The trees of the Black Forest stood tall like silent sentinels, their thick trunks wrapped in mist. The air was cool, filled with the scent of pine and moss, and golden beams of sunlight danced through the leaves. The trail crunched under their boots as Kael, Serana, and Rael moved deeper into the forest.
Serana walked in front, her hand resting near her blade. Kael stayed close behind her, his eyes scanning the shadows. Rael trailed after them, whistling softly and kicking pebbles.
"Do you always make this much noise on missions?" Kael asked without looking back.
"Yes," Rael said cheerfully. "It keeps the monsters away."
"There are no monsters," Serana muttered.
"Yet," Rael added, wiggling his fingers dramatically. "You never know what lurks in a place called the Black Forest."
Kael rolled his eyes. "If something jumps at us, I am letting it eat you first."
Rael grinned. "So much love in your voice, brother."
