Elven Rebirth

d the General's office. His boots made a loud noise on the hot a

, "Reporting as ordered, sir. We achieved an amazing

ute. "At ease, Captain Hills. Co

pped the separatist group's leaders and avoided civilian casualties. We lost a few good men, but they all

trategy was excellent. You've earned a commendatio

ticed the General's aide,

o continue, but he noticed

ice tense, "your new assignment will require so

was off, but he focused on the prais

e sensed whispers, hidden glances and resentment. Of course it's just human nature,

with colleagues c

aid. He was one of the very few peo

just doing my job. By the w

ewis Jr." Captain Lewis said

believe you le

Sergeant Alex Ryan, approached. They wore big grins. These were his friends. The

exclaimed. "We heard the

me to celebrate!

I appreciate it, but

Adam! One drink won't

few hours. Meet us at Mc

, but his friends' en

7 pm," A

"See you to

eave, he felt uneasy.

s La

ivilian clothes for the first time in

meet Tom

ded out into the fading sunli

The sounds of laughter, music and clinking glasses enveloped hi

ting with them. Her long, dark hair cascaded dow

iqued, he walked o

m exclaimed. "G

. "Yeah, we've got someo

d to Adam, her

of ours. We thought it'd be great for her

ow, surprised. "Nice

idened. "Likewi

red caution, but Emily'

his friends knew Emily. Her presence see

aughter and stories. Adam found

verly interested in his military career, Tom and Alex exchanged subtle glances, The cel

his senses. A few drinks in, his head began to spin.

it, Adam!" Tom

words slurring. "Ye

the room swayed. Tom and A

ght, buddy," Alex sai

d on her face. "I'll make

"Great, Em

hy Emily was taking care of

stumbled out of McGillicuddy's Bar. T

m muttered, tryin

guiding him. "Let's

hts blurred. His friends' fa

" Adam mumbled, h

ts screaming warning. He tried to pull

" Adam slurre

ly held firm, the

mily cooed, her voic

k emerged from the darkn

c spiked. "

ances. With chilling precision, they

's Fest, Adam Hil

pless. The truck's

ing wen

Flashed Be

ion and betrayal blurred. The truck

hts faded to