"Ugh, why do we #travel like this? We have dragons, for crying out loud." Kailu whined as they walked. "We're heading into enemy territory. And trust me, they know how to take down a dragon in flight. So, we have to walk to ensure their safety." Aerilaya chimed as they came onto Taedmorden.
The air had an oppressive feel; it was filled with #languor, which wasn't uncommon in Taedmorden. People #running from the slave owners and Desert Dwellers a common sight. We're grateful for the illusion spell Aerilaya knows, but it feels like a mistake to be here.
"Are you sure it's wise for her to travel through Taedmorden, stiff?" Kailu asked with concern. His voice was rarely like this, but as they continued on their quest. Something felt off. They knew Aerilaya was #inure to the sights, but for how long was anyone's guess.
The dry #grass crunched under their feet as they headed towards the shrine of the Original 6. Aerilaya flinched at the sound as her face became terrified. Kailu shook his head as he kicked a small stone. "I knew this was a bad idea."
"We're almost at the shrine," Alosrin said as Kailu gave him a nod in return as he turned to speak to Aerilaya. "Hey, Aerilaya---?" When looked to his right, she wasn't there. "Stiff, we have a problem." The Shadow Elf looked over his shoulder then turned around to see that Aerilaya was missing. "Where did she get to? I know she was right behind us." Alosrin mumbled. "Uh... About that... Now, if you'll let me explain before you kill me would be fantastic..." Kailu interjected as the other elf's face became concerned.
Aerilaya had run into a nearby alleyway and huddled herself into a corner. "Why... Why do we need to be here?" She lamented while attempting to calm her troubled mind, but nothing was working. As anxiety and panic swept over her like a wave, she became unaware of the two little eyes staring back at her.
"E-excuse me, ma'am? A-are you alright? Please don't be sad." A little voice said as the girl came out from the shadows as soon as she heard sobbing. The child was a Zeniron, a Light Elemental being, who is related to Dinir the God of Light. Typical of the race, she had bleached white hair, shining amber-colored eyes, and opaque skin. She was dirty and her clothes were torn; she was also frail-looking, it was hard to tell when her last meal was, and what could be seen beyond the tattered clothing was deep tissue scars. Her eyes, despite them having that peculiar shining amber color, were glassy in nature. It was obvious, she was blind, which was odd for one of her race to be.
"Huh?" Aerilaya replied with a small jump at the voice. The child flinched at the vibrations of her movements and felt herself retreat back to her hiding spot slightly. Realizing what was going on she did her best to calm herself. "Please don't run, dear. I didn't mean to scare you." The Snow Elf whispered as she looked over at the area the girl had moved to. "Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you. I wanted to see if you were alright as I heard crying." Aerilaya gave a half-smile. "I'm fine, but are you alright? I can tell that you're shaking like a leaf." The girl came out of her hiding spot, causing the older woman to muffle a gasp. She could tell the child had been through the same hell she went through.
Aerilaya cautiously crawled over to the child, who was quivering in fear. "Hey, I'm not going to hurt you. What is your name?" She whispered while stopping in the mid crawl to sit on her knees. "M-my name? I-it's Nura. What's yours?" Nura asked. "My name is Aerilaya. I know we just met, but let's get you cleaned up and get you out of here." The Zeniron let out a hopeful gasp as a glint came to her eyes as she rushed over and hugged her tightly. "Thank you, Lady Aerilaya! Thank you!" Tears fell as the Snow Elf returned the hug.
Aerilaya backed away and looked into the young Zeniron's eyes. Despite her not being able to see, she could tell she was trouble and winced. "You're not in trouble, Nura. I would like to lay some rules down, is all." She said as the child looked at her with confusion. "I-I'm not? But I can tell you're mad." Aerilaya let out a soft laugh. "While it is true I am upset, my anger isn't towards you, dear. I just wanted to tell you to knock off the Lord, Lady, Mistress, Master talk. You're free now. There is no need to speak like that anymore. You can call me just Aerilaya."
Nura nodded. "Okay, Lady--, I mean Aerilaya." She said, testing the waters, as she felt a hand wrap around hers and the Snow Elf speaking again. "Come on, I have some friends, who are probably sick with worry at this point about me, that would be happy to meet you," Aerilaya said leading her to the main street to meet up with Alosrin and Kailu.
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