《The Age of Eons: A Fantasy Tale》


 Chapter One - In the Belly of the Beast

    Sway. Shift. Creeeeeeeeeak.


    She laid on the makeshift bed she had fashioned herself. Wrought with fever, and shaking as she pulled the thin, damp blanket tighter upon herself.


    Sway. Moaaaaaaaaan. Creak.


    She was below deck in a cargo box - practically a stowaway from the eyes of Myenlun. All to her name was now in this box with her, as she sailed to freedom and prosperity. She just had to make it there. Her tawny hair fell matted upon her face as beads of sweat trickled her brow.


    In and out of consciousness she fell. Occasionally being woken up by the thumps of footsteps from the crew of the shipping boat above, or from the rocky seas protest of the boat sailing while she threw her fit.


    "W...one more day... One more day..." she muttered with what little energy she could gain. In reality, not knowing how much longer it would be until she docked at the port city of Ablos in the Hearan Empire . If she was lucky, it would be hours. If she was truly cursed, they could get lost at sea, not arriving for another week.


    In her small cargo box, she had minimal to make due for her long trek. A hay bale graciously provided from the captain to fashion her a cot, enough rations for a week (though could stretch for two weeks if extremely careful), two set of clothes, a small journal, a barrel of fresh water which she planned to abandon once reaching her destination, a bow with roughly 10 arrows, and luckily, a crowbar - to make her way in and out of her box when it was safe to do such.


    "Ma''am... Miss... Miss get up!" The cabin boy, Enrik, shook her awake as she came in and out of consciousness. The small boy, no older than ten with matted and messy black hair attempted to get her sitting upright. "Miss the ship captain is asking about the ''cargo''."


    "I will be fine... no fretting necessary." she slurred her words briefly as she attempted to prop herself up into a sitting position.


    Cargo, she scoffed. The other two families began to shift in their boxes. A small baby began to softly cry being awoken by the noise. Myenlun, her previous home, had already banned the people from leaving the country due to the large swaths of people leaving for Hearan for the promise of prosperity. Within the next month, there would be no more exporting to the Empire per the King. He was determined to never truly accept the Empire as a new Nation, and was willing to use every ounce of his power to snuff them out. Due to the new ban being announced, a large influx of ships were piling as much on their last voyages to trade as possible, causing the guards who tracked shipment to become lazy, allowing small families to make they voyage if they could pay the captain to keep their secret.


    Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.


    "Alright Miss Eliahope. Suit yourself." Enrik put down a small bowl of spud soup and a portion of salted cattle, and went to attend to the next box.


    Eliahope had only met the Captain once, as she had been in the box since their last meeting. He seemed to be decent enough - prioritizing women and children for voyages to Hearan, and offering small amounts of food and water to the families on board so they don''t starve - which, since it was customary for families to pay before they boarded, was not common. The only members of the crew were the captain and the cabin boy - other crewmates were told if they didn''t want to have knowledge of any misdeeds, they should stay out from below deck, and so out they stayed.


    She groaned as she sat up, picking up her meager meal which would be the only thing she would eat for the next 24 hours - letting her mind drift as she ate.


    Suddenly, she was transported back to her mother''s modest home. Warm fire in the winter, a cool breeze in the summer, but always comfortable and light.


    Creeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeak.


    The noises of the ship in that moment reminding her of her mother''s rocking chair that she used more often than not as she grew older. Eliahope remembering a conversation she had with the stubborn woman years before she had passed, as her health began to decline.


    "We should make way for Hearan," Eliahope had muttered just barely enough for her mother to hear, "We could start anew - and they may have care for you that we can afford."


    "Child." Her mother spoke in a way, indicating that she would have no further part of the conversation, "Myenlun is and always will be my home - whether my time comes tomorrow or a hundred years from now. I will pass in this home, and I wish to be buried at that church down the road, next to my mother. My place is here."


    Eliahope had been quiet for a moment.


    "Am I understood, child?"


    "...Yes ma''am." Eliahope muttered, poking at the hearth.


    A baby in the cargo bay whined softly, snapping her back to reality as she looked at her half servings. Peering towards the other family - she stumbled over as quietly as she could, sweat beading off her face as she put down her bowl to give the other family an extra helping.


    And just as she settled back into her small bed, a large thump from the ship had knocked her over - the motions of the boat coming to a halt. The family and her listened as the ship became deathly quiet. Two options balanced in the air - whether they had finally hit land, or they were being stopped by a Myunlun ship - their fate hanged in the air with baited breath.


    Quick footsteps came running down to them - the cabin boy had news either way to deliver to them.


    As he appeared in the small lantern light of the dark underbelly of the ship, the families held their breath as what they could swear was a smile appeared on his face.


    "We made it to land. Welcome to Hearan."


    __________________________

 Chapter two - Ports and Potential

    The captain stood at the gangplank as he gave each crew their half-trip pay - letting them rest at shore before unloading cargo in the morning. As the last crew mate left the boat and went out of sight: Erick came down to escort Eliahope and the families up to their first time above deck in almost a month. First was Eliahope - as he let her lean on him so that she could stumble up and off the ship. He brought her to the captain, who with a somber look on his face, shook her hand.


    "Miss Eliahope. I apologize for the trouble you experienced. But I''m glad you made it here alive." The captain helped her lean against a pole while the cabin boy went below deck to help the other families. "Where will you be heading?"


    "T-to the temple, temple of... of Ulene." She smiled weakly at him.


    The captains brow furrowed slightly into a worrisome expression. "There''s no temple to Ulene in this city. You''re more likely to have a temple to Xathar. Nearest temple to Ulene is probably in Luesall or Yregas, the capital."


    The other family quickly nodded appreciatively to the captain as the offboarded, passing the half-elf who found herself using more energy to think then she had. Ulene was the goddess her mother worshipped - the Tertiary Deity of Sun and Agriculture. In Myenlun, most small cities would have at least a small church to her as she was popular amongst the farming class - though in retrospect she was now in the port city Ablos, where fishing and mercantilism reigned as better options for the common folk (making Xathar, the Tributary Deity of the sea, a more practical choice).


    "Ulene... Ulene is friendly with Xathar. The sun loves the sea. I''ll see my way to one of his temples in the meantime." she quickly muttered, seemingly using the last of her strength reserves to nod to the captain, and slowly, *carefully*, departing the ship - the captain pointing her in the direction to the nearest temple.


    The city of Ablos felt foreign in the best of ways to Eliahope. The only swaying was due to her own unsteady feet as she stumbled to follow the captains directions. Even in her half-conscious state, she could sense the thrum of the city. Even in the late evening, the markets were alive, crew were barking orders to get merchandise off the ships - lanterns lit the streets, both making the streets seem inviting, and the alleys a place of intrigue and fear.


    She followed the steeple that she could see in the sky - curved and with a mermaid carved into it like the hull of a ship. As she came in and out of consciousness, she eventually found herself at the heavy temple doors - seemingly made of recycled ship. She knocked with what little strength she had before a cleric quickly came to the door. A little human woman, stout and in the blessed garb of Xathar - she gasped as she opened the door, maybe believing she say a corpse on the church steps.


    "M-may I help you ma''am...?" The cleric stuttered, holding her personal candle close to her chest.


    Eliahope sighed, smiling weakly. "I-I seek sanctuary. I came to Ablos by... by ship from Myenlun, and.. I got sick at sea."


    The cleric''s eyes widened as she quickly set her candle aside, grabbing a side of Eliahope. "Don''t you worry dear. The sea can be unforgiving, but we specialize in the cures for sea illness." The cleric led her up the stairs and into a room with many beds like a hostel - as Eliahope''s head hit the bed, her eyes grew dreary and heavy. "Now you rest. I''ll get you all healed up. I promise, dear." The nun''s voice muffled out as the half-elf truly, and potentially for the first time in a month, fell into a deep sleep.


    ---


    Eliahope''s eyes opened once again with bright sunlight blinding her. It must have been around noon as the sun was high in the sky. Her bones ached with a soreness she hadn''t experienced every in her life, as she quietly mourned her soft comfortable bed in her mother''s home.


    She looked over to see a young woman, dressed as a maid, doe eyed, as she almost dropped a bag of rags before running downstairs yelling "She''s awake, Ms. Daroughty! She''s awake!"


    She only had a minute to look around the room, before she heard the cleric''s footsteps fall hard upon the hard wood floor leading up to what she could now gather was a form of infirmary. "Dearest! Welcome to the land of the living!" The cleric and the maid quickly started attending to the young half elf with a barrage of questions and inspections. *How''s your head? Does it hurt when you lift your arm? No sores on her hands or feet ma''am. How is your pain on a level of 1-10? Can you hold your breath for a minute? Average heartbeat ma''am.*


    Once their line of questioning was satisfied, the cleric sat at the foot of the bed, and motioned for the maid to move on to another section of the temple that needed attendance.


    "Well, I''ll be honest dearest. We didn''t think you''d make it. In and out of consciousness for a week, ne''er saying an intelligible word," She started to ramble, "Elisa and I hadn''t the faintest what truly was ailing you. Once we leveled out zytanitus, bellow''s foot, and mad maiden syndrome, well we were dumb founded. We prayed it was simply sea illness. Nasty business, though ultimately harmless, but frankly we didn''t know anything of you - making it hard to know what could be going on." The cleric''s (now having the name in Eliahope''s head as Ms. Daroughty) eyes softened briefly as she gave an awkward chuckle, "Forgive me dearest, but I haven''t the slightest your name. We''ve simply called you dearest during your stay."


    If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.


    "Eliahope," the half elf croaked out, her throat sore and parched, "N-no surname. Just Eliahope."


    The cleric gave a small smile "Eliahope... A lovely name, for sure. Uncommon for elven kind though - you''re mother must have been a unique lady!"


    Eliahope knew this was a kind sentiment, but a deep pang in her heart occurred in this moment. A common battle in this world was the extreme rarity of "half-breeds", including half-elves. "Full" elves, a term that was not used outside of conversation specifically discussing half-elves, due to being practically immortal had extremely low birth rates, and even when the rare elf was born, they usually would be born to two elves (as elves rarely left their own kind). "Y-yes," Eliahope stuttered. "Yes she was."


    Ms. Daroughty, seeing the change in mood, clapped her hands, "Well! No time for dilly dallying." She stood up, making her way for the door, "All your belongings are under the bed, give a call if you need us. Myself and Ms. Elisa will be in the temple for morning devotionals." She gracefully went and closed the door - to Eliahope, feeling she was as quickly as gone as she had arrived, hearing her feet once again against the ground.


    She was now alone again with her thoughts, as she pulled out some measly coin meant to fund her first''s night stay in Ablos. Packing up her sack and changing into a fresh change of clothes (kindly left by the cleric at the foot of the bed), Eliahope, still as sore as she was upon waking up, stumbled her was to the main temple, and dropping her coin into the tithe box. With a quick nod to the cleric, who returned such, she opened the doors, and faced Ablos, the largest Mercantile port of her time.


    The first sense to hit her being smell. Fresh baked bread, sizzling pork, and sweet pastry wafted in the air, making the second scent of farm animal only more nauseating. Upon the church steps, well above the street level, she received a view of the surrounding area, which otherwise would be too crowded from the morning crowd. A sea of people, swarming around each other as they shoved their way to their destination - some to their homes, some to their work, and others to the tavern. The voices were dampening of any other sound anyone might hear - almost everyone speaking at a yell''s volume.


    To Eliahope - Ablos was overwhelming.


    In that moment, Eliahope remembered some of the little planning she had done from the journey and pulled out a map before ducking into a seemingly quiet alleyway, though staying in direct sight of the morning crowd. "Come on... Xatharian Temple. " She muttered to herself.


    At that moment, she realized where she was: She managed to stumbled her way just outside the mercantile ports and into the downtown region. And with the question of where she was figured out, she unfolded the rest of her map to ask: where next? Faced with the weight of that decision, she instead decided to postpone even thinking of such a stressful decision until after breakfast.


    After roughly 10 minutes of pushing (or rather being pushed) though the crowd, Eliahope made it to the Nestled Egg - a small food hall with banquet sized table, with a slogan of "Eat like a King for the price of a Peasant" (which frankly was all she could afford).


    Sitting at a table with a tankard of mead and a plate of breakfast, she found herself reviewing over her calendar, journal, and map. She had lost a week of travel due to her illness, which combined with the extra week of seafare than originally expected, put her a half month behind her desired timeframe. Soon it would be winter - making travel nearly impossibly on her own. She needed two answers before leaving Ablos: Where she was going, and how she was to fund any journey.


    Just as she put her head in her hands, desperately attempting to get her slowed brain to come up with solutions, she heard a loud tankard hit the table next to her.


    Startled, Eliahope looked up to see a tan woman, covered in armor with bends and cracks. The strange woman gave a beaming smile to her as she slapped the half-elf on the back, "Hello dear friend! Mind if my party sits beside you?"


    Nearly coughing up what little she had eaten so far, she looked up to see a small group, 4 humans and a dwarf. Sheepishly, she motioned for the group to sit beside her.


    ¡°So, elven! What¡¯s an elf doing in Ablos?¡± the young woman leaned over, the rest of her party seemingly attempting to pull her away and apologetically smiling at Eliahope.


    ¡°W-well. I¡¯m on¡­ Sabbatical. Elvish Sabbatical.¡± She muttered beneath her breath, turning back to her breakfast.


    ¡°Oh! Okay, so you''re super old. Like 100?¡± the tan woman broke away from her friends, leaning closer to the shy elf.


    ¡°U-um. Well¡­ Kind of. I¡¯m 86 years of age - th-though who counts r-right?¡±


    ¡°Ah, well, I guess that makes sense. So, what do you do? Why did you choose Ablos? Are you making your way elsewhere? What¡¯s the purpose of your sabbatical?¡±


    The dwarf, a stout woman with large braids almost touching the floor, hit her companions arm, ¡°You hadn¡¯t even given your name and you¡¯re asking the poor lady¡¯s life story.¡±


    ¡°Ah. Well, I¡¯m Sarhi. This charmer,¡± she pointed to the dwarf, ¡°Is Sterline. And pretending like they don¡¯t know me are Theodar, Alix, and Yasha.¡± The three sheepishly waved at the mention of their names.


    Purpose, Eliahope pondered on the word. She knew some bits and pieces of what she was attempting to do, though the beginning steps were rocky and unclear. She took a deep breath, and turned to the woman. She seemed like she definitely had a purpose for her questions, and was hoping to gain something, though exactly what she couldn¡¯t tell.


    ¡°Well¡­ I-it¡¯s a pleasure. I¡¯m¡­ Aria. Aria¡¯s fine.¡± She returned in a mumble. Better to defend yourself, she thought to herself. People are unpredictable. Their intentions are unclear, but they certainly want something from me. Maybe they¡¯re charlatans¡­ ¡°I¡¯m a writer, you could say. But I¡¯m also decent with a bow. I¡¯m attempting to research some¡­ medical issues the elven community seems to be concerned over.¡±


    An understatement. Her brow furrowed deeper. The ¡°medical issue¡± was a plague only affecting the elves, one that no current doctor could seem to figure out, after an eternity of thriving. Elves of all ages were dropping in a matter of days after being first diagnosed. Their veins turning purple, their eyes going black. Becoming catatonic 24 hours after their first symptoms appear. It didn¡¯t seem to be contagious in any way, but the elves in the embassy of Myenlun reported having the majority of cases.


    ¡°Oh! Okay, that¡¯s kind of cool. So, where you off to?¡±


    Eliahope, looking down at the map on the table reads the first name she sees, ¡°Lllll¡­ Luesall. I¡¯m planning to head to Luesall. Yeah, I h-... have some business to attend to.¡±


    Sarhi gasped, ¡°Oh my goodness! We¡¯re going to Luesall as well, it must be fate!¡± beaming, she turned to her friends who at the mention of their destination became defeated, knowing they no longer had control over their friend.

 Chapter Three - The Road

    Eliahope, now sitting on a cart with five adventurers, blinked as the past hour and a half went by in a blur. Shortly after a fake name and a random location escaped her mouth, Eliahope, now Aria, the name of her late mother, received a free invitation to join them on the road as long as she helped with her bow when needed, and she even would get a little coin if they got to cargo safely to Luesall.


    Luesall was a strange city, from what ¡°Aria¡± had gathered from the group.


    ¡°You¡¯ll love it - they really maintain a homey lifestyle, even as the empire¡¯s second largest city, behind the capital of course.¡± Sarhi chimed, her back bob gently swaying in the wind.


    ¡°Well that isn¡¯t exactly true, Sahri,¡± Theodar corrected, ¡°the ¡®downtown¡¯ area, was created as a romanticisation of peasant life, and as such they try to make it feel small in that area. Everywhere else in Luesall feels more crowded than Albos.¡± he muttered before turning back to his book, ¡°You should really only give true information to people.¡±


    ¡°You are literally the largest Killjoy.¡± Alix turned from in front of the cart, ¡°I have never met someone as unenthusiastic. Truly.¡±


    ¡°Figuratively. I¡¯m sure the King of Myenlun is a bigger killjoy.¡± Theodar smirked.


    Eliahope chuckled at the exchange, finding herself amongst peers for one of the first times in her life.


    From what she gathered from the group: They seemed to have known eachother for at least a few years, or a year with some difficult challenges or adventures they had overcome with each other. Sahri seemed to keep the group together, as she was energetic and seemed to have a comfortable and disarming personality. Sterline, while cautious, seemed to me a ¡°mother hen¡± and be the voice of reason and direction, with a sense of nurturing that while subtle, seemed to lend strength to Sahri¡¯s enthusiasm.


    Theodar was seemingly the brains and knowledge, but was (to Eliahope¡¯s perception) unbearable to converse with. He had some dark brown hair which often covered his face, and clothes that were always pressed, perfect, and neat. Alix seemed to be a pair for Sahri, Eliahope being incorrect in guessing them to be siblings. He seemed to be closest to both Theodar and Sahri, being the only person Theodar gave not snarky responses to.


    Then there was Yasha. Pale, Blond, and a furrowed brow that had not left her face all morning. She was silent, mostly, responding with small nods and pointing when appropriate. While never rude or disconnected, she also never spoke.


    The day passed with different conversations, with no necessary stops other than a quick hunt to get game for dinner. Eliahope, checking on her map, realized through landmarks that they were following the ¡°trade road¡±, a dirt path which connected the 5 largest cities in the Empire. ¡°So, we¡¯re heading to the Bazaar¡­?¡± Eliahope questioned softly, looking at the small point on the map labelled as such where all the roads meet.


    ¡°Yea¡­ but honestly it¡¯s more of a camp in the evening. I would be surprised if there was more than one group there currently. People tend to buckle down for the winter in whatever town they''re in. But, we still have a few days until we reach there.¡± Alix chirped from the front, ¡°Should we stop for the night? Sun will be setting in the next hour or so.¡±


    With that, everyone jumped off the wagon, while Alix pulled off the cart to the side of the road. Theodar started the fire, Sterline started a pot of food with freshly caught game, Yasha brought logs to the fire, and Alix and Sahri took a short patrol around the camp.


    ¡°So. Aria. We know each other - what is your story.¡± Sterline questioned with an air on nonchalance, though there seemed to be some suspicion to her.


    ¡°Well, where do you want me to begin.?¡± Eliahope mumbled to herself. ¡°86 years is a long time.¡± she thought for a moment, attempting to find out what level of closeness she should share that couldn¡¯t become dangerous for her.


    ¡°Alright. Well, I¡¯m originally from Myenlun¡­ My father wasn¡¯t around much, but I was always with my mother. She was an amazing woman. When her health declined, she requested I go to live with my aunt - I was roughly 60 years old, still much a child by elven standards - roughly.. Maybe 10 years old in human years.? So, I went to live with my aunt in the elvish embassy.¡±


    ¡°We lived together for almost 30 years together - all the while I was writing my mother back and forth. During this time, a surge of the elvish plague wrecked our town. It felt like people began dropping dead in record time a-and I¡­¡± Eliahope curled up more, ¡°Well I had no knowledge of it. But even Aunt Tulie, who was the neighborhood doctor, didn¡¯t know what the cause was. She¡¯d never seen it. And to add it all together, I got this sense I needed to go see my mother. I could just¡­ feel it. She needed me. So I set off to see h-her a-and,¡± Eliahope felt her voice crack, but kept it together, stonewalling her emotions behind a barrier for her new compatriots - ¡°Well, within 10 minutes of me arriving on the property, I lost my mom. She was able to give me a kiss on the head and told me to be good, but that was her last breath.¡±


    You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.


    She looked up, for just a moment surprised at her own honesty as she spilled her heart. Sterline had a nurturing look on her face as she comforted the overly-emotional Sarhi from the story, ¡°Well that¡¯s so sad!!! What happened to your aunt? Why did you come here and not back to the elvish embassy? Did you mom pass from the pla-¡± thwump. ¡°OW! What the hell!¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not polite to ask people such person questions. Not after just a day.¡± Sterline scolded, ¡°Thank you Aria, I apologize for asking such questions.¡±


    ¡°N-no it¡¯s okay. It¡¯s been nice to get it off my chest.¡± She chuckled softly, letting out a large breath. ¡°Well, around the same time that my mother passed, Myenlun was passing the ban for both passengers and cargo ships from traveling to Hearan. Aunt Tulie had known of the rumors of these bans since we were so close to the Myenlun capital, and said if I had any chance to get to Hearan I should take it, so I did. And¡­ Y-yes, the plague took my mom,¡± She diverted her eyes with her last answer. With her mother being human, there was no way her death was because of the plague. Her mother was somewhere around 110 when she passed. It was a miracle she had lasted that long. Eliahope believed she had the upper hand - they didn¡¯t know she was a half-elf, which would hopefully cause less attention to her, as elves (while less common than humans) were a much more common sight than half-elves.


    ¡°W-well. I guess that makes sense. Getting away from a sickness is a good reason.¡± Sahri¡¯s eyes darted to Yasha, who squinted at the elf before giving a slight nod.


    ¡°Oh great! Okay, so Yasha thought you were a fugitive or something since you¡¯re weird for an elf.¡± Shari relaxed and slumped by the fire. ¡°So, what¡¯s for dinner?¡±


    Eliahope looked back at Yasha, who returned her gaze, in which she scowled slightly before turning away. Suddenly, Eliahope¡¯s heart dropped. Why the scowl? Did she sense her lies? What was wrong.?


    They sat down together around the fire, Yasha seemingly keeping her gaze kindly on her friends and not toward the elf. The rest of the night, Eliahope did her best to calmly listen to conversation. But she kept a majority of her awareness on Yasha.


    As night came to a peak, the discussion of shifts came up.


    ¡°Alix and Sahri take first watch, Theordar and I will take second, and Yasha and Aria take third.¡± Sterline mentioned as people got into their beds. ¡°Is everyone alright with that?¡±


    Everyone gave some mumbles of agreement, and got into their bed rolls (most in tents). Eliahope, left tentless, slept ontop of the cart - staring up into the night sky. All she could manage was to curl up, and do her best to not let her mind race with what could happen with on her watch.


    Hours passed of dreamless sleep. The cold bit at Eliahope¡¯s ears as she tried to get herself tucked in. The season was heading towards winter, and she made an agreement to herself to trade for a tent and winter blanket at the bazaar if she could.


    ¡°Aria¡­? Aria dear it¡¯s your shift.¡± Sterline shook her softly.


    Eliahope¡¯s eyes shot open as she wrapped her thin blanket around her. ¡°U-understood. I¡¯ll get up. You get some rest.¡± She bundled herself up, getting her way over to the fire. She saw the remnants of what appeared to be a coffee pot with brewed grounds from the last shift. As she started to get herself a small cup of black coffee, Yasha came out of her tent, putting a hand on sterline¡¯s shoulder as she went in behind her. Yasha stood tall, stretched, and plopped herself in front of the fire propping herself up for the long walk.


    What felt like an hour passed of quiet. Eliahope poured a cup of coffee for Yasha, though she never drank of it, instead just keeping an ear out for anything amongst the hills. Eliahope, jumpy, jumped at just about every rustle of grass, while Yasha seemed to only react with more than mild curiosity at seemingly nothing to Eliahope; sounds she couldn''t hear or flashes she couldn¡¯t see.


    ¡°So¡­ Yasha. What is your story?¡± Eliahope chuckled awkwardly, attempting to make light conversation.


    After a minute, Yasha gave out a small grunt. ¡°Let¡¯s¡­ focus on the watch.¡± She mumbled, barely audible to Eliahope.


    ..


    ...


    ..


    Probably another hour passed by in uncomfortable silence and tension, and another¡­ and another¡­ Before they both heard it -


    Aroooooooooo¡­¡­¡­


    ...


    Arooooooooooooooooo¡­.


    At this, Yasha perked up; whipping her head directly towards the howling. ¡°Pull your bow. You may as well need it.¡± Yasha whispered, grabbing a large horn at her side and blowing into it. Causing a large reverberating tone, with Yasha¡¯s justification of waking up the team, and hopefully scaring off the dogs.


    Other¡¯s emerged from their tents, rubbing their eyes and sneaking towards the fire with their weapons. ¡°Yasha, what¡¯s going on.?¡± Sahri whispered, looking around. ¡°Do we need to put out the fire¡­?¡±


    ¡°No. Wait a moment. It¡¯s cold and will let us see.¡± Yasha murmured, ¡°Just wait¡­ The horn may have scared them¡­¡±


    Eliahope kept her bow up - you never knew, though secretly she hoped they were indeed scared off.


    But as they waited quietly, something began to move out towards them - three of what appeared to be wolves, though they were unlike any Eliahope had ever seen. Large patches of hair missing, solid black eyes, and deadly thin. They moved¡­ unnaturally. Swaying aimlessly from side of side, almost tumbling over each other. Until stopping in their tracks - staring directly at the group, yet standing deadly still.


    Eliahope felt the group both panic and shift amongst eachother - ¡°W-what¡¯s that.? What¡¯s going on.?¡± She whispered.


    Just then, Theodar started to back up slowly. ¡°G-guys¡­ we should escape while they''re distracted.. M-maybe they haven¡¯t-¡± snap. A twig underneath his foot echod against the quiet night.


    The wolf heads raised, making direct eye contact with Eliahope - before snapping to and charging at the group.

 Chapter Four - First Blood

    She had no idea what these were. Sure, some form of wolf, but barbarically distorted.


    Eliahope scrambled to shoot the leader of the small pack. Aiming her arrow true, she quickly aimed - but missed due to the sudden shaking nervousness in her. A second too late, and her nerves changed her aim. It was now she realized the differences in hunting, and being hunted.


    ¡°Get your head on your shoulders, Aria!!¡± Sterline yelled, taking a war hammer and charging in with Sahri, Alix, and Yasha. Leaving Eliahope with Theodar.


    ¡°W-What in Fovera¡­¡± Theodar muttered under his breath as he summoned fire from his hands, shooting it forward and narrowly missing Yasha.


    ¡°THEO! You RAT¡± Yasha growled, looking over her shoulder before swinging her club at one of the monsters.


    Suddenly, Eliahope caught her breath, whether more afraid of her her compatriots than the wolves, or a sudden comradery she couldn¡¯t tell you.Lining up another shot, she stilled herself before letting loose another arrow, shooting right between the eyes of the front wolf - still, it didn¡¯t respond and continued to snap at Sahri. Eliahope went pale.


    ¡°U-Undead! UNDEAD!¡± Theodor called out ¡°NECROTIC!¡±


    Eliahope had only heard about these types of creatures before. Creatures that rose from the grave, their life being a direct opposition of the natural order.


    Sterline backed up for a moment, planting her hammer in the ground - she seemed still as the other three front-liners protected her. Suddenly, a glow originating from the ground like vines crawled on her hammer as it illuminated her weapon in magic. And with a solid swing, she hit the wolf in the side - the vines from her hammer, in a flash second, crawling and disintegrating the creature. The other three front-liners kept the wolves busy as Sterline came by, one by one, hitting each creature with her glowing hammer - and one by one they disintegrated before their eyes.


    As the night quieted once more, the group of friends huddled around Sterline as she kneeled to the ground, collecting the dust from the creatures into small vials.


    Eliahope sat back, keeping herself by the fire and holding her breath as the rest of the group muttered amongst themselves. Hearing small peaks in the conversation, as they discuss what to do next. After roughly 5 minutes, the rest of the group nods and come to sit at the fire - sitting down.


    ¡°Alright. The shift is over, so we¡¯ll have breakfast. In the meantime, Aria, you have a choice. You can go forward on our own, or you can take a truth serum and answer some questions.¡± Sterline stated nonchalantly, pulling out her cast iron pot and some ingredients, ¡°It¡¯s a three-day journey, we¡¯ve never seen Uncannis in this area before, and you lied. You¡¯re a threat now.¡±


    Eliahope twitched, attempting her best to be calm when being trapped. ¡°...O-only if you take one as well¡­¡± she muttered before curling up, grabbing her blanket and wrapping it around her for warmth and comfort, never having missed the hearth of her home more.


    Yasha quickly jumped to defense, but Sterline raised a hand - ¡°No, that¡¯s fair. Honesty for honesty. We¡¯re all new. She doesn¡¯t know us. I¡¯ll take the truth serum.¡±


    As the rest of the camp became slightly more comfortable and relaxed around the fire. Sterline laid down seemingly a large pieces of pork into the skillet before sighing, and rummaging in her bag to retrieve two vials.


    ¡°Alright - see here. Two potions, boh labeled as truth serums. Both look identical to one another, AND, you can pick which one you take. I will take the other.¡± Sterline held out both her hands. Eliahope chose the one in her left hand. ¡°Alright, drink on the count of three. And some ground rules: If you choose not to answer questions, we can ask why if we believe it suspicious or need to know information, if you refuse to answer the why and the original question, we may ask you to leave.¡±


    Eliahope nodded, downing her potion - with Sterline doing the same.


    ¡°Alright, so this is how we¡¯re going to do this. Hi, my name is Sterline Sunsmith. I am a dwarf, and I hail from the dwarven colony in the northern mountains of the Hearan Empire. I am a cleric of Almair - the deity of the forge. Now, you¡¯re turn.¡±


    Eliahope took a deep breath, ¡°My n-name is¡­ Eliahope.¡±


    Sterline squinted, ¡°Surname?¡±


    ¡°Enniasi,¡± Eliahope breathed out, she prayed that due to their limited knowledge of elves, hopefully it wouldn¡¯t tie her to anyone, ¡° I-I¡¯m a half-¡±


    ¡°No way. You¡¯re a half elf??¡± Sahri cut in, ¡°Also, why lie about your name?? Who¡¯s Aria??¡±


    ¡°W-well, My mother, a human, was Aria. And I lied about my name because my Father is a devious and cruel man whom I want no connection to.¡±


    ¡°Alright, back to the greeting.¡± Sterline chided.


    ¡°Right. I¡¯m a half elf, and I hail from a Myunlun farmtown to the north of the continent. I¡¯m not currently employed, though I wish to document our history in the making but more importantly finding the cure to the Elvish Plague.¡±


    ¡°Is you Aunt even real??¡± Alix chirped in with a childish anger, puffing out his cheeks.


    ¡°Yes, she¡¯s very real. She¡¯s the only good to the Enniasi name. She¡¯s a nurse who¡¯s trying to help her neighborhood fight the plague.¡± Eliahope started twisting her hair slightly, ¡°Why did you guys approach me in the tavern? What is this job?¡±


    ¡°Well, it was Sahri who approached you - your guess is as good as mine for her intentions and reasons. But this job is a well paying delivery to a very well to-do woman in Luesall, Lady Samfa. As we said earlier, most caravan¡¯s have settled for winter because it¡¯s more dangerous in winter because of the weather and the beasts.¡± Sterline flipped some pork, speaking nonchalantly. Almost as if she had done this multiple times before, ¡°Why are you heading to Luesall?¡±


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    ¡°Originally I wasn¡¯t. The captain on my ship said their was a Ulene temple in Luesall, and when I was in the tavern I was hoping to have a more concrete plan than go to the temple, but here I am. I was put on the spot.¡± The elf looked around, Yasha was seemingly much more relaxed than she had for the whole shift. Sterline was giving no indication of any emotion she held, Sahri and Alix appeared poutish and angry - though quickly subsiding. Theodar, looking frankly uninterested in the whole event. Seemingly the tenseness had subsided.


    ¡°Why do you care at all about the elven plague? Half elves aren¡¯t allowed unchaperoned in the Elvish Embassy or Isles, just like humans.¡± Theodar asked somewhat mockingly.


    ¡°Well, the only connection I have left in this world is my aunt. I can¡¯t live there and interact with the elves until they accept me¡­ a-and I don¡¯t know, I guess I¡¯m hoping they¡¯ll make an exception if I discover what this sickness is.¡± Eliahope sighed, tighting up slightly. ¡°How¡¯d you all know I lied?¡±


    Sterline looked at Yasha before turning her attention back to the meal, ¡°Yasha is extremely keen. Originally, she could tell that you lied about your name, your mother passing - in some way - and something was off when you said you were an elf, but she took that as you might have some feelings about our kin. That and a general air of ¡®untrusting¡¯.¡± she shrugged before continuing, ¡°But, the lies were somewhat small enough, and you had given a lot of truthful information, so we didn¡¯t see it as reason for you not to tag along, especially seeing as Sahri had her heart set on it.¡±


    ¡°Okay, well¡­¡± Eliahope looked at the cart, finding herself rather relying on this crew, ¡°...I¡¯m sorry I lied.¡±


    ¡°Apology not accepted.¡± Sterline said, once again monotone and almost flippant. Sahri whispered something in her ear before sitting back down, ¡°Correction - you¡¯re apology can be accepted if you tell why you lied.¡±


    ¡°We didn¡¯t even know you! I extended kindness! You lied for no reason!¡± Sahri huffed. ¡°It¡¯s just bad faith. You eat our food, you rely on our protection, you ride on our cart - what in Fovera is wrong with you??¡±


    Eliahope, taken aback, thought for a good moment. Elven culture was¡­ different than this. In the embassy no one asked your name to start with, because names were direct lines - they were connections, and you may not want such. It was frankly intrusive to ask someone¡¯s name upon first meeting them in the embassy. When you can live forever, you¡¯re much more¡­ careful about whom you connect to. She desperately understood that human culture was different, afterall she saw it first hand with her mother.


    ¡°...Can I answer that in a story.? It¡¯s a bit harder to describe plainly.¡± Eliahope muttered, averting her gaze.


    The rest of the group looked amongst each other, before Sahri sat criss-cross before the fire. ¡°I¡¯ll take a story, as long as it¡¯s entertaining.¡± she gave a small smile, Eliahope straightening out of the ball she had contorted her body into.


    ¡°Alright, then here is the story of the¡­ The rabbits, the hares, and the jackalope.¡± Eliahope positioned herself in front of the fire, the warmth and the light emanating amongst them.


    ¡°Long ago, far away from here there was a meadow and a forest. There lived two groups - the rabbits and the hares. The rabbits lived in their burrows - tens of rabbit families to a burrow, they favored connection, and making a point to know every rabbit they came across. Afterall, they all shared the burrow, you should know who your fellow rabbit.


    ¡°Then there were the hares - and while they resembled the rabbits in some ways, and from a distance could even be mistaken for such - they had vastly different ways of going about life. Hares seemed to enjoy the woods. There were bigger monsters, but there were better places to hide. The hares would sometimes interact with each other but overall they preferred to run as fast and as far as they could within the woods.


    ¡°To the rabbits, the hares were mysterious beings of the forest, they could not fathom how they could survive, or why they wouldn¡¯t come live in the meadow. And to the hares, the rabbits seemed crowded, crammed, and almost poisoned by their burrows, and they couldn¡¯t understand why they would stay in the meadow.


    ¡°But, as species are wont to do - one rabbit was romanticized by the hare¡¯s lifestyle, and one hare was curious about the rabbit and stood at the edge. The two met on the edge, and fell in love. And beyond all odds, the rabbit found herself with a litter. At first, the hare was excited, and moved to the meadow for his love. But as the hare stayed in the meadow, he felt increasingly crowded, confused and frustrated. And the rabbit, with the potential of a family, craved the safety and care of her burrow. And as their child was born, a mythical creature neither had ever seen, the hare viewed their child as an anchor, and the rabbit viewed their child as an unknown.¡±


    ¡°What was born was a jackalope, once again looking like the other, but especially when young couldn¡¯t be deciphered from one or the other. Soon, the hare couldn¡¯t handle the crowded nature, and pleaded for the rabbit to join him in the forest. But the rabbit stayed. The hare, heartbroken, turned to the forest to never be seen again - leaving the rabbit with the jackalope. And while the other rabbits accepted the jackalope, as it grew, it became more and more clear that it was not a rabbit, and they began to get confused and concerned as to a potential hare within their ranking, and kept a wide breadth around the wild creature.


    ¡°Then one day, the jackalope looked toward the forest. It didn¡¯t feel welcome into the burrow, and felt cast aside. It hoped that possibly, just maybe, it would have better luck in the forest. So one day, it left. The jackalope¡¯s mother kissed it¡¯s head, and wished it the best of luck, and sent the jackalope on its; way. Hoping it may have better luck with the hares, knowing the fellow rabbits would relax into the burrow, and praying mayhaps the jackalope would find peace.


    So, the Jackalope went into the forest, but as soon as it crossed the forest line, large antlers sprout from it¡¯s head, just like magic - the hares in their forest witnessed this, and knew: This wasn¡¯t one of the rabbits, and it certainly wasn¡¯t one of them. So, the jackalope had come to the forest to hopefully find somewhere they belong, but instead of the somewhat hesitant rabbits, the hares were avoidant, some even completely hostile.


    ¡°So, What did the Jackalope learn? It wasn¡¯t accepted by rabbit or hare, and had only seen glimpses into each of their lives - without being able to act in either fully. It doesn¡¯t learn what¡¯s allowed where, and where it will be accepted. So, the Jackalope cuts off its antlers, but it still doesn¡¯t work. The rabbits still sense something is wrong - and so do the hares. But! There jackalope learns one thing: both groups, if the jackalope is careful enough, accept it as a weird version of the other. The rabbits accept the jackalope as a weird hare. The hares accept it as a weird rabbit. It isn¡¯t accepted in either the forest or the meadow fully. But there¡¯s nowhere else to go, so what does the rabbit do?¡±


    Eliahope went quiet, a long pause fell amongst the campfire. Several of the party members grew agitated with the pause, ¡°Well, I don¡¯t know, what did the jackalope do?¡±


    ¡°Exactly, I don¡¯t know. The jackalope doesn¡¯t know what to do.¡± Eliahope explained, ¡°But I have a plan, and it¡¯s the best I got. I have the best chance of fitting in with the elves - as I can connect via my aunt, and they have a problem. My guess is that if I can solve their greatest problem, they¡¯ll finally accept the weird rabbit into their forest."


    The rest of the group shifted around the fire, somewhat uncomfortable.


    "And then maybe I''ll learn how to act correctly."

 Chapter Five - Studies of Character

    After Eliahope¡¯s story, the group sat around the now coals - eating their breakfast in relative silence. Elaihope felt the effects of the serum wane as she breathed a sigh of relief. Finally.


    ¡°I understand the uncomfort and the tightness of the chest that happens when taking a truth serum, thank you for agreeing to such.¡± Sterline muttered, ¡°I now can confirm my friends are safe, and that you are indeed a friend as well.¡±


    Eliahope averted eye contact. Friends seemed like a bit of a stretch, but it also wasn¡¯t¡­ terrible. The term acquaintance seemed to be a better fit for the situation. ¡°Why do you say we¡¯re friends? What do you mean by that?¡±


    ¡°Well.. We¡¯ve eaten together, we¡¯ve shared stories, we¡¯ve trusted each other while sleeping, and we¡¯ve experienced combat together. That is the bond of friendship.¡±


    ¡°I see, I didn¡¯t know it was that easy.¡± Eliahope helped the others pack up camp, quietly pondering if that was truly all it took - and how many friends she may have if others held the same belief. She had meals with others on the road, she had shared stories to those who asked. There, seemingly, was another element that her compatriots were assuming - the quiet agreement of a contract handling closeness and connection. ¡°Humans truly are amazing creatures.¡±


    They all loaded back into the wagon, with Sarhi and Alix once again sitting in the front. Sterline sat next to Yasha, leaving Eliahope next to Theodar.


    ¡°So¡­ before the battle, you and Sarhi mentioned Fovera¡­ Is she commonly worshiped over here?¡± Eliahope mentioned turning to face Theodar.


    He scoffed, closing up a book, ¡°She¡¯s disdained. The weeping woman is the deity responsible for death - her son is responsible for monsters. Her name is only used in vain in Hearan.¡±


    ¡°Why do you disdain her.? The stories I¡¯ve heard of her are¡­ frankly saddening. Pitiful, if anything, but I cannot remember anything that made her disdainful.¡±


    Theodar rolled his eyes, ¡°That¡¯s because you grew up on Myenlun. I¡¯m sure you¡¯ve heard lovely romanticized stories of all three of the first sisters. She¡¯s the deity of death - her one and only son is the father of monsters. She is responsible for death and our biggest threat. Why would she ever be revered?¡±


    ¡°Well, I always found her story somewhat¡­ poetic. I guess.¡± Eliahope muttered, ¡°One of three triplets, her other sisters outgoing at the start of life, though herself terribly self conscious. The sister who spent the most time with the beginning and the end as her sisters frolicked with the new life. Fovera sat on the side lines, and found she could only admire life in death - and so became the deity of death and the afterlife. She has a spirit menagere in the afterlife as she could never appreciate life above. She met an elven spirit whom she adored, and he - while nameless now - in life he never knew such kindness and care. They had her only son, who wished to create much more fantastic spirits for his mother, and a challenge for the mortals who began to have too much hubris as they were ravaging the forest.¡±


    The group had gone eerily quiet as Eliahope began to tell the tales she had heard, ¡°Did.. did you worship Fovera? Are you a death-desiree?¡±


    ¡°No no, though in Myenlun it isn¡¯t¡­ uncommon, especially during funerals it is custom to at least have a small shrine to her present.¡± Eliahope waved off, though making a note of the term ¡°death-desiree¡±, ¡°I¡¯m just a friend of books - and I find the history intriguing. Though I will add that here, she seems to have a more sour tinge..¡±


    After some quiet and brief conversation, the group quietly rode along for hours. Small conversations popped up, though with the vast meadows stopped by the forest on the horizon, and almost nothing else in sight but the dirt path ahead of them.


    As the sun hit midday, Eliahope began to see something on the horizon, it appeared to be a settlement of some kind, though it stayed on the horizon - the cart seemingly not heading towards such. ¡°What¡¯s that over there to the West.?¡±


    ¡°Oh, no need for your attention. That¡¯s just the town of Colk.¡± Sterline noted, not looking up from her stitching. ¡°A little fishing town. The thing they¡¯re best known for is the shell fish in the area. They have a monster crab that is very popular with the higher class in the capital, Yregres.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s wolf sized! The ships that hunt them have magical metal undersides so their claws can''t damage them - I heard they¡¯re absolutely delicious!¡± Sarhi beamed, with Alix seemingly lost in a daydream about seafood.


    Eliahope¡¯s stomach grumbled for a moment as she found herself reminded of the dishes her aunt would make for her in the embassy - a far cry from the salted pork and broth she had been surviving off of for the months since she left. The twinges of home-sickness only grew stronger by time. ¡°You know, if you¡¯d all like¡­ maybe I can buy some food and make us a meal once we hit Luesall, as a lovely parting gift.¡±


    The group appreciatively nodded.


    _


    Night came once again, and with it another watch with Yasha. And again, silence permeated.


    ¡°I¡­ I am sorry.¡± Yasha muttered while poking at the fire. ¡°I care for them. And you lied. And I still do not¡­ know why.¡±


    Eliahope sighed and gave a small apologetic smile, ¡°It¡¯s alright. For what it¡¯s worth, I do apologize for lying.¡± she curled up a little closer to the fire, but had an idea, ¡°My aunt once gave me an extremely valuable lesson. ¡®If you don¡¯t understand something, make it a game to know it the best you can. Ask questions.¡¯ So - you seem deeply against lying.¡±


    ¡°Y-yes. Like everyone.¡± Yasha muttered, now becoming uncomfortable.


    ¡°Well, not everyone. Elven customs think there is nothing wrong with lying to people you have just met - lest they be thieves or killers, as the saying goes. Why are you against lying?¡±


    ¡°Because truth¡­ is the most valuable thing you can hold.¡± Yasha struggled with her words, though her stance was unwavering, though it seemed she struggled with the local language, now the Eliahope was actually listening to her.


    ¡°Where are you from.? What is your home language?¡±


    ¡°Askanash. To the North, and the tongue is aska.¡±


    Eliahope thought about that for a good moment, ¡° How would you feel about having this conversation when I find some magic. I can¡¯t cast any, but maybe in the morning I can ask Theodar or Sterline if they know any spells to¡­ assist in understanding.¡±


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    ¡°Truly, You would have my greatest thanks.¡±


    ¡°Then so be it.¡±


    With such, the rest of the night went without stir or trouble. Eliahope had found that since the two had exchanged some less tense words, as well as she had found some reasoning for the quiet nature of Yasha that she didn¡¯t find the air as tense, and the silence between them grew on her - knowing no malice was meant by such.


    Morning came and quickly as the night. All arose, broke their bread, and got back upon the wagon.


    ¡°We should reach Merchant¡¯s point by nightfall. That¡¯s where the roads meet.¡± Sterline was hard at work, seemingly embroidering something on the skirt of her dress - giving little attention to the road ahead.


    ¡°That¡¯s good news.¡± Eliahope looked out upon the meadows and found herself bored as she looked at her new acquaintances. Yasha was sitting with her eyes closed, Sterline was hemming, Theodar was reading, and Sarhi was chatting with Alix about which city was the best. ¡°So, where are you all from.? You now know my whole story and I know nothing about almost all of you.¡±


    Sterline was quiet, raising an eyebrow at Theodar - who rolled his eyes, ¡°Alix, Sarhi - Eliahope has questions for you.¡±


    And with a snap turn Alix turned around, seemingly no longer giving a care over their previous debate. ¡°Who am I?¡± He puffed out his chest before handing the reins to a disgruntled Sarhi, as he muttered to her ¡°Don¡¯t worry show-off you¡¯ll get your chance,¡± before fumbling and crawling into the back of the wagon.


    ¡°I, Alixandre Agnas, and the GLADIATOR-¡± as he bowed deeply, ¡°- of Vorte, the northernmost settlement of Hearan. The Settlement that MADE Hearan an Empire.¡± He took a seat before continuing, ¡°A poor and orphaned boy - tired and hungry as he scavenged the streets for scraps and sinew. And one day - he stole from the wrong person. A noble, whomst had me quickly arrested. Now, in a new settlement, law was somewhat¡­ wibbly wobbly. I was given a chance! I could fight more for my immunity to my past crime, OR I could rot in a damp and dark cell. And All I¡¯d ever known was fighting, so I thought, why not fight more? AND! Get this - If I won a battle? I would get PAID! With Money! I could NEVER dream of a better deal for me. Either I would earn money doing what I had been doing since birth, or I would die trying!¡±


    ¡°They adorned me with a medal of Beaolt. The Patron Deity of Hearan! The GOD of MERIT and WEALTH! I took it as a blessing. My first fight was against a wolf - and by all means I would have been just another meal for the hound. But, I was blessed. Beaolt BLESSED me, and I won and was given housing and food and GOLD.¡± As Alix told his story, he acted out anything he could emphasizing his story as one of trail - but Eliahope couldn¡¯t help but notice the quiet sadness of his story and he continued.


    ¡°I became known as BEAOLT¡¯s Champion - and was given my true name, Alixandre. I soon became a source of entertainment, and as the city grew due to amazing trade - so did my dirt pit become an arena. People from the city and tourists would come to see my fights. The beasts got larger before they became monsters, first mundane and then magical. All the while earning gold, better housing, wine and meats instead of crusty bread. I lived as a King as far as I could tell. And then - one day - the beast became something I didn¡¯t expect. A man - a fellow man.¡± Alix attempted building suspense, his tone turning darker. ¡°As I saw him faced off in the arena - he was announced as a different arena¡¯s champion. He was their prisoner - and today, we would fight for a thousand gold pieces, and our complete freedom. One thousand gold! I couldn¡¯t even imagine what I¡¯d do with that money - but the issue I found was that we¡¯d both been raised in this environment. I was only a lad of 16, having been in the arena for 8 years. But this was an ADULT. A MAN. He looked like he could have been no younger than 30. But he didn¡¯t have a blessing like me. And in that moment, a thousand gold was as good as mine, as well as the ability to leave this stupid little town for the CAPITAL. To be a full fledged legend amongst the people that bards would sing of in every tavern from Yregres to Colk.¡±


    ¡°So I fought. And I fought as though I was wrestling with a beast. He was never human to me - and I was most likely never human to him. One of us would die for our sport, and the other would leave a hero. And after a small scuff, I was VICTORIOUS.¡± He roared with pride as he stood up, hitting his head amongst the beams above the wagon holding up the canvas that kept them protected from the elements.


    ¡°So, with my opponent slain, I was given my reward, but what was so quickly discovered was that I was no longer accepted in my town - and was seen as no hero once I left the arena. I was an escaped prisoner. And those faces who cheered for me in the arena turned to those of skepticism and fear. I was only welcome to the ferryman, who for 10 gold pieces sailed me to Luesall - I didn¡¯t know how much of an absolute rip off that was, but at the time with a million coins jingling in my pockets it felt like chump change to get off that stupid land.¡±


    ¡°So, I got to Luesall, but it was quiet and dumb and there was nothing worth money there so I quickly hired a group to take me to Yregres. And I got there! And for a year I lived BETTER than a king. I HAD the monster crab from Colk, I rented a luxurious apartment next to nobility and made tavern friends who partied in my home every night. And once I felt my pockets tighten a little bit, I went to the Arena in the capital. I figured I could earn money, booze, and status the way I had previously - by fighting. And then¡­¡± Unlike Alix, he got quiet - ¡°I fought once. I got a cut on my heel and I bled and bled and bled. Lucky for me they didn¡¯t believe in fights to the death. My opponent was named champion. And I had lost for the first time in my life. With the last of my money, I bought booze, a new foot, and a tent and made my way for Ablos. And that¡¯s where I met these chuckleheads, and became an adventurer, the closest I could get to being a gladiator and the glory of battle with my now fake foot - can¡¯t have magic in the arena.¡± He kicked off a boot relieving a craftsman prosthetic of metal and magic - the symbol of Beaolt (a coin with a cursive W/M in the middle for wealth and merit).


    Eliahope was taken back by this tragic tale of essentially a child raised to battle for the entertainment of the cruel (in her eyes), and was never taught anything but battle, and was only released after he had spent his entire childhood fighting for survival. And then, as an adult who had no experience, never grew up, and only showed maturity in combat. Through his story-telling, she imagined a life where maybe he didn;t have to fight and claw at survival - maybe one where he was a bard.


    ¡°Alright, talks-a-lot - MY TURN!¡± Sarhi roughly pushed Alix into the driver¡¯s seat (almost losing balance), and pushed herself back into the wagon.


    ¡°Okay, I am Sarhi Eixiria. My gramma was one of the first boats from Myunlun to the capital Yregres. She was a sword smith, and her skills were used during the battles that helped forge Yregres. My grampa died - according to mum - he died in the war on Myunlun¡¯s side when Yregres was first forming, but gramma didn¡¯t care for how Myunlun was treating their widowed, so she packed up my ma and they sailed off! I was born in Luesall, where my mom had set up her home and smithy, and da is a sword wielder! So, I not only know how to wield my sword, but also know how to sharpen steel with some mastery. And, I always wanted to be an adventurer! I heard they can make a million gold, and as long as you''re brave and strong and true, you can become a legend. Soon I met Sterline and Theodar in Luesall, and then joined Yasha and Alix in Ablos - where years later we also picked you up!¡± Sarhi rambled off her short history, which while giving a picture, spoke more to her inexperience and naivety - her story was starting, nowhere near having reached the heights she hoped.


    The whole cart went quiet, Theodar felt the eyes burning on the back of his neck, though without looking up from his book he cleared his throat, ¡°Well Yasha, people are awaiting your story.¡±


    ¡°I am from Askanash. Family lived in a druid circle outside of town - I was a guard. Circle disbanded, and I was left without work. Met with Alix in Ablos.¡± Yasha huffed, ¡°Your turn Theo.¡±


    Theodar sighed, rolling his eyes exasperated, ¡°FINE. You want the most boring story? Yasha you KNOW it would have been more entertaining to talk about your circle.¡± he huffed, ¡°Fine. Fine fine fine. I attended the absolute best arcanis school in the Hearan Empire - founded in Yregres. I graduated - valedictorian. And I was despised because no one got my AMAZING sense of humor and sarcasm. Before my time really. So, I set off to potentially study in Luesall, under Lady Samfa, a true visionary for her time. And she said she¡¯d let me work with her in her alchemy lab if I went on a five-year tour with Sterline, who had come to her in hopes of finding a traveling partner.¡± Theodar darted his eyes towards Eliahope before returning to Yasha, ¡°Are you satisfied?¡±


    ¡°With your story, no. With your¡­ irritation, yes.¡± Yasha smirked, closing


    her eyes and leaving against the wagon once again

 Chapter Six - Dead Man

    The scenery along the road to the Bazaar (also known as Merchant Crossing) was serene and calming. Large meadows full of hip-high grass and wildflowers. The gentle wind breezing along the fields. The mountains turned black as the sun crested behind the horizon, the sky turning a brilliant mix of pinks, oranges, and yellows. Eliahope leaned on the railing of the cart, in somewhat of a daze as she watched the heavens change from pinks, to red, to purples, to the inky blackness speckled with stars. She was snapped out of it from a sudden hand on her shoulder, Sterline. ¡°We¡¯re here - and we¡¯ve got company.¡±


    Eliahope looked beyond the horses in front to see several small groups of fire. Maybe 3 or 4 small fires, roughly 5 people to a fire? She squinted to try and get a better look before Sahri chimed in.


    ¡°We should be¡­ optimistically cautious.¡± She laughed, though a small tenseness was audible in her voice, ¡°Most merchants don¡¯t travel this late in the year, hence why we¡¯re getting paid to do this job¡­ But at the same time, some merchants didn¡¯t move their stock in time, so they could be more mercs like us!¡±


    Yasha, on the other hand, was noticeably tense and weary of these people. ¡°They are not merchants. Appear rougher.¡±


    After about 15 minutes of quiet but tense banter between the group, we arrived at the camp. Sahri walked up to the first campfire with her usual cheery attitude, only to be met with a distinct silence that only meant one thing to my ears - you¡¯re not welcome. Sahri sulked back to the wagon, ¡°Let¡¯s set up our fire here.¡± she mumbled, ¡°They might have been nicer had you all not been so damn tense.¡± She grumbled about while setting up the fire.


    ¡°She doesn¡¯t take well to rejection.¡± Sterline quietly whispered to Eliahope, stifling a chuckle at Sahri¡¯s childish antics.


    Eliahope assisted the others with setting up the fire, before sitting cross legged by the fire with her journal sprawled over her lap.


    As she wrote down several small notes over her findings so far in the empire, she looked up to see a group at the far end of the camps becoming restless as they quietly spoke hurriedly amongst themselves. Sterline looked up briefly from her journal time and time again before noticing two of their members walking over to them, hat in hand.


    Yasha immediately stood as they approach, Sterline greeting them as she stood between them and the party, ¡°Might I ask what it is you need, gentlemen?¡± She said in seemingly her best motherly tone.


    ¡°Terribly sorry miss.. Um.. Y-you¡¯ve an elf in your party?¡± They stuttered, their hands getting somewhat tighter.


    ¡°And I, a dwarf. What of it? Humans haven¡¯t taken issue with us for centuries.¡± She raised an eyebrow, Yasha¡¯s alertness to her weapon becoming more present.


    ¡°N-No issue! We¡¯ve a-an elf in our party as well. But he¡¯s not right. I-I know their people are pretty tight knit.. I was wondering if she could help.?¡±


    Sterline looked towards Eliahope, and when she started to get up holding her notebook, Sterline turned back to the men - ¡°Right, but she will be taking our fighter with her.¡± And like that, Shari and Eliahope went with then men to their tent.


    When they got there, Eliahope¡¯s face immediately lost color - She could sense the miasm that came with elvish plague. A synch that smelled somewhat of mothballs and dust and iron.


    ¡°H-...¡± Eliahope cleared her throat before putting on a small mask from her messenger bag, ¡°How long has the elf been refusing food..?¡±


    ¡°Last we saw him take a bite was a couple days ago¡­¡± the man clasped tighter onto his hat in his hands, ¡°We didn¡¯t put it together as he always served himself up. We saw him with food, but we haven¡¯t seen him take a bite since the beginning of the week. He hasn¡¯t gotten out of bed since yesterday - a-and -¡±


    Eliahope raised her hand, ¡°You don¡¯t need to say more. I¡¯ll see him.¡± The elf turned to her guard, ¡°Stay outside the tent please. Elves are¡­ prideful to not let others see them in low states.¡±Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site.


    Opening up the tent, Eliahope peaked in, ¡°Sir..? My name is Eliahope.I¡¯m an elf from the embassy in Myenlun.¡±


    A faint groan came from the pile of blankets on the floor, the waft of stale air only more choking inside. ¡°T-The embassy¡­ H-how¡­¡±


    ¡°I got through before the passenger embargo went into effect.¡± she quickly dismissed him, before kneeling at his side. ¡°I was a nurse assistant. May I¡­¡± she trailed on, peeling back the layers of blankets.


    And to her grief, she found exactly what was expected.


    Elvish Plague.


    His skin was like paper, with purple veins bulging from underneath, as if trying to break free. Pricking one of his fingers, he gave no response - his hands and likely his feet were numb. The blood from the pinprick bled a deep violet. Looking towards his face, she noticed the fatal sign of the disease - black scleras. She knew the three stages of this disease, and the elf laying in front of her had less than 24 hours to live, based on when he lost his sight.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry sir¡­¡± she trailed on for his name.


    ¡°Xirshi. I am X-Xirshi Xathari. M-My family¡­ lives on the embassy. In Myunlun. I came here for easy work. S-Send money home¡­So we could build a good¡­ a good life¡­¡± the elven man started tearing up, purple blood pooling at his eyes. ¡°M-My mother¡­ My m-mother is Xilina¡­ My f-father Xalbi¡­ They live on in th-the embassy.. A-and I-..¡± He started trembling, getting louder with his pleas.


    ¡°Hush, now¡­ Sire Xirshi.¡± Eliahope muttered, ¡°Whom is your family deity.. The one Fovera passes you to¡­¡±


    The elven man wept silently, choking back any control, ¡°I-it¡¯s my t-time.. I-isn¡¯t¡­.¡± He went quiet, taking a deep breath and trembling, ¡°X-Xathar¡­ Deity of the S-sea.¡±


    ¡°Sire Xirshi. I read you your passage rights. Elves do not believe in death - but transition. Now, is your time for transitioning to Xathar¡¯s realm of the immortal sea. There you shall be amongst the King and our ancestors - Fovera favors those who worship the sea. You will have a lovely journey home.¡± Eliahope brushed some drenched hair of the plagued elf out of his face, ¡°May Fovera favor your journey, and may Xathar favor your stay. May Ona remember you fondly, and may Igra spare you. Do you have a wish any of them may grant.?¡±


    ¡°M-my ma¡­¡± the elven man¡¯s body relaxed as blood pooled around his eyes staring up at the tent, ¡°C-can you write to her¡­? I don¡¯t want her to th-think I.. abandoned her¡­¡± With seemingly the last bit of strength, the elven man held a hand out which Eliahope accepted, cupping in her own. ¡°Look in m-my chest ver there¡­ A letter from h-her is in a small hat box¡­ c-covered in peonies¡­ her favorite. Her address, is in th-there¡­.¡±


    Eliahope smiled softly at the man, as she saw the light fade from his eyes. Methodically she had done as taught: rest his hand on his chest, wipe the blood from his face, and close his eyes. Veins of dark purple turned black as the disease that afflicted him took his life. Once his stiff body softened, she stood up, grabbed the small peony box, and walked out of the tent. ¡°I apologize for your loss.¡±


    ¡°N-no he was fine days ago. He just got a little sick!¡± The elven man¡¯s friend immediately stormed into the tent, only to stop just past the door, whispering a brief curse.


    Eliahope turned to Sahri, nodding softly before beginning to walk back to their camp.


    ¡°Wait!! ¡­Wait¡­¡±


    The man came back out of the tent, putting a hand on Eliahope¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Please.¡± the man put a small pouch in her hands, the clink of coins ringing out. ¡°Take this. Thank you, I heard you give him your kind¡¯s rights.¡±


    Eliahope looked at the small sack of coin and looked up at the man, ¡°I may ask a favor if a wizard is amongst your midst.¡±


    ¡°Well, sadly you just missed him.¡±


    ¡°Could I look through his things.? You could be present while I do so.¡±


    After a moment of pause, the man nodded his head in agreement.


    ______


    Entering back into the tent, Eliahope began to poke around - careful not to step on or over the body.


    ¡°We are sadly broke, it¡¯s the whole reason we took our current job. Most valuable things have been sold off.¡± The man mumbled, his eyes mainly focussing on his now fallen friend.


    Eliahope handed him back the small coin purse, ¡°If you¡¯ve just given money - don¡¯t tell them you''re broke. It ruins sentiment and replaces it with guilt.¡± Her eyes scanned throughout the small tent, a glint of the arcane bouncing off of items, clothes, books, and finally what she had hoped for - vials.


    ¡°You know,¡± Eliahope muttered, looking over a small alchemy set, ¡°It¡¯s actually pretty amazing your friend was able to learn arcana. Elves usually can¡¯t mess with any form of innate or worldly magic, well, usually.¡±


    ¡°Appearances are - deceiving, with him. I¡¯m starting to think he wasn¡¯t who he said he was.¡± the man chuckled, kneeling down beside the elf.


    ¡°Well, he was true enough to his words that in his dying moment he stuck true. Though his mother and father don¡¯t have traditional elvish name - but xatharian names. Both elves may have been elvish orphans in the same church - though elves aren¡¯t usually orphaned outside the embassy unless they come from unwanted unions.¡± Eliahope grabbed a vial, ¡°But, all that is built on speculation after speculation. What I wouldn¡¯t give to know him better.¡±


    With the vial in her pocket, she went to leave the tent before the man put a hand on her shoulder once again, ¡°What did you grab of my friend¡¯s?¡±


    ¡°Just a potion he made, I supposed. As it turns out I needed this very one.¡± she pulled back out the vial and showed it to him.


    ¡°Babble tongue? Such a common and cheap potion, why do you need that? We made them for copper.¡±


    ¡°A friend needs it.¡±

 Chapter Seven - We can Understand

    Returning back to small camp, Sahri kept a small distance from Eliahope quietly ensuring safety. Eliahope smiled softly at her friends, showing Yasha the small potion in her pocket.


    ¡°Well?¡± Sterline softly prodded, looking towards Sahri.


    ¡°The elven man passed after I gave him his rights. He¡¯s the first known case of Elvish plague in Hearan.¡± Eliahope muttered, beginning to write down the experience in her journal.


    Name: Xirshi Xathari; Adult Male. Race: Elf+? Potential half elf. Occupation: Wizard Mercenary.


    ¡°He could cast arcane magic, which there aren¡¯t any known cases of elves who can do such.¡± Eliahope flipped through her journal to previous entries from the embassy. ¡°Truly I¡¯ll have to follow up with his family to get more information. I¡¯m sad I didn¡¯t meet him on better terms.¡±


    ¡°Eliahope¡­ Aren¡¯t you worried you¡¯ll catch it¡­?¡± Sahri said, sitting down and looking toward her friend worried.


    ¡°No, not really,¡± the elf flipped through her book, responding automatically without looking through her notes, ¡° For starters, half elves have no real concept of how long we have to live. There¡¯s so little of us, and the ones recorded have died between 10 and 500 years, from anything and everything.¡±


    ¡°Secondly, the term ¡®plague¡¯ is a little dramatic for the actual infliction. It doesn¡¯t appear to be transmitted in normal ways, if at all. Otherwise my aunt would have died YEARS ago. But when something targets and kills immortal beings, they can get somewhat dramatic about it¡­ when it was first discovered, neighborhoods were quarantined - even if they had no active cases since we didn¡¯t know much about the disease. Ten years they quarantined, before they found out more, and realized it wasn¡¯t necessarily a contagion. The disease only takes roughly a week from first noticeable symptoms to take a patient¡¯s life.¡±


    The camp went quiet, Eliahope only noticing once looking up from her journal. The faces of her compatriots downturned.


    ¡°I see¡­ So you¡¯d essentially be a hero to your race if you figured out your plague?¡± Sterline smiled politely.


    ¡°Hero is a stretch for proud people. I just want to be accepted in the embassy. Maybe the Isles if I¡¯m lucky.¡±


    And with that, the party was silent until bed, where shifts began. Eliahope¡¯s sleep was dreamless. She had seen multiple bodies in the embassy. Multiple good elves had passed away from this disease. But there was something¡­different about this one. More kinship. Another potential half elf, something she had never met. While sleep was dreamless, it couldn¡¯t come soon enough as thoughts that were frustrating and upsetting kept coming to mind. A fantasy where maybe half elves could live together, away from humans and elves whom both shun them. People who understand each other. A fruitless thought¡­ But could she recognize a half elf if she came across one? What if other elves were blending in, like her? But sleep did eventually come, and with that, being woken up several hours later for watch with Yasha.


    ¡°Do you want to take the potion, or myself?¡± Eliahope offered, pulling out the vial.


    ¡°You, if you can.¡± Yasha smiled at the fire, ¡°I want to speak in Aska.¡±Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there.


    With a simple shrug, Eliahope took the potion, waiting a moment before Yasha turned to her, attempting to hide her excitement behind her sotic nature.


    ¡°You can fully understand me now? Do you understand my words?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I hear you loud and clear.¡±


    Yasha gasped as her eyes went wide, ¡°You speak perfect Aska! Though ¡®loud and clear¡¯ is hearan phrase, sounds odd in Aska.¡± she laughed, before realizing her volume may had gotten too loud. ¡°Lies are very very evil and dangerous, Eliahope. You shouldn¡¯t say them.¡±


    ¡°Well, why do you say that? Remember: elves believe lying is only bad amongst your closest family and court rulings. I do not know your reasoning. If fact, I believed you humans believed similar since your courts make you swear to the truth. Why would you have to do so if lying was not expected amongst strangers?¡±


    ¡°I do not know of the courts. I rarely understand the multitude of laws amongst these lands. But lies killed my home, my circle. I was never blessed enough to be a true druid, but my mother was. She, and everyone I knew, died because of lies. Lies are bad spirits, they haunt and fester and root in every bone. They must be cleansed by sacred people. I believe it is why people in Hearan go to places of worship so often. To atone, and to heal.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean they died because of lies?¡± Eliahope leaned into the fire, it was incredible to hear Yasha speak with such clarity.


    ¡°Our leader. She lied, over and over. And it only came out hours after our demise. She knew that a circle, more militant, was scouting our circle. We were too close for their liking, and she knew for months. The leader of that circle left warning for us to move, but our leader would not speak of such. She did not tell us for fear we would flee. And with her lie, we were unprepared for the attack. We died that day.¡± Yasha leaned in close, her eyes like daggers, ¡°Ever since, I have been given a gift. As the last member of our circle, my ancestors blessed me - with keen senses. They blessed me with the ability to see lies. To see the evil on people¡¯s bones. Elf bones have lots of evil in them, though they often are good people. Now I know why.¡±


    Eliahope¡¯s eyes widened as a brief thought caught her mind, ¡°You can see it, truly on people¡¯s bodies¡­?¡± The brief thought crossed her mind. If lying could truly affect people, and elves did so more than others, maybe it was a cause for the plague? But, the thought quickly erased. Elves had held these beliefs for eras. Folk characters often use deceit and lies, it would make no sense for the plague to spread now over something like lies, no - this is something new. Still, if lying can be seen and stain one¡¯s soul, maybe it shouldn¡¯t be common practice.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry to hear about your circle. I will take your words into account.¡± Eliahope shuffled in her seat, ¡°Well, we still have roughly an hour until this potion becomes ineffective. Is there anything you wish to speak about?¡±


    ¡°It is just nice to speak in Aska again. I sometimes miss home, though I know I could never return. I was a guard, and I failed. But still, you miss the little things. Like landmarks, speaking fully, and the region¡¯s food. I can vividly remember the last time I spoke without having to think of every word. Sterline had purchased one of those potions you took, and she agreed to take it so we could speak when I first met her. Though she found the potion made her nauseous.¡± Yasha smiled, remembering the encounter fondly, ¡°You would never believe it but I was considered extremely talkative in my circle!¡±


    Eliahope laughed at this - Yasha appeared so friendly when she could comfortably speak, It softened her. She wasn¡¯t rough and rugged, she was cautious and caring.


    ¡°You know Yasha, you can always get an amulet that translates you instantly.¡± Elaihope smiled, ¡°If you¡¯d like I can chip in a little.¡±


    ¡°No. My circle believes becoming dependent on magic is a sickness. It can be a nice treat, and sometimes makes things easier, but to rely on magic is like being addicted to alcohol.¡± She sighed and looked into the fire, ¡°Though the sentiment is greatly appreciated.¡±


    Eliahope pondered on this, the rest of the night was filled with pleasant conversation. When the potion finally wore off, Yasha went back to her reserved self, though still relaxed.


    As the sun began to rise, the others began to stir and rise, and Yasha gave the elf a small nod and leaned back as the other joined them.


    The rest of the morning was reasonably quiet. They quickly packed up, made sure they had their belongings, and went on about the road - towards Luesall.

 Chapter 8 - Win all and Luesall.

    Days passed, Simple routine coming and going with only brief moment of interest when someone would propose an interesting topic and then after discussions returning to mundanity. Eliahope, if nothing else, had time to inspect her most recent encounter with the plague.


    Thoughts of the encounter troubled her. She came to Hearan to discover the difference between the elves of Myunlun and here - believing the plague had yet to reach here. How bittersweet she could document one of, if not the first case of plague here. Eliahope curled up in the wagon as she attempted to write a letter to the elf¡¯s next of kin. ¡°Hey,¡± she piped up, looking at her party, ¡°What¡¯s the inn in Luesall called?¡±


    ¡°Oh, the Suckling Pig. Lady Samfa owns it, she got her initial funding for the town by running the inn, which eventually was turned into a very generous guild which takes in those with potential to be great.¡± Sahri chimed in, seemingly somewhat in a daze, ¡°She raises prized hogs, which are absolutely delicious.¡±


    ¡°Perfect, thank you.¡± Eliahope wrote out her letter and penned at the very bottom:


    As I¡¯m sure you are aware, the elvish plague has taken many good elves in the past decades. If you would be willing to provide any information regarding your son¡¯s history, it may well assist in finding a cure for this disease. Please send all communication for the time being to the Suckling Pig in Luesall of Hearan.. Sincerely, Tula Eliahope Enniasi, Nurse Assist.


    Her conversation with Yasha rang deep in her, and while it was unlikely that lying was the cause of the disease, if it was something that could be seen on the remnants of those long gone she was a little more hesitant about the behavior.


    The elf held the letter in her hands, and hoped beyond hope that the elf¡¯s mother would respond and give a clear lead as to what could have happened for her son to contact the disease.


    ¡°Head¡¯s up crew! Luesall on the horizon!¡± Alix called back to us in the wagon.


    We all peered out and saw the shadows of buildings ahead of us, a new silent giddy-ness filling the air in the cart.


    After a few silent minutes, Sahri exploded with excited: ¡°So what is everyone going to do when we hit Luesall??¡± She beamed, her eyes like excited daggers at those in the wagon, ¡°Well, I¡¯m going to see my ma and da, and split my adventure earnings with em, as they need - OH - and then I¡¯m gonna go shoppin for new winter gear! A-and I guess we could talk to Lady Samfa and see if she needs any additional work done for us!¡±


    Theodar raised an eyebrow for a moment, before slowly turning back to his book he had seemingly read five times over in the past few days since they left the crossing.


    Sterline squinted at Theodar before clearing her throat, ¡°That sounds lovely Sahri. I¡¯m sure some in-town requests have probably popped up since most of the guild members are out for the winter.¡± She closed her eyes and leaned her head back, ¡°I would like to stay in Luesall for a moment, if we can afford it. It¡¯s been a minute since we¡¯ve been able to sleep in an inn.¡±


    The party began to chatter amongst each other of the different things they might accomplish in the coming months until spring arrived. Talks of shopping, small jobs, inn stays, good food, and celebrations were passed back and forth like telling dreams - letting Eliahope realize just how special normal life was to a gang of young adults with no normalcy to speak of.


    ¡°I wonder if there¡¯s a large elf population in Luesall¡­ maybe I can continue my research now that we have a documented case of elvish plague in Hearan, it may allow for some wiggle room in studying whatever elves are present.¡±


    ¡°There isn¡¯t a large population of elves anywhere in Hearan except maybe the capital. Though, there are a few scattered here and there for sure.¡± Sahri chimed, before returning to her talks of winter food choices.


    Still, Eliahope thought, maybe there is just enough of an elvish population that an elvish nurse assistant may be preferred. Or, since there were some elves and many humans - maybe there might even be some other half elves in the town - jackalopes hiding amongst the meadow.


    As Luesall became more defined, growing closer with each sound of a hoof beat, the sounds of the town became more distinct. People shouting out from street market stalls, people chattering amongst themselves while passing by with their daily lives - it was cold enough to bring out winter coats, though not cold enough to wear them all day as the brisk movement of daily life seemed to keep the people warm. Other wagons weaved through the towns as they reached their destinations. The party meandered along as eventually Sahri jumped out of the moving wagon, shouting that she would met the gang at the inn, as she needed to see her parents.


    Truly, city life was refreshing to the days of solitude from the ride here (you can only stand to hear the same stories so many times, as Theodar was quick to mention). As the town center wasn¡¯t ginormous or crowded, the crew made it¡¯s way to Lady Samfa¡¯s guild rather easily. The wagon pulled around the back as they gathered their personal effects, to Eliahope¡¯s surprise. ¡°Wouldn¡¯t it be more effective if we wait until we are at the inn?¡±


    ¡°Oh, the wagon isn¡¯t ours. It¡¯s one of Lady Samfa¡¯s.¡±


    As the party collected their things, one singular question fought for presence within Eliahope¡¯s mind - Just who was this woman?


    Walking into the foyer of the small mansion labelled as Lady Samfa¡¯s estate, an elven man greeted them almost immediately and seemingly from nowhere. ¡°Good morning, may I know your business, with presumably Lady Samfa?¡± The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.


    ¡°Delivery of goods from the Sterline Silver party.¡± Sterline said eloquently, giving a curtsy and motioning us to do the same.


    The elven man immediately escorted us to the parlor, to sit and wait as he notified the lady.


    A butler elf? Eliahope pondered, elves on Hearan reduced to butlers - is there some arrogance of the elves in Myunlun that gives them the disease? She had never heard or even considered elves being servants as they were too proud.


    ¡°Warden¡¯s a little¡­ odd, for elvish standards, hmm?¡± Sterline nudged Eliahope, ¡°He would swear on the deities he is very specifically a business partner, not any form of servant - though he sure acts like it.¡±


    Before Eliahope cold respond, she heard light footsteps as her party stood to greet the lady - Elaihope stumbling slightly before the lady was presented.


    Walking by the elven man¡¯s side, now named Warden, was an older halfman woman wearing an emerald green dress. Her height only reaching the waist of the elven man as they walked over to the loveseat, sitting side-by-side.


    Stranger and stranger, thought Eliahope.


    ¡°Thank you all for your patience, you may sit.¡± The woman smiled brightly at us, ¡°Young elven girl - is my memory going, or do I not recognize you as part of this party?¡±


    Eliahope¡¯s eyes widened as she lowered her head, ¡°N-no ma¡¯am. I was hired to help in Albos, I am¡­ somewhat a contractor to Sterline¡¯s Party.¡± she gripped her hands tighter together, ¡°I-It¡¯s a pleasure to meet you.¡±


    ¡°Ah, pleasure to meet you as well. Theodar,¡± Her head shifted, and so did her smile, ¡°Have you thought as to why I would have asked you to join this party before I were to consider your apprenticeship?¡±


    ¡°I have some inklings, but I hope to make a more¡­ full report to you of my findings as we reach closer to the five year mark.¡± Theodar bowed in respect, Eliahope noting this was the most respectable she had heard him speak in the some odd weeks since they met.


    ¡°Beautiful. Well, as long as the carriage and cargo are undamaged, you will be paid forthright, with a bonus as you have come back a few days earlier than originally planned. Warden, will you get the payment plus 10% please? The contract is in my study.¡±


    Without hesitation or argument, the elven man got up and silently made his way out of the parlor.


    ¡°Now, any¡­ strife on your most recently trip? Where is hat darling girl Sahri?¡±


    ¡°While there was trouble, there was nothing so monstrous that Sahri would have left us. We simply passed by the road to Sahri¡¯s family store on our way in, and I assume the homesickness got too much in that moment. We will be seeing her later at your inn.¡± Sterline answered, puring herself some tea and chatting.


    In this moment, Elaihope realized something about her travelling compatriot. Sterline must be some form of nobility, or grew up closely around them. She was not aware or sure of Drawvish customs - but the sophistication seemed to pass by regular etiquette, as she believed it to be while on their journeys.


    The two sat and discussed over tea, as Eliahope studied them, the rest of the party seemingly unimpressed or bewildered by the two sharing conversation.


    After a few minutes, but what felt to Eliahope as ages as she attempted to wrap her head around why Dwarven nobility would ever dream of leaving the mountains, Warden returned with a purse clinking as he handed it over to Sterline and sitting back down next to Lady Samfa, without disrupting the conversation.


    Eliahope¡¯s mind raced as she juggled both the potential nobility of her road compatriot, and the possibility of the relation between an elf and halfman, that she didn¡¯t notice as the party got up and started saying their goodbyes for now, with the instruction to view the postings board at the inn for in town work, if the party felt so inclined.


    ¡°So, Eliahope,¡± Sterline trailed on, ¡°What are your plans now that we¡¯ve reached Luesall?¡±


    ¡°Well, first I¡¯ll buy you all a nice meal at the inn. And then, I¡¯ll probably check with the temples in town and see if any have a need for an assistant nurse, specializing in the care of elves.¡±


    ¡°Well, if you can¡¯t find a church needing your assistance, maybe you could assist us with some in town deliveries and ¡®help wanted¡¯ postings, after all, since we know who you are, we¡¯re akin to the closest friends you have, right?¡± She chuckled softly, raising an eyebrow awaiting for Eliahope¡¯s response.


    ¡°Well, if no one needs a nurse assistant, I¡­ don¡¯t see why not.¡±


    The group made their way, meandering past the multiple stalls which sold a number of goods. ¡°We¡¯ll split loot once we reach the inn.¡± Sterline chided at Alix as he asked for his share to see if he could purchase some Colk Crab.


    Getting to the Inn, they found one of the larger tables and settled in. Eliahope marvelled at the atmosphere which was lively but not hectic or rushed. Shortly after they started to count their coins, Sahri sauntered in with her new winter coat - courtesy of her family.


    ¡°So¡­ for five weeks worth of work¡­ plus our bonus and danger pay¡­ We each get 10 gold pieces,¡± She excited whispered, while passing our money to each of us under cupped hands, ¡°Spend wisely, we probably won¡¯t get a payout nearly as large as this until spring. Alix, colk crab is a gold piece per pound. It¡¯s a luxury item. I cannot tell you - a grown man - how to spend your money, but please -¡±


    And before she could even finish her sentence, Alix was gone - yelling back to them, ¡°Don¡¯t worry!! I won¡¯t buy a full pound!¡±


    Sterline sighed and looked up at the rest of us, ¡°While Alix may not heed my warning, please make your ears available. It is tempting to receive payment for a full month¡¯s worth of work and to savor it. You may think, ¡®Oh, Sterline will find us work no matter what! I won¡¯t go hungry!¡¯ and to that, I can only say we can find work for as long as people are posting it. Luesall is very slow for work in the winter months as people have less money to pay with. If you save now, you can live in comfort with this for the remainder of winter.¡±


    Eliahope chuckled as she compared in her mind Sterline being a strict mother lecturing her flippant children who had smaller attention spans than fish. She looked upon the group: Theodar seemed foaming at the mouth for new books to read, Alix was already absent, Sahri was whispering of all the trinkets she could buy for her younger sister, and Yasha had already bought two pitchers of ale for only herself.


    ¡°Is 10 gold¡­ a lot here?¡± Eliahope stammered, pushing her money into her pocket, ¡°I¡¯m grateful for anything, but in the embassy 10 gold could maybe get you an apartment for a month¡­¡±


    The rest of the group went slackjaw at the statement. Silence followed for a few minutes before sterline spoke up, ¡°10 Hearan gold pieces could get you a decent apartment for a year, Eliahope. Is Myunlun¡¯s currency truly degrading so quickly?¡±


    ¡°W-well¡­ you all are blessed by the patron deity Beolt.¡± Elaihope diverted her eyes, wishing she had saved more before her trip. ¡°No wonder so many people offered trips to Hearan.. I paid three gold for my trip her alone.¡±


    The table turned away from Eliahope, seemingly sulking from her apparently ripping off.


    The rest of the night was full of merriment. As Eliahope promised, she bought everyone their dinners and a few drinks as they sat and celebrated their accomplishments. The whole night they laughed and drank until they couldn¡¯t stand - at which point they went to bed in the provided hostel beds.


    Eliahope recollected before her eyes closed for the night, that she thought she might be the happiest she ever had been. True friends, and true accomplishment. With said feeling, she fell into a long, dreamless yet comfortable, slumber

 Chapter Nine - Life in Luesall

    The first thing Eliahope noticed upon waking up was a splitting hangover. Shelooked around in the dimly lit hostel, with only a singular oil lamp illuminating the door, as she gazed upon her friends still in their armor and day clothes - expect sterline, who was sitting p in her bed, night clothes and all, reading a book.


    ¡°W-well good morning ma¡¯am¡­¡± Eliahope grumbled, squinting in Sterline¡¯s direction, ¡°W-why are you up..?¡±


    ¡°Good morning to you too - Well, it is almost midday. I was just being kind not opening up the window curtains.¡±


    Eliahope grumbled and held her head as she made her way to the door, change of clothes in hand, ¡°D-didn¡¯t you¡­ You drank more than all of us! How are you okay..¡± Tension in her forehead from frustration pulsed as her head throbbed, herself feeling somewhat faint.


    Sterline scoffed, ¡°Human alcohol is nowhere near as strong as dwarven ale. Moonshine may get a common dwarf tipsy at best - though I will say it is quite more enjoyable taste wise - like juice!¡± She chuckled to herself before turning back to her book, ¡°So, I can tell you have questions. I will say you are rather late in perception for an elf.¡±


    ¡°W-what noble house..?¡±


    ¡°Not a noble house. Dwarven ¡®nobility¡¯ in a sense is based off of connection to the Forge Deity. As I had a natural connection towards healing and forging, I was given the religious name of ¡®Sterline¡¯ and was made an important figure in the mountain range at the north-most point of Hearan. Each child born in the mountains is given a test at four to determine where their natural inclinations lean towards - and mine were towards the church. So, in a sense I am of nobility, but in a completely different definition in which you describe.¡±


    ¡°S-so why are you here?¡± Eliahope leaned against the wall near the door, steadying herself, ¡°Gods I need water¡­¡±


    ¡°Simple again, Eliahope. I am to build connections for our exports outside the mountain so we may generate revenue, just as a city might. The nation¡¯s prosperity thrives on good trade and connections. My goal for the time being is to build a proper connection with lady Samfa, who as the head of a well-known guild would have plenty of use for dwarven craft.¡± She smiled warmly, putting down her book, ¡°You should go get changed, get some water, have breakfast. You smell foul.¡±


    With such, Eliahope stumbled on. Getting cleaned up, dressed, and grabbing a table for herself (and friends, once they stumbled from upstairs). She ordered a basic breakfast, and pulled out her notebook. She needed to think straight:


    Priorities:


    Staying in Luesall until end of winter (at minimum). Travel is dangerous through mountain pass during winter. Consider going to capital once spring arrives.


    Find income source (potential nurse assist for elves in area or odd jobs with Sterlne).


    Find residence (small apartment - seasonal lease/inn stays?)


    Make plan on how to study elves in current city for stay.


    She sighed with relief. At least most of her priorities were logical items to sort. The last one however, made her stomach church. Was coming to Hearan a mistake? Was the reason that there weren¡¯t cases in Hearan simply a probability chance? She shook her head, as she couldn¡¯t afford to think such at this point. Probability or not, life was more prosperous in Hearan. In the embassy there was no room for her, and in the small town of her family home she felt suffocated by the memory of her mother. She began to write again:


    Dear Aunt Tulie,


    I hope you are well. Hearan has been kind to me as of late. I was shown generosity and hospitality by a church upon arrival by ship - even with no coin I was taken care of.


    I then found myself amongst a group of ragtag adventurers who almost demanded I joined their party for a delivery to Luesall. I briefly considered going anyways, so I accepted.


    I now find myself safe within Luesall as I write this to you, and while the road was not without travel, it was made worth my while with pay and a connection to a well off lady of the town. I think you would enjoy her company.


    Upon my weeks in Hearan, I have already run into a case of the plague. I fear Hearan is not the utopia for elves we envisioned, but rather as their is no elvish embassy as of my writing this in Hearan, the Elvish council of the Isles was not notified of any reports. No doubt a consequence of Myunlun refusing to acknowledge Hearan as a nation.


    Still, people here are friendlier than in the embassy from my experience, and it is nice not needing a chaperone.


    Maybe you could work to make an embassy in Hearan, and you and I could both live here, away from your brother.


    If you feel need to write to me, I will be purchasing a post box from the office in Luesall as a first point of contact (I doubt this letter will reach you before spring).


    Sincerely, your niece,


    Eliahope E.


    Sealing her letter, she hugged it close to her chest. Though she was 50, the age where humans turned old and gray, she still felt young and childlike, and a need to cling to her beloved family. Yearning for her mother, she flipped to the beginning of her journal, which wrote out ¡°To my ever bright Eliahope. With Love, Mama.¡± In now faded writing. Holding back tears she swiftly closed the journal and wiped her eyes and sighed before writing up a brief shopping list.


    Sterline soon came down the stairs, with a groggy Sahri and Yasha behind her. Sahri plopped down on the bench, her head hitting the table, as Yasha gruffly sat beside her.


    ¡°How long have you been up..?¡± Sahri grumbled.


    ¡°Long enough,¡± Eliahope muttered, passing the rest of her breakfast to the two of them, ¡°I¡¯m going to reach out to temples in town today and market myself as an elf nurse assistant. It seems to be the best case scenario work wise from what I¡¯m trying to accomplish.¡± Support the creativity of authors by visiting the original site for this novel and more.


    ¡°Awww.. But then you¡¯ll be too busy for uuuuussss¡­¡± Sahri whined, and while the other two stayed silent, it appeared as a quiet agreement to the sentiment.


    ¡°Well, not exactly. See, if there aren¡¯t many elves, the most likely will have little use for a nurse assistant for elves. I¡¯m going to essentially leave my card to the churches in the area of where they can find me if they have an elf in need of care, and then I may be away for a little bit, but other than that - I figured I could make an income in the meantime by assisting you all in Luesall.¡± Eliahope smiled down at her journal, strangely thankful that she had friends who would whine over her absence. ¡°I just need¡­ well, calling cards first. And a residence.¡±


    ¡°Well good to hear it. Sahri wouldn''t be happy if our journey with you would have ended right here.¡± Sterline looked down at own plate, seemingly hiding a smile, Yasha following in turn.


    After a few hours running around the town, Eliahope was able to find a decent furnished apartment with a three month lease, only costing her four gold coins, a post box at the inn, and some basic cards which she could now hand out her information on.


    ¡°So, why come with me..?¡± Eliahope laughed slightly, as Sahri looked bored beyond measure, and Yasha off in some form of day dream


    ¡°Two reasons: one, we wanted to make sure you weren¡¯t scammed as you aren¡¯t familiar with the currency. And two, we wanted to ensure you weren¡¯t up to anything nefarious - you¡¯re still new.¡± Sterline chuckled, softly elbowing Eliahope as they walked side by side.


    The three made their way back to the inn, finding Theodar and Alix sitting at the table - Alix loudly sharing stories to anyone who would hear it, and Theodar quietly reading his newest book.


    ¡°Alright everyone, In one week we will begin taking in-town small jobs to fund out work. Until then, please spend wisely. If you do not spend wisely, or would like to earn more, you can take solo jobs. Sound amicable to everyone?¡± Sterline chided, looking around at her compatriots.


    ¡°Uh-um, Sterline! Sterline, question-¡± Alix immediately turned to the table, cutting off his gladiator tales half through, ¡°What if we¡¯re already out of money, and can¡¯t get a room tonight?¡±


    Elaihope sat, slackjaw at the man. ¡°Alix, you already spent 10 gold? How on earth did you accomplish that? I just leased an apartment for four! Furnished, and firewood for the over included!¡±


    ¡°Well, when I said yesterday I wouldn¡¯t buy one pound - well, I didn¡¯t like because I didn¡¯t! I.. well I bought 7. And then I tipped him the rest since he told me about how his boat was damaged beyond repair¡­¡±


    ¡°Alix, I¡¯m disappointed in you!¡± Sterline scolded, ¡°Why am I not surprised. You did something very similar last payout! It is not fair to your compatriots to pay for your bed.¡± She grumbled before pulling a gold coin out of her purse, ¡°This will pay for your hostel stays for the next week. Plus breakfast and dinner. I suggest taking jobs starting tomorrow.¡±


    Alix kissed sterline¡¯s hand before rushing to the counter to order his dinner without saying another word.


    Eliahope blinked in shock at at Sterline, ¡°Does this happen¡­ often?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Sterline sighed, ¡°Quite often. So often that we actually have a ¡®Rescue Alix¡¯ fund which he is unaware of. He often finds himself in¡­ financial hardship. We put a coin of highest value that we received in the fund every time we get paid. It has never not been used.¡± She rested her chin in her hand as she leaned on the table, ¡°He¡¯s.. well, illiterate. And I think his head was hit around too much as a child. He doesn¡¯t seem to have impulse control outside of dire emergencies.¡±


    ¡°I once saw him consider gambling his prosthetic foot.¡± Theodar snickered, not caring to look up from his new book.


    ¡°Should he be fighting?¡± Eliahope exclaimed, ¡°If he can¡¯t handle himself, he probably shouldn¡¯t be a sword for hire!¡±


    ¡°We thought the same at first,¡± Sterline picked at her food, ¡°But think of it this way: Alix will fight anywhere he can - because he needs to survive, just like everyone else. If he wasn¡¯t with the party, he would go out and fight on his own. When he¡¯s with us, we can get him medical attention, make sure he¡¯s clothes housed, and fed. And - best of all - he¡¯s here completely of his own free will. He can go off whenever he likes. He¡¯s not confined to a home. He travels, and sees the world, and he is contributing to society. He¡¯s part of our family, and we care for him.¡±


    ¡°Agree with it or not, if you have a better solution let me know,¡± Said Theodar, ¡°I¡¯d be happy to rid of his gloating self.¡±


    Eliahope silently pondered such before shaking her head, and letting her thoughts roam elsewhere. She wrote up a small card with her information before posting it to the inn¡¯s job board - amongst many other ¡°Will work for coin¡± notices. She marvelled at how many had ¡°gold piece minimum¡¯s¡± etched in which to her seemed ridiculous, especially with so many ¡°help wanted¡± postings for a few silver each. Her note read:


    Eliahope, Nurse Assist. Specializing in Elven care, practiced in Elvish Embassy. Pay negotiable. Ask for at Needle and Thread Apartments.


    Theodar came over briefly, and peeking over her shoulder before holding back a laugh, ¡°You leased from the Needle and Thread? Oh you poor soul. I didn;t know you were elderly.¡± He sneered before returning to his book.


    ¡°What? What¡¯s so terrible about the Needle and Thread?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a spinster apartment! Made for lonely old women of the town!¡± Theodar rolled his eyes, ¡°No men allowed on the premise, shared bathrooms, curfew. All those are to ensure ou are not¡­ a fallen woman.¡± He whispered under his breath, teasing Eliahope whose ears had turned bright pink at the jabs.


    ¡°W-well so what?? I don;t see any of you finding love!¡± Sterline covered her ears and sat down with a huff at the table. ¡°Frankly, I feel SAFER there, spinster apartment or not! There¡¯s security, and I have a locked door between me and others. Callers have to go through the landlady of the apartment, so I feel less inclined to get into dangerous situations.¡±


    ¡°Betrothed.¡± Sterline chimed. ¡°But the rest of them are helpless. You have no room to speak Theodar.¡±


    ¡°I need not speak at all, actually - men socially can marry whenever they want.¡± Theodar darted his eyes to her, ¡°As you are very well aware, I am focussing on careers first.¡±


    ¡°Of course - because whoever would want to marry you now with your vile temperament.¡± Sterline squinted at him, ¡°Your sarcasm has reached it¡¯s limit for the night.¡±


    ¡°Fine, fine - let sleeping dogs lie then.¡± he muttered, hearing within Sterline¡¯s tone that it was best to not push further.


    The next hour and a half felt like eons, as the tense air swarmed around then. Eliahope made a brief excuse to leave regarding the curfew - though she felt like she couldn¡¯t leave the situation fast enough - but with each footfall away from the tavern, she felt a breath of fresh air in her lungs that felt comfortable and free.


    As she made her way to the apartment, she began to hear the murmuring of a commotion, which only got louder with each step. As she became concerned, her steps quickened - running to her apartment.


    ¡°As she got there, she heard the land lady and a man arguing with echother. ¡°No - I am sorry sir but Miss Eliahope has not been home since she left earlier today. I can leave a message, but I assure you she is not here.¡±


    ¡°Fine, fine. Can you please tell her-¡± The man stopped as he turned toward Eliahope¡¯s running footsteps, ¡°Madam,¡± he started, taking off his hat, ¡°Would you happen to be Miss Eliahope? We caught word of your missive from Lady Samfa¡¯s tavern.¡±


    She paused slightly, before taking another step forward ¡°Y-yes sir. May I inquire who you are?¡±


    ¡°My name is not important in the slightest, ma¡¯am. I¡¯m the butler of a master who has been bedridden for the whole day. He has never been sick since he left the elvish Isles, until last week. It started as a small cold, and has transformed into a strange affliction where he will not leave his bed. But as a discerning elf, he refuses the human¡¯s help. A paper boy for our home saw your missive at the inn and let me know right away. Will you please come with me?¡±


    ¡°Now wait - what is this man¡¯s name?¡± The land lady raised an eyebrow, her eyes darting between the caller and Eliahope.


    ¡°Sire Adontemus, he¡¯s but three streets over north.¡±


    The landlady huffed before turning to Eliahope, ¡°You may go - you have a one hour extension on curfew. At that point, I will send someone for you.¡±


    ¡°Yes ma¡¯am.¡± Eliahope bowed her head, before following the man.

 Chapter Ten - Sick Herring

    The sun was setting as the two walked upstreet. The butler walking roughly five paces in front of Eliahope. ¡°Can you tell me how your master is afflicted?¡± she questioned between breaths as the butler rushed to the residence.


    ¡°Chest pains. Shortness of breath, and profuse sweating.¡± The butler reported, marching onward, ¡°He had fatigue before a few days ago. He was planning a trip to the embassy to check in with health professionals before they closed the border - the he got this sickness and started planning for the isles. Truly a blessing you showed up when you did - I do not think he would last the long boat ride and travel to the isles.¡±


    The two walked in relative silence the rest of the way before arriving at a small manor. ¡°This is it. Please take off your shoes before leaving the entryway, and I will take your coat.¡± The butler muttered quietly, ¡°And if you could please tuck your hair behind your ears - he will be immensely more comfortable with you attending to him.¡±


    ¡°If you don¡¯t mind sir, are you and elf?¡±


    ¡°No ma¡¯am. I am but a human. As you are aware, elves are not comfortable with anyone other than elves handling their lives - notable exceptions are butlers, in which elven custom allows for us to deal with the mundanity.¡±


    ¡°Ah - W-well, apologies for the¡­ elven contradiction.¡± Eliahope laughed nervously, before submitting to silence.


    The two soon reached the small mansion, Eliahope¡¯s heart raced as she entered the door. She immediately recognized decor similar to her father¡¯s home. Elven craft for the aristocratic. A lump in her throat formed as she was suddenly hit with a wave of nausea as she relived the moment of her first visit with her father - after her mother sent her to the embassy.


    -


    ¡°Now Eliahope, when we meet your father, be on your best manners.¡± Her aunt had reminded her, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder.


    A younger Eliahope felt so many different emotions. Both fear of the man that shared half of her self, but also an excitement of a potential connection, now that her mother was sick. Someone who could be there for the young girl who feared death - what better father than an immortal one?


    She went up the hazy dreamlike steps - covered in royal blues and greens with intricate patterns in ever textile and surface making the home almost mesmerizing.


    Her aunt stopped outside the door to his study, before turning to the young Eliahope - just a child in elven standards - as she tucked a piece of hair behind her nieces ear, as she demonstrated standing straight and proper before turning to open the door.


    ¡°Brother¡­? I have someone you must meet.¡±


    -


    ¡°Madam? Are you well?¡± the butler put a hand on Eliahope¡¯s shoulder, startling her as she quickly backed up and her back hit the door.


    ¡°I-I apologize! It¡¯s just so dark in here I thought I saw a spirit,¡± Eliahope muttered before curtseying, ¡°I apologize for my loss of composure.¡±


    The two made it up the steps - Eliahoep soaking in every moment as her hands trembled amongst the banister. The now haunting swirls burned into her mind like a haunting memory. She stopped outside the door, before taking a deep breath, tucking her hair behind her ears, back straight, shoulders back, eyes low, hips aligned, steady head, and stepped in as the butler opened the doors.


    The room was quiet. A bed chamber, smelling stale and stifling. ¡°Master Adontemus, are you awake, sire?¡± She steadied her breath and walked into the room before going to open the windows. Immediately her aunt¡¯s words rang in her head as her mannerisms of the embassy became pronounced in her thoughts. Her aunt had described these reminders as elven etiquette - to her at the time, she made sense of it as make pretend. She didn¡¯t act like this. It wasn¡¯t normal, but if she wanted to be accepted as a elf - play pretend as one - she had to act like one.


    The room was quiet for some time before the man coughed, ¡°Yes, ma¡¯am¡­ Are you a doctor? The one from the embassy?¡± His voice was shaky and had a thick elvish accent.


    ¡°A nurse from the empire sire. I trained under the Ennai sister Tulala.¡±


    ¡°Ah¡­ Sister of the ambassador. A-are you related? Where is she?¡±


    ¡°Back in the embassy sire. I was sent by the embassy as there was a lack of elven medical care amongst the empire. Merely an apprentice¡±


    She sat at his bedside, preparing for a reality that was not true. This man was not her father, and had no relation to her. And had been cut off from the embassy for at least the past few years. And on top of it all, his symptoms were not similar to the plague. There was nothing of this visit that could benefit her other than gold, and nothing that could hurt her outside of the normal.Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website.


    ¡°Ah. I knew the Ennai family¡­ as a child, but still I knew them.¡±


    ¡°I will send your regards to my mentor then, sire.¡± She muttered - she checks his pulse, his physique and looked him over. ¡°Sire it appears you may have an infection of the lungs. Have you been coughing up much phlegm?¡±


    ¡°Yes, too much. I cannot leave my bed without fatigue.¡±


    ¡°Then, luckily for you, it will not take you terribly long to recover. Tomorrow I will come by with some herbs. You are to boil them in a kettle and pour the mixture into a cup. Put a tea towel over your head as you sit over the cup so that the steam may be inhaled. After the drink is cooled down where it does not produce as much steam, add honey and drink.¡± Eliahope began writing the directions down, ¡°Under no circumstance are you to swallow any phlegm - keep a bowl or spittoon nearby so you may dispel of any phlegm that may dislodge during this. You should drink plenty of water, and get proper bed rest. If you see no signs for approval in the week, please call for me again.¡± Eliahope smiled warmly to the man, before handing the directions as well an invoice, ¡°I will be back tomorrow to collect payment and to deliver the herbs. I simply plan on getting them tomorrow from the market, if you would rather pick them up yourself.¡±


    ¡°Yes ma¡¯am, that would be preferred.¡±


    ¡°Understood, then if that is the case, please deliver the payment to me at my residence by the end of the week. You know where to find me if anything worse arises in your¡­ master.¡± She gave one more look around the room of dainty yet crowded details on every surface. Even if the room was mostly bare, every surface of the walls was covered in tiny yet immense details that when attempting to take in the overall pattern could cause claustrophobia and headaches.


    Eliahope walked, dissociated and silent, back to her apartment. She returned to her apartment with the landlady standing guard outside in a shawl, tapping her foot.


    ¡°I-I¡¯m sorry madam. I wish to be a nurse assistant for my kind. This may happen often.¡±


    ¡°Never mind that. A mother knows her children will return home late, and so should a landlady. I will have you know I was about ready to call for the local officers with how exasperated and frantic that man was. Please be mindful to the other ladies and quietly make it back up to your room.¡± She tugged her shawl around her and turned, ¡°I am glad you made it home safe, dear.¡±


    And with that, the older woman went into her office, and Eliahope left alone with her thoughts. Quietly, as to not disturb others, she climbed the stairs to her apartment and slid in, pressing her back behind the closed door. She softly let herself fall to the floor as her breathing quickened. Tears flooded her eyes as she sat there, flashes of memories of her father throwing a vase at her, screaming for her aunt to take her away immediately, and that he was disgusted by her. The look in his eyes, one that she was like a ghost. She sat there, head in her hands as she tried to banish the thought from her mind. Half of the equation that made her, despised her. Was disgusted by her. Felt genuine contempt for her - just upon meeting her and knowing she existed.


    After some time, she trembled as she made her way to the small bedroom and pulled herself up and into the small twin size frame. Curling up, she stared at her wall, the pattern being softly illuminated, which reminded her much more of the comfort of her childhood home with her mother. With the bleak remembrance that her mother was no longer here, her mind wandered to her Aunt, and the memory of her after their visit to her father¡¯s.


    -


    Curled up in her bed, her back facing her aunt who kept a reassuring hand on Eliahope¡¯s arm. Tears welled in her eyes as she hugged her knees to her chest tighter. ¡°Aunt Tulie, Why did he act that way¡­? Is he truly my father? Did he know who I am?¡±


    Her aunt Tulalia sighed as her hand stiffened slightly, ¡°Eliahope, that man is the elf that loved your mother long ago, he is the person who helped create you. But, in 50 years, he grew cold, bitter and frankly unrecognizable from the elf in love that your mother knew. He knew, regretfully, exactly who you were. How could he not? Other than the elf ears you¡¯re the spitting image of your mother. I can promise you this - you shall never have to deal with him again unless you wish to. I will make sure he never crosses your path.¡±


    But Eliahope had returned to the mansion. A week later, than a month after that, the month after that, and then a year after that. It wasn¡¯t until 5 years of attempted contact with no difference in response that Ellie was met on the doorstep, her father¡¯s servant banning her from the premise.


    She sat on the doorstep as her aunt barged in past the servant. She heard her father¡¯s door barge open and her aunt scream at him - berating him, each word clearly heard from the street, but muffled as it encounters a young Eliahope¡¯s ears as she sat on the sep, dissociating the experience. Some moments later, her aunt stormed out from the house, her face a bright red with rage which immediately softened to heartache at the sight of Eliahope. ¡°Dear¡­ let us go home. You need your rest.¡±


    Eliahope slowly stood up, patted the dust off of her, and took her aunt¡¯s hand as they walked home.


    ¡°How about I teach you nursing? Wouldn¡¯t that be lovely?¡± Aunt Tulie chimed, trying to change the thoughts battling in Eliahope¡¯s mind. ¡°An extremely useful and valuable skill. COmpletely respectable for a young elf.¡±


    -


    Eliahope sniffled as she lifted her head from the bed. Daylight broke through her small window and streamed in. She must have fallen asleep and had a nightmare, she thought, reliving all that hate and hurt. Quickly, she got ready and put on her coat, heading towards the inn for her friends.


    As she got to the bottom of the stairs, the landlady was there once again, holding a small envelope which she handed nonchalantly to Eliahope. ¡°The butler dropped this off this morning. Spend wisely.¡±


    She peaked, only to realize a cheque for far more than she originally wrote. Her face going gaunt, she quickly stuffed the cheque in her bag. ¡°Thank you madam,¡± Eliahope squeaked before running down the road.