The village square was really quiet after Elder Sylvain spoke.
It was like nobody wanted to say anything.
"It has been a long while Hero or should I just call you Ronan?" Elder Sylvain said.
Nobody said a word.
The wind did not even make a sound as it went through the silver leaves.
Ronan stood under the lantern-lit branches facing Sylvain.
Years had passed, some people still looked at Ronan the same way.
They did not see him as a weapon or a legend.
Elder Sylvain looked at Ronan carefully.
He looked older and wearier. He still had the same quiet presence.
"You had survived all these years. " Elder Sylvain said softly.
Ronan gave a nod.
"That surprises me sometimes." Ronan said.
Some elves nearby. It made the atmosphere a little better.
Elira noticed that Ronan spoke differently here.
He was not distant, just like a regular person.
Elder Sylvain turned to the others. "You have my gratitude for standing beside Ronan." he said.
Kael crossed his arms.
"It wasn't a peaceful journey so far." Kael said.
Elder Sylvain replied calmly "No, and I think it will only get more dangerous here from now on."
That made everyone quiet again.
Elder Sylvain walked slowly through the village, and motioned for them to follow him.
As they walked under the glowing trees the villagers bowed their heads toward Ronan.
Some of them smiled warmly and others looked emotional.
One elderly elf reached out and gently grasped Ronan's arm.
"You truly came back." the elf said.
Ronan looked down slightly.
"I suppose I did." Ronan said.
Elira watched what was happening carefully.
It felt strange because the world outside thought of Ronan as the Hero but here Ronan was remembered kindly.
Elder Sylvain eventually led them to a platform that looked over the village.
Then his expression became more serious.
"The Elves knew your whereabouts all this time Hero Ronan." Elder Sylvain said.
Everyone. Kael looked sharply at Elder Sylvain. "You knew and you never pursued him?" Kael asked.
Elder Sylvain nodded.
"Since the year after the Demon Lord's fall and we are the first one to shelter him too." Elder Sylvain said.
Tomas stared in disbelief. "Then why hide his whereabouts?" Tomas asked.
Sylvain's golden eyes became a little darker. "Because Valtheris changed after he defeated the demon lord and he will be hunted like a wild animal." Elder Sylvain said.
The atmosphere became colder. Elder Sylvain continued. "After the Hero's reported death Valtheris expanded its influence fast. The kingdoms were scared of their strength and the authority they got from claiming the Hero's legacy."
Elira frowned "So, revealing Ronan's survival." she said.
"Might have started a war." Elder Sylvain finished.
There was silence and Ronan remained quiet.
He already knew that his existence was dangerous.
Elder Sylvain looked at Ronan again. Then he paused. Elder Sylvain narrowed his eyes slightly.
"Hmm, your curse has worsened isn't it." Elder Sylvain said.
Ronan did not answer immediately. His silence was enough.
Elder Sylvain exhaled quietly. "I feared as much." he said.
Elira looked between Sylvain and Ronan.
"What curse?" Elira asked.
Ronan's hand tightened faintly.
"The Demon Lord left me a parting gift " Ronan said.
His words were calm, but too calm.
"Every time I use the Crest, I lose memories " Ronan said.
The air felt heavier. Tomas stared at Ronan.
Kael's expression became harder. Even Lina looked unsettled.
Elira's chest tightened painfully and suddenly all the moments Ronan hesitated to fight made sense.
Elder Sylvain closed his eyes briefly.
"Then time is shorter than I hoped." Elder Sylvain said.
Ronan looked at him "What do you mean?" he asked.
Elder Sylvain turned toward the forest beyond Lunareth. "Because Valtheris is beginning to move again." he said.
Then he faced them fully.
"You must come with me to Elarion." Elder Sylvain said.
The Elven capital, Elarion was their destination. With those words the peace of Lunareth began to feel temporary.