The frozen winds of the icy omniverse carried the weight of uncertainty as Azuraelis wandered alone, pondering her next move. The shadow elves' plight weighed heavily on her mind. She had come to this frozen expanse to seek Arfrotian, believing that his guidance and strength would provide the answers she sought. But now, having encountered Luvania and her kin, she felt the tug of a moral obligation—a duty to stand against oppression, even if it meant delaying her own quest.
Azuraelis was torn between her personal mission and the greater cause of aiding the shadow elves. Memories of the whispered secrets she overheard among the angels while she ventured in Rodentia resurfaced: the plans to conquer Rodentia, dominate the shadow elves, and claim over 50% of the icy omniverse. These ambitions were underpinned by a sinister intent to subjugate the proud shadow elves and solidify the angels' control over the barren expanse.
As her thoughts churned, Azuraelis realized that freedom was the foundation of existence, and without it, the shadow elves would lose not only their autonomy but also their essence as a race. She clenched her fists, her silver-blue hair whipping in the cold winds. Though her heart yearned to find Arfrotian, she knew what she must do. "If it were Arfrotian in my place," she whispered to herself, "he would choose to help those in need first. And so must I."
Resolute, Azuraelis turned and hastened back in the direction of the shadow elves. Luvania and her company were already far ahead, marching towards Rodentia to confront the angelic forces. The divine energy within Azuraelis allowed her to close the distance quickly, her figure glowing faintly as she traversed the icy landscape with determination.
A Surprising Return
Luvania, at the head of her procession of shadow elf sorcerers, marched with unwavering focus. Her scythe of Black Ice shimmered ominously, a symbol of her resolve. The other sorcerers surrounding her carried an air of anticipation, their jagged black ice magic pulsing faintly as they prepared for the confrontation ahead. Their goal was clear: to stop the angels from conquering Rodentia and subsequently attempting to subjugate their race.
Amid their march, one of the sorcerers suddenly halted and pointed into the distance. A glowing figure approached rapidly, cutting through the cold haze. It didn't take long for Luvania to recognize the woman she had met earlier—Azuraelis. Luvania raised her hand, signaling her group to stop, and stood waiting as Azuraelis reached them.
The shadow elves regarded Azuraelis with guarded curiosity. Luvania, calm but wary, stepped forward. "You've come back," she said, her voice steady but tinged with intrigue. "Why are you following us? Do you need something else?"
Azuraelis caught her breath and composed herself. "I do not seek anything for myself," she replied. Her voice carried a note of urgency. "You are marching to Rodentia to stop the angels from taking over that region and subjugating your race, aren't you?"
Luvania's eyes narrowed slightly. "That is our purpose. But how do you know of our plight? I don't recall sharing such details with you."
Azuraelis hesitated, then admitted, "I overheard the angels speaking of their plans while I was in Rodentia. They intend to conquer your race and claim dominion over the icy omniverse. They've already established bases in Rodentia."
The revelation sparked a ripple of anger among the shadow elf sorcerers. Mutters of indignation and outrage spread through the ranks, their magic flaring briefly as their emotions surged. Luvania, however, remained composed. She raised her hand, silencing the murmurs and calming her companions. "I see," she said coolly. "And what does this have to do with your sudden return?"
Azuraelis took a deep breath, her expression soft yet resolute. "I want to help you."
Luvania blinked, caught off guard. "Help us?" she echoed. The other sorcerers exchanged surprised glances, some murmuring skeptically.
"Yes," Azuraelis affirmed. "I came to this icy omniverse to find Arfrotian, but if he were here, I believe he would not turn a blind eye to your struggle. Subjugation and the loss of freedom are unacceptable. No one deserves to live under domination, and if I can aid you in preventing that, then I must."
Conflict and Acceptance
The shadow elf sorcerers whispered among themselves, some voicing their doubts. "Do we truly need her help?" one of them muttered. "We are strong enough on our own. Our Black Ice is unmatched."
Another chimed in, "Accepting help from an outsider may imply weakness. Do we want to give that impression?"
Luvania, however, raised her voice above the murmurs. "Silence," she commanded. The sorcerers fell quiet, their respect for their queen evident. Luvania turned to Azuraelis, her expression thoughtful. "Your offer is unexpected, but your words carry sincerity. Why would you choose to help us instead of pursuing your original goal?"
Azuraelis's voice softened. "Because it is the right thing to do. And because I feel that, in his heart, Arfrotian would have wanted me to help. I cannot ignore what I've learned about the angels' plans. Your freedom is worth fighting for, and I will stand with you."
Luvania studied Azuraelis closely, her piercing icy blue eyes searching for any sign of deception. When she found none, she nodded slowly. "Very well. Your help is welcome."
The other sorcerers bristled at the decision, but Luvania addressed them firmly. "We don't know what the angels may have in store for us. Their ambitions have grown bold, and their methods could surpass our expectations. Extra help is not a sign of weakness—it is a sign of wisdom."
Reluctantly, the sorcerers acquiesced.
The March to Rodentia
With the alliance solidified, the group resumed their march toward Rodentia. Azuraelis walked beside Luvania, the two women exchanging occasional glances of understanding. Though their initial encounter had been brief and tinged with caution, a sense of mutual respect began to form.
As they traversed the frozen expanse, Azuraelis couldn't help but ask, "Do you often face such threats from the angels?"
Luvania's lips curled into a faint smirk. "They've always been ambitious, but their recent plans are unprecedented. Zenian's faction grows bolder by the day. Subjugating our race would cement their power, but we will not let that happen."
Azuraelis nodded, her resolve strengthening. "Nor will I."
The group pressed onward, their unity a beacon of hope in the desolate landscape. Though the path ahead was fraught with challenges, they moved with purpose, prepared to face the angels' ambitions head-on.