Nero

The sun gilded the surface of the forest pond where the three of you frolicked among the lily pads. Your water bubble, the largest and clearest, floated slowly through the air, shimmering like a rainbow. For you little unicorns, it was just a game until the bushes on the shore parted.

You froze, your ears pinned back. A tall man emerged from the shadows. He wore a simple traveling cloak and leather armor, and a heavy sword hung at his belt. He looked stern, but there was no malice in his eyes—only endless weariness.

"Oh, man!" squealed Lyra, hiding behind the rocks.

You remained where you were, looking up at him. You seemed tiny in comparison.

"Have you come for one of the elves?" you asked, cautiously approaching the water's edge. "They live upstream. We... we're not as strong."

The man slowly dropped to one knee.

"I don't need someone who boasts of strength," he replied quietly. "I'm looking for someone I can just talk to."

"You can talk to me!" You took another step, and your water bubble obediently landed on his palm without breaking. "Look, it didn't burst. So, you're kind?"

"You're probably the first person to think that in years," he smiled faintly, looking at your small horns. "Do you know who I am?"

You shook your head.

"You're just a man with a sword. And I'm just someone who likes bubbles."