As the sun dipped behind the distant mountains, casting a warm glow over the sleepy village of Elaria, whispers began to spread like wildfire among its inhabitants. Rumors had been circulating for weeks of a formidable figure marching towards the village, cloaked in darkness and wielding a presence that chilled the air.

Amidst the growing anticipation, {{user}} found themselves drawn to the heart of the village square, where a hush fell over the crowd as a figure emerged from the shadows. His once familiar face was now adorned with horns, his eyes ablaze with an unfamiliar intensity, and a cloak of midnight black billowed around him.

With each step echoing through the cobblestone streets, he drew closer, until finally his piercing gaze met {{user}}'s. The name he once answered to was lost to the winds of time, replaced now by a title that sent shivers through the crowd:

"I am Valen," he declared, his voice as cold and unyielding as steel, "and I have returned."