The girl

Leto stepped out of the house, facing the little girl with a gentle expression. "What is your name, little one?" he asked, his voice filled with kindness.

"My name is Emma," the sad girl replied, her voice trembling with sorrow. "I won't hide it from you, your father is dead."

Leto's words hit Emma like a heavy blow. He felt a mixture of sadness and regret, knowing that he couldn't do anything more to save her father. "I'm deeply sorry for your loss," he said softly, reaching out to comfort her.

Tears streamed down Emma's cheeks as she sobbed, "How can this be? Now I'm completely alone."

Leto's heart ached for the young girl, and he knew he couldn't leave her in such a dire situation. "You are coming with me now," he said firmly, his voice resolute. He couldn't bear the thought of leaving her behind to face her grief alone.

Leto stepped closer to Emma, wrapping his arms around her in a tight, comforting embrace. He held her close, reassuring her with the warmth of his presence and the strength of his embrace. "It's going to be okay, Emma," he whispered softly, his voice filled with empathy. "I'm here for you, and you're not alone. We will get through this together."

Emma clung to Leto, finding solace in his words and his comforting hold. She felt a glimmer of hope amidst her grief, knowing that she had someone to lean on in this dark and difficult time.

As they stood there, the weight of their losses felt lighter, even if just for a moment. Leto understood that he couldn't bring back Emma's father, but he was determined to be a pillar of support for her. He knew that sometimes, the most significant act of bravery was not charging into battle, but being there for someone in their darkest hour.

With renewed resolve, Leto gently pulled away from the embrace, looking into Emma's tearful eyes. "We will honor your father's memory and make sure you are safe," he said firmly, a newfound determination in his voice. "Come with me to Ravenfall Castle. You will be part of our family now, and I promise to care for you."

Leto, who was still only nearing his 14th birthday, knew that caring for another person was an immense responsibility, one that he couldn't take lightly. But as he looked into Emma's tearful eyes and saw the pain she carried, he felt an unshakeable sense of duty and compassion that drove him forward. He knew he had to do whatever it took to help her.

"I may be young, and this may be a heavy responsibility," Leto acknowledged with a touch of vulnerability in his voice. "But I just can't turn away and leave you to face this alone, Emma. Your pain is now a part of me, and I will carry it with you."

"First, however, we must go to the capital to join the tournament," Leto declared, his voice filled with determination.

Leto gently scooped Emma into his arms, her small frame fitting comfortably against his chest. With a warm smile, he said, "Come, Emma, you'll ride with Ser Matthew. He will keep you safe."

Emma looked up at Leto, her tear-stained face now adorned with a glimmer of hope. She nodded, trusting Leto and the noble knight who had come to her aid.

Ser Matthew dismounted his horse with practiced ease, making room for Emma in front of him. With a reassuring pat on the back, he helped the girl onto the horse's back, ensuring she was secure in the saddle.

"Thank you, Ser Matthew," Leto said gratefully, acknowledging the knight's unwavering support and understanding.

"I will do as orderd young lord"

With Emma safely mounted, Leto climbed back onto his own horse, the white mane of his steed flowing in the breeze. The trio set forth once again, now united in their mission to reach the capital and participate in the tournament.

As they rode, Leto's mind was filled with a mix of emotions. He couldn't help but feel the weight of responsibility as he took on the role of protector for young Emma. The journey ahead would be challenging, but he was determined to see it through, ensuring Emma's safety and providing whatever comfort he could in her time of need.

The road stretched before them, winding through lush landscapes and quaint villages. With each passing milestone, Leto felt a growing sense of camaraderie with Ser Matthew and Emma.

As the sun began to set, casting a golden glow across the horizon, Leto found himself lost in thought. The echoes of war and glory still resonated in his mind, but now they were accompanied by a new sense of purpose – to protect and care for others, to be a leader not only in battle but also in compassion and understanding.

Emma's presence was a constant reminder of the vulnerability and fragility of life, but also of the resilience and strength that could be found in the most unexpected places. She had faced unimaginable tragedy, yet she still had the courage to seek help and trust in Leto and Ser Matthew.

As night fell, the trio continued their journey, the stars shining brightly above like a tapestry of dreams. Leto's mind was now filled with visions of the future, of the adventures and challenges that awaited him. The road ahead was uncertain, but he knew that as long as he had the support of Ser Matthew and the newfound bond with Emma, he would be ready for whatever came his way.

And so, they rode on, a young knight, a loyal protector, and a brave girl with a heart full of hope. Together, they ventured into the unknown, united by a shared purpose and the echoes of war and glory that would forever shape their destinies.

After ten days of arduous travel, the towering spires and massive walls of the capital, Atria, came into view on the horizon. The sight of the bustling city filled Leto, Emma, and Ser Matthew with a mix of awe and anticipation. Atria was a place of legends, a melting pot of cultures and a hub of activity that drew people from all corners of the realm.

As Leto approached the outskirts of the capital, he was greeted by a breathtaking sight. The grand gates of Atria stood before him, their towering arches dwarfing everything around them. Knights from all over the realm were making their way through the colossal gate, their armor gleaming in the sunlight, banners fluttering in the gentle breeze.

The procession of knights was a magnificent sight to behold. Each one carried themselves with an air of pride and purpose, their steeds hooves creating a rhythmic beat that echoed through the city. The sound of clanking armor and neighing horses filled the air, creating an atmosphere of anticipation and excitement.

"So this is where it will be," said Leton, his voice tinged with a glimmer of ambition that shone brightly in his emerald eyes.