anything about this before Eccar went there?"
"They didn't mention anything about this. I don't believe they even knew such beings or gods held a grudge against Dragonborn. At least, they gave no indication."
Another sigh escaped Erend's lips as he ran a hand through his hair. He sat in silence for a moment, processing the situation. Then, his gaze hardened. The decision was clear.
"Saeldir, I think I have to go there myself,"
Erend said, his voice resolute.
"Yes, unfortunately,"
Saeldir admitted, a trace of hesitation in his tone.
"But if you still need time with your family, I can go in your stead."
Erend interjected quickly.
"I need to go there myself to figure out what the hell is going on. If these beings are targeting us Dragonborn, I need to understand why. The sooner I get there, the sooner we can assess the situation and find a solution."
Saeldir's voice carried a note of respect as he replied,
"Alright, Erend. I'll be waiting for you here. Let me know as soon as you're ready."
The telepathic link faded, leaving Erend alone in his room. He sat motionless for a moment, staring at the floor as his thoughts raced.
The idea of gods seeking revenge against them —the Dragonborn — was both baffling and deeply concerning. What grudge could they possibly hold? And why now, after everything he and Eccar had been through? It seems like his kind are always have some business with ancient beings just like that time with the two last harbinger of doom of the Great Calamity.
And all of this grudge have been caused by the Dragonborn who lives before him or Eccar. So technically, its not really their fault because they have no idea what is going on. He really needs to confront the other Dragonborn and ask just what was they had done in the past.
His jaw tightened. Whatever the reason, the answer wouldn't come to him sitting here. What was clear, however, was that he needed to act fast.
Erend left his room and walked back to the living room where his family was still seated. His mother and Arty both looked up at him, sensing his thoughts even before he spoke.
"I have to go again," Erend said with regret in his voice. "Something's come up… something serious. I can't ignore it."
Arty's shoulders slumped, her expression clouded with sadness. "You just got back, though," she murmured. "It feels like we barely got to see you."
His mother reached out, placing a gentle hand on Arty's shoulder. Though her eyes reflected a similar sadness, they also held understanding.
"Don't worry about us, son," she said softly. "We know you have a bigger purpose. You should go and do what you need to do. We'll always be here when you come back."
Erend nodded, his heart heavy yet bolstered by their support.
"Thank you," he said. "I'll come back as soon as I can. I promise."
After sharing a few more heartfelt words with his family, Erend back to his room. He lay down, closing his eyes and letting the comfort of home ease the tension in his body. He needed this — one last peaceful rest before plunging into the unknown once more.
The next morning arrived with a golden glow, sunlight streaming through the curtains. Erend stretched. He took his time in the bath, letting the water refresh him and clear his mind.
Once dressed and ready, he stood in the living room. With a deep breath he summoning his System and order it to open the portal. A shimmering vortec swirled into existence before him.
Erend stepped through the portal. The sensation of Magic enveloped him, and in the blink of an eye, he arrived again at the grand Elf Palace.
The majestic halls stretched out before him, their golden light casting intricate patterns across the marble floors. Saeldir was waiting near the entrance, his expression calm but tinged with urgency.
"You came quickly," Saeldir said, nodding in approval.
"I didn't want to waste any time," Erend replied. "Let's get to it."
The two strode Saeldir chamber.