A New Alliance Forged

Riven took a step forward, his movements stiff and awkward, and Kaelin could see the strain on his face. He had been trying to hide it, but his injuries were clearly more severe than he had let on. As he took another step, his leg buckled beneath him, and he let out a pained grunt. Kaelin rushed to his side, concern etched on her face. "Riven, you can't go anywhere in this condition," she said, her voice firm. "You're not going to make it far." Riven gritted his teeth, his eyes flashing with determination. "I can make it," he said, but his voice was weak and unconvincing. Kaelin sighed and shook her head. "You're not even standing up straight," she said. "And those wounds...they're not going to heal on their own. Not without proper care and rest." Riven's face twisted in frustration, but he knew Kaelin was right. He couldn't keep going like this. As he looked at her, he saw a glimmer of an idea in her eyes. "Where are you headed?" he asked, his voice a little stronger now. Kaelin hesitated for a moment before answering. "I'm on my way to my village," she said. "It's not too far from here. We could take you there, and the healer could tend to your wounds." Riven's eyes narrowed, his instincts warning him to be cautious. But as he looked at Kaelin, he saw something in her eyes that gave him pause. It was a look of kindness, of genuine concern. "I don't want to be a burden," he said, but Kaelin cut him off. "You're not a burden," she said. "And besides, it's not safe for you to be out here alone. Not in your condition. Come with me, and we'll get you fixed up." Riven hesitated for a moment, weighing his options. But as he looked at Kaelin, he knew he had no choice. He nodded, his face grim. "Okay," he said. "I'll come with you." Kaelin smiled, a warm and welcoming smile. "Good," she said. "Let's get moving, then." As they set off, Riven couldn't help but feel a sense of trepidation. He was putting himself in Kaelin's hands, and he didn't know much about her or her village. But for now, he had no other choice. And as they walked, he couldn't shake the feeling that his life was about to change in ways he couldn't even imagine.