Episode 80: Elahar's Quiet Days
After declaring a temporary rest from guild duties, Elahar devoted his days to his family. Unlike the tense, perilous hours on the battlefield, life at home was calm, even serene. Never had he imagined that a man who spent his life as a warrior could one day cherish such quiet moments with those he loved.
Morning sunlight poured softly through the window. Elahar rose carefully from the bed, glancing at Eirina and their newborn son still breathing peacefully in sleep. A faint smile touched his lips as he reached out, not for a heavy sword, but to gently grasp a tiny hand radiating the warmth of new life. His chest swelled as he imagined the future this small being would someday claim.
That morning, Elahar decided to prepare breakfast himself. For a man who had spent his life wielding blades, cooking utensils felt awkward in his hands. When he fumbled with the pan, Eirina chuckled.
Eirina: "Shall I take over?"
Her eyes sparkled with tenderness and quiet expectation.
Elahar: "No. This time, let me try."
Though clumsy at first, he grew steadier as he chopped vegetables and stirred the pan. The meal was simple, but full of earnest effort. Eirina encouraged him with a smile:
Eirina: "You're getting better every day. Truly."
For Elahar, the warmth in her words mattered more than any battlefield triumph.
In the afternoons, he often took his family to a nearby hill. He rediscovered the beauty of the land he had long overlooked—pointing out flowers to his son, sharing quiet stories with Eirina as the breeze stirred the grass. Cradling the child in his arms, he would whisper softly:
Elahar: "This world is yours. You can become anything. And whatever path you choose, I'll be there to protect you."
At dusk, they kindled a fire in their yard, recounting old stories. He spoke not of glory, but of fear, friendship, and the moment he first met Eirina. She listened in silence, holding the baby, while the child drifted to sleep to the rhythm of his father's voice. Watching them, Elahar thought: This is why I fought. This is what I must protect.
One day, the guild might call him back. But he knew now he was no longer alone. The peace of family life gave him a strength deeper than any battle. He would fight again, if he must—but nothing would be more precious than these ordinary days as husband and father.
**
Episode 81: The Regent of Elysium
Life in the village remained peaceful. Elahar continued his quiet routine, cherishing time with his family. Yet one morning, unsettling news rippled through the marketplace.
"The Emperor Merslin has left the throne vacant," people whispered. "And Rian… Rian is serving as regent in his place."
The words made Elahar pause, though he soon nodded. If anyone was worthy, it was Rian.
An elderly man fretted aloud: "The Emperor absent? What could have happened?"
Another replied anxiously: "If the throne is empty, will Elysium remain stable? What if war breaks out again?"
Elahar listened quietly, but his thoughts drifted elsewhere. For the villagers, the empire's politics were a storm cloud on the horizon. For him, it was the weight his old comrade now bore. He remembered fighting beside Rian, watching the unyielding conviction in his eyes.
Rian will endure, he thought. I've seen his resolve with my own eyes.
Returning home, Elahar found Eirina waiting with a cup of tea.
Eirina: "The town seems restless. What happened?"
Elahar: "Word is, Emperor Merslin has stepped away. Rian has taken the throne as regent. People are worried."
She considered a moment, then smiled gently.
Eirina: "Rian will manage. We both know the courage he carries."
Elahar nodded, sipping his tea.
Elahar: "Yes. He's earned that place. And as he guards the empire, we must guard our own small world here."
She placed their son in his arms. The boy's innocent eyes met his, and Elahar's heart softened. Outside, the empire might wrestle with uncertainty, but within these walls, he had a duty just as sacred.
Holding his child close, Elahar felt peace. Whatever storms awaited beyond the horizon, he trusted that Rian—and Elysium—would weather them. And here, in this quiet home, he too would fulfill his role: not only as a warrior, but as a husband, a father, and a guardian of the life he had fought so hard to return to.
**
Episode 82: A New Journey, A Different Purpose
The guild kept sending word, and during the months Elahar spent with his family, he fell into deep thought. In the past, he sought out strong opponents, proving his worth in battle. But now, things had changed. Spending his days with Eirina and their daughter, he began to discover a new meaning. His strength was no longer just for fighting.
One day, under warm sunlight, Elahar sat with Eirina in the front yard. She sensed his silence and asked gently,"Elahar, what are you thinking about?"
He hesitated before answering."I… I'm wondering where I should go now. In the past, I thought crossing blades with the strong was the only path for me. But now… I don't know if that's the right way."
Eirina took his hand with a smile."You are not someone who exists only for duels. Your strength can be used to protect, to serve a greater purpose. Wherever you go, whatever you do, we will always be with you."
Her words settled deeply in his heart. He no longer wished to wander, chasing strength for its own sake. He would protect his family—and others—and find a new purpose in doing so.
A few days later, Elahar returned to the guild. The guildmaster greeted him with delight."So you've decided, Elahar? Do you wish to seek out mighty foes again?"
Elahar shook his head."No. I will not move simply to chase after the strong. Wherever my strength is needed—where I can protect people—that is where I will go. I no longer wish for strength only to test myself. I want strength that can help others."
The guildmaster looked at him in surprise, then smiled and nodded."Very well. If that is your path, we will find you the places where your strength is most needed. And there are many such places in this world."
Thus, Elahar began a new journey. No longer did he seek meaningless battles. Instead, he used his power to quell chaos and shield the weak. Traveling from village to village, he helped those in danger and worked to preserve peace. Through these travels, he discovered a new sense of meaning and value.
Sometimes he lent his hand to the weak he met on the road. Sometimes he chose not to lead, but to stand as a supporter for others. Gradually, more and more people came to respect him. Elahar was no longer the "solitary sword," but a guardian who raised his blade for the sake of the world. With his family beside him, the path he walked now led to a different purpose than before.
**
Episode 83: Elahar's Troublesome Commission
Though Elahar cherished his time with family, the guildmaster's earnest request finally persuaded him to take on a noble's escort mission. He still ignored most of the assignments that came to him, but this time he accepted—reluctantly, for the guildmaster's sake.
The place was a mansion more like a palace. As the great doors opened, rows of stewards welcomed him. Everything about the scene spoke of wealth. Among the attendants, whispers spread:"Isn't that Elahar, the strongest sword among the elves…?"
Elahar had grown used to such gazes, though he still disliked them. The lord he was to protect carried himself with excessive pride, while the guests glittered with jewels and fine clothes. Their conversations were nothing but boasting—how vast their estates were, which powerful magicians they knew.
Elahar intended to keep still, performing only his duty as guard. But his reputation preceded him. He quickly became the center of attention. Noblewomen approached, praising his looks and skill. The lord, too, proudly displayed him as though he were his personal weapon.
The endless flaunting and shallow attention made Elahar's head ache. Could there be anything more bothersome than this? he thought with a sigh, wishing the gathering would end quickly. At last, when it was over, he stepped outside. The night air cooled his thoughts, and only then did he breathe easier.
In the distance, he saw a familiar figure—a massive build, a face that seemed indifferent. It was Brakka. He recognized Elahar at once, smiled faintly, and nodded.
"It's been a while, Elahar. Never thought I'd see you among nobles."
Elahar smiled back. "The same to you, Brakka. I didn't expect to find you here either."
Brakka shrugged. "No choice. These days the guild keeps sending us to serve the rich. Another request from men with too much coin, that's all."
They shared only brief words, not a long talk. Brakka seemed busy with another guard duty, and Elahar was weary from the day's tedium. After a short farewell, they went their separate ways.
Walking back, Elahar thought quietly. He no longer lived only for battle. He pictured Eirina and their daughter, and steadied his heart. His sword was still needed—but not merely to hunt the strong. Now, his eyes were set on something wider.
One day, I'll meet Brakka again. When that time comes, I hope it will be for a better reason.
He lifted his gaze to the night sky. Beneath the glittering stars, he took one step after another, making his way home.