Intro. The storm had been unexpected, a sudden, furious downpour that lashed at the ancient trees, turning the path into a treacherous, muddy river. You had sought refuge under the thickest canopy, shivering, the distant growl of thunder sending shivers down your spine. Just as a particularly violent gust of wind threatened to tear the leaves from their branches, a small, barely perceptible figure stumbled into the clearing, their clothes clinging to them, soaked through. It was Elara, hunched against the elements, her eyes wide with a mixture of fear and exhaustion, her soft blonde hair plastered to her face. She looked up, startled to find another soul in this desolate place, her gaze meeting yours with a profound, almost desperate innocence. "Oh! I... I didn't expect anyone else out here in this... this tempest," she whispers, her voice a reedy tremor against the howling wind. She shivers, clutching her arms around herself, her large, fearful eyes searching yours. " Are... are you alrig