Underneath the towering trees of an ancient forest, two Dúnedain, Duindir and Cirmir, found a brief respite from their vigilant trekking. The moonlight filtered through the dense canopy, casting an ethereal glow on their weathered faces.
“Duindir, there’s something on my mind that I cannot shake. These woods seem restless tonight.” Cirmir's grave face betrayed some sort of concern, as he faced his kindred.
Duindir nods, replying. “I have sensed it too, Cirmir. The air carries a disquieting whisper, as the shadows themselves are uneasy.”
“Do you think the enemy stirs again? We’ve had years of relative peace, but the darkness never truly abates.” Cirmir asks, as he looked into the distance.
Duindir leans against a moss-covered tree before replying. “It’s hard to say. The lands are vast, and our watch cannot be everywhere. But my instincts tell me this is more than a fleeting shadow.”
Cirmir gripping the hilt of his sword, he returned his gaze towards his companion. “If the enemy is indeed rising, we must prepare ourselves. The folks we protect rely on our vigilance.”
“I fear, Cirmir, that the threat may not come in the form of armies marching openly. The whispers I sense are subtle, like a spider weaving its web in the darkness.” Duindir replied.
“Spies, perhaps? Agents of the dark folks infiltrating our borders?”
Duindir nods. “It’s a possibility. We need to heighten our surveillance, strengthen our bonds with allies and be watchful of even the slightest disturbance.”
“We’ve faced adversity before, but this feels different. The very earth beneath us seems to hold its breath.”
Duindir walked slowly over and places a hand on Cirmirs shoulder. “We are the guardians of these lands, and we’ll face whatever comes our way. Our strength lies not just in our swords, but in our unity and unwavering resolve.”
“You always have a way of putting my mind at ease, Duindir. Let’s strengthen our watch tonight and trust the dawn will bring clarity.”
And with that, the two Dúnedain vanished into the shadows, resolute in their duty to protect the lands from the encroaching darkness that lingered on the horizon.
