“These places are endless, if it weren't for the fact that we always see the same stars... I would think that we are transported to other worlds every time we cross those monoliths.” His words sound like fantasy, but he is the living proof that fantasies like that existed.

“I don't know what the purpose of this place is and if it was truly the elves who created it. I never heard a mention of something similar, surely there were others in our same situation... maybe they didn't make it out.”

"Reminds me of a zoo." An idea emerges from Ezer's mind and he unconsciously puts it into words.

“Zoo?” She asks intrigued by the strange word.

"It's a... uh... place where different animals are raised for conservation... I think." The word was not very difficult for him to remember, but what it meant was vague and distant, it was complex to express in words something that even oneself does not fully know.

“Yes, maybe you're right. Perhaps they raised their cattle this way.” Now that she thought about it, the idea didn't sound so crazy to Lyaria.

"Whatever the case, we have to keep going north. The mountain walls to the east and west are impossible to climb and retracing our steps is not an option.” Ezer watched as the mountains rose to the sides leaving only a path in a North-South direction.

“From now on I will walk by myself.” She decides once they've rested enough and were about to leave.

“No, no way. I'll carry you on my back like before.”

"I'm fine now. Besides, taking me only serves to wear you down.”

"You should worry about yourself. If it bothers you that much... I have an idea.” He sighs and goes to work.

Takes branches from the few and far between trees, tying them with the surprisingly resistant grass that was everywhere. The end result was a stretcher big enough for Lyaria to get on and for him to drag the wooden frame across the floor.

"Are you good at these things?" Lyaria asks surprised by the rapid manufacture of that object.

“Apparently yes, it's the first time I've done it.” It was the truth, although she helped him by linking the herbs.

She lays down on the newly completed stretcher and Ezer drags her steadily. Only the lower part touched the ground as it was tilted in such a way that no part of Lyaria's body was in contact with the ground. It was still exhausting, but at least now Ezer's back and arms weren't tiring so quickly.

“Since when did I start paying attention to him? In fact... Since when did he take command?” Lyaria thinks to herself having a lot of free time while being dragged. “I may be hurt, but... well, it's not a bad feeling, depending on someone.” Smiles the same way she did when was carried on Ezer's back, although not even her noticed it. "Though I can't relax either, I'm older than him after all." And with those thoughts, she returns to focus on her hearing and vision, being attentive taking care of Ezer's back.

The day continues to lighten taking its time due to the mountains that covered the sun. During all this time Ezer drags the stretcher, stopping briefly to rest and replenish his water supplies in a small lagoon a few meters in diameter. The grass was only cut by the few and far between shadows cast by the trees, but still the green of the elongated leaves predominated.

"It's really big for a bird." Ezer crouches down and examines the print carefully.

"Yes, and it doesn't seem to fly. The trails that continue suggest it.” Lyaria was at his side stretching her body numb from being in the same position for so long.

"Apparently his plumage is green... perfect for this place." He picks up a feather from the ground and is surprised by its large size.

As if responding to their words, they can hear a squawk in the distance.

"It's far away, I hope it's the only one." Lyaria can hear and fairly determine the distance that separated them.

“I hope you are right.” Ezer had learned to trust her amazing sense of hearing.

“Even if we are separated by a good distance, we cannot relax, luckily it is not in the same direction that we are heading.” She straps herself back onto the stretcher with a little help.

“Ready?”

“Yes.” Listening to the answer, Ezer begins to walk.

The hours pass as well as the distance they travel, this time they don't take as many breaks despite needing them and they continue to wish they didn't encounter anything unexpected.

“The grass is starting to thin out, I think we're approaching a monolith. I need a break to drink some water.” He didn't want to, but his body demanded it.

“We cannot.” Lyaria's sharp voice stops him.

“How many?” Ezer immediately becomes alert.

“Two, maybe three. They are stalking us.” She begins to untie herself to get off the stretcher.

"Why am I not surprised..." Ezer smiles wryly and draws what remains of his sword.

Until now, Ezer had faced beasts that surpassed him in size and strength, as well as surpassing him in speed, although the latter's difference was not overwhelming, which allowed him to counteract his defects with intelligence and often luck.

However, now he could only see a blurred image followed by severe pain in his shoulder, the same one that he managed to recover from until recently. The impact knocks him to the ground, throwing him off balance, though he instantly gets to his feet to protect Lyaria.

“How many?” He takes a quick look at his bleeding wound which seemed to have been made by a needle due to its depth.

“Two, I'm sure. They move too fast for me to even see their eyes.” Lyaria has a knife in her hand and puts weight on her leg to better stabilize herself despite the pain.

Both can only hear the sound they produced when moving and the rapid movements of the herbs they left as residue. Ezer dismisses the idea of using his bow and comes up with something that he hopes will work.

Placing his left leg in front of the other and with a quick wave of his hand, adding physical strength and a little mana, he moves the sword managing to generate a sudden gale that whips the grasses in front of him, bending them and thus allowing him to see what hidden between them.