As Merslinand his companions continued their journey to uncover the secrets of the High Elf Forest, they began hearing troubling rumors from villagers. A red-haired elf was said to be rampaging through the woods.
"He's incredibly powerful," one frightened villager told them. "With fiery red hair and piercing eyes… he's like no elf we've ever seen."
Lydia's expression darkened. "Red hair… He could be a Blood Elf, but something doesn't feel right."
Merslinmade a firm decision. "We need to see for ourselves. Let's find this elf."
They headed into the forest, where a strange energy lingered in the air. It felt as if something—or someone—was watching them. Not long after, they spotted the red-haired elf in a fit of uncontrollable rage.
He was unleashing immense magical power, destroying everything around him. His magic wasn't like anything they had seen before—it shook the forest itself with chaotic force. Merslinand Lydia immediately went on alert, cautiously approaching to assess the situation.
Without warning, the elf charged at them. Lydia had no time to prepare a spell. In that instant, Lisa jumped in front, raising her shield to block the attack and protect the team.
"You won't stop me!" the elf shouted, his eyes filled with confusion and pain. But Lisa stood her ground, unwavering, her gaze filled with resolve.
Merslinquickly cast a binding spell. Chains of magical energy wrapped around the elf's limbs, restraining him. But the elf struggled fiercely, shaking the chains with raw strength.
Lydia didn't miss the opportunity—she unleashed a suppression spell. A gentle light surged from her hand, enveloping the elf's body and subduing his magic. Gradually, the elf's resistance faded, and he collapsed, exhausted and unable to move.
Though his strength was gone, his eyes still burned with inner turmoil and fear.
Lisa stepped closer, kneeling beside him. "We're here to help you," she said gently. "Let's find a way to ease the pain inside you."
Lydia examined his face closely, her voice grave. "He might be a High Elf… If that's true, then the mystery of this forest is far more complicated than we thought."
Merslinnodded slowly. "We're still far from the full truth, but this brings us one step closer. We need to uncover the story this elf can't yet tell."
Taking the subdued elf with them, the group left the forest behind—for now—strengthened by a renewed resolve to dig deeper into the secrets hidden within the High Elf Forest. Whatever this elf carried inside him, they knew it would lead them closer to the answers they sought.
****
Aria's Healing and the High Elf's Turmoil
After rescuing the unstable elf from the forest, Musling's party brought him to a safe location. They set up camp and decided that Aria would be the one to tend to his wounds. As night fell and silence spread across the woods, an eerie weight settled over the air.
Aria knelt beside the elf and extended her hand. His injuries looked severe, but with her magic, they could be healed quickly. Concentrating, she summoned her healing powers. A soft light flowed from her palm, wrapping around the elf's body and sealing his wounds.
His body recovered swiftly—but his eyes remained vacant, lifeless.
"The physical wounds are gone," Aria murmured, "but… I can't reach his mind. His spirit feels trapped somewhere. I don't know how to help him like this."
Merslinand Lydia stood in solemn silence. They had done everything they could to save him, but some scars ran too deep for magic to reach.
Lydia spoke with a serious tone. "Keeping him with us like this is dangerous. If he's mentally unstable, he could pose a threat to all of us."
Aria shook her head. "There's still a chance we can help. If we give him more time, he might regain himself. If we give up now, we may lose him forever."
Lydia remained firm. "But we have to recognize our limits. This is beyond what we're capable of handling. We should entrust him to a proper facility where they can monitor him and give him the care he needs."
Aria hesitated, torn between emotion and logic. "Is it really right to just let him go? I believe there's still something we can do—something worth trying. If we understand his pain, maybe we can help him heal."
Merslinstepped forward, calmly assessing the situation. "I respect both your opinions. But right now, Lydia's suggestion makes the most sense. This elf's condition is far more complex than we anticipated. Taking him somewhere safe where he can be properly cared for is the best choice."
Aria closed her eyes for a moment, then slowly nodded. "You're right. We have to do what's best—for him, and for all of us."
Lydia gently placed a hand on Aria's shoulder. "This wasn't an easy decision. But we'll keep searching for ways to help him."
Aria straightened up, her voice steady with resolve. "Then let's do that. We'll find the right way—together."
****
Transfer to the High Elf Sanctuary
After Aria carefully observed the wounded High Elf and attempted to heal him, Merslin's party concluded that leaving him in his current state would be far too dangerous. His unstable mental condition and the ominous energy lurking within him posed a threat—not only to himself but to everyone around him.
Merslin looked around at his companions and made a firm decision. "Keeping him here is a risk we can't afford. The best thing we can do is send him somewhere safe—somewhere he can be properly protected."
Lydia nodded in agreement. "She's right. We've done what we can, but there's a limit to what we're capable of. He needs a place where he can be watched over and kept safe."
Aria also agreed with Merslin's decision. "Yes… He needs a proper facility. If we want to find a way to truly heal his wounded spirit, we must take him somewhere that can provide the care he needs."
They decided to escort the High Elf to a sanctuary in a neighboring kingdom—a secure facility specifically built to house and care for beings with extraordinary abilities. It was the only place in the kingdom capable of accepting a High Elf in such a delicate state.
Lisa gently helped the elf to his feet. "You'll be safe here," she whispered. "We'll do everything we can for you."
As they made their way toward the sanctuary, Merslin kept a close eye on the elf. Though his expression remained clouded and distant, there was a subtle change—as if he could sense that this destination offered a sliver of hope and safety.
Upon arrival, the kingdom's caretakers received the elf and guided him into a specially prepared chamber. The sanctuary was staffed with experts capable of monitoring his condition and aiding in his mental and emotional recovery.
"He will be safe here," said the sanctuary's overseer. "We'll keep a close watch on him and do everything necessary to assist in his recovery."
Merslin let out a quiet sigh of relief. "Thank you. He's endured too much pain. I truly hope he can find peace here."
Before leaving, Lydia stood quietly by the elf's side, her voice soft. "Stay strong. Rest well, until the day we return."
With their mission at the sanctuary complete, the group turned once more toward the forest—ready to continue unraveling the secrets of the High Elves. All they could do now was hope that the elf would recover in peace… and that the answers they sought would soon be found.