The Bardbarian

Their next destination was the Scorched Sands, a vast desert known for its brutal conditions and deadly creatures. The sun blazed overhead as Drakar and Elara trudged through the endless dunes, their supplies dwindling with each passing day.

“How much further?” Elara asked, shielding her eyes from the sun.

“According to the map, the next relic should be in the Temple of the Sun,” Drakar replied, squinting at the horizon. “We just have to keep moving.”

The desert was a harsh and unforgiving landscape. Sandstorms frequently swept through, appearing on the horizon like dark, swirling walls. When storms hit, Drakar and Elara had to seek any shelter they could find. They often huddled behind large rocks or buried themselves in the sand to avoid the fierce winds. The sandstorm’s howl was deafening, and the world around them became an impenetrable, stinging haze.

During the nights, the temperature plummeted, and the once scorching sand turned into a bitter cold. The stars above provided a breathtaking view, a reminder of the vastness of the world and their small but vital place within it. Drakar and Elara would take turns keeping watch, their campfire a small beacon of light in the endless darkness.

On one of those nights, Drakar stayed up to sharpen Brütal. He glances over to Elara as she sits close to the fire, her red hair glowing in the flickering light.

“You know, Drakar, if you keep staring like that, you might just burn a hole through me. What’s on your mind? Is it the relic, or something… else?” She tilts her head, her green eyes locking onto his.

Drakar shifts awkwardly, his frame silhouetted against the fire, his fingers idly touching Brütal.

“Maybe it’s a bit of both. The relic, yes, but also… you. This journey’s been something, hasn’t it? But tonight feels different.”

Elara chuckles softly, a hint of magic sparking in the air around her.

“Different how? Because we’re closer to the relic, or because the desert night has a way of making everything feel… more intense?” She moves a bit closer, her hair brushing against his arm.

Drakar feels the warmth of her presence and the chill of the night in a strange blend that stirs something deep inside him.

“Both, I guess. But mostly because of you. It’s like this journey’s brought us closer in ways I didn’t expect. And now, sitting here with you, I just… can’t ignore it.”

Elara’s playful smile softens, and she reaches out to touch his hand gently.

“You know, I like you. You’re funny, and you never hesitate to help others. I… worry whenever you come back hurt or injured.”

Drakar’s heart pounds in his chest as he looks into her eyes, the firelight dancing in their depths.

Elara leans in closer, her voice a soft whisper against the desert wind.

“Let’s make a promise. No matter what we find or where this path leads, we won’t let fear hold us back. Not from the relic, and not from each other.” Elara said, her voice a soft whisper against the desert wind.

They sit in awkward silence, the fire crackling between them, their bond growing stronger with each passing moment.

The next morning, they spotted the temple’s silhouette in the distance, its ancient stone walls rising above the shifting sands. Statues of sun deities guarded the entrance, their eyes glowing with a fiery light.

As they approached, a voice echoed through the temple grounds. “Only the worthy may enter. Prove your strength and wisdom, or face the sun’s wrath.”

Drakar and Elara exchanged determined glances. They have come too far to turn back now. With a deep breath, they step inside, ready to face whatever trials await.

The temple’s interior was a maze of corridors and chambers, each filled with traps and puzzles designed to test their abilities. They fought off swarms of sand spirits, solved intricate riddles, and navigated deadly pitfalls, all while the sun’s heat bore down on them.

In the heart of the temple, they found the Sun Disk, radiating warmth and light. As they reached for it, the giant serpent, Zalynthar emerged from the shadows, its scales shimmering with magical energy.

“You have proven your worth,” Zalynthar hissed.

Drakar and Elara stood at the ready, waiting for the serpent to strike.

“I can destroy you, but you may have the relic” Zalynthar says, it’s eyes glowing an unearthly green.

“Wait, that’s it? No epic battle, no ‘you may not take the relic’ speech? Not even a monologue?” Drakar asked, both confused and annoyed.

“Yessss” Zalynthar continued. “Though not for noble reasonsss. You sssee, if the world ends, I will not have a place to hold dominion over” Zalynthar slithered around both Drakar and Elara.

“You make a good point.” Elara concedes. “Drakar, let’s take the relic before Zalynthar changes their mind” Elara pulls Drakar along.

Drakar and Elara approach the Sun Disk cautiously, still unsure if Zalynthar will strike at them. Its golden surface reflected their weary faces.

“That was actually easy, considering we needed to go through a temple of death in the hot sun” Drakar remarked, wiping the sweat off his forehead. “Lets hope the next relic isn’t in a place as hot as this”