The next morning, sunlight filled the big house. It felt more like a home now. Elara woke up feeling strong and rested. The fear she had lived with for a month was finally gone.
She walked into the courtyard and saw Ren. He was practicing with his sword, moving like a graceful dancer. She watched him, feeling very thankful. He had a good heart. He was playful and kind, not like the serious elven warriors she knew.
Ren saw her and stopped. He gave her a friendly smile. "Good morning," he said. "Did you sleep well?"
"Yes, very well," Elara said. She looked around the dusty courtyard. "This place is strong, but it has been without life for too long."
Before Ren or Lyra could ask what she meant, Elara held out her hands. A soft, green light glowed from her palms. She knelt and touched the dry, cracked ground.
Magic flowed from her. Small green sprouts pushed up from the ground. They grew very fast. In just a few seconds, the ground was covered in soft, green grass. Beautiful flowers of all colors bloomed everywhere. Green vines with big leaves crawled up the stone walls. The old, dusty yard was gone. In its place was a small, beautiful garden.
Lyra gasped. "It's beautiful."
Ren was amazed. His power was for fighting. Her power was for creating life. "Wow," he said, with a real, happy grin. "You really are a super-gardener. The value of my house just went up!"
Elara smiled, happy that she could help.
They spent the day getting ready for their long trip to the Silverwood. While they worked, they talked and became better friends. Ren and Lyra had a quiet moment.
"A few weeks ago, I was fighting to pay for my room," Lyra said in wonder. "Now, I live in a big house with friends."
Ren looked at her. He was serious and honest. "And I was an orphan with nothing," he said. "You were the first person to trust me. I will not forget that."
Later, Ren found Elara in the new garden. "Thank you again, Ren," she said. "You did not just save my life. You threw away a great treasure, the evil book, just for me."
"It was the right thing to do," he said. "Friends look out for each other." The word 'friends' made Elara's smile even brighter.
Before they finished packing, Ren decided to do one more thing. He took out his Shadow-Weave Tunic and a Whispering Tear. He used his special power. The tear turned into a silver mist and flowed into the tunic.
[Shadow-Weave Tunic has become [Tunic of the Silent Step] (Rare)]
[New Property: [Soundless] - Your movements are now almost completely silent.]
He tried it on. When he walked, his feet made no sound at all.
"Okay, now I'm ready," he said.
They stood at the front door, ready to leave. Ren looked at his two companions. Lyra, the strong knight. Elara, the graceful mage. For the first time, he felt like he had a real family.
"Alright," he said with his classic grin. "Team Landlord is officially going on a trip. First stop: The Silverwood. Try to keep up."