Ren caught Elara before she fell. She was light. She looked at him with big, thankful eyes.
"Hi," Ren said softly. "The bad king is gone. You must be Elara."
Elara nodded. "Yes. Thank you... for saving me."
Ren smiled. "No problem. Let's get you out of here."
He picked her up gently and carried her out of the dark room. Lyra waited outside. She looked worried, but when she saw Elara, she smiled.
"Is she okay?" Lyra asked.
"She's tired, but she'll be fine," Ren said. "Let's go home."
They left the dark fortress. Outside, the sun was shining. It felt good. Ren carried Elara all the way back to their home in Eridon. She was very quiet during the walk.
When they got back to their new house, Ren put Elara on a soft bed in a clean room. She looked around. The house was big and old, but it felt safe.
"This is your home?" Elara asked, her voice a small whisper.
"It's our home now," Ren said with a kind smile. "You can stay here with us for as long as you want."
Elara smiled a little. "Thank you."
Lyra brought some warm food and fresh water. Elara ate slowly. She was very hungry. After she ate, some color returned to her face. She looked much better.
"Tell us about the king," Ren said, sitting on a chair near her bed. "Why did he capture you?"
Elara frowned, remembering the bad things. "He wanted my power. He said my life magic was special. He was a creature of death. He wanted to use my life magic to become stronger, to become truly alive."
Ren nodded. "He was strong, but not strong enough."
They talked for a long time. Elara told them about her friends, the other elves in her party. They were all brave warriors. She was very sad that they were gone, but she was happy to be alive and safe.
"You are safe now," Lyra said in her strong, comforting voice. "We will protect you."
Elara looked at Ren and Lyra. She had lost her old friends, but now she had new ones. She closed her eyes and fell into a deep, peaceful sleep.
Ren and Lyra quietly left her room. They went to the big main hall. Ren looked at all the amazing loot they had gotten from the king. There was the black iron crown, the cold, dark stone, and the evil-looking book.
"What should we do now?" Lyra asked.
Ren smiled, his playful mood returning. "We have a new friend, a new home, and lots of epic loot. I think we should have a small party to celebrate."
Lyra laughed. "You always want to have a party."
"Of course," Ren said. "Winning is something to celebrate!"
They did not have a big party. It was just the three of them. Ren took good food from his "magic pouch." Lyra lit candles around the room, making it feel warm and happy.
When Elara woke up later, she was surprised. The house was full of light and the smell of good food. She smiled. It was good to be with friends.
They ate and talked and laughed. It was a good night. Elara felt happy for the first time in a very long time. She knew she was safe with Ren and Lyra.
"To new friends," Ren said, holding up a cup of juice. "And to new adventures."
They all cheered. It was the start of a new, happy time for all of them.