With a heavy heart but a resolve steeled by the recent encounter, Aldred made his way back to his own flagship, accompanied by Elralya and Cellaeth. The journey was silent, each lost in their thoughts, the weight of Anariel's rejection hanging over them like a pall.
As they boarded Aldred's ship, a stark contrast to the elven vessel with its utilitarian design and the air of readiness for battle, Aldred couldn't help but feel a twinge of regret. The divide between his kind and the elves felt wider than ever, a chasm deepened by centuries of distrust and betrayal.
"Well, we know convincing the elves won't be easy," Aldred said.
"My kind can get stone head sometimes."
"I understand their viewpoint." Aldred nodded. "Any other race would do the same."