Chapter 107 – A Vow to Protect Her… Always
Chapter 107
A Vow to Protect Her… Always
Date : Day 14 of Grimleaf 1024 Aethellgard Concord Year.
Hyoren and Elise exited the Church with feelings of happiness and relief. Their steps were light—unburdened by the weight that had pressed on them for days. The dual suns of Kresneger were almost gone on the horizon—their light fading into oranges and purples. The magic lamps started to be replace the dual suns as the light source as the light source—glowing with soft white luminescence that lined the streets.
"Elise, let's quickly head back to the Inn. You need to rest."
Elise looked at him—her silver hair swayed with the motion. Her emerald eyes were warm but tired.
"Yeah, I agree, Hyoren. Let's go."
They started walking—weaving through the streets of the Administrative District with practiced ease. Their footsteps echoed on the stone pavement—the sound mingling with the distant chatter of evening crowds. Their destination was clear. They hurried through the street—past the canal and bridge which separated the two districts—and into the Adventurer's District. The water below the bridge reflected the fading light—shimmering like liquid gold.
They made their way through the familiar streets to The Wanderer's Rest. The Inn stood at the corner of the side street, away from bustling main street of Adventurer’s District—its wooden sign creaking gently in the evening breeze. As they entered, the warm, welcoming smell of baking bread and roasting meat washed over them. The scent was comforting—familiar—like coming home after a long journey.
Martha looked up from wiping down a table—her round, motherly face breaking into a wide, relieved smile. Her eyes sparkled with unshed tears of joy.
"Oh, thank the gods! I was starting to worry myself! It's been more than one week! I heard you took that quarry quest."
Elise greeted her with a warm smile. She approached the counter—the exhaustion in her frame evident but her spirit bright.
"We ran into some complications, Martha. But we're back, and we're in need of your best room for a long, long rest."
Ronald, who was sitting on the stool drinking ale, looked up at them. His broad frame cast a shadow across the counter—the mug in his hand appearing small against his palm.
"Facing trouble, Elise, Lad?"
Hyoren nodded. He and Elise sat on the stools beside Ronald—the wood creaking under their weight.
"Yeah, there were many complications..."
But before Hyoren finished talking, Martha's words already stopped him. She came back from the kitchen carrying two bowls of stew and two mugs of ale. The bowls steamed with heat—the rich aroma of beef and vegetables rising from them.
"Please eat first. You look like you haven't properly eaten for days!"
Elise and Hyoren smiled at her. The kindness in her voice was genuine—maternal.
"Thank you, Martha. Appreciate it."
They then ate the stew first. The hearty and savory stew warmed their stomach—filling the hollow that had formed from days of travel and tension. The spoon moved quickly and the bowl emptied. It seemed they were really hungry—the first real meal they had enjoyed in what felt like forever—despite actually it was only 3 days.
After they put down their spoons, Hyoren took a sip from his mug and finally started talking again. The ale was cool and refreshing—a contrast to the warm stew.
"Ronald, we took a quest to scout the Old Quarry... Goblins were making a settlement there."
Hyoren then started telling their story. The goblin settlement numbers were higher than estimated. About the Servant of Gidol. About the Dungeon. Elise was gravely wounded so she needed to get healed at Oria's place and the Church. His voice was steady—but the tension in his jaw betrayed the emotions beneath.
Elise added details here and there. Her soft voice filled in the gaps—clarifying points that Hyoren skimmed over. The memory of the battle still fresh in both their minds.
Ronald widened his eyes. Even a veteran Bronze-ranked adventurer felt the story was quite absurd. His mug paused halfway to his lips—forgotten as he absorbed the tale.
Martha then quickly went to check on Elise. Her motherly instincts overrode her duties at the counter—her hands gentle as she examined the elf.
She shed tears when seeing the scar on her wrist and torso. The jagged lines were visible even in the dim light of the inn—the story of violence written on Elise's skin.
"My dear Elise... I'm glad you are fine... but these scars... your beautiful skin… now..."
Martha's words made Hyoren's heart tighten. It was a reminder he failed to protect her. The guilt that had settled in his chest flared again—hot and bitter.
Ronald then asked Hyoren. His voice was low—serious.
"So, it was true, lad? You fought the Servant of Gidol and came out victorious? You are an impossible lad, you know. Not even me with my decades of experience am confident I can fight those Demons..."
Hyoren grimaced. The taste of victory was bitter—mixed with the memory of how close he had come to losing everything.
"Yes, but not without a cost..."
He looked at Elise and Martha—who were still talking about her scar. Martha's hands traced the lines with gentle concern—her touch feather-light on the healed wounds.
Ronald leaned forward and patted his shoulder. The weight of his hand was grounding—solid and reassuring.
"Don't be too harsh on yourself, lad. You two are alive, that's what matters. And you actually killed a Demon and discovered their Dungeon. You did a great job!"
Hyoren was moved. The praise was coming from a veteran adventurer. It carried weight—a validation he hadn't known he needed.
He then straightened his posture. This was the time to ask. The question that had been forming in his mind since the battle. Since Elise was almost bisected. Since the desperate run to save her. Since he saw the healed wound which left scars on Elise’s beautiful fair skin.
"Ronald. I know we emerged victorious and are alive now. But the image of Elise getting attacked and almost dying still haunts me."
He looked into Ronald's eyes. His dark eyes were full of sincerity—unwavering and determined.
"I want to learn to become a Tank. So I can protect Elise. I can see your role in your party is also Tank. I don't have anyone else to ask other than you."
He stood, then bowed. The motion was formal—respectful. A request from student to a mentor.
"Please teach me how to wield a shield and sword."
Martha and Elise watched them with warm eyes. The two women saw their partners interacting—one who sought to become stronger, and the other who might be the key to that path. Elise's emerald eyes glistened with emotion—understanding the weight of Hyoren's request.
Ronald crossed his arms. Contemplating. His brow furrowed as he considered the request. He scanned Hyoren from head to bottom—assessing his build, his stance, his potential.
"Lad, are you sure? From your build, I can see you're a speedy warrior. Converting to become a tank means you will start from scratch."
Hyoren straightened his spine. He remembered when he fought the Alpha Wolf—the Alpha had lunged at Elise because he couldn't keep the aggro. Back then, he had managed to stop the Alpha from attacking her. Barely.
Then with Hifoppe the Goblin Knight. The worst thing happened—he failed to prevent the enemy from reaching Elise, and she was almost bisected in two. The memory was seared into his mind—the image of her falling, blood spreading across the ground, her severed arms dropped into ground.
"I'm sure, Ronald. My last two fights with two strong enemies already taught me. If I continue being a speedy warrior, I can't protect my loved one….”
He looked towards Elise briefly, before his gaze locked into Ronald again.
“Elise."
He bowed slightly. His eyes locked into Ronald's—unwavering.
"Please. Teach me how to become a tank. To become a guardian. To become someone who can protect my loved one."
Ronald saw the determination in Hyoren's eyes. Eyes which had already seen too much—and the eyes which didn't want to see the same thing happen again. The weight of experience and loss was visible in that gaze.
He finally smiled. A rare expression on his weathered face.
"Fine, lad. That determination in your eyes is real. I can see it clearly."
He looked at Martha—who saw her husband with a warm expression. Her earlier tears had dried—replaced by a soft pride in her eyes.
Ronald then nodded. The decision was made.
"I don't have a plan to take a quest for one or two more weeks as we just finished our two-month escorting quest to the Theriarchic Union. So the timing is right. Okay, lad. I will teach you."
His eyes became stern. The playful warmth fading into something harder—more serious.
"But remember. Training to become a Tank is harsh. I expect you to not run away in the middle, okay?"
Hyoren was moved. He bowed again—deeper this time.
"Thank you, Ronald. Thank you. And I promise. I will grit my teeth and persist until the end."
Elise touched Hyoren's shoulder. She was also happy—her heart swelling at seeing him take this step. Her fingers brushed against his skin—warm and gentle.
"I'm happy. Now you have a mentor for your goal..."
She also blushed. Her pointed ears twitched—the telltale sign of her embarrassment.
"And thanks... for always thinking about protecting me..."
Ronald and Martha watched them with warm eyes. The connection between the two was palpable—a bond forged in battle and strengthened by care.
Martha then stepped forward. Her maternal instincts kicking in again.
"Now, you two look tired. Go sleep for now."
Ronald also nodded. His agreement was firm—brooking no argument.
"She is right, Elise, you look pale. And lad, if you want to learn from me, you need to rest so tomorrow you can train properly."
Martha then took the ornate brass key from the counter and gave it to Elise. She smiled at her—the expression soft and caring.
"Here, your usual room is still not occupied. You can use it again."
Elise was moved. Her eyes glistened with gratitude—Martha's kindness always touching her heart.
"Martha... I already said before that you don't need to keep the room unoccupied."
Martha waved her hand—dismissing the protest with a flourish.
"Shush. No more talking. Go rest!"
With her stern order, Hyoren and Elise looked at each other and nodded. The exhaustion was catching up to them—the weight of the day pressing down.
"Okay then, Martha, we will rest for now. Thanks as always."
Hyoren then looked at Ronald. His nod was respectful—honoring the agreement they had made.
"Thanks again, Ronald. See you tomorrow."
Ronald raised his mug. Saluting him. The gesture was casual—but the meaning was clear. A bond had been formed. A promise made.
***
Hyoren and Elise then climbed the stairs towards the third floor. The wooden stairs creaked under their step—the sound echoing softly in the quiet inn. Each ascent felt like a step away from danger and closer to safety.
They arrived at their usual room. Elise used the brass key to open the door—the lock clicking with a satisfying turn. They entered their room, the same comfortable, well-appointed space they had left behind what felt like a lifetime ago.
The sight of the soft bed, the clean wooden floor, and the promise of real privacy was a balm to their weary souls. It had been too long since they had known such simple comforts.
They put down their belongings in the wardrobe—the door closing with a gentle thud that marked the end of their journey.
Elise looked at the bathroom—the door slightly ajar, revealing the inviting space within.
"Hyoren, let's take a bath first before we go to bed. Shall we?"
Hyoren nodded. The thought of washing away the grime of the past week was appealing—almost intoxicating.
"I agree, Elise. We've spent over a week without bathing. I want to remove all the grime."
Elise's eyes went over the bed, then to Hyoren again. A playful spark lit up her emerald gaze.
"Okay, Hyoren, you can go first."
Hyoren nodded. His gratitude for her consideration was unspoken but clear.
They each took a turn in the private bathroom. Hyoren went first—the shower felt good on his tired body. The hot water, heated to a perfect temperature by the utility magic stone embedded in the wall, seeped into his muscles, washing away the last traces of grime, fatigue, and tension. The steam filled the small space—clouding his senses and melting away the stiffness that had settled into his bones.
He made sure to scrub everything clean—the soap smelling of herbs and pine—its scent filling the air as it washed away the dirt.
"Man. I truly love hot baths... I'm glad this world's civilization is quite advanced despite everything."
He closed his eyes, leaning his head back against the smooth stone. This hot water and shower, he thought, was the absolute peak of civilization. The ability to have a perfectly hot bath on demand, without having to chop wood or haul water, was a luxury he would never take for granted. It was a simple but profound comfort that represented everything they had fought for, safety, stability, and the chance to simply be, without having to constantly struggle for survival.
After he was done, he dried his body with a soft towel, then wore a comfortable bathrobe which was prepared for them. The fabric was thick and warm—absorbing the remaining moisture from his skin. He exited the bathroom—steam billowing out into the room.
He called to Elise—she held a bundle of clothes against her chest, the green nightgown visible among them.
"Elise, I'm done. You can take a bath now."
Elise's pointed ears were slightly pink—delicate color rising to match the warmth in her cheeks. She nodded.
"Okay, Hyoren, please wait, don't sleep before me, okay?"
Hyoren nodded. And he saw Elise walk to the bathroom with light steps—her movements graceful and fluid. Her loose silver hair fluttered with her every motion—catching the lamplight like strands of moonlight.
After his bath, Hyoren sat on the edge of the bed, wearing a bathrobe, feeling more relaxed than he had in weeks since the goblin settlement, since the horror of the quarry. The mattress sank slightly under his weight—conforming to his body in a welcoming embrace.
The room was warm, the bed was soft, and a profound sense of peace had settled over him. The sounds of the inn below—the distant laughter, the clinking of glasses—seemed miles away. Here, in this quiet space, there was only the soft light from the lamp and the promise of rest.
The bathroom door opened, and Elise emerged. A soft cloud of steam followed her into the room. And Hyoren's jaw dropped.
She was wearing the ethereal green nightgown. The the thin green fabric still damp against her skin. Her cheeks were flushed a delicate pink from the heat of the bath, and she wouldn't quite meet his eyes. The scars on her torso—reminders of their recent ordeal—were visible through the thin material—pink lines against her pale skin.
She fidgeted with the hem of the gown—her fingers twisting the delicate fabric nervously. Her voice was a shy, hesitant whisper—barely audible in the quiet room.
"I know we're tired and just recovered. But... can we?"
She didn't finish her words. She didn't mention what she wanted. But it was already clear what she wanted from her gesture and appearance. The vulnerability in her stance, the hope in her eyes—it all spoke volumes.
Hyoren looked at her—at the beautiful, blushing elf standing before him. His heart hammered against his ribs—a mixture of desire and concern warring within him.
"Elise, you just recovered from a near-fatal wound. Your blood loss was severe. And now you..."
Elise's pointed ears dropped—flattening against her silver hair. She then looked at the scar on her torso—which was clearly visible behind the almost-transparent nightgown. The scar was a permanent reminder of Hyoren's failure—a mark of his inability to protect her when it mattered most.
"You don't want to? Is it because my body is now ugly? Because of these scars?"
Hyoren quickly stood. He waved his hands in panic—the motion frantic and uncoordinated.
"NO! Of course not, Elise! I love you not because of your body! I love you because of you keep taking care of me. Guiding clueless me who are just got thrown into this world! Your giggle and voice were like a music in my ears! I love how earnest, kind, and warm you are!"
Hyoren paused a bit before continuing.
"And despite the scar, you are still beautiful. I love you—the scars won't change anything. I love how silky your hair is—your ethereal appearance. The scars won't make these disappear!"
He was flustered—his words tumbling out in a rush of sincerity. He took a step closer—his hands reaching out to her before stopping himself.
"It's just... I was worried about your body."
Elise smiled again. Her pointed ears perked—the tension in her shoulders easing.
"Then that's not a problem. Sherine's healing magic already made my condition fully recovered."
She then fidgeted—her gaze dropping to the floor before meeting his again.
"And it had already been over a week. I can't hold it anymore."
Hyoren gulped. It was his now which was flushed. Actually, he couldn't hold back either. And seeing Elise's determination, all his walls crumbled. The thought of being close to her—of feeling her warmth—overrode his concerns. The past week had been hell—cold, dangerous, and lonely despite their companionship. Now, they were safe. Now, they could be together without fear.
He finally nodded. The surrender was sweet.
"Sigh. To be honest, me too..."
He then opened his arms wide—a clear invitation for Elise. His heart pounded—anticipation and nervousness coiling in his stomach.
Elise's face lit up, her shyness melting away into a radiant, beaming smile. With a happy, little laugh, she launched herself across the room and jumped directly into his waiting embrace.
Hyoren caught her easily—his arms wrapping around her slender waist and pulling her down onto the bed with him. She landed on his chest with a soft, happy "oof," her body fitting against his as if it were made to be there. The scent of her—clean skin and the faint floral smell of elven soap—filled his senses. Her hair was still damp—cool against his neck.
Elise propped herself up on her elbows—looking down at Hyoren with emerald eyes that sparkled in the lamplight. Her silver hair fell around them like a curtain—creating a private world where only they existed.
"I missed this."
Her voice was soft—barely above a whisper. But the weight behind those words carried more meaning than she could express.
"I missed being close to you. I missed feeling safe."
Hyoren's hand came up—cupping her cheek. Her skin was warm from the bath—soft beneath his calloused fingers.
"I missed you too. Every night in that Old Quarry... every moment we were fighting... I kept thinking about this. About holding you. About being close to you."
Elise leaned into his touch—her eyes closing briefly. Her pointed ears twitched—the tips still slightly pink from her earlier embarrassment.
"I was so scared, Hyoren. When that blade... when I thought I was going to die..."
Her voice cracked slightly. The memory was still fresh—the pain, the fear, the helplessness.
"The last thing I thought about was you. I didn't want to leave you alone."
Hyoren's other hand moved to her back—pulling her closer. His fingers traced the line of her spine through the thin fabric of her nightgown.
"I know. I thought the same thing. When I saw the blade met your flesh, blood splattered… When I saw you fall... when I couldn't reach you in time..."
He exhaled—a shaky breath that carried the weight of his guilt.
"I failed you, Elise. I should have been faster. Stronger. I should have protected you."
Elise shook her head—her silver hair swaying with the motion. She pressed a finger to his lips—silencing his self-reproach.
"Don't. Don't do that to yourself. We both survived. We both fought. And we're both here now—together."
She lowered her head—her forehead resting against his. Her breath was warm against his skin.
"The past is done, Hyoren. What matters is now. What matters is that I'm here. That you're here. That we have this moment."
Hyoren looked into her eyes—so close that he could see the flecks of gold within the emerald green. His hand moved from her cheek to the back of her neck—tangling in her damp hair.
"You're right. I just..."
He paused—gathering his thoughts. His thumb traced small circles against her skin.
"I don't want to lose you again. I don't ever want to feel that helplessness. That's why I asked Ronald to train me. I need to become stronger. I need to become someone who can protect you—no matter what."
Elise smiled—a tender expression that softened her features. She shifted her weight—settling more comfortably against him. Her body was warm and soft—fitting perfectly against his.
"I know. And I support you. But Hyoren..."
She paused—her expression turning serious.
"Promise me something. Promise me you won't throw yourself away to become stronger. I don't want you to sacrifice yourself for me. I want us to fight together. To survive together. Not for one of us to die so the other can live."
Her words were heavy—carrying the weight of her deepest fear. She had a loved one who sacrifice himself so she could live. She didn't want him to do the same for her.
Hyoren nodded slowly. His hand tightened in her hair—not painfully, but firmly. An anchor.
"I promise. We'll survive together. We'll get stronger together. I won't throw my life away."
Elise's smile returned—brighter than before. She lowered her head further—her lips brushing against his forehead.
"Good. Because I don't know what I would do without you."
She kissed his forehead—soft and gentle. Then his nose. Then his cheek. Each kiss was light—a butterfly's touch that left warmth in its wake.
Hyoren's breath caught. His heart raced faster—pounding against his ribs so hard he was sure she could feel it. His hands moved to her waist—pulling her flush against him.
"Elise..."
Her name was a whisper—a prayer on his lips.
Elise pulled back slightly—just enough to look into his eyes. Her own were dark with emotion—desire and love and something deeper.
"Hyoren..."
She leaned down—capturing his lips with hers. The kiss was soft at first—tentative and gentle. But it deepened quickly—growing more urgent as days of fear and loneliness poured into it. Her fingers tangled in his dark hair—pulling him closer.
Hyoren responded in kind—his arms wrapping tighter around her waist. He poured everything into that kiss—his relief, his love, his desperate need to feel her alive and whole and with him. His hands traced the curve of her spine—the ridges of her scars faint beneath the fabric.
When they finally broke apart—both breathing heavily—Elise rested her forehead against his. Her eyes were half-lidded—her cheeks flushed a deeper pink.
"I love you, Hyoren."
The words were simple. But they carried the weight of everything—the battles, the fear, the near-death, and the survival.
Hyoren's hand cupped her face again—his thumb brushing against her cheekbone.
"I love you too, Elise. More than anything."
He lowered his head—pressing his lips to the scar on her torso. The skin was slightly raised beneath his mouth—a permanent reminder of what she had survived. He kissed it gently—reverently. Then moved to her bracelet made of scar—her left wrist.
"These don't make you ugly, Elise. They make you beautiful. They're proof that you survived. That you fought. That you're strong."
Elise's breath hitched.
"Hyoren..."
Her voice was thick with emotion—tears threatening at the corners of her eyes.
"Thank you. For seeing me. For... for loving me. Scars and all."
Hyoren raised his head—meeting her gaze. His dark eyes were serious—filled with unwavering devotion.
"I will always see you, Elise. I will always love you. Nothing will change that. Not scars. Not wounds. Not anything."
Over a week of relentless focus, of constant danger, of cold nights on stone and the ever-present threat of death, had taken a heavy toll on their mental state. The mission had been a success, but it had left a void in their souls—a space that could only be filled by this—by the warmth, the safety, and the overwhelming intimacy of each other's embrace.
They needed this. It wasn't just about physical desire, it was about reconnecting, about reaffirming that they were alive and safe and together. They needed to chase away the lingering shadows of the quarry. They needed to remind themselves that there was still beauty in the world—that despite the horrors they faced.
The three moons of Kresneger—Azure, Crimson, and Ebony—once again became witness to their reaffirmation.