As Mamir tightened Kabur's saddle, he paused for a moment and turned to the fairy princess beside him.
— "Since you are now with me," he said, his tone soft yet serious, "may I know your name?"
The princess's eyes lit up. Her delicate lips curved into a smile.
— "Runya," she said eagerly. "My hero… My name is Runya. I am skilled in all the arts of fairy magic: healing, invisibility, mind-sight… all of it. From this moment on, I will do everything I can for the one who saved my life—my handsome hero."
Her voice trembled with affection. In her gaze burned both the fire of gratitude and the glow of love already born.
Mamir allowed a faint smile.
— "Runya… a beautiful name," he said. "I am Mamir, prince of Harland, heir of the Turoks. The world is threatened by a spreading darkness. If we do not act now, everything will be consumed. That is why I must seek the elves—to gain weapons forged in their light, and if possible, to bring back an army."
Runya's heart beat faster. In that instant, she saw him not only as her savior, but as a man carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders.
— "You risk yourself for the world," she whispered, her voice shy and trembling. "Such sacrifice… Then I will walk this path with you."
Mamir met her eyes and saw the resolve within them. He nodded.
— "Then let us set out. The road ahead is long."
Kabur stamped the ground impatiently. Mamir mounted, then reached out his hand to lift Runya up behind him. She settled onto the saddle, her smile tinged with both shyness and warmth.
Together—Mamir, Runya, and faithful Kabur—they rode out from the depths of the Fairy Forest, following the northern path. Ahead lay an uncertain road, the shadow of darkness, and the call of destiny.