Ard and Eva broke into a light jog toward the five figures approaching them. Bedryt stepped forward and placed a hand on both Ard and Eva's shoulders.
"Leave the rest to us now," Bedryt said.
"Yep... take it easy. We're not going to let that thing up there destroy the world," Luca said casually.
"You don't need to worry," Gigi added, now in her adult form.
Then Ard and Eva looked at the two men standing behind Bedryt, Luca, and Gigi.
"Ah... I'm Qoaldrioq. Have you forgotten me? Ashton? Esmeralda?" Qoaldrioq asked.
Ard and Eva's memories flashed back to 3,000 years ago when they visited the elf village and met the elven elder. That elder was Qoaldrioq, who had sent Elidyr—who was probably about their age now—to go on an adventure with them in their quest to seal Malekh at the gates of hell.
"Greetings, Elder," Ard and Eva said, acknowledging Qoaldrioq.
"Greetings, Ashton... Esmeralda... I'm glad you're doing well," Qoaldrioq replied with a smile.
