Broken to be Fixed

[Nanaki]

Alexander stepped around the corner, head still down as it had been all day, hood over his eyes. There was absolutely no way he could risk getting caught here, he was a madman for even coming. Everyone knew elves and humans didn't mix, that had been true even before the disaster, even before the fighting and relocation. It had been true when he was just a babe, and he hadn't been a babe for a little over two hundred years now. This was a bad idea, this was a very, very bad idea, he should turn back, he should go home, he should-

No. He shook his head gently to clear away those thoughts, they would get him no where. He was here now, he had to be here, he had to get what he came here for. No, her certainly couldn't turn back now, not now that he'd gotten so close, not after he'd come so far. What would they think? he mused darkly What would they think of me if I came back empty handed, if I came back without it? If I hadn't even tried? No, nope, not at all he couldn't do that, that would be wrong.

Tugging the cloak a little tighter around him as the wind picked up he paused in his walk to look up at the sky. Large blue gray clouds were gathering overhead, blocking out the sun that had been shining so cheerily just hours ago. A storm was coming their way and he'd have to hurry if he wanted to get on his way home tonight. There was no way he'd let himself leave the city if it was pouring down.

He couldn't stand being rained on, as odd as that sounded to some people, he really couldn't. It wasn't so much the being cold part, or even the being wet part, he happened to love the cold and water just as much as the next guy, and maybe a little more on the cold, he just didn't like the feeling of his clothes sticking to him. For some reason it just really drove him crazy, he'd do what ever he could to avoid it honestly and he knew if he didn't leave before the rain came down he'd find somewhere to haul up and wait it out.

"A waist of time" he muttered softly as he turned another corner, he was closer now, almost there. Goodness, why did he have to be sent on this run? He hated being in these cities, all these people clamoring about, chatting loudly, going on as if their lives were the dandiest things in the world. So oblivious. They were all so oblivious to the suffering they caused others, his people and the creatures of the land they so greedily stole to expand. So ignorant.

He scoffed as he walked passed two men having quite the cruel and explicit conversation about the worth of elves. If he wasn't on a mission, and if he was a complete idiot, he would've drawn his sword and cleaved their heads clear off. But, he wasn't an idiot and he was on a mission so he simply walked by, disregarding them as much as he could.

He winced as he turned again and found himself in the central market. Yes, this was where he needed to go, needed to be, but he most certainly didn't want to be here. He was so loud! Alexander didn't know if it was just him but it seemed his ears were particularly sensitive and all the chatter was driving him mildly crazy. Hands clenching unseen under his fabric sanctuary he slowed his walk, looking from stall to stall for the one he needed.

"Found it." The words were muttered as his destination came into view. It was a basic wooden stall, like all the others, but draped with a fine green cloth. On it several herbs were placed carefully, bottles placed just as meticulously before the seller, an elderly woman with a severely slouched back and gnarled hands.

He walked up slowly and she looked up at him, raising an eyebrow in silent question. "Salivan serum" he said, voice low.

"Some one struck with the fever in town?" she asked, a mildly surprised and worried look on her face.

He shook his head. "No... Moorvile... my little sister" this was of course a lie. He had no sister first of all and second he knew no one in Moorvile. The one the medicine was for, truly, was a small halfling who'd wandered to their reservation not two months ago. The child had obviously been a mistake since humans and elves didn't usually breed, even when relations were good, and had been abandoned. She was close enough in appearance to one of them to be allowed in by the elders and her true type was only known to the elders, himself and the two others that had found her.

His people really were too kind.

"I wish ye luck then. It takes quickly of the young" the woman replied. "Ten piece please."

Ten?! It's gone up two... I'll have to spend my own. Since when had the price gone up? Money was a rarity where he came from and to spend his own for a child he wasn't even particularly close to or fond of... He fetched his pouch and produced the ten she asked for, dropping them into her open palm as she passed the bottle over.

"Thank you" the echoed each other and she smiled, he nodded and turned away, ready to go.

"S-Stop! Stop it! Leave me alone!" the voice of a young woman rang loudly over the clamor and several people turned to see what the commotion was. At a fruit stall, just a few over, a young redheaded woman wearing a green cloak was being brutalized by three older, and much larger, men. Not unusual, humans are rather uncivilized brutes. Don't even know how to treat their women properly.

He made to turn away when she screamed again, the sound followed by a harsh cry of "she's one o' them!" He turned back quickly, eyes widening when he saw her pointed ears. Another elf... another elf in trouble.

Almost every fiber of his being was telling him to turn away, run away, to keep out of it. They were out numbered by hundreds there was no way he could do anything but get himself killed along with her but...

"Please! Help!" Ilse cried out fearfully, gray eyes large with fright. "Please" but all they did was stare at her with contempt, a few with wonder, and some with disgust. She'd been right, everyone had been right, humans were terrible, terrible creatures.

The man holding her arms shoved her roughly down and she landed on the ground with a thump, dropping the contents of her basket, all of them scattering on the ground. Oh no she thought. Oh... oh everyone is going to be so disappointed. Though, perhaps everyone back home and their feelings weren't the most pressing matters at the moment. She tried to sit up again but a swift kick to her back stopped that and she cried out. She was sure it was going to happen again and braced herself for the impact but, it never came.

She looked up when she heard people gasping and the men crying out in pain. Above her a cloaked figure stood, sword drawn and pointed at one of the men, gasping on his knees. "Barbarians" he spat and she could only gaze up at him with adoration. He looked back down, his eye catching hers. "Get up" he ordered, just as the crowed around them began to work itself up.

She complied, rising shakily to her feet. He grabbed her wrist and hauled her roughly up as he dragged her through a smaller group of people, far too shocked to act. He could hear them starting to take chase and sighed. "Why does this always happen to me?" he asked aloud, Ilse blinking at him curiously.

[AceofMana]

Gentle clacking of plate against clothing caught her tapered ears, as eyes of light blue took in the wonderful day light seen of warmth and pleasure. She hadn’t know any better, hadn’t expected anything different than what she seen. She was still young in her years; and naïve in the ways of the world but that honestly made little difference to her.

Tucking a hand around the loose bangs, she held a sincere smile to her pinky lips while she counted numbly the number of foot steps they both were taking. His was always longer than hers and less with how stretched his stride was.

They were lucky enough to be able to come out in to the city today, but the encampment was in dire need of some supplies and it happened to be their fortunate day to be chosen to retrieve what was required.

Though some would disagree with her point of view.

As per usual his hands were tucked tightly in his pants pockets, shoulders shrugged forward as the sour glower on his face made even most humans turn away. It turn it only made her roll her eyes and laugh with a push of her shoulder into his side. Deep red hair had been let loose today as she kept pushing it out of her face. “It is a wonderful day, could you not try and smile? You look far more pleasant when you do.”

Eyes of spun gold narrowed on her with a snort she assumed meant she had to be kidding. He was no slouch in his adamant goals of escape and most human, elf and the rest of the entire populace knew he wanted out of this prison. “Must you be so daft, we are in the bloody middle of a tyranny that is sucking the very life out of our people and you want me to be pleasant. Yeah that just ain’t going to happen Daevin.” His voice was rough, but it wasn’t unbearable to listen too. But then again he was usually always grouchy.

“Hey come on now, we were allowed out of the encampment without;” she lifted a index finger to make her point, “An escort mind you, I think that’s something.”

“You are delusional and what scares me is you are the only one who seems unaffected by all this slavery!”

She rolled her eyes yet again; “I don’t know any different that this Holic. You are far older than I and you know of the outside world. In truth I could care less.”

His mouth opened to start to chew out her beliefs – not the first time but she wasn’t bothered in the least – as they both stopped; ears twitched and eyes turned to see the scene that was unfolding in the market place. They were a bit further back and the crowd that was moving around was making it very difficult to exactly see what was going on, but the way Holic’s eyes narrowed and he began to grit his teeth; she could assume it was nothing good.

She bounced on her feet, trying to see over the crowd as good fortune would have her eyes when a man seemed to be taking a woman out of the commotion. She started back with a surprise gasp as Holic shoved her aside while the pairing darted through the crowd and out. Only they weren’t alone with all the men and guards chasing after them.

She stepped forward as she seen Holic tightening his fists into white balls; “Those were elves.”

“And those were sick buggers chasing them.” Holic shot back to her making her flinch slightly. The look in his golden eyes told her she was about to regret asking this, but she knew it would make no difference.

“You’re going to get into trouble,”

Finally a smile. Well a sinister smirk but it was better than him frowning. “Like that’d be the first time.” His palm wrapped around her wrist heaving her forward with a hustled pull making her drop the small pack she had been carrying to retrieve supplies with. “Come on, I think we can cut them off at the next alleyway.”

“Holic!” she cried out as she was pulled along with him. Why did she let him do this to her?

[Nanaki]

Alexander dragged Ilse behind him, running quickly through the streets. People were stopping to watch them, looking down at them from their windows and crowding in doors as they passed. A few random items came at them, thrown by said onlookers who shouted and cheered on the pursuing guards and men. He was barely able to dodge a bottle thrown at his head from somewhere to his right, the angle it came flying at suggested it had come from somewhere above them.

"Monsters" he muttered darkly and Ilse nodded, barely having picked up the word in all the noise.

"W-Why are they so cruel?" she asked with no real expectations of a reply. She didn't get one, just as she had though, and yelped when he sped up. Bunching the skirts of her sunny yellow dress up in her free hand she did her best to keep up without stumbling. Now would be a terribly inconvenient time to fall and she really did dislike being an inconvenience.

She yelped as she was tugged suddenly to the right, dragged into an alley way by him. It was a tight, cramped place that smelled a lot like rotting fish and made her want to gag but all discomforts aside she complied when he crouched behind a pile of... something that she rather cared not to think about, pulling her down beside him.

Apparently humans were as stupid as they were mean and kept on running, far past their hiding place. Ilse gave a sigh of relief at this realization and swept curly bangs out of her eyes to better see the one who saved her. It was a little difficult, mostly because his back was turned to her. He was quite busy with watching the others beyond them, waiting to make sure it was all clear, hoping that no one had seen them duck in.

It seemed they hadn't and he was very grateful for that. While he didn't like humans he also wasn't a fan of hurting or killing them. He wasn't a bad person after all. Leaning back against the wall he took a deep breath, quickly regretting it as that terrible smell of who knew what invaded his senses and made his head spin. He coughed violently for a moment, nearly tipping over in his crouched position, but was steadied by Ilse who latched onto his arm, rubbing his back gently with her free hand.

"C-careful now... It does smell quite horrible here doesn't it. Lovely choice of venue on your part." She tried a little humor to lighten this otherwise frustrating situation and felt that it had worked when he quirked a slight smile.

He calmed himself and turned green eyes on gray nodding. "I apologize ma'am. We were a bit rushed for a place to stay, I hope you can understand."

"Oh of course" she told him, returning the smile with one of her own. "I'm just so grateful that you helped me. Who knows what might've happened otherwise." She sighed and he nodded.

"Let's not think on it hm? For now, let's just be glad we've gotten away no worse for the wear" he said. "As unpleasant as it is we may have to stay here for a while. I don't know how long they'll keep looking or if they'll backtrack but I suppose it's better to be safe than sorry."

"Y-yes, I suppose so..." She passed a hand through her curly hair, trying to settle it back into place as silence fell upon the pair, somewhat awkward but for no particular reason other than the fact that they were strangers. "... Thank you again." she muttered into the silence, letting her mind wander to the basket she'd dropped and the things she'd lost. Everyone really would be so very upset.

"It was no problem" he replied, not paying any particular attention to her anymore, his gaze more focused on the street just before them and the people gathering in it, chattering, discussing all that had just happened. It might be a while before they cleared out and, unless the two could find some friendly help they might be in their place for quite some time.

[AceofMana]

She felt the brutal shove forward as she stifled a cry at his pushy behaviour. There was nothing more that she wanted to do was scold Holic for his brash nature at the moment, but she knew full well he wouldn’t hear any of it. Or rather he would hear it but wouldn’t care about it.

“Alright Daevin, it looks like them jack arse humans are on the run, I want you to-” he tipped his head forward without saying anything else.

Sighing heavily she gave him a toss of a wave telling him she knew what he wanted and she would follow through. It was a pain to be practically the only one who could deal with him on any day, but she kept coming back. “Keep your head low.”

She pointed to her hair, “With this, you’ll be lucky if I am not dancing in the street, cause it really wouldn’t make a difference!” her red hair was a trait of her elven heritage and caused her to stand out like a sore thumb. Holic scoffed a laugh as she pushed herself into the tight space of the alleyway.

Why were humans so foul? They always seemed to toss there garbage out the windows along with any fecal matter. They were disgusting and that was something she knew very well. Thank goodness she had never had the misfortune to be covered in there trash when they were tossing it out the window.

Sucking in a putrid breath, Daevin slinked her way until she seen that Holic had been rather correct in his assumption that the pair of elves were tucked away in here. There whisper quiet voices gave them away to her.

“Hey?” she would call out to them just as quiet, “Look follow me, I’m suppose to lead you out of here.” She wouldn’t explain the situation anymore than that. “Just trust me, I am on your side.”

[Nanaki]

Alexander, previously busy with staring out into the street jumped at the sudden sound of a voice. He turned his head swiftly towards the call black hair, although tied, fanning slightly around him. There was another red haired woman, biding them to follow. He furrowed his brow for a moment, not sure if he could trust her but took quick notice of her ears, just as pointed as his, and realized she was on his side.

He gazed over at Ilse, she was staring at the other with her large eyes, curious and hopeful. Her head turned toward him, just in time for her to catch his gaze. "S-Should we?" she asked, silently cursing the still present stutter in her voice. She was far more freaked out than she seemed and she hated it.

He nodded, lifting to his feet. He held his hand out to her, sparing a cautious glace over his shoulder as she stood on wobbly legs. "Are you alright?" he asked.

"Yes, fine. Thank you" she smiled and they both walked quickly and cautiously out of the alley.

"Where are we going?" he asked quietly as they approached the redhead.

[AceofMana]

Seeing the man and woman coming with her, she would smile eagerly as she ushered them along to the opposite end of the alleyway – the way she had been shoved into from Holic.

She had taken slight note of the womans stutter but held her warmer disposition nonetheless. She wouldn’t speak until she heard the mans voice questioning her; though she kept her eyes forward as she didn’t want to fumble a step and fall into whatever lingered in the alleyway.

“To a safe house for a lack of a better word.” She would peek out of the alleyway for a fleeting moment before she would pop out into the sunlight and out of the bleak slender alleyway. Straightening out her clothing, she turned her blue intricate gaze to the pair of elves with a giggle and a raise of her shoulders. “I promise it’ll all be alright. Soon you two wont even be on the minds of the guards.” If she knew Holic she had already ventured a guess that he was pulling the humans attention to himself. “Trend lightly and follow close.” She tip toed forward as her heels clicked and clacked against the stone cobble walk way of the city, as she made sure to keep her head up. She didn’t want anyone to second look her and she knew if she acted like nothing bothered her, then she would avert many eyes. Well the best she could didn’t mean the human would completely ignore them.

Winding themselves in and out of the street with a simple grace, it only took less than five minutes for her to lead them all to the little deary looking house. Turning to close her eyes with a gentle smile, she hummed melodiously; “I assure you, it looks far worse than it is.”

Giving a point with a slender finger to the back door of the building, she would promptly rush to open the door and allow them to both enter. Flicking her gaze to the left then right, she would casually let the heavy laden door fall close and locked the door as she listened to the tumblers shift into place.

Stoked lanterns were all over the fairly spacious though very empty room as she could already see the familiar silhouette of the man sitting at the wobbly table. His boots up on the surface as he was leaned back in his chair.

“That was faster than expected.” She spoke easily as she moved herself around the pairing only to walk over to the man and set her hands on his shoulders. “What did you do?” Golden eyes opened to peer up to her for a moment as that wry grin spread over his face making her release her hold on him. “Never mind I don’t want to know.” She adjusted her stance to lean over the table top as she tucked her chin into her palm.

The elven woman was beautiful that was for sure. If anything it made her think of a lost queen with her how regal her looks were. And she was a fellow red head which only made her smile spread. It wasn’t common even in her nationality of elf to have pure red hair, so seeing another had the same almost coloured hair was a secret pleasure.

The man was equally as stunning as she was rather enthralled with how long and black his hair was, though he didn’t seem nearly as friendly as the woman did with first glance. But she did think he was a handsome elf, but she usually thought most guys were. There was her naivety showing.

“You two certainly put a good step into those humans,” Holic finally broke the silence as she held her smile on her lips. Though in truth she usually did smile, so this was a normal occurrence. The scrap of the chair against the ground made her turn a eye to the blue haired elf as she watched him slap a hand to the table. “Though you realize now they are going to be watching for you both, I mean humans are stupid but still you both caused a show and a ruckus even if you didn’t mean too.”

“Oh here he goes,” she muttered with a roll of her eyes.

“Aye hush up,” she gave a flick of her eyebrow, “Now I cant say you two look very familiar in these parts.” She seen a hand point outwards to the pairing, “You two aren’t part of the slavery trade here are you?” That was Holic, straight to the point and he didn’t even bother to introduce himself or even her. What a man.

[Nanaki]

A safe house? Alexander and Ilse both mused quietly to themselves, unknowing of their shared thoughts. They both followed, careful in their stride's as well, trying their best not to draw attention to themselves. That would not be good right now, no, not at all.

Alexander's boots, heavy as they were, made a hard sound behind them while Ilse in comparison walked with soft steps. The cloth of her shoes was gentle on the ground, noiseless. Both elves had their hood back up, having pulled them on just as they left the ally.

Neither spoke to her comment, both simply following her, their eyes settled on the little house when they arrived, Ilse's full of confusion Alexander's curiosity. Quite the ramshackle 'ol place it was, at least to him. "Really now?" he asked with a quirked eyebrow, following her to the door. He really hoped she was telling the truth when she said that, he'd never been a fan of run down places.

"Thank you" Ilse said, her smile warming. The stutter was finally, mostly, gone and she was very happy to have her voice back under her own control. She stepped in after Alexander who gave a nod when the door was opened. When she closed it he watched all the locks click into place while Ilse, walking farther into the room, found herself quickly captivated by the figure at the table.

She'd never seen a man with blue hair before... it was quite interesting and she liked it quite a bit. She wondered how many others from his home had hair like his. If he and the girl were from the same place she knew that obviously not everyone had it. How curious.

She blinked when his eyes opened, they were just the prettiest gold and she found herself disconnecting from the surrounding conversation, or lack there of, while looking at them.

Alexander didn't find himself so enthralled. Mostly he was checking their surroundings. The room was very sparse and he wondered how often anyone was actually in here. It was a rather fruitless thought to have and he decided instead to ponder the occupants of the room. Who were they? Not one name he knew, not one face had he ever seen. It was a little disconcerting for an elf who came from such a small community.

He quirked an eyebrow when the male finally spoke, his words directed at himself and the girl he had rescued. Ilse, snapped out of her observation of him, looked down with a frown. She hadn't meant to make a scene that was for sure. It was those men who had started it. "I-I'm sorry" she sighed, the stutter back again.

Alexander gave a dismissive shrug, tilting his head at the posed question. "Slave trade?" he asked. "Why would I be a part of something so barbaric?" he asked with a frown.

Ilse's answer was just about the same though her reaction was a bit stronger. She gave a small gasp at the question, though she'd taken it as an accusation, and shook her head frantically, sending her curls bouncing from side to side. "I didn't even know there was one! How terrible!" she seemed farther disheartened by this. "I-I was just out shopping f-for everyone... T-They're all going to be s-so upset." She gave a shuddering sigh and began wringing her hands together nervously. "W-what am I going to do?" she asked.

Emerald eyes on the sullen girl Alexander thought to offer up some possible comfort but stopped, flinching, as something heavy hit the roof. Ilse gave a startled yelp and looked around, screaming again as a pained yell sounded from outside. A blue and brown blur fell quickly past the window just to her right and she jumped away.

Alexander, sword now drawn, moved a step closer, putting himself between said window and the others around. Had that been a person? Maybe a guard? He really was in hero mode today.

There was a thick silence for about twenty seconds before a whining "Ow" sounded just outside. He took another step, the voice was feminine and very young. What in the world.

Suddenly, the blur popped up again and the window flew open. It bounded in, doing a flip to land spectacularly on the table. The blur, now a solid, short, young elf smiled and laughed grandly. "Hello fellow elves! I present to you the one, the only Melda! Here to be a part of the gang! How are you todaaay-" She began to flail midtwirl in her wondrous introduction, feet stumbling over each other. She tumbled, sideways, off the table with a scream and landed in a heap on the floor. "Ow, ouch" she whined again, reach up a small tan hand to rub her forehead.

"A-are you-" Ilse began to approach, worried for the girls well being, but was cut off as she popped up just as quickly as she had fallen.

"I'm okay! I am oh-kay! Ya didn't see that, nope! Didn't see that at all!" she stared at them, transfixed, as she waved her arms before her in random circles and patterns for a moment, backing up slightly. She dropped them a moment later and cleared her throat, laughing. "Ahem... Any who, nice ta meet cha! That was quite the show ya'll put on back there. Very enthralling. I could get to like people like you. Who're you all? How ya doin?"

Ilse blinked at the girl, very curious and confused. "U-Um well... I-I'm Ilse...I uh... I don't know their names."

"Really? Well, let's hear em! How bout you pretty boy?" she asked, pointing at Alexander. The dark haired elf frowned at her but supplied quietly "Alexander."

"And you two? Strawberry? Blue berry? What're your names?"

Ilse had to suppress a giggle at that.

[AceofMana]

She could see something sparking in the woman’s eyes as she seemed to take in Holic like a drink of water. Thumbing her bottom lip, she suppressed a giggle as it was clear Holic took no heed. His mind was set on the moment and nothing less.

Perhaps it would have been wise for her to start talking and getting everyone settled but with the sudden commotion at the window, she found herself slack jaw gawking. Especially when the fine blade of a sword came flying out from the ebony haired man.

Holic shoved the chair back allowing him to stand up as a instinctive hand came flying up to shield over her chest. While she could admit it was noble, she swatted his hand away nonetheless. It was clear the ebony haired man wasn’t going to harm them, but rather was concerned about the scene outside the window.

Sensitive ears flicked to the call of a small yelp as she shot a curios look to Holic and him back to her.

It wasn’t until the blur of skin and hair made its entrance that she was staring wide eyed at the smaller girl.

“What in the sam hell!” Holic cursed out loud as he pointed towards the small girl tumbling off the table. While his surprise was short, she back handed his stomach as he began to laugh at the scene of the child falling off the table. Why did she feel like she was trying to keep him in line?

Looking over the odd grouping of elves as the energetic girl that proclaimed herself as Melda took over the scene of the room, she couldn’t help but start giggling. “You are honestly a ball of energy.” She spoke warmly.

“See even a child seen the stupidity of the situation outside.” He had ignored there comments about the slave trade as it was clear neither one of them were in it like her and Holic were.

Walking around the table as Ilse and Zander introduced themselves, she bend half at the waist to cup the childs cheeks in her hands. “Arent you just adorable?”

“Hey now, don’t you go babying that thing,” Holic hollered at her, “We do not need the extra baggage.” She stuck out her tongue playfully, “Are you listening to me?”

“No,” she turned her attention back to Melda. “Don’t pay attention to him, he is grouchy all the time. And I think he might get worse if you call him blueberry too.” She held mirth in her smile, “His name is Holic and I am Daevin.” She released the child from her hold to clasp her hands together. “Now that we have all made each others acquaintances I think some refreshments are in order.”

Holic was staring at her, his arms limp while his mouth hung open. “Your tongue is going to get dusty Holic.” She quipped at him, only to make him sneer at her.

“Refreshments! Are we running a café here?” he tapped his index finger vigoursly on the table in front of him, “Damnit Dae, I am trying to conduct business here, quit playing molly maid and help me.”

She tilted her head to Ilse and Zander, “Anything in particular you would like? Melda? I am open for suggestions.”

“Are you listening to me!” Holic practically whined.

“Tea? Water, coffee, I think there is even goats milks as well if anyone wants any.” She ignored Holic, trying to show the new trio that they really weren’t out to get them even if Holic was behaving like a giant boob.

[Nanaki]

Melda placed her hands on her hips, standing proudly. "Why yes, yes I am. I'm full of energy!" She laughed happily but stopped when Daevin cupped her cheeks.

She blinked at the older woman curiously, resisting the urge to shake her head. Her aunt did this to her all the time and she was honestly never quite fond of the gesture, mostly thought because it tended to end with a sharp pinch. "Uh... I guess I'm addorible- Hey! I am not a baby and I am not a thing! I'm Melda, Mel-Da!" She ranted at Holic for a moment before letting her attention turn back to Daevin, who was still treating her like she was three.

She smiled at the woman's introduction, and her explanation of Holic's attitude. "Nice ta meet cha Daevin," she let her eyes travel to Holic "and blueberry." That, was his new nickname she decided. She rubbed her cheeks when Dae released them and smiled at the mention of refreshments. It seemed everyone in the room was effectively ignoring Holic and his complaints.

"Oh... um I like tea" Isle said quietly, her smile coming back as she took a seat at the table. "That's fine for me too" Zander remarked, taking a seat beside her.

"Hey! Hey can I have the goats milk?" Melda asked. "My mum says if I drink enough of it I'll grow. It'd be about time, darn it! I'm way too short for a elf my age!" She huffed, arms crossed over her rather flat chest as she stomped her foot.

[AceofMana]

Holic smirked, “Yeah right, i am thinking in comparison to most people in this room, you are a baby.” he pointed to Melda, “Well except for Daevin.”

She had listened to everyone saying what they wanted for something to drink while laughing rather openly at Melda calling Holic blueberry, that is until she heard what Holic said. She turned some to glance over her shoulder at the elven male, “So what? I am still young and you just happen to be jealous of it Holic. No body wants to listen to a grouchy old man,” she stuck her tongue out at him.

Clapping her hands together, Daevin giggled at Melda was she began to tap her foot at how she stated she was too small for her age. She knew better than to question any elves age. They may have all looked like they were in there twenties – besides Melda- but they could be far older. Holic himself was only in his forties. That still exceptionally young to elven standards but the way he complained and whined one would think he was in his three hundreds.

“Alright everyone play nice, especially you.” Daevin pointed at Holic as he wrinkled his nose at her.

“I don't know when we started running a day care. You going to change someones diaper next?”

Heels filled the air with sound until she hummed with a tapping finger to her bottom lip. “Well, if you need it let me know Holic. I am sure i can find one of the humans to change yours.” His eyes widened as he whipped his attention away from her only to allow the laughter to ring out.

Watching her leave the room from the heavy door behind him, Holic muttered beneath his breath as he combed back his hair. “Alright look,” he opened a palm as he spoke, “What on earth are a pair of elves doing in this god forsaken city when they arent part of the slave trade. I mean its clear what happened between the humans and the elves... you think youd both want to stay the hell away from this place.” Holic turned a eye to Melda, “I think you got lost from your babysitter and maybe you should get going to find them.”

Sitting back down after he fixed the once tipped over chair, Holic crossed his arms over his chest only to work his gaze back to Ilse and Zander. “Don't let Daevin's happy go lucky demeanour affect you, the two of us are stuck inside this hell hole under the rules of humans. She was born into this world, so she knows no different but if you two keep hanging around – especially after that show – you are going to be joining the same fate. Your freedom is going to be ripped right out from beneath you.” he made a slide of his hands in a mock impression of a carpet sliding out beneath their feet. “It might be the best for you all to wait til nightfall and escape. Guards are less during the night as the humans feel so secure in themselves that they don't believe people will try to harm them. Use that cover to flee from the city. Dont even think about what you want here because it wont benefit you.”

Holic tapped his temple, “Humans aren't the brightest bunch but they aren't completely stupid either. They know that any elf that wanders into this city is out of the protection of our own government and when the moment is right.” he snapped his hands tight making a sharp clap, “Goodbye free life.”

The door creaked open allowing him to turn to look at the redhead coming back in with a tray full of drinks. Moving carefully towards him first, he watched as she set down the wooden cup of mead in front of him. Okay she wasn't a dumb woman – he never really thought it- but she did irk him when she didn't listen. But things like this made him appreciate her happy nature.

She moved with easy grace around the room as she held out the tray to the three and tucked it close to her chest with the tray was empty.

Taking a sip from the cup, Holic gave a short nod to the taste and lifted his gaze up to look directly at Zander. “You seem like you have more experience than anyone else in this room, its not often you see an elf carrying a sword. Which brings me to my next conclusion... you aren't here for just simple purchase of goods; are you? You have a bigger mission that just has been jeopardized due to your hero tactics.”

Daevin looked over Zander with a slight curiosity as Holic could see that she was fantasied by the man's strong stature. But she wouldn't say anything but rather work her way back around the table to stand behind him. One would almost think she was his own servant instead of a friend. “You realize what ever mission you had here, is gone. Even if you were to off someone, theyd know now. When something goes down in this city, all the humans are aware in a matter of hours. There gossip is faster than a jackrabbit. So i'd say it would be even better for you to get out of the city before you find yourself on the wrong side of a sword.”

“Holic,” her tone was faltering as he knew she was basically telling him that he was being very harsh. He gave a wave of a dismissive hand to her.

“That's where I'll help. I know this city better than most and I know ways to get you all out of the city – even the brat there.” he pointed to Melda. He really wasn't a kid person. “And Daevin can pull a good enough distraction if something goes go wrong. She isn't so bad on the eyes.” He smirked as he heard her gasp at the saying only to feel the cuff to the back of his head. Still didn't stop him from chuckling.

“Well,” his grin was sly and confinement, “What do you all say?”

[Nanaki]

Melda frowned and puffed out her cheeks in a rather cute pout, glaring solidly at Holic. “Leave me alone ya grumpy ol blueberry!” she fussed, huffing as she stomped over to a chair, scrambling up into with little difficulty, though her legs dangled from it, not quite touching the floor. As she settled she laughed, looking at Daevin with a happy nod. “You’re right Daevin, he’s just jealous of our youth and feminine beauty. He’s grouchy ‘cause he’s not as pretty as us.”

She said it was a seriousness and finality that Ilse thought was adorable and, hand over her mouth, she found herself laughing quite hard at the spectacle before her. Her shoulders shook lightly with the force of her laughter and she realized she must be quite the spectacle herself, laughing as she was. This realization only made her laugh harder, drawing Zanders gaze.

He tilted his head curiously; brow furrowing though a smile was on his face. This was rather odd to him but, not particularly unpleasant. At least they were laughing… and arguing but still, the laughing was the important part. He did really like to see people happy.

His attention was drawn to the new dispute, something about diapers, and he humored a laugh himself as Holic turned his gaze from Daevin. This was quite a bit more entertainment than he thought he’d get, not when he started the trip and most certainly not when he and Ilse had been rescued from the alley. This was nice… in its own odd way.

He turned his gaze back to the other male when he spoke up again. Folding his hands neatly on the table he opened his mouth to speak but closed it quickly again when Melda, moving to sit on her knees, slammed her tiny hand on the table top and announced. “I am not lost and I don’t have a baby sitter!” She huffed at the older man and continued, rather proudly “I’m on an adventure, a very important adventure! It’s so important, in fact, that I can’t tell you what it’s for!”

Ilse blinked at the small girl beside her, a little startled, and reached out to rest a gentle hand on her small shoulder. “C-Calm down… okay dear?” she asked softly.

“Hu? O-Oh, okay” Melda said with a sheepish grin, blush spreading on her tan face. She hadn’t meant to scare Ilse; she was just trying to make a point.

Ilse smiled and patted the other girl gently on the head before returning her focus to Holic, he’d started talking again and his words disheartened her greatly. Was he a slave then? How terrible! The happy mood she’d worked up in the last few minutes deflated slightly as he warned them to get out and… Oh, oh that’s right… she wouldn’t be able to finish her shopping now.

Hands folded in her lap she looked down at them, twiddling her thumbs idly. She still had no idea of how she was going to explain herself when she got home… if she got home. From what Holic was saying it might be quite hard for them to get out, oh, what a bother!

She looked up again when Dae walked in and took her drink happily, glad for the distraction. Zander felt just about the same. He’d heard of the slave trade but he’d had no idea it was active in this city, he’d have to tell his leaders about this, he was sure if he didn’t know they didn’t either.

Melda didn’t seem all too bothered by these serious matters though, at most she’d frowned a few times. She knew Holic’s words weren’t directed at her, she’d been witness to the chaos outside but not a part of it and didn’t have anything to run from… that they knew of anyway. She’d always been rather good at running, hiding, and not getting caught. It was a basic skill set for a prankster and would be thief like her. She took her milk happily though and chugged half of it right off, licking her lips cheerily as she set down the cup again. “Thanks!” Always say thank you, that was rule number five in her mother’s list of ‘Rules Melly Must Always Follow and Remember’ and she was sure to both follow and remember them.

Zander looked at Holic when he was directly addressed, tilting his head curiously to the side, hair falling over his eyes. Was it so odd for an elf to be carrying a sword? He supposed it probably was outside of his home, elves were a generally peaceful people he knew but he’d never really given thought to the fact that the military attitude and zest for fighting that ran so deeply within his home and its people was odd in comparison to others. Manny though not most of the men brandished swords where he came from, and he realized it must not be the same elsewhere.

He looked around the room briefly, waiting to see if Mel or anyone else would speak before he began. “My mission was not a grand one… I did come for a purchase, though it wasn’t a casual one. A child in my settlement has come down with the fever and we did not have the means to create the medicine needed… Thankfully I was able to make my purchase before the incident so at least that part of my mission was complete. The other part… I believe I’ve gather enough information on the condition of this place.” He shrugged his shoulders, dismissing it all. He felt he had done enough.

Ilse frowned, listening to him he sounded so important, he’d been sent for the sake of someone’s life, and he’d done what he’d come to do. She was only here to get basic items for everyone, and a few of the crops they couldn’t grow at home, she’d had such a simple job and had gone and got it all mucked up by those nasty humans.

Zander quirked an eyebrow at Holic’s offer, he was going to help them out? Well alright. He nodded slowly in approval, ignoring Mel’s yelp of “Hey!” in protest of the continued teasing. Instead he let a smile tug at his lips when Holic made his comment on Dae’s looks. He chuckled as well and looked up at Dae “she is quite beautiful yes” he complimented, Ilse blushing beside him.

Goodness these men were so forward! At least it wasn’t directed at her, she was far too shy for those kinds of attentions… though she didn’t think she’d mind it too much if one of them complimented her… Oh dear, she really should stay away from attractive men.

“And I would appreciate the help out… Ilse, Melda?”

“O-Oh, yes please” the blushing redhead nodded, picking up her cup to sip at the remainder of her tea

Mel frowned “one second, I wanna know, am I beautiful too?”

Ilse almost choked.

[AceofMana]

Holic took note of how quiet the situation went over. No one really spoke after he did, which in turn was a good thing. It told him that they understood everything that was going on. And having Ilse taking care of the girl was a blessing. He had only made a mocking face to Melda when she spoke of an apparent special mission that she couldn’t talk about. That only told him that she was a child and didn’t like having the adults talking over her head.

Hearing that Zander had already taken care of most things in the city that he had too was a relief. It wouldn’t be hard to get the man out of here then.

Having Zander agree on Daevin’s fine looks only made him raise an eyebrow to the man. Was he being sincere or just agreeing because he said it? Holic pursed his lips for a moment before returning to his own thoughts.

He had been lifting the glass to his lips when he heard Melda asking the question of her being beautiful too. Choking on the honey sweet mead, Holic rubbed a hand against his mouth before he started laughing right out.

Giving her a point while he was still holding his hand, a ill grin spread over his face. “Many in a good thousand years you might be able to stand toe to toe with Ilse or Daevin, but you are nothing but a kid. And even then, yeah I doubt it. Look at Ilse there, she sitting with a quiet grace. Shes got the right curves and she doesn’t blurt out everything that comes to mind. At least Ilse looks like a royal woman; you are nothing but a ragamuffin.”

“Holic.” Daevin scolded him sourly only to enlighten his cruel nature at the child.

Shrugging her leaned back in his chair before taking in the sight of Zander and Ilse. “She asked, I just gave my honest opinion.”

Setting the tray down on the table with a thud, Daevin flicked him hard in the ear before she moved her way around the table to rest her rear on it. “You are very pretty Melda and you will grow up into a dazzling woman.” She tilted her head with a giggle, “I think you will give me and lady Ilse here a good run for our money.”

“Yeah right,” Holic rolled his eyes. “That skinny thing there, shes got no potential for good shapely breasts or a fine ass Daevin.” She pushed back hard on the table to push into him as he grunted at her back.

“Anyways, I think we need to think of what way we are going to get our friends here out of town,” Daevin smiled to them each, “Don’t you think Holic.”

“Yeah yeah,” he combed back his hair, “Well what villages or towns do any of you live in?” he would question. “I mean Ilse and Zander, that brat there has to have someone looking for her in the city.”

[Nanaki]

Melda looked at Ilse and then at Holic. As he spoke her eyes grew wide and she frowned. She looked over at Ilse again, her eyes now shimmering, brimming with tears and the redhead let her own grow wide too.

“O-Oh, oh no, don’t cry, don’t cry. He didn’t mean it dear.” She rested her hands gently on the girls shoulders as the flood gates opened and the tears fell. Ilse shot a glare Holic’s way. “Your honest opinion? That wasn’t honest it was just plane cruel! Take it back right now!” she snapped while Mel continued to cry.

Zander frowned too, watching the scene play out beside him. He’d never been much for children but he most definitely didn’t want to see one cry. “I think you’re beautiful” he chipped in quietly and she sniffled softly, looking over at him. She looked up at Dae when she began speaking too and managed a small smile, wiping her eyes.

“R-Really?” she asked, hopefully, only to resume her crying when Holic spoke up again. “L-Leave me alone you big meanie!” she shouted at him and Ilse flinched away. “You’re not allowed to talk to me anymore if you’re just going to be rude!” She hiccoughed and rubbed at her face and Ilse stood to give her a hug.

“It’s alright dear. He’s just a mean old man, don’t listen to him.”

“I won’t” she said fussily, hugging Ilse back gently. She stamped out her tears pretty fast and chugged the rest of her milk, glaring at Holic when she was done.

Zander, glad to have the dispute over, nodded in agreement with Dae’s proposition to find a way out. He sighed though when Holic spoke again, making another comment towards Mel.

Puffing out her cheeks the girl chucked her now empty cup his way, making Ilse gasp in surprise. “Y-You really shouldn’t throw things dear.” She said gently.

“I’m here all on my own though! I’m here on my special mission all alone and I need help getting out too! Why’s he so mean to me?” She seemed genuinely upset now, and she was. Back home she quite often had the others pick at her, for her height and her age since she was the youngest. She didn’t like people being mean to her, not at all and she was starting to get very tired of Holic.

Zander let out another sigh and looked towards Mel. “Just ignore him okay, and you” he looked over at the other male “stop picking at her. It’s not proper to make a lady cry…” He looked from one to the other and, sure Melda wasn’t going to say anything else continued. “I’m from the Darlan Reservation” he told them. “It’s to the east, I’m not sure if you’ve heard of it… We’re a rather shy group and odd. We have militaristic tendencies and it seems people only look for us when they need mercenaries…”

Ilse looked over at him, a little startled. She had heard of his group, she’d always heard they were terribly violent from her people but, that didn’t seem true at all, he was so nice. Biting her lip she looked at him for a moment then spoke up herself. “I’m from the north east. I live in the Low Valley, just past the river… It’s a bit of a walk… Three days” she sighed softly. Those were three days wasted since she wouldn’t be coming back with anything.

Melda tapped her fingers together gently and looked over to Ilse. “Can I say where I’m from too?” she asked, her usual energy apparently spent.

“Of course you can” Ilse said gently, shooting another glare at Holic when she noticed just how upset the youngest of them had gotten.

“I’m from Maki. You know, the slums not far from here. Maybe like a day away, I hitched a ride so I’m not sure how long it is walking.” She tapped her fingers together again and looked down at them, unaware of the slight expression of shock on Zanders face.

She was from Maki, that god forsaken place? Now that was odd. He’d never been himself but he’d heard it was one of the worst kept elfin reservations on the continent. It was one of the first established and was built between two human settlements in a dusty dead land. The last he’d heard they were going through a famine of sorts and were receiving little help. It was amazing how healthy the girl looked if that was the truth and he felt all the worse for her at Holic’s teasing. She hadn’t disserved that.

Ilse, on the other hand, terribly sheltered thing that she was had no idea where Melda was talking about and found Zander's expression confusing.

[AceofMana]

At seeing how Melda began to cry, Daevin furrowed her brow finally letting the smile disappear from her face only to shoot Holic daggers over her shoulder at him. She knew he didn’t like kids at all – though there were reasons for it -, but this was above his usual cruel behaviour.

His shoulders rose slightly as he began to roll his eyes at the scene. Having the cup whipped at him, Daevin yelped at the sight as she instinctively flinched from it though she knew it wasn’t aimed at her.

“Don’t worry Melda, even if Holic is being a… well we wont speak such words, I’ll be more than happy to help you.” She let out a sigh, at the scene.

Holics ears flicked with everyone saying where they were from as he was about to speak when he clamped up at seeing those blue eyes piercing him. Albeit Daevin was usually a woman of solid good cheer, he had only seen maybe three times in her entire childhood of her getting upset. Twice at him.

She would cross her arms beneath her breasts as she leaned back against the table again as she shook her head. “I wish I could be more help but I have no idea of any of your home towns.” She replied.

“Only have heard of Darlan Reservation, though nothing good and of course Maki.” Holic muttered, “Shes just been sheltered her few years.” She knew he was pointing at her.

“Few years? Do you have a age thing going on right now?” she stuck out her tongue at him.

“Well you are nothing but a babe Daevin.” Holic set down the cup as she closed her eyes figuring he was finally going to stop being a boob right now. Heavy boots clattered to the floor as he stood up. “You think you can handle the girls?” she heard him asking her.

“You want them to split up?” Daevin peeked at him through a slit. “You trust me enough for that?”

Holic narrowed an eye, “If you can keep your tongue in your head and mind the guards then yeah I suppose I could trust you. Then again this,” he took up a couple strands of her hair letting it fall though his fingers, “And hers… well its an attraction. You know how bloody stupid those guards are.” She instantly cringed at the idea as she knew what he was talking about. It seemed the elven women were a sick delight to some of the human males. Exotic tail as one would have it and her and Ilse would be prime pickings.

“Yeah thanks for that Holic, now I need a bath.” She pulled her head away to release the hair from his gentle hold. “And perhaps a torch to jump in.”

“Aye none of that none,” Holic gave a flick of an eyebrow, “Suppose it would be unwise to send two ladies and a child into the night with those pigs. And well since we have some skilled swordsman in the proximity a group would be better, though you know we will stand out.”

“Details.”

“Not what I mean Dae.” Holic shook his head, “Five elves in a cluster, yeah if that don’t ring of suspicion then I don’t know what does. You realize what we’d have to do if we were caught Dae.”

Her tapers ears shot down as her face dropped with the realization. “No, I can’t do that Holic! What about my parents?”

He gave a shrug as she furrowed her brow tightly, “Sacrifice Daevin.”

“Like some pig to the slaughter!” she snapped at him, her cheeks flustering with his ignorant attitude. “Okay just because you were dragged into this hell hole kicking and screaming when I was a little girl don’t mean anything to me Holic. You said it, I was born here, raised here and I am not ready to go escaping from this past because you are so pig headed about getting out of here! You aren’t the only one in this you damn fool.”

His eyes widened at her as she turned from him, before she whipped right back around to get within inches of his face. “You play hero and you escape Holic but I have everything to loose in here.”

“Daevin, you know full well you can help them if you would listen to me. I’ve said it a hundred times before, we need to get to the Elven Grace Empire and then we can return to free everyone. Look I don’t have a stone heart,”

“You need a heart first Holic.” She pursed her lips into a tight grim line as she shook her head as she let out a heavy sigh as she let her eyes turn around the room. “You know full well you and him are the only people I have left in this hell but I wont go. I am sorry for my outburst and I wish you all well but…. I cannot help you.”

“Daevin…”

[Nanaki]

Zander quirked an eyebrow at mention of his home, did people really think so badly of the place? In all truth it was rather nice, a little rough and tumble yes but nice enough. Better than Maki, much better. His focus turned back to the conversation at hand though when mention of splitting up came about. He didn't think that was such a good idea.

He watched Ilse shudder as Holic spoke. She knew a little something about minding the men around here. Today's run in was enough to teach any woman that. She wrapped her arms around herself gently and leaned back in her seat as she thought on it, she didn't want to split up either... And she could definitely go for a bath too.

She looked up, eyes going from Daevin to Holic as they began what she thought was an argument. Honestly, she was very, very confused and non too happy that they were fighting. If this was a fight.

Zander watched the back and forth with a same amount of confusion but not concern. He was used to arguments like this... Well okay not like this, he had absolutely no idea what they were talking about though he could assume a bit, anyway the point was that he was used to arguments.

As it all came to an end he regarded the downtrodden woman and cocked his head slightly to the side. "You can not help us for fear of getting caught?" he asked gently, hopeful that he wouldn't set her off with his questions. "If that is the case I may be able help... You may borrow my cloak, Ilse has one of her own, and I could let my hair down. It's long enough that it covers my ears and in the dark it's rather hard to see anyway... It looks like Melda's hair should be long enough to cover hers as well... If we did this, perhaps it would look more natural. Holic would be the only visible elf, the rest of us passing off for humans. It could work, I believe, I got into the under the guise of a human and my plan to get out had been the same... Would you be willing to help us then?"

Melda bounced in her seat, nearly bursting as she tried to contain a very long, drawn out, whining please that was just waiting to spill out of her mouth, along with the question 'what is the Elven Grace Empire'. But never mind that, she liked Dae, and she wanted her help, she really did. She knew she shouldn't chip in now though, Alexander had proposed a good plan and she didn't want to muck it up by saying or doing something stupid. So fixated on that she hadn't even noticed she'd started bouncing in her seat until Ilse rested a gentle hand on one of hers and smiled.

"I-It really is quite the good plan..." she added softly, seeming somewhat intimidated by the mild tension in the room.

"I can guarantee protection for all of you." Zander added behind it "if anything happens I will take the fall, all I ask is that someone make the journey back to my home granted I cannot. You would have little to fear Daevin... And you wouldn't have to go farther than the cities limits." He spoke gently again and offered a small smile, focusing in slightly on what he thought might be part of the problem. From where he was standing he saw Holic trying to pressure her into leaving the city, and while he couldn't quite understand why she wouldn't want to, regardless of loved ones, he thought that addressing this matter and taking any pressure he put on her off she might be more compliant. He had not real doubt that Holic alone could get them out but he was sure things would go more smoothly with more people, they tended to.

[AceofMana]

Daevin let her body move in a semi circle so she could look over the tall ebony haired elf as she shrugged. “I appreciate the offer but what Holic is talking about is something i can't handle. While it may look like i am afraid of the outside – which i am – i have my own responsibilities here.” She crossed her arms. “Holic knows if we get caught we have to make a run for it. There is only two things that happens when a elf is caught in the city. They are hung or they run for the borders. I dont think i can do either.”

Holic pursed his lips, “She has a brother at home that is younger than her not by much mind you, but she doesnt think if she comes to the Elven Grace Empire that he will be safe.” Holic filled in, “As for the cloaks, it seems to me you have a good idea but... to make that work efficiently well... its going to have to be nastier than that. Daevin come on... I need your help for this. You know better than anyone that i wont let anything happen and if we can go to the elven grace then we will be sitting pretty.”

Letting her chest rise and fall, why did she have to trust him. She knew from his past stories that Holic was part of the elite guards in the elven grace and he had some pull there. That was the reason why he wanted to return to the empire to hopefully devise a plan to bring down the slave trade here. “Daevin?”

“You better... you better make damn sure of this Holic.” she conceded to him as she turned to look at the group.

A grin spread over his face as he ushered her back. “Alright,” he didnt like to admit it but he didnt want to loose Daevin now. While she was still a great deal younger than him, he spent many years with the woman. He turned his gaze back to the trio he combed back his bangs, “Firstly Zander nice to be noble and all, but if you get caught we all do. But with the idea of you three acting like humans, it would work. Since myself and Daevin are already slaves, we can play the part for the three cloaked humans . So with that then maybe we can have you basically walk us right out of the grounds.” he placed a hand on Daevin's shoulder as she tensed about leaving. “Its for the best Daevin, Auson will survive. He is a smart lad.”

she didnt want to hear that but she knew he was right. “If you three can pull off the human look and act then we should be able to get out of the city without a single problem. Now the question is... can you act like humans to even us? That includes all of you.” he glanced between Ilse and Melda.

[Nanaki]

Alexander smiled, glad to see that Daevin and Holic had come to some sort of an agreement and all parties were again involved in their little plan. He supposed he could understand Daevin's concern for her brother, he hadn't wanted to leave his mother when times got tough but he did, and things had worked themselves out alright. Still, he sympathized with her and after hearing the two choices given, run or die, he understood her wariness.

He blinked at Holic curiously and resisted the urge to give a sheepish grin as Holic pointed out his noble attempt. Honestly it embarrassed him when he said things like that but it was a sort of reflex to try and protect others, a trait he'd gotten from his father and had reinforced strongly by his people. They really weren't a bad bunch.

He nodded his head at the posed question, of course he could appear human. He'd gotten into the city fine that way, their mannerisms weren't all that hard to copy after all.

"I-I'm pretty sure... with my hood on that is, I can do it" Ilse said softly. I-I was going along fine in the marketplace till those men decided to touch me... They didn't even know I was an elf till they got my hood down." She gave a little shudder at the memory and Alexander touched her shoulder gently. She smiled at him and said "thank you."

"Melda?" He asked?

"Hu? Oh sure, my mum taught me how to puff out my hair to cover my ears so I could walk around out here... But... I duno." She frowned. "I don't think humans act much different from us... well I mean they're way meaner and messier but that's all I've noticed.... How's about you carry me out Mister." She pointed at Zander and he looked back confused.

"What?" he asked simply.

"Carry me out on your back, I can pretend like I'm sleepin' and we'll just look like a family, that way there's no chance I muck anything up."

"O-oh, that's a good idea... or at least, I think so." Ilse looked down, unsure of herself as she gave her input. "It'll be late when we leave won't it? It'll look more natural that way I think. Most parents don't keep their children up too late, at least not where I'm from... I don't know if it's the same here."

Alexander nodded in agreement. "I suppose that could work out well. Holic, Daevin, any input from you?"

"Oh and" Melda pipped up suddenly "what's the Elven Grace Empire Blueberry?"

[AceofMana]

Holic gave a firm nod to all that was said. If they believe in there skills enough to do this, then he wouldn’t say anything against it.

“Hey it all works for me.” Daevin raked back her hair with her nails, “Just no slapping or hitting.”

Holic furrowed his brow, “If they need to make it real Daevin, they just might have too. But I’ll take that stead.” He offered in a genuine tone.

His eyebrow twitched when he was referred to as blueberry, as a grim eye turned to peer at the small fry of a child. Before he could even begin to speak, he seen the fling of a hand shoot in front of his face telling him not to speak. Daevin giggled nervously as she shook her head frantically no. She knew he was going to let loose on the child again.

Huffing as he turned, he gave a gesture to Daevin to speak in his place so he wouldn’t offend the child.

Feeling a hand cup to his shoulder, Holic crossed his arms over his chest and lowered his ears.

“Elven Grace Empire is where Holic came from Melda. It’s a larger land mass actually across the ocean that isn’t bound by the laws of humans. It is completely ruled by elves alone.” She tightened her grip on his shoulder. “He was sorta sent her to see what was going on and got snared instead which now has him as a slave. Holic was a royal guard actually.”

“Yeah some twenty years ago now.” He huffed in firm annoyance as she clicked her tongue.

Daevin shook her head. “Twenty years isn’t that long for an elf Holic,” she reminded. “Plus ive enjoyed the company on most days.” Her eyes turned to look at the group. “Anyways that’s what that is, but for now I think it is time to settle ourselves. Holic and I will have to return to the encampment soon but we are allow to come and go from the bunkers as we please. So we shall return unless…” she thumbed her bottom lip, “Unless they come with us.”

“Are you mad!” Holic whirled around, “They will know they aren’t slaves Daevin.” His hand flung out at the trio.

“Well that’s why we are with them. We say if the guards asked that they had been caught and they were to follow us to the encampment. Ive seen Arc do it millions of times with actually legit caught elves. It’ll be fine.”

“Arc, you mean…” his eyebrow twitched, “That big smart assed elf with the golden blond hair and the muscles to beat. That Arc.”

“He isn’t that bad Holic.” She giggled, “Sometimes you worry yourself about nothing.” She clapped her hands together. “So if you want to come with us we can do that. That way I can actually cook a bigger meal at home.”

Holic stopped for a moment; “Supper? You mean real supper, dinner food?” she laughed and gave him a certain nod. Giving his head a shake he cleared his throat. “Well, yes I can see how that is a good reason for this all. Getting ourselves rest and filled with energy is a smart idea.”

She couldn’t help but laugh at Holic. If there ever was a sure way to get Holic to like anyone, it was food. The man was crazed for it. “It’ll be honey glazed ham Holic, with seasoned potatoes. I’ve been saving what little coin ive had to do this for the past couple of months.”

“Sold!” Holic grinned before glancing around the room, “Er well… you coming?”

[Nanaki]

Alexander frowned I'll try to refrain from hitting anyone he thought. He hadn't been aware that there was a slave trade operation going on in this or any city and that those involved would be so cruel, and physically harm others appalled him. He wa a warrior, yes, he'd killed people, yes, but he didn't like to hurt others or see others hurt and the though of either Daevin or Holic being treated in such a harsh manner turned his stomach. He let his feelings slip away though as his eyes turned back to Melda.

She was looking up at Daevin with childlike wonder in her large blue eyes, seemingly enthralled at the idea of a place ruled solely by elves. He supposed it would amaze her, she was quite young and he doubted she'd been around before the fighting had started, or even when had stopped. Looking at her he actually found himself wondering just how old she was. With her size and appearance he'd venture a guess that she might still be in her teens.

Ilse was thinking younger in all honesty, and just as curious as the man beside her.

"Twenty years ago?" Melda pipped up, her head tilted to the side. "That means you got here just about the time Nessy did." She smiled dreamily as if recalling something very pleasant and continued to smile till Ilse said, very quietly.

"Who is Nessy?"

Melda looked at the redhead and smiled. "He's the man I'm going to marry one day" she said proudly.

Ilse blushed and smiled herself. "Oh? How nice..." how cute! A childhood crush. She was going to ask about when the wedding was, she did quite like to humor children in these little fantasies after all, but stopped as Daevin began speaking again. Something about them coming along. Holic didn't seem to think it was a good idea and Ilse shrunk in her seat a little, chewing at her bottom lip. She watched their conversation go back and forth, eyes flicking to whoever was speaking.

She laughed quietly behind her hand when Holic seemed to get ruffled at the mention of anther elf. Someone named Arc if she heard right. Oh dear, did she sense a little male tension there? How fun. While Ilse was a very quiet, modest, and reserved woman by nature it didn't mean she didn't like to see interesting things that were geared away from her. One of her favorite pastimes actually was watching the men get riled up whenever her friend, Lani, came through. She was quite the sought after girl after all and very pretty. Ilse quite enjoyed watching them lose their heads as she stalked by on one of her pretty dresses, Ilse never had the nerve to parade about in that way so she thought it was fun to see someone who could.

She laughed a little more when she saw how Holic seemed to jump at the mention of food. Well, she'd just found a way to onto his good side quickly. It made her smile and laugh a little more, both Alexander and Melda sparing her quick glances that she missed.

She stopped her little giggle fit, hopping in vain that no one had noticed it and looked up at Holic, considering the posed question. She would go along if the others did.

Alexander nodded again, he really wasn't much for words now was he, and Melda nodded to giving a chipper answer of "that sounds great!"

"O-Of course I'll come along" Ilse replied with a soft smile that traveled around the table. "Dinner sounds quite nice."

[AceofMana]

She clapped her hands, “Then it is settled,” Daevin replied before she let her gaze fall to Melda as the child had interested her with the idea that she knew who she was going to marry already. “Lead the way Holic.” She gave him the cue as he gave an absent nod before turning to lead them through the front of the building this time. Surely the heat had died down for now.

Sidling up with the slow canter of the trio, Daevin averted her gaze to Melda, “So tell me Melda, what’s Nessy like?” she couldn’t stem her curiosity and didn’t realize she was in the same category as Ilse for humouring children.

Holic on the other hand rolled his eyes at the banter with a mutter beneath his breath. There was a reason why Daevin was with him and this was it. She held better company than himself.

Upon hearing the answer that Melda may have given her, Daevin turned to look at Ilse, “What about you Lady Ilse?” she would speak gently as they would step outside into the open, “Do you have someone at home waiting for you? Or how about you Lord Zander?”

“There she goes, being all proper again.” Holic chuckled.

“Manners go a long way Holic and that’s why I have never been on the wrong side of the guards.” She stuck her tongue out in a playful banter.

[Nanaki]

They all followed Holic and Daevin out, Melda grinning broadly as she was addressed. "Nessy is amazing" she said confidently. "He's really fun and likes the tricks I play. He taught me archery when I was younger and he's teaching me some magic now. He's really friendly too, oh and he's really strong, and brave." She smiled fondly, recollecting her husband to be. "I love him quite a lot" she said finally.

Ilse looked at her, a gentle blush on her cheeks, her eyes soft. She was just a little envious of Melda, so sure in her love. She wondered if the feelings were returned. Ilse herself had never really been in love. She was pretty enough she knew, men gave her plenty of attention back home but... none of them seemed right.

She shook her head at Daevin's question and gave a small "no." She gave a soft smile "and the formalities really aren't needed" her blush deepened a little bit and her eyes traveled over to Zander, the next to speak. He shook his head as well.

"I've never given love much of a thought honestly... though it's nice to see that someone here is sure of themselves." He looked at Melda and gave a slight smile, she smiled back happily. "I share Ilse's feelings on the formalities as well... There is no need." he told her, his smile deepening. "We're all friends aren't we? No formality amongst friends."

"When is the wedding? M-Maybe I could come?" Ilse said suddenly, looking back to Melda

"Sure! It's in fifty years! Mum says I can't get married till I'm at least a hundred so we gotta wait." She laughed cheerily and Ilse did the math quickly in her head, Alexander beat her to the exclamation.

"You're fifty?" He felt like he almost stumbled and was glad his voice didn't mimic his shocked felling. By her age he'd look fully grown. Sure by the standards of their race she was still a child but usually they didn't look like children for so long. She was most definitely behind on her growth.

"Yep, almost fifty one" she said, still walking along happily. She didn't seem too perplexed by his question and he figured he'd leave it at that.

Ilse felt just about the same as he did though. She remembered distantly when she'd been that age, and she knew she'd been bigger than that. Maybe Melda was just meant to be small. She didn't know and gave a little sigh, looking at the girl curiously.

[AceofMana]

Daevin giggled as she a gave a nod to drop the formalities, but having Ilse asking to go to Melda’s wedding, she laughed excitedly. That is until she heard the woman’s age.

Ears shot low as she seen Holic whirl around to stare at her. “Geez never thought I’d feel so young and old all at once.” He looked at her in disbelief.

Daevin flushed as she tucked her hands behind her back. “You should talk, I feel like I’ve just been put in my place.” She couldn’t believe how small Melda was for how old she was. “Looks like I am really the child here.”

Holic nodded before he made a point towards the next turn in the road. Daevin watched Melda walking along happily as she wasn’t sure what to say now. Knowing she was younger than her was certainly a damper. Suppose it wasn’t wise to pretend to ones elders. It only made her turn an eye to Zander and Ilse… how old were they? She knew Holic had been captured when he was in his late twenties and as they already stated that was twenty years ago.

She really was the little one in the group.

“Well… suppose your mother was right in stating it is better to wait until you’re a hundred to marry.” Holic tried to clear the air, “Not right for a young lady to rush into anything.” Oh sure now that he knew how old she was, he was going to behave himself. Damn the man.

[Nanaki]

Melda cocked her head to the side inquisitively as Holic made his statement, what did that mean? Was she really older than blueberry? Well… that was depressing. “You mean… you mean you’re both younger than me?” she asked, eyes going from Daevin to Holic, her smile had fallen a little bit but not enough for her to look gloomy, just a bit confused. “Well… darn.” She puffed out her cheeks for a moment but then let her happiness come back. “I guess I am little for my age!”

She laughed cheerfully and Ilse looked over at her. “Um… d-does that happen a lot? I mean… um a-are the others your age bigger?” She really hopped she wasn’t stepping into something too personal but she was curious and the girl seemed willing to share.

Melda nodded “yep. Everyone back home is taller than me, they all call me squirt and stuff…” she puffed out her cheeks “It’s not very nice but whatever.” She gave a short sigh then looked back Holic. She thought it was a little odd that he’d said something to her and not been mean but she shrugged and gave a nod, agreeing with him. “Yeah I guess so.” She smiled and looked back at Ilse, “how old are you? You too Zander?”

Ilse blushed and looked down. She supposed it was only fare to tell the younger girl her age since they knew hers but still. She felt ancient compared to all the others. She looked over to Zander, hopping he’d say something first, and possibly be older than her. He shrugged his shoulders at her questions and replied casually “somewhere in the two hundreds. I’ve honestly stopped counting… my father knows” he gave a mild laugh, not quite enthusiastic and a little bitter maybe.

Ilse’s blush deepened as Melda’s blue eyes landed on her. “I-I’m… um I’m five hundred… exactly, my birthday was a few months ago.” Zander looked over at her, eyebrow raised; she seemed a bit naïve for that age but he supposed, maybe she just didn’t get out that often.

Melda smiled wide “happy late birthday!” she quipped and the redhead smiled. “Glad to know I’m not the oldest one here… that’d be really depressing” she said with a soft laugh.

[AceofMana]

Holic had pulled her up closer to the lead as they both exchanged a bright and wondered look as they heard Zanders estimated age and Ilse’s. Especially Ilse’s.

Leaning into her, she could feel Holic’s breath against her ear; “Geez you ever want to feel young, we just picked the best crowd. Especially in your case.”

She puffed out her bottom lip slightly; “That’s not nice Holic, and I already feel like a fetus to them.” He chuckled at her quip before draping an around her shoulders. Sighing somewhat, she turned an eye up to those of orange hue only to receive a slight nudge to her.

Holic actually began to laugh at what Melda spoke about not being the eldest one in the group and how it would have been depressing. “For once I agree with you Melda.”

Rolling her eyes, she couldn’t believe him. Then again she could. He always shifted arguments, switching sides. The man was damn near insufferable. “Yeah well with age comes wisdom and I think you both don’t have any.” She decided to stand up for Ilse, the woman would have had stories to tell that would probably astonish them all. “Now if you two don’t stop picking on Ilse, you both are going to be outside licking dirt while we enjoy supper.” Daevin swatted Holic’s arm from her shoulders.

[Nanaki]

Ilse fidgeted, somewhat uncomfortably, as she heard the others talk. They felt young? Well goodness, she felt ancient! And in all honesty she would have much more preferred feeling like a babe in stead of a grandmother. She sighed softly glancing to Melda who seemed very, very happy and then over to Zander who seemed passive, and couldn't help but wonder what they were thinking.

Melda, despite her lingering frustration with Holic, laughed along with him, unaware of the hot blush creeping up Ilse's neck or the slight glare Alexander sent her. She stamped out her giggles though as Daevin began to speak and clamped her mouth tightly shut as she finished her statement. "Sorry" she said quickly, looking from Daevin back to Ilse. "Sorry." She looked down as she walked now, and kicked a rock in her path.

"U-Um..." Ilse looked to the girl, blush still present, she smiled slightly "i-it's okay."

[AceofMana]

Holic instantly stiffened his back to stand perfectly erect as he gave her a nod, “Sorry Ilse.”

Shooting them both quick glances, Daevin gave her head a shake as she moved away from him to sidle up by herself in front of the crew, deciding to lead them all to the encampment. She was tired and beginning to become very irritable with everything around her.

The walk was quick as they would come up on the pair of guards that stood out front of the only way in and out of the large wooden log encampment. The area was massive, enclosed completely with the stone ring of a wall as she let out a huff of air before she straightened her own back and marched right towards the guards.

Eyes glanced over them though neither would stop the group from advancing –to there glee- as she would let out her held breath when they were far enough inside the encampment to see the hundreds of log cabins, each housing a family or more of elves. Her home and Holic’s hell.

Leading them carefully through the dirt pathways that were there only roadways to the cookie cutter log cabin to the left side, she could see the frame door open –like per usual- as the shadowed figure inside was busy attending to the stoked fire inside.

“Its like he was prepared.” Holic muttered as she glanced back to him.

“Nothing more than ritual, he knows when I come home and it is always around the same time.” She looked up briefly to the faces as she trotted quickly to jump up the couple of steps and inside the house. Holic would lead the rest to the cozy homestead as she took a blue eyed glance to her brother; Malic knelt down on the floor.

The family blue eyes he possessed were looking up to her as she opened a hand to group, “Company.”

“You’re telling me!” Malic was not much younger than her as it was clear the sight was surprising to him. “Bringing home strays? You always tell me I can’t do that.”

She frowned some, “Elves and frogs are different Malic.” She scolded the sibling, “Especially when you torment me with them,”

Malic pushed himself to his feet as he gave Holic a shrug of a nod before letting his gaze fall to that of the trio. “Ilse, Zander and Melda,” Holic pointed to each of them before Malic nodded to them each.

“Can you go and borrow a couple of chairs from the neighbours?” Daevin looked over Holic as he wrinkled his brow, “What?”

“Why don’t we just eat outside like normal.”

Daevin flushed some, “Well I suppose, if no one minds.”

“There slaves, no one minds.” Malic muttered before she shook her head as Holic laughed. “What do you mean?”

“They are free willed, we just snunk them in because Ilse and Zander were caught up in a scuffle with the guards.” Holic glanced to Melda, “Still don’t know what she was doing.”

“Weird.” Malic didn’t change his tone to surprise but rather came about to close the gap with his elder sister, “Need help?”

“Yes please,” she smirked. “And go fret about us everyone, we will just eavesdrop on the conversation.”

[Nanaki]

Ilse gave a mildly nervous smile and shook her head. “No, it’s alright.” She said, a pink blush dusting her cheeks. “Really.” She just wanted to be rid of the topic, forget all this apologizing and just forget it already was what she was thinking. Biting nervously at her lip she watched as Daevin moved to the front and wondered if the others had really bothered her so much. She shouldn’t get upset for Ilse’s sake. She could take a few jibes every now and again she supposed, just not too often.

Her focus was lost though, as she spotted the two guards at the entrance of the encampment and felt herself stiffen. After today, and her previous run-in with humans, Ilse was quite well afraid of them and wanted to do all she could to avoid them. Because really, she had to wonder if the guards would know their faces, she had to wonder if they’d be persecuted on the spot.

Holding her breath she sighed as they got past without incident. Glancing back surreptitiously though she noticed Melda had taken hold of and ducked under Alexander’s cloak as they passed. What was that about?

He was just as curious and looked down at the small girl with a mildly irritated expression. He wasn’t fond of people suddenly invading his personal space, and she was most definitely invading it. She had herself tucked right between his arm and his side actually, had snuck her way in there just moments ago. As they cleared the guards he asked her “what are you doing” in a mildly harsh whisper, only to realize that the eyes she gazed up at him with were full of a childish fear, like she’d seen a monster, or some creature under her bed.

She did not reply and he did not press her, instead looking around at the humble lodgings that surrounded them. It wasn’t a terrible place, he knew for a fact that it was much better than where Melda lived, but it was no grand village, no wondrous elven commune like the ones his mother once told him of or the ones his father strived to reestablish.

He fell distracted from his thoughts as he stumbled momentarily on the steps up into the house, Ilse blinking back at him curiously. “Are you alright Alexander?”

“Fine.” His modds could turn quickly.

He stepped in the rest of the way behind her and Holic and Daevin, Melda still nestled comfortably beside him, and watched Daevin interact with the boy he presumed to be her brother. He nodded when Malic made introductions, Ilse giving a soft smile and bow while Melda finally stepped away from him, a hand up in greeting as that usual smile played back on her face.

The all watched the interaction further, unsure of what to say because really there was nothing to say, though Ilse did pipe up at one point, as they debated where to eat.

“I believe we’d all be fine to eat outside” she looked to the other two who both nodded and continued speaking. “And I’m very sorry if we’re an inconvenience at all. I know it’s quite rude to just drop in on someone like this so thank you so much for letting us be here.” Thanks said she gave another gentle smile and a small bow to Malic and then to Daevin and finally Holic. “The three of us quite appreciate it I’m sure.” To this Alexander and Melda both nodded, with mutterings of “thank you” as well. And then “should we just hang around till dinner’s ready?” Melda inquired.