The door of the inn creaked open, and in walked a figure that immediately drew the attention of everyone in the room. He was taller than most of the patrons, slightly surpassing Thal in height, though his posture was more relaxed, almost carefree. He had spiky black hair, and his beard was trimmed short, no moustache to speak of. His eyes, however, gleamed with a certain sharpness, a contrast to his laid-back demeanour. His staff, thick and unadorned, was more for hitting than magic, and he swung it casually at his side as he strode in.
"Thal, my old friend!" the Nephilim called out loudly, a grin spreading across his face. He moved with an air of confidence, one that came with age and experience. His voice was loud and boisterous, yet there was an undeniable charm to his presence. "I never thought I'd see you here of all places!"
Thal stiffened slightly as the voice cut through the chatter of the inn. He turned to face the newcomer, his expression hardening for a moment, before softening with recognition. His gaze flicked to the spiky haired Nephilim, and for a moment, a shadow of something old and familiar passed through his eyes.
Kael, the Nephilim who had once been part of Thal's younger years, approached the table with the swagger of someone who had no concept of personal space. His grin didn't falter as he plopped down in the chair next to Thal, crossing his legs casually, ignoring the space that the others had carved for themselves around the table. He glanced at Luken, Nyra, and Valen before focusing back on Thal.
"Been a long time, huh?" Kael said, a teasing lilt in his voice. "Look at you, Thal. You've gotten all serious and brooding now. Where's the guy I used to know, huh?" He leaned back in his chair and chuckled, as if he was watching a show.
Thal's posture stiffened slightly, but he didn't say anything. Instead, he just kept his gaze locked on Kael, his eyes unknowing.
Kael's grin widened as he noticed Thal's silence, and he leaned forward, lowering his voice with an exaggerated seriousness. "I was actually in the area by coincidence, but this... this is rich," he continued, clearly enjoying himself. "I mean, you've been doing the whole 'lone wolf' thing for so long, I thought maybe I'd finally find you doing something remotely normal."
At this, Thal's eyes narrowed slightly. He leaned forward, his tone measured but low, "What do you want, Kael?"
"Oh, come on. No need to be all serious. I'm just here to chat. Besides, I've got a little... something I'm taking care of." Kael waved his hand dismissively. "But I don't want to talk about work. You remember Alinda, don't you?"
Thal's gaze flickered, and for a split second, a shadow crossed his face. The name lingered between them like a wound that hadn't fully closed.
Kael chuckled quietly, tapping his fingers against the table. "Saw her not too long ago, you know. She's still stubborn as ever... still worries about you." He shrugged, though his eyes were watching Thal closely now. "She asked if you were still breathing. Told her you were too damn stubborn to die." He grinned but softer now, almost respectful.
Thal's fist clenched involuntarily, though his face remained a stoic mask. "Not here, Kael," he muttered, cutting off any further discussion about Alinda or his past ties. He didn't want to go down that road not here, not now.
But Kael, ever the instigator, didn't take the hint. "Well, whatever the reason, you're not that much of a recluse anymore, huh? You've got a whole new crew now," he said, casting a sweeping glance at Nyra, Valen, and Tar. "Who's the new ones?" Then see's Luken "Another Kruul kid?" Kael's gaze lingered longer on Luken than the others. His sharp eyes narrowed ever so slightly, and for a moment, the playful glint in his expression dulled.
Something behind those eyes shifted Luken felt it instantly. It was not just a glance. It was a recognition. A chill crept up his spine, and he instinctively straightened in his seat, his hands curling into fists under the table. Kael's stare wasn't casual it was the kind that made you feel seen in ways you didn't understand, and didn't want to.
Kael chuckled lightly, masking the moment as if nothing had passed. But the way his fingers drummed on the wood afterward was slower, more deliberate. He had seen something and Luken knew it.
"Oh, and speaking of which, whatever happened to those three Kruul kids you were traveling with when we were younger? I thought for sure they'd still be around."
The mention of the Kruul children made Thal stiffen even further. His hand curled into a fist, and he looked at Kael, his gaze colder than it had been all evening. "Don't bring them up," Thal growled lowly, his voice a warning. His tone left no room for debate, and Kael, sensing the shift, paused, his grin faltering for the briefest of moments.
Kael leaned back in his chair, tapping his fingers on the wooden table. "Alright, alright. No need to get all worked up," he said, his playful mood turning more contemplative. "But you know, Thal... you're different now. All that time in the Haunt changed you. You can pretend like it didn't, but it did. And maybe it's time you let yourself acknowledge that, hm?"
Thal said nothing, his eyes narrowing as he looked over Kael, studying the Nephilim in front of him. He could tell that Kael's words weren't just meant to provoke there was something deeper there something about the weight of their shared history. But he wasn't ready to talk about that, not now, not in front of the others.
Kael sighed, standing up from the table, his chair scraping loudly against the stone floor. "Well, I've got to go see to a few things. You know how it is... duties but hey, if you need anything you know where to find me. I'll be around Kel for a bit," he added casually, giving Thal a slap on the back as he walked off. "Try not to brood too much, alright? You're not dead yet. Not yet."
Thal didn't respond, watching Kael leave with a quiet intensity. As soon as the Nephilim was out of earshot, he let out a slow, controlled breath. The room seemed a bit smaller, a little too close, and Thal knew that Kael's appearance was just the first of many reminders of a past that refused to stay buried.
The others exchanged looks, sensing the tension, but no one spoke. They didn't need to. The weight of it was in the air.
Thal's gaze remained fixed on the door where Kael had just exited, his thoughts momentarily drifting to that shared history. He didn't need to speak of it everyone in the room could feel the shift.
Thal stood up from the table and gave a short nod to the group. "I'm going to walk around for a bit," he said, his voice low, almost reflective. The others exchanged glances, sensing that Thal was trying to shake off whatever tension lingered after Kael's departure.
Thal pushed the door open and stepped out into the cool night air, letting it wash over him as he walked out of the inn. The sound of the bustling city behind him faded, and the quiet weight of the darkened streets seemed to pull at his thoughts. He wasn't really planning to go anywhere in particular, just somewhere that felt like it could give him a moment of peace.
Inside, Luken and Valen were debating their voices a soft murmur. Nyra glanced over at Tar, who had settled into a corner of the room his usual neutral expression showing little more than the occasional snort of frustration. Nyra looked back at Luken, then to Valen, unsure how to handle their questioning.
"I don't know, Valen. I mean…" Luken began, clearly more on the side of caution. "Do we really need to get into all of that? Kael, his past... all of it? I mean, Thal isn't exactly asking us to dig into it."
Valen, leaning against the wall with his arms crossed, gave a pointed look at Luken. "But don't you think we should understand what's really going on with him? He's not the same as before, and I feel like we're missing something important. Whatever happened to him, it's clearly still eating at him."
"I don't know if it's our place to ask about it," Luken countered, his voice carrying a trace of discomfort. "He's kept it from us all this time. Maybe that's because he doesn't want us to know, and we shouldn't push."
Nyra, silently watching the two, found herself lost in thought. She did know Thal, or at least, she thought she did. She'd seen the man he'd become over the years, but there were parts of him, deep, buried parts that she never understood. The moment Kael showed up was a shock, one that she hadn't anticipated. The past was something Thal clearly didn't want to revisit, yet here they were, surrounded by echoes of it.
Her gaze turned to Tar, looking for some sort of insight, though she knew he didn't exactly speak often. He just sniffed, his usual indifference to things not immediately relevant to him coming through loud and clear. He was, as always, unbothered. But that only left Nyra to decide on her own.
"Do we really need to push him for answers?" she finally spoke, her voice soft but firm, as she looked between Luken and Valen. "I don't think Thal would want to revisit things. But… I also feel like there's something important we need to understand. Maybe Kael knows something that could help us, but it's risky. I don't know if Thal would even want us going after Kael, honestly."
Luken nodded slowly, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "That's exactly it. It's dangerous territory. We don't know what Kael could be dragging us into, and Thal's been pretty clear he doesn't want to go down that path."
Valen's gaze shifted back to the door, his brows furrowing. "But we need to know more if we're going to face whatever's coming. Whatever is tied to Thal's past, it's going to catch up to us sooner or later. I'd rather know what we're dealing with before it becomes a problem."
Nyra hesitated. She could feel the tension between Valen's thirst for knowledge and Luken's desire for caution. Part of her agreed with Luken there were things Thal clearly wanted to keep hidden, and maybe they should respect that but the other part knew that withholding information could cost them, and there were too many unknowns.
"Maybe we should talk to Thal first," Nyra said quietly, glancing at the door where he had just left. "Before we go after Kael. I'm sure he has his reasons for staying silent about his past... but we need to make sure we're all on the same page."
Luken seemed to relax slightly at that suggestion, nodding in agreement. "You're right. Let's talk to him. If he doesn't want to talk, then we leave it be."
Valen, still unconvinced, crossed his arms again, though he didn't push the issue further. He'd always been more driven by curiosity and the need for answers, but he could understand the importance of respecting Thal's space. For now, at least.
"Alright," Valen relented with a sigh. "But if Thal doesn't give us any answers, I'm not dropping it. There's something there, and I'm not letting it go until we know what it is."
Nyra nodded slowly, her eyes lingering on the door where Thal had stepped out. She had seen that look in his eyes before distant, troubled, guarded and it was clear that whatever Kael had been hinting at had a deeper significance than they had imagined.
For now, it seemed like the best course of action was to approach Thal directly. She only hoped that whatever was lurking in his past wouldn't come to the surface too painfully.
The three of them Nyra, Luken, and Valen stood at the threshold of the bustling city, its glowing dome casting a surreal light over the streets. The faint shimmer of the barrier above gave the illusion of snow falling, even though the air remained dry and still. Tar had stayed behind at the inn, uninterested in the search, leaving the group to navigate the sprawling city on their own.
"This place is massive," Valen muttered, craning his neck to take in the towering buildings and the strange mixture of creatures milling about. "How are we supposed to find him in all of this?"
"We'll cover more ground if we split up," Nyra suggested, her tone decisive. "If anyone sees him, head back to the inn. We'll regroup there."
Luken nodded, though his brow furrowed in concern. "Just be careful. This place might seem peaceful, but it doesn't mean we're safe."
They all agreed and set off in different directions. The city's streets were a labyrinth of towering structures, narrow alleys, and bustling markets. Strange sights and sounds filled the air, from merchants hawking bizarre wares to the faint hum of magical energy that seemed to pulse through the very stones of the city.
Nyra walked down a quiet street, her eyes scanning the shadows and crowds for any sign of Thal's towering figure. The shimmering dome above gave the whole scene a dreamlike quality, making everything feel distant and surreal. She found herself drawn toward an open square, where the faint glow of lanterns illuminated a statue in the center.
Her heart skipped a beat when she thought she saw Thal near the statue, his broad shoulders and unmistakable presence standing out even in the dim light. But as she got closer, the figure turned, and her heart sank.
"Kael," she muttered under her breath.
The Nephilim grinned when he saw her. "Well, well. If it isn't Thal's little band of misfits," he said, leaning casually on his staff. "Lost already?"
Nyra's eyes narrowed. "I thought you were him."
Kael chuckled, his laugh echoing through the square. "I get that a lot. I mean, we are both Nephilim, though I'd argue I'm the better looking one."
Nyra crossed her arms, not in the mood for his antics. "Why are you here?"
Kael shrugged, his grin fading slightly. "I live here, remember? But if you're asking why I'm here now... let's just say I had a feeling you'd show up. Looking for Thal, are you?"
Nyra hesitated before answering. "Yeah. Have you seen him?"
Kael tilted his head, studying her with a curious glint in his eyes. "Not recently, no. But knowing him, he's probably brooding somewhere quiet. That's his style, isn't it?"
She didn't respond, her frustration mounting. Kael, sensing her mood, straightened up and gestured to the statue behind him. "You know, he's probably closer to this thing than you think."
Nyra glanced at the statue. It depicted a Nephilim, tall and imposing, with features eerily similar to Thal's. She frowned, unsure what Kael meant.
"Thal's a creature of habit," Kael continued. "He's got this way of seeking out things that remind him of... well, him. Old memories, lost connections. If I had to guess, I'd say he's somewhere that makes him feel close to whatever he's holding onto."
Nyra clenched her fists, her frustration mixing with a growing sense of unease. "Why do you care?" she asked, her voice sharp.
Kael smirked. "I don't. But if you want my advice, stop chasing him. Thal's not the type to be found unless he wants to be."
With that, Kael turned and walked away, leaving Nyra alone in the square. She stared at the statue for a long moment, the weight of Kael's words settling heavily on her shoulders. Then, with a determined breath, she turned and headed back toward the inn, hoping the others had better luck in their search.
Valen found himself wandering into a district of the city unlike anything he had ever seen before. The air was thick with the sound of hammers striking metal, the hiss of steam, and the rhythmic clanging of machinery. Massive forges glowed with molten heat, illuminating the sprawling workshops and towering cranes that moved materials across the bustling area. The acrid tang of metal and oil filled the air, and Valen marveled at the sheer scale of industry before him.
Rows of workers Dwarves, Orcs, Kruuls, and even humans moved with practiced precision, hauling materials, welding pieces together, and crafting what appeared to be weapons, armor, and complex devices. Sparks flew in every direction as smiths pounded glowing metal into shape, their faces illuminated by the intense orange light of their forges. Intricate runes were being carved into some of the weapons by deft hands, their glow pulsing faintly with contained energy.
Valen's eyes widened as he took it all in. "Incredible..." he muttered to himself, walking slowly through the organized chaos.
He passed a massive contraption resembling a ballista, though it was far more advanced than anything he had seen in the human kingdoms. Its sleek design was adorned with glowing runes, and its limbs were made of some kind of metal he didn't recognize. Nearby, a group of workers was assembling a set of armor that appeared to shift and move as if alive, responding to the faintest touch.
"This is beyond anything we have back home," he whispered, his voice tinged with awe. The human cities, for all their pride in craftsmanship, seemed primitive in comparison. Even the royal blacksmiths in his father's court couldn't dream of creating anything like this.
As he wandered deeper into the district, Valen's curiosity grew. He couldn't help but wonder how this eclectic mix of races had managed to achieve such technological progress. In human cities, prejudice and mistrust often hindered collaboration between even their own classes, let alone between entirely different species. However here, the unity of effort was undeniable. It was as if everyone in the district shared a common goal a vision of progress that transcended their differences.
"Hey, you lost, human?" a gruff voice called out, pulling Valen from his thoughts.
He turned to see an Ork with broad shoulders and tusks jutting from his lower jaw, wiping his hands on a grease stained cloth. His piercing yellow eyes studied Valen with curiosity rather than hostility.
"Not lost, just... exploring," Valen replied, a bit sheepishly. "This place is amazing. I've never seen anything like it."
The Ork grunted, crossing his arms. "Yeah, most humans haven't. You lot prefer castles and cathedrals, not innovation."
Valen flinched at the jab but quickly recovered. "That's not entirely true. We have... progress. Just maybe not like this."
The Ork snorted. "Progress? Sure, if you call squabbling over titles and land progress. Here, we build for survival and growth. Big difference."
Valen couldn't argue with that. He looked around again, his admiration only growing. "How did this all come to be? This collaboration between races? I didn't think Kruuls, Dwarves and Orcs worked alongside humans like this."
The Ork raised a brow. "You're new here, aren't you?"
Valen nodded.
"Kel's different," the Ork said simply. "Out there, we might fight and squabble, but in here, we're all the same, survivors. The city's been a refuge for centuries. If you don't pull your weight, you don't stay, no matter who or what you are."
Valen absorbed the words, a mixture of admiration and envy stirring within him. What would it take for the human kingdoms to adopt such a mindset? Could they ever achieve this level of unity?
"Is there... anyone I can talk to about this?" he asked. "Someone who oversees it all?"
The Ork shrugged. "Depends on what you're looking for. If you want to see more, head to the Foundry Hall. Big building near the center of this district. They won't let you mess with anything, but you'll get a sense of how things work around here."
"Thank you," Valen said sincerely.
The Ork grunted in acknowledgment before turning back to his work.
As Valen continued through the district, his mind raced with thoughts of what he'd seen. The weapons, the machinery, the cooperation it all spoke of a society that had overcome barriers his own people still struggled with. He wondered if the others were seeing the same things he was. Perhaps, just perhaps, there was something to be learned here that could change more than just their journey it could change the world.
As Luken wandered through the tightly packed suburbs of Kel, he marveled at the vibrant community within the towering stacks of homes. The houses, constructed of stone, wood, and salvaged metal, were layered atop one another like an intricate puzzle. People of all races bustled about Kruuls, Dwarfs, Orcs, humans, and even a few species Luken couldn't identify. Children ran between the narrow alleyways, their laughter echoing off the walls, while parents chatted from balconies or hung freshly washed clothes on lines that crisscrossed the streets.
Luken stopped several passersby, asking if they had seen Thal, the giant who was unmistakable in appearance. Most either shook their heads or mentioned the statue in the city square, assuming that was what he meant. He was about to give up when a human woman with a toddler on her hip paused, looking thoughtful.
"Someone like that? A giant? I think I saw him earlier," she said, shifting the child in her arms. "Near the orphanage, playing with the kids."
Luken blinked, caught off guard. "The orphanage?"
The woman nodded. "It's not far from here. Just down that road, then take the left fork. You'll hear the children before you see it."
"Thank you," Luken said, giving her a small nod before heading in the direction she pointed.
As he approached the orphanage, the sound of children's laughter grew louder. The building itself was a modest structure, larger than the surrounding homes but worn with age. The yard in front was bustling with activity as children of various races ran about, playing games. And there, in the middle of it all, was Thal.
The giant sat cross legged on the ground, his immense size making the children around him look like dolls in comparison. Despite his intimidating stature, he had a gentle expression as he played along with their games, letting a small Ork child climb onto his shoulders while another human child tugged at his arm, giggling.
Luken stood frozen for a moment, observing the scene. It was such a stark contrast to the stoic, battle hardened Thal he had come to know. Here, he looked... peaceful. Happy, even.
Gathering his thoughts, Luken approached cautiously. "Thal? What are you doing here?"
Thal turned his head, his calm demeanor shifting slightly at the interruption. He gently lifted the Ork child off his shoulders and set him down before rising to his full height, towering over everyone present.
"Just... spending time," Thal said, his tone neutral as he brushed dust from his hands. Though Luken noticed the faint flicker of emotion in his eyes.
"With the children?" Luken pressed, his curiosity piqued.
Thal hesitated for a moment, glancing at the children who had now gathered around his legs, looking up at him with wide eyes. One of them a Kruul boy with a mischievous grin tugged on Thal's pant leg. "You're coming back tomorrow, right?" the boy asked.
Thal nodded, giving the child a small smile. "We'll see."
As the children scattered to resume their games, Luken stepped closer, lowering his voice. "Why are you here, really?"
Thal's expression hardened, his usual stoicism returning. "It's nothing. I just... know what it's like to be lost."
"Lost?" Luken repeated, frowning. "What do you mean?"
Thal sighed, running a hand through his hair. "When I was younger, I found two Kruul children wandering alone. A boy named Neo and his older sister, Quincy. They had no one. I... took them in."
Luken blinked in surprise. "Neo had a sister?"
Thal's jaw tightened, and he avoided Luken's gaze. "Yes," he said curtly, as though regretting the slip of the tongue. "But that's not important now."
Luken opened his mouth to ask more, but Thal's sharp gaze stopped him. It was clear Thal didn't want to discuss the matter further.
Before Luken could press him, one of the children called out, "Tal! Are you leaving already?"
Thal glanced back at the children, his expression softening again. "Yes, I have to go now. Be good."
The children groaned in disappointment but waved him off as he turned to leave. Luken followed, his mind racing with questions. He hadn't expected to find Thal here, let alone hear such a personal story. It was a side of the giant he hadn't seen before, and it left him both intrigued and unsettled.
As they walked away from the orphanage, Luken finally broke the silence. "You're full of surprises, Thal."
Thal didn't respond immediately, his gaze fixed straight ahead. When he finally spoke, his voice was low. "We all have parts of ourselves we don't share, Luken. Remember that."
And with that, he quickened his pace, leaving Luken to ponder the weight of his words.
As Thal's words settled in, they struck Luken deeper than he expected. The weight of his own secret pressed heavily on his chest the truth about being a half Kruul, a truth he had desperately concealed, even from those he traveled with. Yet, during the Hydra fight, when he had been forced to use his Kruul magic to break free from the illusion, he had revealed it to Thal. And yet… Thal had never brought it up. Not once.
It gnawed at Luken. As they walked in silence through the twisting streets of Kel, his curiosity bubbled over, and he finally broke the stillness.
"Thal," Luken started, his voice hesitant. "Back in the Hydra's cave… when I... when you saw what I am. Why haven't you said anything about it? You haven't asked, not even once."
Thal glanced down at him but kept walking, his strides unhurried. He was quiet for a long moment, as though carefully weighing his words. Finally, he spoke, his tone calm and steady.
"Well," Thal said simply, "I like to keep things to myself, too."
Luken stopped in his tracks, staring at the giant's back. Thal took a few more steps before noticing and paused, turning slightly to look at him. His face bore no judgment, no curiosity just the same steady calm that Luken had come to associate with him.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Luken asked, his voice a mix of frustration and confusion.
Thal sighed, his broad shoulders shifting slightly as he turned fully to face him. "It means I understand what it's like to have things you don't want to share. Things you're not ready to explain or face yet. You showed me what you are because you had to, not because you wanted to. That's enough for me."
Luken blinked, thrown off balance by the simplicity of Thal's response. He had expected questions, maybe even accusations, but instead, there was… understanding. Acceptance.
"But… don't you want to know?" Luken pressed, his voice quieter now. "Aren't you curious?"
Thal crossed his arms, his expression softening just slightly. "If you want to tell me, you will. When you're ready. I don't need to pry, Luken. I've carried my share of secrets long enough to know when someone's not ready to share theirs."
Luken stared at him, a mix of emotions swirling inside him. Relief. Gratitude. And a strange sense of guilt. He wasn't sure what he had expected from Thal, but it certainly wasn't this level of understanding.
Thal turned to walk again, but before he did, he placed a massive hand on Luken's shoulder. "Whatever you are, it doesn't change the fact that you fought beside me. That's what matters."
With that, Thal walked on, leaving Luken standing there, a knot of emotions tightening in his chest. For the first time in a long while, he felt the weight of his secret ease, if only slightly. Thal had seen what he was and hadn't cared.
"Keep things to yourself, huh?" Luken muttered to himself with a small, wry smile. "Maybe you're not so hard to figure out after all, big guy."
With that, he hurried to catch up, his steps lighter than they had been in days.
As Thal and Luken made their way back to the inn, they found Nyra sitting by the entrance, her arms crossed and an unmistakable tension in her posture. She glanced up when she saw them approaching, her gaze lingering on Luken for a moment before it shifted to Thal. There was a clear frustration in her expression, though she didn't vocalize what was bothering her.
"Thal," she said, her voice neutral, but there was an edge to it. "Kael he's a handful, isn't he?" She didn't elaborate on what had happened when she met him earlier by the statue, but the brief mention made it clear she had some thoughts she wasn't ready to share.
Thal nodded but didn't offer much in response. Instead, his eyes shifted to Luken, who had his own question.
"Where's Valen?" Luken asked, looking around the area.
Nyra sighed, shaking her head. "I haven't seen him. I think he just wandered off somewhere, but he'll come back. He always does."
Tar, who had been standing silently beside Nyra, grunted in acknowledgment but didn't say anything.
The group made their way to the rooms inside the inn. Luken and Nyra were given rooms on the upper floor, while Thal and Tar stayed downstairs. Thal, as usual, didn't need to sleep, but it didn't bother him to be near the others. The inn was quiet enough for now, and he could always keep watch if needed.
As Luken and Nyra headed up to their rooms, Nyra couldn't help but glance at Thal again, her thoughts lingering on the strange encounter with Kael and the conversation that had followed. There was something about Kael's presence that unsettled her, but she didn't have the energy to unpack it right now. Instead, she focused on the quiet peace that the inn provided.
"Maybe I should get some rest," Nyra muttered, though she doubted sleep would come easily. Her mind had too many things to process, and the events of the past few days felt like they were catching up with her.
Luken, sensing her unease, gave her a small nod. "I'll check on Valen later. We need to stick together."
With that, they parted ways for the night. Thal remained downstairs, keeping an eye on everything, his mind far away from sleep, as it always was. He couldn't forget the question Luken had asked him earlier about the past, about the Kruul inside him. But for now, there was nothing to do but wait and so, the inn settled into quiet. With only the sounds of the distant city echoing through the walls, and the hum of the shadowed city of Kel outside.