The Elementiels

Over a week ago, the sun dipped below the horizon as the knights settled into their camp. The flickering orange glow of the campfires mirrored the fatigue in their faces after a long day's ride. Nearby, Commander Elijah stood tall, his authoritative voice cutting through the evening air.

"Alright, we'll camp here for the night," he announced, gesturing toward the open fields. "Tomorrow, at first light, we begin the examination. Males will take the left field; females, the right. Keep discipline and rest well. Understood?!"

A chorus of voices rang out in unison. "Understood, sir!"

The students quickly divided, setting up their tents in their respective fields. The clinking of armor and the rustle of canvas filled the air as the camp came to life. By the time the moon rose, the boys had kindled a fire in their corner of the field, its warmth drawing them into a loose circle.

Mike stretched his arms wide, a cocky grin plastered across his face. "What a ride, right? Nearly killed my backside sitting in that saddle all day."

David leaned back, laughing as he tore into a piece of bread. "No kidding. I don't think I've ever felt this tired before."

Adam poked the fire with a stick, a smile tugging at his lips. "We better eat and get some sleep. Tomorrow's not going to be any easier."

Mike stood abruptly, puffing out his chest. "Sleep? Please. This examination will be a breeze! With our training and advanced armor, those dragons won't know what hit them!"

Ben, who had been staring pensively into the flames, shook his head. "I just wish the dragons would go back to where they came from."

Mike snorted, his confident demeanor unwavering. "Come on, Ben. Everyone knows the dragons were driven out from their land years ago. It's ancient history. And we all know who's to blame for that."

Ben's face became pale. He glanced around nervously before hissing, "Shush! You can't just talk about "HIM" out loud! I heard people who do end up cursed with bad luck."

The boys laughed, their amusement cutting through the tension. Frank clapped Ben on the shoulder. "Relax, Ben. Those are just stories, meant to scare kids into behaving."

Ben frowned but didn't reply, his eyes drifting back to the fire.

Adam leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. "Ben's not entirely wrong. It would be easier if the dragons could return to their homeland, but we all know that's impossible now. They're not just attacking us because they want to—they're doing it to survive. They're adapting to the life they were forced into."

The circle grew quiet, each boy contemplating Adam's words. The fire crackled as David broke the silence. "It's tragic when you think about it. The Dragon Continent is the largest in the world. They must have had everything they needed there—forests, mountains, resources. Now it's us who are paying for what that… monster did." He trailed off, shaking his head.

The boys nodded in agreement, the weight of the conversation grounding them. For a while, they ate in silence, the flicker of the flames and the distant rustling of leaves their only companions. Then, inevitably, Mike broke the solemn mood.

"So," he said, leaning back with a sly grin. "Let's talk about the girls."

Frank groaned, rolling his eyes. "Seriously, Mike? You can't go one night without bringing this up?"

"What? It's harmless fun," Mike retorted, nudging David with his elbow. "Hey, David, you got your eye on anyone?"

David chuckled, scratching the back of his neck. "Well… actually, yeah. There's this girl back in the kingdom. She's a tailor—really talented and hardworking. I've liked her for a while now."

The circle erupted with murmurs of surprise and admiration. "No way, David!" "You sly dog!" "Tell us more!"

David laughed, holding up his hands to quiet them. "I've been meaning to tell her how I feel, but I've always been too nervous. Then I realized—life is short. Anything can happen. If you love someone, you need to tell them on time. Otherwise, you might end up with regrets."

Adam looked at David for a long moment. His face softened, and he nodded. "Yeah. You're absolutely right."

Mike clapped David on the back. "Good on you, mate! I'm sure she'll be head over heels for you."

He turned his mischievous grin toward Adam, his eyes gleaming. "Now, what about you, Adam? Surely our fearless champion has a secret crush stashed away somewhere."

Adam leaned back, startled by the sudden attention. "Me? I don't know, guys…"

"Come on, Adam!" Mike pressed, moving closer. "There has to be someone. Don't tell me you're immune to love or something."

The rest of the boys leaned in, their curiosity mounting. Adam scratched his head, his cheeks tinged with the faintest hint of red. "There's no one. Seriously."

"Hmmm?" Frank stared, raising an eyebrow. "You sure about that?"

Adam gave a small smile, his eyes drifting to the flames. "Honestly guys. There's no one right now."

The boys groaned in unison but respected his reluctance. As the fire burned low, the laughter and chatter slowly faded, leaving only the quiet crackle of embers.

The night deepened, and the camp began to settle under the silver glow of the moon. In the commander's tent, Elijah leaned over his map-laden table, the weight of responsibility evident in his furrowed brow. The flap of the tent stirred, and Beatrix stepped in.

"Commander," she began, her voice steady but tinged with urgency. "We've received word from the southern army. The dragons have retreated into the shadows but are expected to attack again at dawn."

Elijah sighed, his hands pressing against the edges of the table. "I see. Thank you for bringing this to me, Beatrix. We'll act on it first thing tomorrow."

Beatrix hesitated, her eyes lingering on his. "Is there anything else you'd like me to do, sir?"

Elijah straightened and shook his head. "No. That's all for tonight. Go, relax, and join the others by the fire. You've earned it."

"But I—"

"That's an order, Beatrix," Elijah interrupted, his tone firm but not unkind. "You need rest as much as anyone else. Go now."

Her lips parted in protest but quickly closed. She bowed stiffly. "Yes, sir."

As she turned and exited the tent, Elijah leaned back, shaking his head with a faint smile.

Beatrix walked toward the circle of girls gathered by their campfire, her footsteps light but purposeful. As she approached, heads turned, and the soft hum of conversation stilled. The other girls stared, wide-eyed and whispering among themselves. She ignored their curious glances and lowered herself to a spot near the fire, her posture straight and reserved.

Cynthia leaned toward her, a playful grin on her face. "Well, well. Look who decided to join us. What's the occasion?"

Beatrix sighed, crossing her arms. "Don't get used to it. I was ordered to come here."

One of the girls giggled. "Still, it's nice to have you here. So, since we're all together… let's talk about boys."

The girls erupted In giggles and murmurs, a few hiding their blushes behind their hands. Beatrix frowned, her lips thinning. "Seriously? Is this what you spend your time talking about? I'll pass."

"Oh, come on!" one girl pleaded. "It's just for fun. So… who do you think is the most attractive guy in the academy?"

The group erupted into laughter and teasing again, most of the girls responding almost in unison. "It's obviously Adam. His smile! His eyes! They're unreal."

Another girl chimed in. "But what about Frank? He's gorgeous too. That hair? Incredible!"

The chatter grew louder, each girl trying to outdo the other with exaggerated compliments. One of them suddenly turned to Beatrix, her eyes alight with mischief. "What about you, Beatrix? Who's more charming—Adam or Frank?"

Beatrix leaned back, folding her arms. "Don't ask me that question. Unlike the rest of you, I'm a dedicated knight. I don't waste my time thinking about such things."

A collective groan rippled through the group. "You're no fun," one girl muttered, shaking her head.

The attention shifted to Cynthia. One of the girls smirked and nudged her. "What about you, Cynthia? Who do you think is more attractive?"

Cynthia's cheeks flushed a deep crimson. "Me? Well… I… If I had to be honest, I think both of them are attractive. It's hard to choose."

"Oh, come on!" another girl teased. "You have to pick one."

All eyes turned to Cynthia, their expressions expectant. Her blush deepened, and she stood abruptly. "I… think I need some air. Just a quick stroll. Be back shortly."

"Seriously?" one of the girls called after her. "Fine, but don't go too far!"

Cynthia wandered through the quiet expanse of the campsite, her heart pounding in her chest. Her steps slowed as she reached a towering tree, its branches stretching wide under the moonlight. She paused, staring up at its silvery outline, letting the cool night air calm her.

As she turned to head back, she collided with something solid—or someone.

"Adam?" she gasped, stepping back, her hand instinctively flying to her chest.

Adam steadied her with a gentle hand on her shoulder. "Sorry, Cynthia. Didn't mean to scare you."

She blinked, struggling to process the sight of him. "What… what are you doing out here?"

He smiled faintly. "I was heading to a nearby lake. Thought I'd clear my head. Do you want to join me?"

Her heart skipped a beat. She glanced away, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "Oh… sure. Why not?"

They walked side by side, the campsite growing distant behind them. Cynthia's mind raced, the reality of being alone with Adam making her chest tighten.