The morning air was crisp as Elara, Kirin, Lyra, and Thalia made their way northward, leaving the safety of the village behind. The path ahead led into the mountains, where the scouts had reported unusual activity. The sun was barely above the horizon, casting long shadows across the rugged terrain, but the group moved with purpose, their resolve firm.
Elara led the way, her eyes scanning the landscape for any signs of danger. The mountains loomed ahead, their peaks shrouded in mist. It was a stark contrast to the warmth and hope they had left behind in the village. Here, the air was cooler, the wind sharper, and the sense of foreboding more palpable.