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Two Worlds (Atherium x Rosie)

When the wooden tanket was set down in front of her, Elvina's eyebrows quirked in response. She'd never drank before, only watched others do it and made an effort to resist any offers.


She tentatively took a sip, licking the froth from her upper lip, then wincing at the taste. At first, it was rather sour and left a bitter aftertaste, but she took another gulp, determined to like it. Her senses succumbed to the newfound taste, and she actually began to enjoy it. Perhaps it was a sign of maturity. A sign that she wasn't a little girl anymore.


Despite the dizziness she was beginning to experience, she managed to focus on Zael's words which rang in her ears. Furthermore, the celebration that Zael was hailed with made her light up like a chrismtas tree. The fact that a place like Skystead even existed had not sunk in yet, and to add this on top just made her appreciate it even further. Zael remained expressionless, just taking in the information and storing it. As Elvina looked at him, she really believed she could see the cogs turning in his mind. In a moment of haste, she felt a little sad for him. Yes, to have emotions can rip your heart in two, as she knows too well, but it can have the opposite affect. He didn't realise how wonderful these thought he was. Then again, his ego didn't particularly need to expand any further.


"You might also wanna check out the tailor, if the lady fancies cloth dressing."


Elvina closed her eyes and rolled them, not wanting to seem too rude. Just two seconds ago, everyone was celebrating Zael like some kind of God, yet she wasn't even addressed by her own name.


"The Lady is called Elvina. I was banished from Exton for going against their regime. I'm the reason Zael is alive to be commemorated in such a way. If anyone had was to have found him they would have killed him without further hesitation." She took the parchment and folded it between her fingers, tucking the small square of paper into the bust of her dress and then proceeding to drain her tankard with a large gulp that made her stomach cave in.
 
"Wow, i didn't mean to insult, Lady. I actually just realize i don't know either of yer names. Anyhow, told you the places you need to go, feel free to sightsee through the town, interact with people and do anything you'd like around here. You get tired, you come to me an' i'll get you settled." Zask spoke before rising, attending to the empty tankards that waited on his counter to be refilled. Zael watched with a stone cold attention as Elvina all but drowned herself in the ale. Strange behavior, but he heard of it quite a lot. When humans were bitter, they were usually drowning their minds in alcohol, which numbed their pains and thoughts. And that outburst. That was jealousy at its finest. The vektrosian was glad he could not experience that.


Finally sitting up from the table after pondering a bit more whether or not he should try the ale, he eventually decided to leave it be. Getting into technical issues was now most unnecessary. Maybe some other time. "So, shall we?" He asked Elvina, and, seeing as she was quite ready as well, proceeded to exit the tavern and get out in what was now a quite busy street. It must have been a little while since they entered, the sun was already closing to the peak and people were walking up and down the street constantly, giving each other the usual good days and what not. A silver armor clad man was somewhere across the street, speaking to a young, fair lady, most likely trying his charms on her.


Zael watched the busy place, scanning the street for a sign that would mark the leatherworking shop. However, the town had many streets, and the shop could be on any of them. The safest way would be, as he finally decided, to ask a guard. Turning his head around, he saw Elvina was with him, though, she seemed to be a tad bit wobbly. He hoped not too much, but couldn't exactly determine. Wanting nothing more than to make sure she would follow him, he carefully caught her hand in his. Of course, to him this gesture had no meaning at all, and he did not watch to see what her facial expression response would be. Holding the girl's hand, he approached the guard chattering with the young girl, and after a second, gave the man a pat on the back.


"Um, excuse me, could you please tell me where Martha's leatherworking shop is?"


The guard turned and pointed towards the corner of a street that came to intersect with the main one. A big sign hung right on the cornerstone, easily visible from any way one would be coming. "It's right there, Sir." The soldier then turned around and continued his intrerupted chatter with the young lady. Zael, still holding Elvina's hand, proceeded down the road. The two now were attracting more and more gazes and rumour was spreading. Finally reaching the shop, the vektrosian took no time before opening the door. A bell that hung above was hit and it quickly chimed, announcing the woman that was busy somewhere in the back of the shop that she had new clients. The store looked, in all honesty, attractive. Pelts with or without fur hung in different spots on the walls. Carefully arranged, were exposed various sets, purposed for mainly those who enjoyed hunting and also for the fighters that sported light and efficient armor.


The lady turned around to welcome her clients. She seemed not older than 40. Natural red hair adorned her head, and blue eyes sparked with interest as soon as she darted her gaze to the couple.


"Well, hello there. What an interesting couple! Can I help you?"
 
Despite her previous outburst, Elvina mustered a grateful smile and thanked him for his help. He reminded them both that once again, if they needed anywhere to stay, his establishment would suit them just fine for however long they needed. Elvina felt like she sometimes needed to be reminded that there were genuinely good hearted people in this world. It was easy to forget.


When the two stepped outside, a small gust of wind refreshed her now rather queezy stomach, and she inhaled deeply, feeling her lungs expand, and then gradually deflate when the air was released between her lips. But she had no time to enjoy the clarity it gave her, as Zael was already marching down the street towards what she could assume was a guard standing by the entrance to the village with a young woman, possibly around her age. She looked slightly more mature, but Elvina never felt as though her adulthood had bloomed properly. Her life was so sheltered back at Exton. She was lacking in experience and was daunted by responsibility. Nevertheless, she had grown up rapidly in the past couple of days. Not by choice, mind. The girl sighed, almost sadly. Perhaps the ale was making her think too deeply about things that she needed to brush off. Exton was like a bad dream that she simply had to forget.


Zael was still venturing ahead, and she finally made the decision to keep up, despite her mind telling her to just curl up and sleep right here on the cobbled pavement. Putting one foot in front of the other, she began to make her way towards the man in question, but not fast enough apparently. Zael’s large hand clasped round hers, making her question whether she was really taking as long as she believed herself to be. The sensation felt comforting, however, and she utilised the support as best she could, leaning most of her weight into the connection until she caught up and stayed at a steady pace, occasionally leaning into the man when she felt as though she may trip.


The leatherworking shop was like something Elvina has read about when she was younger in the books she kept piled up under her bed, hidden away from Ascot and the prying eyes of her invasive family. The building was tall and rickety, with tree vines twisting in and out of the woodwork, making it look as though nature itself was the only thing holding it together The house joined at the peak with a small point, and an even smaller window situated just below where the straw roof began. Elvina liked to think the house used to be a tree trunk which was carved to accommodate the owner. Zael on the other hand, did not seem to take the time to admire the creation, and simply entered the shop with a small ding signalling their arrival. Inside was just as majestic. And so organised! Elvina had never seen anything like it. The woman looked as though she was born to live here. She was the human embodiment of such a magical place.


"Well, hello there. What an interesting couple! Can I help you?"


The woman had clean intentions, but Elvina’s face screwed up for a moment. A couple? She even too a second to glance behind her, in case she had made some mortifying mistake and was in fact speaking to customers behind them. But no, she was met by the door they just came through, and a small mat under it with the word “Welcome” stitched into it. Her lips formed a brief smile.


“I’m afraid you’re mistaken, madam. We’re not a couple.” She replied with a nervous laugh, but still did not think to explain her hand which was tightly entwined with Zael’s. How could she? “I drank a whole tankard of ale and am too out of sorts to walk without the assistance of my humanoid friend who doesn’t seem to understand why I’m having to explain this in the first place.” She didn’t see the conversation panning out well.


The woman’s smile refused to falter, despite the small misunderstanding. Instead, made her way towards them, and began to examine the sad remains of Zael’s clothing. In addition to that, she accompanied the investigation with a small tune that she had proceeded to hum quietly to herself while she muttered numbers, which Elvina could only assume were measurements. Finally, she spoke again.


“I can’t have you wandering round looking like that, can I?” Zael went to answer, but Elvina squeezed his hand to get his attention and shook her head, so the man remained quiet and attentive while she wandered round and began picking out various items, ranging from simple shirts to plates of armour.


“God knows what you went through to cause such destruction, but no matter, that’s what I’m here for!” She added on merrily, laying leathers of varying tones and colours out. Elvina felt as though she should step in at some point, fearing that they may drown in choices when Martha began to sort through shoes and bags that they may want to purchase.


“We’re not looking for much. Just durable shoes that are comfortable.” Elvina piped up, retrieving the parchment from her dress with her free hand and handing it to the women, who read over it and then stared back up at the two. Clearly, the vital connection had been made. She didn’t have to clarify it to them, Elvina simply nodded to confirm her thoughts.


“Everyone has accommodated us so kindly since our arrival. Please don’t feel as though you have to go out of your way to tend to us.” She added on modestly. “Just a few changes will do us nicely, along with anything else you feel we need.”
 
Couple? The woman believed that he and Elvina were a couple? Zael couldn't understand how in the world this assumption has been made, but he felt the need to speak out against it. This simple minded being clearly misunderstood the intentions behind the hand holding part. He only watched as Elvina denied in a nervous laughter the said words, and decided he should clarify no more. The human would probably not understand. Or would rather not want to understand. Eventually, he used his advanced mimics to play off a smile that was sure to trick the human female into believing he took no offense at all in what she just said. He watched her approach him and begin to investigate his torn clothing.


Clothing in Vektros was no simple thing, and nothing lacking luxury. The attire he wore in the fatidic day in which he had to run off was made from thread created out of the silk from a species of giant spider that lived in the forests near Vektros City. Anyhow, now there was nearly nothing left of them, only rags hanging and barely covering him from indecency. He was, however, amazed by how clearly she seemed to note those numbers into mind without actual measurements. She was probably one of the crafter that inherit their workshop and the line of work from the parents, who also inherited it from their parents. She was probably so accustomed to it she needed not any other measurements to determine the size in numbers.


Making her swift comment about him made him want to speak out again, but instead, he again decided to bite his tongue and keep quiet. It seemed the best way not to get into situations that would cause troubles. He only watched the woman's face as she read the note, her smile quickly growing bigger as she started searching even more eager. She seemed to know precisely for what, as she responded to Elvina's comment in a warm hearted laugh. "Oh, don't you busy your mind with such, dear. After all, you're new here and you are an important addition to our forces. It's understated that you will get treated with the best we can offer. Now, pick your favorites." She demanded of Elvina as she exposed numerous pairs of skillfully crafted leather boots.


"I also have a sweet line of corsets that would go along nicely with a dress if you pick one from the tailor. If not, i know i put a special leather set for ladies around here, one of my many experiments with the leather clothing." She smiled further before approaching Zael, and adressing to him. "For you i've got something i've been working on for quite a bit. I'll be just back!" She winked before storming away into the back of the shop as if she was stepping on thin air. For someone who was going to give her crafted clothing items for free, she looked more than happy. Zael was almost sure that there was something more to it than met the eye, but dismissed the thought upon Martha's return with the items. She quickly lain them out on a small table. A fine hauberk leather hauberk, sewn with resistant thread. Its color was fully brown, just as the other pieces also seemed to be colored.


The hauberk was special due to the fact it had attached to it what looked like heavy shoulderguards. Despite the appearance, the whole piece was so light it was actually almost impossible. The same set contained a pair of trousers, boots and even gloves, all made out from apparently the same type of leather. Handing the whole set to Zael, she all but rushed him away to the designed spot where he could try the suit and see if it was comfortable enough for him. Irrelevant, of course, he wouldn't be able to tell even if it was too tight or loose on him, but Martha did not know. With a shrug, the vektrosian eventually nodded, thanking for what he's been given and dissapearing behind the special curtain. Making sure he was way out of range to hear, Martha spoke to Elvina in a barely audible tone.


"Say, you're not a couple? Dear, i tell you, take the chance. A young, beautiful lady like yourself has all the right. You'll never know when someone else might appear and steal him, and then you will regret. Listen to the old hag telling you this." She finished her sentence with a soft laughter as she watched Elvina who was still trying to decide which pair of boots should she take.
 
To see Zael being fussed over in such a way made the girl chuckle, but she could imagine him in the leather Martha had laid out. In fact, she thought he would look rather dashing. Of course, they looked the perfect fit. You didn't need to possess the skill Martha did to know that. Then again, even if she just presented him with the most basic clothing, it would be better than what he currently stood in.


Elvina had never encountered such a wide variety of choices before. Her first natural instinct was to compare it to that of Exton, which did not match up by any stretch of the imagination. In fact, most clothes she was given there were hand-me-downs from older family and friends. Every year there was an exchange, and she was not allowed to make her own attire. This was mind boggling to say the least.


When Zael disappeared behind the curtain, Elvina focused her attention on the corsets and shoes that were presented before her. Martha gave her a moment to consider, and her fingertips grazed upon the embroidery that lined the corsets in graceful patterns and swirls. She felt the dips and curves of the thread, almost mesmerised. She'd never seen a piece of clothing so beautiful, and in so much abundance. Now to consider the boots, which were equally as majestic. She never cared much for material things, but only because she didn't have the financial resources to do so. Now, she understood. Looking at this all had a psychological affect. It made her feel more capable. More determined.


The boots were sturdy, yet when she pressed her fingertips to the inside of the shoe, they fell against a padded, almost squishy material that softened the robust structure. All of them were secured by laces which now lay loose on either side of each boot. Elvina curled the laces round her finger while she considered Martha's comment and how to answer.


"I'm sorry to disappoint, but I don't think Zael is capable of forming relationships like that." Her eyes cast to the curtain for a moment, but she looked back to the boot after a few seconds. "I can't deny that he's handsome, but I hardly know him. And anyway, the purpose of our relationship isn't a romantic one. We didn't meet under particularly idyllic circumstances." She admitted, almost with a mild tone of regret. If the situation wasn't so complex, and he was simply another villager in Exton, she could invision something blossoming between them. Unfortunately, they weren't supposed to meet in such a way.


Martha's expression fell a little with disappointment while Elvina tried on her first pair of boots, made of dark brown leather that cuffed round her ankles.


"Such a pity. He's very dependant on you, it seems. Opposites attract, I believe is the saying." She mused to herself with a knowing smile. It made the girl's cheeks fill with blood, and she rubbed one of them, feeling the hear emit against her palm.


"I've never thought of him in that way." She replied quickly, yet not all too convincingly. If she did begin to have feelings for the man, they would be wasted on his unsuspecting attitude towards relationships. Did they even exist in Vektros? She doubted it with absolute certainty.
 
The vektrosian picked up the whole chatter, his auditive senses being much sharper than plain human beings'. Again, he felt the need to come out and explain to the woman why she was wrong in her thinking. But again, something told him it would not be for the best. The rags he has been wearing came off his sculptured form and were replaced with the leather armor. The material seemed to be durable, strong but at the same time it stretched just enough to make him feel comfortable. The sensation it was giving to him was pleasant, to say the least. Stretching his arms, he tested the mobility given within the suit. Fascinating... he thought as he felt about the hauberk with his gloved hands. I wonder what sort of calculations this woman took to produce such an amazing piece.


A few minutes later, Zael finally stepped out from behind the curtain. The torn clothes did not do him justice. From a distance, it almost looked as if he was wearing a full plate armor. Each part was full of joints that gave the body maximum mobility and also a good protection in combat. The shoulderpads stretched at at least an inch outside the shoulders, giving the whole piece a strangely enjoyable look. Now, Zael looked merely nothing like he did before. His body was more than fit, his chest was wide and his shoulders as well. His long, curly hair was now somewhat arranged, giving him the look of a glorious warrior. Vektrosians were beings that liked to look flawless. They would not accept anything below that, flaws, be them physical or psychical, were exclusively a human trait. Demigods were not flawed.


Zael shot a glance towards Martha, then towards Elvina, seeing as they were both silently gazing upon him. Finally, the leatherworker approved of the way he looked with a large, heartwarming smile.


"Now this is what we are talking about. This armor has been destined for you. Those rags did you no justice. I think someone has just fallen in love with you." She spoke tentatively as she winked at the vektrosian, tilting her head ever so slightly to point out that Elvina had been, in a way, staring upon him. Zael was most confused by such, especially by the wink. What was that supposed to mean? And the topic of love again? Did this woman have nothing else to do than try to couple people? Eventually, Zael finally spoke out to the woman. "Um, i suppose i should thank you for your kindness, lady. Elvina, did you pick something for yourself yet? We'd better get moving soon, we need to visit the blacksmith and the tailor." He spoke to Elvina returning to his dry tone while Martha simply walked off towards the back of the shop, leaving the two alone on purpose, but still throwing a glance behind every few seconds. It would seem that was her usual way.
 
When Zael emerged from behind the curtain, it was as if he had gone back to his predetermined form. One of splendour and undoubted strength. He looked like a warrior. Like a hero straight from a picture book. The sight baffled Elvina. How can someone look such a way so effortlessly? His hair was unwashed, yet it somehow co-existed perfectly with his demeanour. Her eyes fixated on him, and she quickly jerked her head away after Martha’s comment, finding the shoes laid in front of her extremely interesting all of a sudden. She didn’t even need to look at Zael to know what his expression would be. Rather clueless and eager to find the answer to that unfamiliar emotion.


Elvina, did you pick something for yourself yet? We'd better get moving soon, we need to visit the blacksmith and the tailor."


Zael’s voice made her look up after she had picked out a pair of tough, brown leather boots that fit her perfectly. Martha may be prone to inappropriate matchmaking, but she had undeniable talent for her craft.


“I like these.” The girl blurted out, shoving the pair in his face without thinking. The man nodded slowly, suggesting that maybe it would be an idea for her to put the shoes on so they can leave. They dropped to the floor with a small thump and Elvina slipped her feet inside them effortlessly, kneeling down to do them up, the laces bunching tightly against the roof of her foot. Meanwhile, Martha looked on and chuckled to herself at Elvina, who was out of sorts.


“I’m going to thank Martha, excuse me.” She muttered, brushing past Zael in shoes that felt like she had worn for years. There was not the usual rubbing or chaffing that her heels used to endure. They moulded against her feet with a comfortable mount of room to spare. The woman, who was busying herself behind the counter with folding and measuring, looked up upon Elvina’s awkward arrival.


“Thankyou, again.” She simply stated, nodding once. Martha nodded back, a grin expanding on her lips as they exited the shop with another chime from the bell. Elvina was feeling a little flustered. She had been in a relationship before with a boy named Elva. They met at school and bonded because their names sounded similar, which thinking back was a rather unusual reason. Everyone expected them to marry, but he had to move away to find work. Elvina was not particularly sad about his departure. It seemed as though the pressure of marriage discouraged her from pursuing any kind of interest in him. Marriage never appealed to her, but she kept that to herself.


Now they were changed, the stares they got were ones of wonder and awe. Elvina actually quite liked the attention they were accumulating, and smiled at a few passers by who made a special effort to stare when they walked by. Her eyes darted to Zael, seeing if he was reacting in a similar way, although she had not such luck.


“Martha was lovely. The world should have more people like her.” Elvina only but hoped the owners of the blacksmith and tailors were as agreeable.
 
"She bore a strange sadness." The vektrosian concluded in response. "Perhaps the loss of a loved one. Perhaps even worse. You human beings are much more complex than what the standard vektrosian doctrine teaches. I have studied enough about your kind and still have more to find out, but one thing i know is, when one of you suffers a spiritual pain, they try to cover it with wide smiles and good deeds. It doesn't lighten me up as to why one would do so, but i guess it's just the way it works." He walked along Elvina as he nodded in response to the greetings he was receiving from different strangers who gazed upon him and the girl. This time, he made sure to keep his hand apart from hers, to avoid any other confusions that might occur.


The northern part of Skystead was much different from the south. Different workshops were scathered around, each with its own purpose. Outside the alchemy shop, an old man dressed in a plain robe was sitting, admiring the sight as he puffed from his pipe, awaiting for curious persons who would dare enter his shop full of vials and strange potions. Inside the herbalist shop, a young lady was tending to the various plants that were being raised inside, feeding them water and trimming them if needed. The northern part seemed to be the commercial heart of this lovely town. Zael's eyes darted their gaze about as he tried to locate the right workshop. What would a blacksmith shop look like? Just as he was about to shoot the question to Elvina, he finally noticed the sign. A wooden plank with two crossed swords carved carefully into it. That must've been it. Now he could even hear how inside, a hammer was hitting vigorously into metal.


The moment the pair made their entrance into the shop, they were greeted with the sight of a man. A goliat of a man, tall enough to need to bend his back so he could pass through the door. His head was shaved, and his face was, mostly, covered by a thick beard, soaked with the sweat resulted from his hard work. The man wore a leather apron on his bare chest. His hands, wrapped in thick leather gloves, were surely bigger than two fists put together, each. Zael was, in all honesty, amazed by such an encounter. He could have never pictured a man looking so... beastly. However, the most interesting part of this man was the dirty white rag he worn around his head, wrapped and tied at the back. Why would one wear such a thing? The man, who was so far shaping a fiery red piece of metal, placed on the anvil, with the hammer, suddenly stopped hitting it. Slowly, he rose from his bent position, and turned his head around. His face looked worn, and right under his covered eyes, were visible two old and deep scars, as if claws had been cutting through his eyes. He was blind.


"A lady. What a strange presence in my shop." The man blurted out in a raspy voice as he placed down the hammer, and took a heavy step forward just as he turned his head ever so slightly, as if he was gazing to Zael. "Tell me, lad, do you treat her well?"


The vektrosian was at a loss of words. How did this obviously blind man figure there were one guy and a girl in his shop? Was he some sort of magic worker? The naive thought amused Zael. Magic was not real. It was not tangible. But he had to ask away his curiosity. "How did you know i'm with a lady?" The question sounded more than legitimate, but it was met with a light laughter coming from the smith. "She steps as if she walks on thin air, boy, while you, well, i could almost tell you dug some holes into the ground so far. That won't be any help if you try sneaking up on somebody. What can I help you with?"


Zael felt, if all, angered by such a comment. How could a human criticise him? Nonetheless, this wasn't Vektros anymore. He now walked through human territory, and he had to behave. "I... Zask gave me this note for you... told me to give it to you to..." He stopped. He was about to sound as ridiculous as possible. Giving a blind man a note to read? Were humans that stupid? "Read it?" The smith responded with a question, before bursting out into a grunty laughter. "Zask hasn't lost his sense of humor, eh? Alright, i guess i know the story, so let's see what shinies i can give you." The man moved his giant form to the bowels of the shop. The walls were all but adorned with different blades, all sparking in the light of the fire ignited in the forge. Swords, axes, maces, polearms, shields and pieces of plate armor. This man's work was nothing lacking impressive.


"Catch!" The smith warned out loud, and Zael only managed to dodge. A sword swirled through the air and past his ear, only an inch away from cutting a strand of his hair. Its sharp tip stuck with a loud sound into a wooden pillar somewhere behind the vektrosian. Zael was now outraged and confused, and could only blurt out a loud question. "Are you trying to kill us?!?"


The blacksmith responded again with a heavy laughter, followed by words spoken out with a hard to believe nonchalance that would make one question his sanity. "If i was, your lady would be crying o'er your body. You got sharp senses, lad. That's one thing you will be needing. Suppose, you held a sword into your hands before?"


In all honesty, Zael had never used a sword.
 
"If i was, your lady would be crying o'er your body. You got sharp senses, lad. That's one thing you will be needing. Suppose, you held a sword into your hands before?"


By now, Elvina was feeling rather agitated by the comments she was receiving about any potential romance between her and Zael. People had a habit of being very assumptive just because they were of opposing genders. She was sure the man meant well, but any ideas like that were simply incorrect. Perhaps Martha had embarrassed her, which caused her to be defensive. Either way, it didn’t sit right with her.


“I’m not his lady. I belong to myself.” She corrected him gently, knowing that the nature of her comment would have to be communicated in the tone of her voice since he could not visually see her expression. The man’s lips spread into a wide grin, and he bowed his head in apology.


“My apologies. A strong willed woman like yourself deserves a weapon to match.” He remarked while his fingertips skimmed over the display of battle axes. Elvina watched on tensely, a horrible image of him wounding himself on the unapologetic looking blades that adorned the heads of the weapons. The woman walked forward and joined him when he beckoned her over, his hand resting on one battle eaxe in particular. The blade was made of the finest steel Elvina had ever laid eyes on. She watched her head tilt in the reflection which was decorated with intricate engravings that mirrored each other on either side. Elvina simply had to touch it, and she ran her finger across the decoration, feeling the folds and bumps.


“Carved by the kingsmen of Ubbin Falls before they were extinct by they became extinct. A rich merchant town of dwarves, it was. This was one of the only relics left behind. Legend has it that the strength of the kingdom lies within this axe.” His words completely mesmerised the girl, and she hitched it off of the display. It was surprisingly light and easy to manoeuvre, despite the deceiving impression. Just by holding it, she felt powerful. And if her and Zael were to restore justice, such a feeling would be the cornerstone to their quest.


“I’ll take it.” She suddenly exclaimed, feeling as though the man knew that before she even had a chance to speak. His smile was knowing, meaning the energy she felt from the axe was not only tangible to her.


“I believe the weapon chooses the owner. It seems to me the axe chose you for a reason. Perhaps you need to utilise the collective power from Ubbin Falls in order to compensate for a collective loss. Am I correct?” Elvina looked away, her stomach beginning to churn. In response, she simply nodded, and although he could not see, her silence must have spoken volumes. His hands found hers, and he closed her fingers round the handle. “Take it, lass. Use it well.”


Then, he slung a leather holder round the girl, slotting the battle axe into the back of it. It fitted round her body perfectly, as if moulding to her figure. Elvina was never particularly petite, and had always been rather taller than her female counterparts. She was never measured, but she was told she was the same height as her mother, who was just under 5’11”. Although she didn’t quite look like a warrior, she certainly was beginning to feel like one. Her gaze cast to Zael who was still at the doorway, and she couldn’t help but wonder if he felt the same towards her as she did for him, whatever that was. A reluctant magnetism.
 
"C'mere, son." The unnamed blacksmith spoke as he turned to the door, after handing Elvina her weapon. He noticed how Zael remained in place, as if he had been rooted to it. For whatever reason, the implicit command of a vektrosian when two others were speaking was for him to simply remain standing in place until orders of movement arrived. It was in any self respecting vektrosian's way. Taking his eyes from the various weapons displayed, Zael was quick to nod and follow, just as the smith moved away from Elvina towards another corner of the shop, dedicated seemingly to two-handed blades. As Zael approached, the mountain of a man was reaching towards a certain weapon, one that simply did not stand in with the others in the group.


Its blade did not spark, nor did it reflect the light. It was of a dark grey colour. The hilt was black and the design was quite plain, compared to the axe that Elvina had received. The end of the hilt was made, however, out of bronze, and portrayed a strange skull of unknown provenience. Assorted on the black hilt were a few models, made as well out of gold. The handguard was built in such a way that it added to the initial blade as two sharp and dangerous fangs. An interesting piece of work, to say the least. Simple yet complex.


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"You heard the story of the Forgotten Kings?" The blacksmith asked as he picked up the sword with care, running his fingertips against the sharp blade. His skin was thick enough and allowed him to not pay as much attention while doing such a gesture. "This sword has been found in the Tomb Of The Forgotten Kings. It lain broken there. A lad brought it to me, and the moment i touched it, i knew it was no ordinary craft. I tried to remake it to the best of my ability and i honestly feel... it bears a dormant power, sleeping for centuries. There is one missing piece to it. A strange gem. You see this spot?" He placed his finger on the hild, where a golden, round indentation lain. "This is where the gem should lie. It's said that, once complete, this sword gives her wielder powers beyond reckoning. I did not dare put it into the hands of a human. We are easily corrupted beings. And i can tell without looking at you, that you are no human. You see, if the power would get into the wrong hands, many wrong things could happen. The royal guard is a clear example."


The smith extended the sword towards Zael, awaiting for the latter to pick it up. The vektrosian was, however, in clear doubt that the legend was anything more than a mere legend. He did not believe in magic, and the idea of power beyond reckoning through wielding a simple craft made by living hand... it was too ridiculous. However, the curiosity was, again, getting the best out of him and he only found himself touching and grasping the sword. Oddly enough, he could feel a slight vibe echo within him. It was strange, to say the least, but as he touched it, he felt a connection with the piece that he could not deny. Turning his head, he gazed to Elvina, trying to see if she understood what he felt at the moment. He felt, in a way, frightened about this odd connection that he noticed was forming between him and the girl and now, with the strange sword.


The blacksmith set free a content smile before picking the sword back and placing it in a rough leather sheath, which he proceeded to give to Zael. The vektrosian strapped the whole setting to his waist, before speaking out to the kind metal worker. "Thank you for the gifts, Sir. We'll put them to good use." The smith again displayed a smile under his beard, patting Zael on the back with his heavy hand before returning to the anvil. "You two better come back in one piece. Would be a waste if those two weapons would be buried along with you." He spoke out in a joking tone as the two exitted the shop, coming out into the street and leaving behind the same sound they entered to. The sound of the hammer hitting eagerly into the anvil.

 

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Elvina listened to the story that the mysterious blacksmith was telling Zael with great interest. The Tomb of Forgotten Kings.. if he could guess so much so accurately about Elvina’s past, was the same gift being presented here? Could it be, that the tomb was a metaphor for Vektros, a world that humans would hope would soon be forgotten if they stayed defeated for long enough. Whether that was true of not, Elvina could see the connection Zael made with the blades. In his eyes, she could see a flicker of familiarity, despite the accurate assumption he had never wielded such a thing before.


He was satisfied, and after thanking him, they both left, yet his farewell comment rang through the woman’s mind…


"You two better come back in one piece. Would be a waste if those two weapons would be buried along with you."


She took a moment to admire her battleaxe, watching the sun glisten in the fine steel. She felt oddly tempted to run her finger down the blade, which looks desirably smooth and pristine, despite having the power to cut her finger in half. Bringing herself from the thought, she dragged her eyes to Zael, who looked rather majestic in his newfound attire.


“So, what’s your Vetroskian analogy of him, then? Anything my feeble human mind didn’t pick up on?” She asked with a small grin, surprised at her own sarcasm. She just felt content and safe in Skystead. The knowledge that they would soon be leaving wore a hole in her heart. However, she knew it was for the greater good. For her father, above anything else.


While Zael contemplated his answer, the pair began their swift journey to the tailor. The stop that Elvina was, unashamedly, the most looking forward to. Her eyes darted round, the looks and stares becoming more prominent now. So much so, that the little boy that declared himself king upon their arrival ran up to them, stopping them in their tracks.


“Halt!” He squawked, much to Elvina’s delight. “What is your purpose here, warriors?!” He demanded, peering at both of them. Elvina folded her arms and then bowed again, almost so low that her head nearly touched his.


“Here to protect and serve the civillians of Skystead, your majesty. As of now, we are journeying to the tailor in order to find materials that can withstand the intensity of our quest. Do we have your permission to continue?” The child stared up at them both in awe, his chin almost dropping to the floor at Elvina’s regal response. Hero talk settled well with her, and sounded even finer. Zael almost found himself bowing alongside the boy who had done so in order to grant them her wish. Something stewed within the man, a small pull he felt towards the girl who was striding beside him. It was hard to explain, yet he believed the correct term would be ‘allure’. It befuddled his Vetroskian brain, which whizzed urgently at the sensation.


From behind them, the child looked on with a wide grin, pretending to swish an imaginary sword in the wake of their footsteps.
 
"Nothing to say more than... well, he's one passionate man. And don't you believe i have no idea how sarcasm sounds, little lady." Zael responded in a joking tone to Elvina, before the two faced the child. The vektrosian was nothing less of amazed about how careless the young boy seemed and, seeing as Elvina was playing the little guy's game, he decided to slip into it as well, just for the sake of it. Only his mind was now sitting focused on the certain person beside him, making him feel uneasy to say the least. What was happening, anyway? He was beginning to admire her way the more he walked along with her and the more he saw her smile and interact with people. The observations he made upon her were no longer strictly objective.


As the two made their way past the little boy, Zael couldn't help but wonder if all children were so sweet. Most likely, yes. Childhood was an innocent time. The little fellows were more than lucky, they had no worries in the world. It must've been past mid-day by now, the vektrosian assumed as he walked yet along Elvina, silent, his gaze wandering to locate the tailoring shop. What he did not notice, however, was the seemingly elder man approaching in a straight line, right from the other side, opposite from the two. People walking the streets were all but turning around to admire this grey haired, plate armor clad veteran, walking tall. His armor, polished and cared of, was shining in the sun. By the time the man spoke towards Zael specifically, people were already crowding, gathering as if something was about to go down. Pitch black eyes fixed the vektrosian in a way that would make any human being feel uncomfortable. With the specific sound, the veteran's sword was drawn from its sheath.


The immense claymore was now pointed directly towards Zael, making him immediately take a defensive attitude and reach for his own sword. "Weapon at the ready, lad." The man demanded of the mechanical humanoid. It was clear by now that this was an invitation to fight. More and more people were gathering to watch, some even gasping as they saw such. But i have not even an idea how to fight... Zael thought as he eventually executed. His hand caught the hilt of the sword in a tight clutch, and in a moment, he stood with his own sword in hand, trying to find a fitting position of the beginning stance. "I can cut you in half with one move if you stay in that position." The man warned before he swiftly charged, dashing forward. The vektrosian, however, seemed to have remained blocked in the moment, and only in the last second did he react, managing only to take a step back to avoid the sword.


Zael spun around aimless, trying to regain a balanced stance when a plated knee made contact with his stomach, making his body bend from the middle. His feet took a few steps back before he fell flat on his back, the old man sticking the claymore into the ground an inch away from the vektrosian's head. "Get up." The man ordered as he rose his sword again, taking a few steps back to let Zael get back on his feet. What was this all about? It was clear the man was not intending to kill him. Then what was he trying to do? The vektrosian was working to process the information as he hastily stood, picking up his sword. Veteran. The man was the veteran that Zask had mentioned. The man that retreated from the king's service and trained the city guard. He surely must be. But why he was doing this was still unknown to the man of Vektros.


Taking his stance again, Zael took care to modify it a bit, seeing as the first one didn't work, at all. His change met a slight grin from the grey haired man. However, the moment picked up again, the elder charging at Zael without even the fairest of warnings. The heavy claymore fell and cut through the air. The vektrosian tried his best to watch the movement. Bringing his own sword up, he welcomed the claymore with it, the sound resulted from the blades clashing resounding through the air ever so loudly. The content moment was short lived for the vektrosian, and, with the collective gasp of the onwatching crowd, he found again laying flat on his back. "You didn't pay attention to your legs. That means you die. If you want to go out there and fight, you better do watch for all of your body. Get up."


Zael let out a frustrated sigh, as he felt a slight anger rise within him. This human being was embarrasing him in front of everybody. He hoped, however, that Elvina did not have to pass through the same process.
 
The whole interaction between the two men tensed Elvina to her core. On his approach, she knew that he was going to intervene in some way. She could see it in his expression, which held a smug grin, as if he knew the battle had already been won.


"Weapon at the ready, lad."


At first, the demand confused her. Wasn’t Skystead meant to be a peaceful town? Surely any kind of opposition between civillians would be settle in a more dainty and kinder manner. However, the woman also supposed such moral conduct did not rule a veteran that had devoted his life to training the guards, who were summoned to protect such a wonderful place. It was now that Elvina realised how rigourous their training must have been. The rather weary looking man was putting Zael through his paces, something that was not a familiar thing for him, she was adamant of that.


“Those Vetroskian folk view themselves as gods. Ain’t got no time for anyone else but themselves.” Her father spat, pacing back and forth in front of her in deep, conceited thought. “They see themselves as better than us. Above us. Ha, imagine that, child. Who’s better than your own father, eh?” He asked with a grin, ruffling Elvina’s hair fondly.


The memory faded, and a collective gasp from the crowd brought her back to reality. Zael was on the floor by her feet, and she squeezed his arm reassuringly on his rise. O be outwitted by a human, especially in front of a watchful and tense audience, must be mortifying for the man. In that sense, she did not feel sympathetic towards the man. He had to learn in some way that humans were his equal. Hate would not diminish hate, and as dangerous as it was for her to think that, she stubbornly continued.


"You didn't pay attention to your legs. That means you die. If you want to go out there and fight, you better do watch for all of your body. Get up."


The man’s head jerked, and Zael steadily rose again, this time with rosy cheeks, and an angrily sheepish expression. He was being defeated, and he knew it. His opponent, however, seemed not to care. He struck Elvina as a rather unapologetic man, but uplifted good intentions in his methods. Those values were being brutally exemplified here.


“The areas of the body that enemies will go for are your head, to kill you, your arms and legs to disable you, and your stomach, so you bleed out. You got that, lad?” He demanded an answer, and Zael nodded, albeit reluctantly. The man stepped back, actually allowing the Vetroskian to ready himself this time. Then again, he swooped his sword round to the man’s stomach, which was quickly defended with a loud clank that made Elvina wince, along with the remaining spectators.


“That’s more like it!” He wooped with an almost manically excited look in his pitch black eyes. “And again!” He yelled, swinging his weapon towards Zael’s neck this time, eliciting a reverberation of fear from the audience. Thankfully, Zael managed to dodge it, instead fighting back, and swung a blow, which was gladly defended by the competitor. Zael’s bullish expression faltered. Clearly, he was counting on injuring him in order to regain some level of dignity, yet he had no such luck.


“And finally, the neck, to decapitate and slaughter.” He finalised, standing up straight as if to signal the fight was over. “You have work to do, son.” His eyes darted to Elvina, who was watching him closely, wondering if he was to make her endure the same.
 
"Hey you." The unnamed veteran nodded his head towards Elvina, who seemed truly at a loss of words about what was happening before her eyes. "You got the spot right, didn't you? No need to explain it then. However, keep in mind that not all your opponents will attack relentlessly and forget about their guard." The man took a few steps forward, placing himself in a difficult defensive stance. His legs, wide apart, his feet being kicked deep into the dirt. His sword formed a parallel line with the ground below him, and it stood about 20 inches away from his chest. "In this case, you have to first destroy their stance. How you do it? Well, for two handed axes, it's more than simple. Give me the axe." He demanded of Elvina and awaited until the weapon has been placed into his hands. Zael finally took the courage to step closer, yet still throwing angry gazes towards the man that publicly humiliated him.


"You see these?" He placed his metal gloved fingered upon curves of the axe, gently running it down as if he caressed his beloved. "Use this as a hook. When you are faced with the stance, simply hook the sword and jerk heavily. The wrists of the other won't withstand the move and will give in. You can literally disarm the attacker. Same goes for shields. This is a dirty trick i teach you, but you know, in love and war, anything is allowed. Aslo, don't fear kicking dust or mud into their eyes and also, hitting... sensitive spots." He grinned in a plotting manner towards the girl. "Too bad i can't take you two into an extended training session. But i have the feeling that together, you will succeed where others have failed. Don't dissapoint me."


The man placed the axe back into Elvina's hands before, sheathing his own sword, he paced away. No words of farewell were given, nor any other directions. This was, by far, the strangest encounter of the day. Zael was still baffled and indignated about how this old man destroyed his pride with nothing near big an effort. Seeing as, Elvina had placed her axe back upon her person, he quickly tried to distract himself from the thoughts as he shifted his gaze around yet again, trying his best to locate the tailoring workshop. The crowd of people was already dispersing, having enjoyed the little show that has been put.


"Bloody human being." Zael finally muttered in frustration, just as his gaze picked the plate on which was marked the shop he was looking for. The vektrosian was nearly shaking in anger and shame. However, he discovered oddly how Elvina's presence in his proximity was making it feel much easier for himself to handle. Strange, indeed. Proceeding to catch her hand yet again in an unthought act, Zael took his steps towards the shop. He hoped, for the best, that whoever was inside hasn't seen aything. Although, there were small chances of that, probably the whole town has. As he and Elvina finally entered, they were immediately greeted by the welcoming air of such a place. As in any other shop, the carefully sewn dresses, gowns and pieces of clothing were displayed impeccable.


Zael felt something brush against his leg, and for a second, had the impulse of kicking. However, gazing downwards, he found himself staring in the eyes of a fluffy, black cat. The little animal swished its tail slowly, circling his leg and rubbing its head against it. Yes, indeed, human beings like keeping pets, the vektrosian noted just as the beautiful cat moved on to Elvina, repeating the process of rubbing against her legs.


"Good day, darlings." And elderly feminine voice greeted the pair, as the shopkeeper emerged from a room that had entrance behind the counter. The seamstress was a petite and frail elder lady. By Zael's appreciation, she must've been somewhere around her 60s. Her wrinkled face was, however, full of joy as she saw her new clients. Dry, wrinkled lips and cheeks pulled into a warm, welcoming smile as she beckoned the two to approach the counter. "What can I help you with? You want a cup of tea while you tell me?"


"Um... no, actually... Zask sent us." Zael spoke up, trying to be as polite as possible. "Miss Elvina here, she is in need of a new dress, and Zask told us to visit you."
 
"Too bad i can't take you two into an extended training session. But i have the feeling that together, you will succeed where others have failed. Don't dissapoint me."


Elvina’s breath caught in her throat, the prospect of training with this mysterious man was tempting, and would definitely have endless benefits. She’d never been in physical combat before, in fact, the closest she had come was tackling a boy to the ground at school when he was dared to lift up her dress. He went home with a swollen lip. The memory was remembered fondly. However, Zael seemed to have other ideas, and was constantly in a hurry to get to the next destination, much to Elvina’s dismay when the old veteran faded from sight down the hill that they were both striding up.


The girl’s eyes were fixed behind her, but she swivelled her head round when Zael’s strong hand clasped around hers for the second time today. Her eyes gazed at them, and then up at his face which was fixated on the tailor shop that was rapidly approaching at such a pace. It seemed to be natural instinct for him.. or perhaps a method of comfort, since his disgruntled comment about the fight displayed obsolete humiliation. It made the woman’s lips quirk up into a small smile, and she had to stop herself from chuckling aloud. Externally, Zael looked as though he could slaughter thousands of men in a single movement. His whole physicality and demeanour emphasised strength and power, yet when it balled down to being in direct combat, he was an inexperienced as she was. It made her think of them as equals, in a small way. Although she would never consider herself to be below him in any shape or form.


Elvina decidedly said nothing, letting his wounded ego heal in silence, also not wanting say anything else that would embarrass him more. She had a bad habit of being pedantic, she never saw it in herself, but others were not hesitant to point it out.


The tailor was a rather small shop, and was even more belittled in her eyes after seeing the size of the previous places who had tended to them. Both her and Zael ducked a little when entering to avoid any other blows to their body that would come in the form of the entry and exit bell knocking against their foreheads with an annoyingly adorable chime.


The owner was equally as lovable. She reminded Elvina of the grandmother she never head. Someone who spent her elder years knitting for her grandchildren with this simply delightful cat pandering round her feet. Upon seeing it, Elvina’s hand slipped from Zael’s, and she knelt down to coo and gush over it, much to the feline’s delight who was purring and wandering round her. Zael never understood the instant rapport humans could find with animals, but it certainly looked enjoyable.


“They’re charming! What’s it’s name?” Elvina asked with a wide grin, brushing past Zael’s request of the woman who was now placing down a small bowl of food next to the cat, who took no time in planting their mouth straight into it.


“He’s called Gatsby. Been in the family for longer than I have.” She remarked with a fond smile while she watched the two of them roll round on the floor together. Suddenly, the elderly woman turned to Zael and clasped her hands together. “A dress for your sweetheart, of course. I shall let you choose the first dress, think of it as a test of how well you know her.” She added with a cheeky grin, glancing at Elvina who was too busy with Gatsby to even register what was being said. This assumptive behaviour kept occurring, but Zael supposed he had no right to be surprised anymore, considering they arrived hand in hand, for reasons Zael could not specify.
 
"My... sweetheart?" Zael asked, baffled now by the sudden change. While Elvina seemed to have no actual worry in the world, playing with Gatsby on the floor, the vektrosian was now asked to pick her dress for her? What in the whole world was going on? The elder woman meant no harm, it was obvious, but she was the third person in that day to mistake and assume that he and Elvina's approach was of romantic nature. He was doing his best to contain the whole page of comments he had to address to the persons who made these assumptions, but again, he simply remained at sighing in slight stress.


But choosing a dress for her? That was something that must've been a joke. It had to be a joke. However, the granny all but dragging him towards the wall that had on display most of the dresses told him it was no joke. "Come on, dear, be a gentleman and pick what you think would fit her the best. After all, you're the one who will be seeing her the most." "But I..." Zael tried to protest, but was silenced immediately by the elderly woman. "No such thing as but, here, darling. It can't be really hard now, can it?" She spoke before slipping away to her duties, leaving the vektrosian all alone before the wall full of dresses. How was he going to do it?


With a soft sigh, however, he began scanning the dresses. It has to be combat effective and pretty at the same time. Getting her a too long dress will eventually lead up to her stumbling into it if she needs to run. Or not? Ugh... but... doesn't it have to match to the color of her eyes? Does it? Does it? I should probably ask her but... He gazed down as he continued thinking. ... but she's too busy with that kitty. Seems i have to pick it myself. He eventually concluded as he tried to measure Elvina with his eyes. He needed an approximation of how big the dress should be. Finally deciding upon a certain measure which was, by no coincidence, the right one, he began scanning the dresses that fit into the numbers.


His gaze hovered over the materials, and he began pacing back and forth, checking each material from the rolls exposed for whoever wished to buy raw materials for sewing their own pieces, then comparing them to the materials the dresses were made of. Soon enough, he found himself much more busy than the seamstress herself, who, with a sly smile, checked his pacing from time to time. "Satin, silk, cloth..." He mumbled deepened in thoughts as he stopped before a row of dresses which he picked and moved to his liking. "If it's going to rain, the dress should have a hood." He mused again before eliminating all the dresses that did not have a hood. "The color... um..."


Minutes passed by as he stared at the few dresses left after his rigorous pickings, when suddenly, he extended his hand and picked a beautiful blue silk dress. The dress was long enough, but not so long to reach the ground. It was made of silk and it had incorporated a small corset. Returning with the piece to the seamstress, he placed it before her eyes. "This one."
 
The elderly woman busied herself with making tea, despite Zael’s rejection of her offer, and hummed softly to herself from behind the counter. On the wall behind her were a few hooks with dainty teacups, each decorated with what looked to be hand painted flowers. Perhaps it was a quaint hobby of hers. It wouldn’t be surprising. The soft flop of material on the counter behind her made the old lady turn round, and her eyes sparkled at the sight of the dress.


“An excellent choice.” She grinned eagerly at the man before her, and lifted up the dress to inspect the measurements, her eyes darting to Elvina who was dangling a small piece of loose thread above Gatsby while he leapt up and pawed at the material, much to her delight and endless amusement. “The measurements seem to be spot on, too! You must know her awfully well.” She cooed over Zael, reaching up and patting his cheek, which almost made him freeze on the spot. Her fingers were worn down, but soft against his newly red cheek. The woman looked over to Elvina, hating to bring her away from her new companion, but cleared her throat to get the girl’s attention. Elvina looked up, suddenly distracted, much to Gatsby’s approval who seized the opportunity to capture the thread and entangle it between his paws. Meanwhile, Elvina’s eyebrows shot up to her temples.


She rose and made her way to the dress, looking over the ribbon corset with a proud smile.


“He chose it for you. I’m surprised, I have to say.” The woman remarked with a chubby smile, looking between Zael, who offered a small, yet grudging smile, clearly looking rather perplexed, to Elvina who posed quite the opposite expression, simply grinning at Zael and his sheepish attitude.


“Oh believe me, no-one is as surprised as I am.” She responded with a slight giggle. Taking the dress from the woman with immense care, she was showed to a small changing room which was cornered off at the left hand side of the room. Taking the dress with her, she shut herself into the rather restrictive space and began to change. The ordeal took a few minutes, and she came back out with the dress on (which fitted just as Zael had imagined, not that he had imagined it, but for completely practical reasons, he had to, of course.) The only thing missing was the ribbon was still loose at the front of the dress, which the owner rushed over to do up tightly, tying a small bow at the bottom to hold the structure together. After, Elvina walked up to the full length mirror that was leaning against the opposite wall, admiring how the bottom of the dress swished happily just above her ankles. Everything about it was perfect. It pleasing to the eye, but more importantly, easy to move in. The material also seemed durable, and the hood implied it could endure more disagreeable weathers.


The old woman balled her hands under her chin and looked on at Elvina like a mother seeing her daughter in her wedding dress for the first time, then looked to Zael expectantly, still under the impression that they were romantically involved.


“You’re a lucky fellow.” She simply said, only to him so Elvina couldn’t hear her.
 
When Elvina went out dressed, Zael couldn't help but wonder, was she indeed a human? Her beauty was beyond the human limits, and in all honesty, she looked as if she has been designed in Vektros, where all people were striving to be perfect. For the minute she admired herself in, he couldn't utter a word. He came back into his senses, however, when the old, yet unnamed lady spoke to him tentatively about how he was a lucky fellow. He still couldn't quite understand why everyone assumed what was obviously wrong, that they were a romantically involved couple, but at least... at least he could feel proud. For whatever reason.


"I... i'm glad you like it." He finally spoke up towards Elvina, thus ceasing the strange silence that befell the scenery. He couldn't simply take his eyes off her, and acknowledging this made him feel awkward, to say the least. "You look excellent... A-anyhow, we should get going. Zask still has to tell me that story of the vektrosian. That's our starting point, isn't it?" He immediately pulled away from the awkward situation, seeking, almost desperately, an escape from this whole sweet trap. However, the old lady was not done yet with the two, and as a result, the next course of action from her was catching Zael's hand and throwing a small grin.


"What sort of old woman would I be if i let you go without something more? Here, let me fetch these." She spoke as she then moved back to the counter with a speed that wouldn't be so characteristic to her age. For a second, she simply dived under the wooden structure and started shuffling, searching for whatever she wished to give them. Not long was it until she emerged victorious with two carefully sewn cloth backpacks. The packs had enough small pockets to stock little things within, and were also wide enough to carry a considerable amount of items. She placed each of the packs in Zael's and Elvina's hands, upholding the same elderly warm smile. "Here, you take these, and store whatever you need in them. I'm sure they will be of much use to you, darlings."


Zael was now at even a bigger loss of words. He wished he would just let Elvina speak, but he felt the need to, since he kept on his mind that they were taking way too long. It was way past mid-day, and they were still wasting time through town while the king's men did gods knew what. "Thank you, M'am." He finally spoke for himself and Elvina, displaying a wide and well mimicked smile. "Thank you for your kindness. We'll make good use of your craft." He felt again Gatsby rubbing against his leg. The little thing seemed to have anticipated their departure. He only casted a gaze downwards and spoke as if to a human being. "Bye bye to you too, little guy."


The old woman nodded in return, and went as far as to embrace both Zael and Elvina before they left. For Elvina, the gesture might've seemed familiar, but for Zael, it was, once more, something way strange and confusing. He noted it within his mind and he kept the word that came with it. "Good luck." He made the connection. Taking Elvina by the hand yet again, he proceeded to exitting the shop. The sight did not change way too much. The little boy that they've met twice so far was, from what one could see, in the blacksmith's shop, watching awestruck as the mountain of a man crafted yet one more of his famous pieces. It was time to get back to the inn.


Upon arrival, the vektrosian and the human girl were immediately greeted by Zask, who prepared, again, three tankards of ale. The place didn't seem any less crowded than earlier, many of the figures present then being also present now, some, more drunk than others. However, everyone's spirits seemed to be raising when the pair entered the inn, because by now, everyone knew they were facing the soon to be heroes of the entire Drenethar. As they sat at the table with Zask, Zael didn't waste a moment into shooting the question. "Listen, Zask, we need a starting point in all this. Now, Ol' Varas mentioned a story about a vektrosian outcast who sought refuge amongst humans somewhere here, and about how he traded away immortality for a decent human life. Is that true?"


"Well, of course it is, son." The innkeeper responded after taking a big gulp of ale. "Everyone old enough has met Taryk. He came upon these lands about 50 years ago, looking for a place to stay in. At the time, my father was the owner of the inn. The moment i saw 'im come in through the door, i knew he's not one of us. Time's passed, and despite the fact that not many people liked him, he stayed with us. He learned to be human. As for now, well, now he lives secluded in a hut, somewhere past the Winterblade Pass. Don't exactly understand for what reasons he hid himself that up high, but if you wanna see 'im, you might have a chance to. The Pass is north way of here, but the thing is, Skarvald village is up in there. Men of the North. They're not a trusting kind of people, so you'll need to help us so you can get safe pass. We trade with the people there. We give them fish and they give us furs. I'll need you to deliver the fish to them and take the fur. What do you say?"
 
Well, if Zael felt as though he could speak for her, and then whisk her out of the tailor before she could even summon a goodbye, then Elvina was certain she could do the same to him.


"What do you say?"


Zael looked to the woman with a deliberating expression, yet she took no notice. Grabbing the tankard with both hands, she steadied it and then took a long gulp from it, just for a bit of dutch courage. Straight after, she nodded her head urgently, ignoring the ball of air that was bubbling up her throat, threatening to burst out her mouth.


"We'll do it. You have our word." She quickly responded, before clasping her lips together tightly until the ball of air deflated in her stomach. Zask grinned proudly and sat back.


"Then it's settled. You leave at dawn tomorrow, for now, you can stay here and make yourself comfortable. Also, get some sleep, the journey can be pretty gruelling." He added on as if he was speaking from experience. Elvina wouldn't be surprised. He was probably giddy that he didn't have to make the journey himself. "We have food, ale and shelter, what more could you want?!" He cheered, eliciting a similar sound from the more drunk customers, who lazily raised their tankards in response.


Jeering quietly, he got to his feet, albeit a little clumsily and wandered to he bar, where just behind hung a board with a number of keys dangling from various hooks, all with a number sloppily painted on them. Overall, there were only around 5 of them, meaning the inn didn't have much in the way of vacancies. They were lucky to get one, although they would also take priority, inside ring their purpose for being here.


"You can 'ave number 2. Not too shabby, not too fancy." He yelled from behind the wooden counter, chucking the heavy key onto the table with a loud thud. "Stairs right up there." He added on, and jabbed his thumb to the small door behind him. Meanwhile, Elvina had taken quite a liking to this ale that she was being fed. Her fingers grasped round the tankard and she polished it off with easing bother. She was getting used to the smell and taste. Whether that was a good thing or not was undecided.


"Ladies first." She said, gesturing to the door for Zael, who peered back at her with confusion. Using a joke on him was wasted breath, but Elvina was determined to teach him how to understand sarcasm at some point. Her eyes rolled in her sockets. "It's sarcasm. Just go first." She did however, smile widely at him, almost fondly. His inability to recognise such things made him seem weirdly charming to her. Again, that being a good or a bad thing, was also yet to be thought upon.


----------------------------


Zask had been right about the room. It was quite big, probably one of the biggest, and had two single beds that lay next to each other. The decor was not something to be complimented, or rather the lack of decor, but it was nice enough. Just as she had done since a small child, Elvina jumped up and landed on the bed with a few small bounces that echoed through the mattress. It was plump, and instantly made her feel exhausted. She hadn't realised how tired she would be, but it all caught up with her like a bag of stone.


But first, she had to inspect her injuries. Both of them had accustomed a rather extensive collection since escaping from Exton, and her back throbbed a little, along with her left arm, and the side of her right thigh. Aside from that, she had a small number of cuts that had made themselves a home during the fall they both took, in which Zael ended up huddling behind a boulder, just before Varas offered them sanctuary. While in the tailor, she had a brief moment to inspect them, but not as much as she thought necessary.


With a small, almost reluctant sigh, she forced herself from the comfort of the bed and to the mirror that was hitched against the wall next to Zael's bed. Facing herself, she sat down and lifted her dress a little so she could inspect the sickly bruise that had formed on her thigh. Of course, Zael's injuries had healed long ago. That was a power she did not possess. She wondered if he even felt pain in the first place. She on the other hand, definitely did, and when she touched her fingertips to the edges of the mark, that humane fact was clarified to her in the most painful way.
 
He watched with interest as she checked herself in the mirror, immediately picking up the grumble of pain she let out as soon as she touched her wounds. Pain. Human beings felt it. Of course, vektrosians did, too, but in a much different way. Not knowing what exactly what to do, he eventually proceeded to approaching Elvina and, placing his hand gently on her shoulder, he spoke in the silence. "Hey, let me see how bad it is." However, he did not await a response before he lowered himself, an act he would have never thought he'd do for a human. Kneeling was the only comfortable way, so he simply chose it. After all, he wasn't in Vektros any longer, so why would it matter?


Lifting her leg gently, he then focused his attention on the bruise, inspecting it just like a doctor. Elvina's luck was that every Vektrosian was educated in such, for purposes unknown, since their systems self healed. A few apparently incoherent mumbles and low spoken blabbering accompanied the examination as Zael placed his index finger at the periphery of the wounded zone, and followed a trail around it. He documented within his mind every single portion and broke it into fragments. "Well..." He came speaking after about a minute's wait. "... I think I can fix it." He looked her up in the eyes with a reassuring smile. " What you are about to witness is, well, one of the special gifts of the vektrosians."


Still holding her leg up, he used his free hand and brought it above the wounded zone, with the palm downwards. The silence stretched as he seemed to be focusing. His eyes sparked a strange light, catching life as his hand began emanating a strange warmth, and a glow arose underneath his palm, the same sort of glow that his eyes held. His body, however, was vibrating ever so lightly, yet intense, as the heat emanated by his hand increased. Elvina experienced only a sensation of relief that became ever so familiar the more the process was extending. Zael would not admit, but he felt an ongrowing strain as he was consuming his energy on healing Elvina's wound. Eventually, her pain would cease as the glow of his palm died out, and, as he moved his hand away, he revealed to her the place that now had no wound any longer.


As if nothing had happened at all, the vektrosian stood. The strain within him was manifesting like a torment, and he simply felt the need to sit down on his own bed. This moment was the strangest, yet. He has never shared the room with a female, let alone a human one. But he didn't bother to ask further. The strain was too heavy for such. Silently, the man laying on his back in the bed, only bothering to take off his boots before doing so. As he stared up into the ceiling, he thought. He thought of the day to come and of the many adventures that he was going to go through with the human girl that he felt, in a way now, connected to. Veils of darkness engulfed his mind as he slipped into inactivity, his systems shutting down just like a human's sleep. As long as he was away from the Heart Of Creation, he needed it.
 
Elvina had only witnessed this skill once before, and even then she had never actually seen the process unfold before her own eyes. To actually see it carried out on her own injuries was something she'd never forget. The bruise faded in a peaceful sort of way, and the girl braced herself for a sharp sensation of pain. Surely something like this would hurt? Seemingly not. In fact, she didn't feel hardly anything. Just light spread of relief across her once irritated skin. Suddenly, it was as if nothing had ever happened. Her skin was good as new. It felt rejuvenated.


Her eyes darted from her healed thigh to Zael, and she looked I to his eyes just as he had done. Breath was summoned, and she went to thank him, but he seemed otherwise occupied. Standing now, he made his way silently to his bed. All of a sudden, he looked drained. Perhaps the healing was the cause? Elvina could only assume so. She rose, almost simultaneously and wandered over to his bed in which the man lay undisturbed. His black locks were splayed out behind his resting head, and Elvina stood just as quietly next to him, peering down at him with a small smile. It was strange to see him sleeping, or recharging was probably the more accurate word.


A tentative hand reached out to his face, but a small thump of a door closing opposite made her jerk it away with a start, her breath catching in her throat as if she had been caught red handed for something. Alas, she was just being paranoid. Her attention turned back to Zael, and she locked her outstretched hand against her spare one behind her back, resting them both against the comfort of her dress.


"What am I doing.." She muttered to herself softly, swiftly turning on her heel and retreating to her own bed, which lay not 6 feet away from his. This may seem silly, but the fact he physically lowered himself to her level to help her meant a lot. She was sure that Zael must have a conflicting storm raging in the works about emotions he's feeling. Emotions which are alien to him, but are becoming ever so forceful. At least, that's how it seemed to her. Who knows what that man was thinking. When Elvina settled into the comfort of her bed, she looked over at him by the soft candlelight, considering her own question. She certainly didn't. But she felt she knew more than most. That night, she fell into a deep and well needed slumber by the fading light, that eventually went out within the simmering hour.


-------------------------


The following morning, Zael woke first. His inner workings had reminded him of his duties for the day, quirking the man's eyes open at an appropriate time. At first, he was if hotly disorientated, but his senses found him quick enough, and he immediately looked to Elvina, who had not batted an eyelid since the seduction of sleep had tempted her i to it's arms. Not unlike Elvina, Zael had never seen her so relaxed. She was lying on her back with her head delicately tilted to the side, her brow not furrowed for the first time in what seemed like years. Furthermore, the man noted how graceful she appeared, with her hair brought round to one side, curling over the beginnings of her shoulder.
 
As soon as the first rays of sun appeared, the vektrosian's system was aware, and immediately began starting up. His eyes popped open, however, before the rest of his senses were fully awakened. For a mere second, he felt as if he awakened within a dead carcass. More than strange, he did not feel the light buzzing of his awakening core. No, something was absolutely strange. Not only that he did not feel his core awakening, he felt, in all honesty, as he had no core. He felt light and hollow, as if somebody eviscerated him of his insides. His palms touched his own upper torso in examination as he felt quite confused of what was happening. For first, he did not even know exactly what was it. Assuming it might just be his mind playing tricks, Zael proceeded to stand up.


Just as he assumed, Elvina was still sleeping, closed away into the world of dreams. The first intention the vektrosian had was of awakening her from the slumber, however, he stopped just an inch away from touching her when he ran his gaze upon her face. She was so... flawless. The light reflecting on her face gave her an angelic complexion which he could not deny, was making him feel weak in the knees. But why? He was a man of Vektros. Feelings were what every vektrosian was denied, a tabu of his society. Feelings were for weak beings, and only humans were weak. Why would he, out of all, start feeling? No. For sure they weren't feelings. Elvina gave him that sensation because she simply looked familiar, she looked like one of his kind. Nothing more.


He felt, at the same time, the urge to touch her. He extended his hand just close enough to her face, perplexed by the way he was hypnotised. He felt her breath against his palm and seeing as she did not seem to acknowledge his presence, he carried on. A corner of her mouth, however, moved as she was still sleeping. As if burnt by the heat of a fire, or caught in a shameful act, Zael retracted his hand just as he was about to place his thumb on her soft cheek. You're completely lost, his mind told him as he forced himself into actually proceeding to wake her up. He placed a hand on her shoulder and ever so gently pushed her. Once, twice, he watched as she responded with nothing more but sleepy grumbles followed by her burying her face into the pillow.


"Elvina... wake up." He spoke in a low tone as he continued harrassing her sleep, receiving the same response over and over again. How was he even going to wake up the human being?
 
Ascot’s bleary face loomed down at the girl who was still cowering beneath his stark like lanky body. From the back of his throat sounded a dry chuckle, that triumphed against Elvina’s pathetic yelp when her heel booted against his leg. The movement was swift, and would be a crippling hit, but instead it made her foot burn with an indescribable pain. Her eyes widened, and she tossed and turned under Ascot’s watchful gaze in pure agony. The feeling inflamed to her chest, her arms, her mind, and seared through every vein that made up her strewn body. Carelessly, a foot nudged her side, causing her to roll onto her back and stare at whoever was now kneeling next to her. Her face was unrecognisable, yet Elvina was unable to drag her gaze from the woman’s own stance, who stared straight through into her mind. Brown locks of hair bounced down around her face, curtaining them both from Ascot who vanished from sight with a roar off distain. The sound, however, did not phase her.


“Elvina..” The woman said clearly to the girl, who by this point was violently twitching and convulsing. Hearing her say her name sounded so familiar, but she could not think why. “Listen to me.. you have to find me..” Her words rang through Elvina’s ears, soothing her aching body to a degree that made being alive seem tolerable. Her wide eyes glared up at the woman’s, who remained confusingly calm and composed. “Promise me you’ll seek me out. Look in the right place and I will be found.” She spoke again, before leaning down and pressing a small kiss to her forehead. Suddenly, she felt herself being pulled away from the unnamed woman, who was fading before her eyes. The sight panicked her. She was the only refuge in this wretched life, it seemed.


------------------------------


"Elvina... wake up."


It was a dream. For gods sake, it was a blasted dream. Elvina’s eyes fluttered open, and she stared up t Zael who was gently shaking her shoulder. Casting her mind back to the dream, she felt it slipping away as soon as she regained consciousness.


“I need a quill and parchment.” Were her first urgent words. Whipping the duvet off her she retreated from the comfort of her bed and ran to the desk that lay opposite, grabbing the quill that was slumbering in the inkpot she began to frantically write on the parchment that was being pinned by her fist to the rooky wood. She scribbled down basic details of the dream- the expected abuse from Ascot, the woman who comforted her, and the exact words that she uttered from her angelic mouth.


When satisfied, the girl folded the parchment and slipped it into the front of her dress. Now that she had the information, she felt ready to go. Turning to Zael, who looked a little perpleced, she felt as though she should offer some sort of context.


“I had a dream.” She declared, only realising how obvious that sounded a few moments later. “Um.. Ascot was there and I tried to defend myself, but it felt like he had set my body alight. Then this..” She took a moment to compose herself, gulping down the air that she hastily inhaled. “This woman helped me. She soothed me and told me to find her. She told me if I looked in the right places then she’d be found.” She muttered while grabbing her battleaxe and hoisting it over her shoulder and back, until it clattered comfortably in it’s usual position. “I know it doesn’t make much sense, but I felt like I’d seen her before.” Her head shook momentarily. “I guess you wouldn’t understand what I’m feeling. I know emotions aren’t exactly encouraged.” It sounded like a bitter thing to say, but it was frustrating knowing that although she could share this with Zael, he would never truly be able to empathise. “Anyway, I think it was a sign of some sort. Foreshadowing, maybe.” By this point, she was discussing the dream to herself. But she simply could not shake the feeling that she knew this woman.


“It’s impossible to imagine new faces, El. Everyone you see in your dreams, you see in real life. Maybe just passing them by in the marketplace, but I can assure you, if you’ve so much as glanced at them, they’ll be stuck in your dreams from that moment on.”


He had his faults, but Elvina believed every word her father said. Well, near enough anyway.


“It’s probably nothing.” She mumbled, feeling a little embarrassed at her outburst, which seemed to be simmering down as her dream began to increasingly evaporate from her powers of recollection.
 
"Where's the hurry?" He asked, truly startled by her more than abnormal reaction. He watched baffled and perplexed as she moved and sat at the small table, writing down something ever so fast, then tucking it neatly into her bossom. She went on to answer his question lately, the answer leaving him even more confused. Did she really believe something was going on just because she had a dream? Oh, humans and their superstitions. For him, all that she'd told him was just the product of a burdened mind. Nothing more. Anyhow, he proceeded to shrugging it off, not bothering to give it any more thought. It wasn't as if it would matter. By the sounds downstairs, it seemed like the patrons were already up and about. It was time for the pair to step down and take the way out of town.


As they left the chamber and descended down the stairs, they were immediately greeted by, surprisingly, all of the people that they have been meeting the previous day. Martha, the leatherworker, the blind blacksmith, the old seamstress and even the strange, old as well, veteran that confronted them. "Well, here they are." Zask spoke out loud, causing everybody to turn the attention towards Zael and Elvina. Such a strange departing gathering. Zael and Elvina stopped before the four people that were now standing in line, awaiting them. The first to step out of the line was the seamstress, who had in her hands two small packages. "I made you something to eat on the road, children. Don't think you'll get out of here without it." She smiled in that elderly mischievious manner as she moved behind them and placed the packages in their bags. The old, and strangely, yet unnamed woman then appeared again before them and, just like the previous day, embraced each of them with the warmth of a veritable mother.


"Good luck. Return well." She whispered to each of them before stepping back. The second to speak up was the blacksmith. His big, heavy hands fell on Zael and Elvina's shoulders, almost pushing them halfway down as he let out a stone smile. He wasn't the man to get emotional, as it seemed. "Well... i don't know what i can tell you aside from... don't die. I'm sure you will be doing good. Farewell." He nodded before letting Martha take her goodbye. "Well, dears, i suppose we won't be seeing each other for a long time. Here's to hoping you will return safe and sound. Oh, and also." She presented the two with a packed fur. "It's quite cold in the mountains where you're heading. This should do if you need to sleep outside." She proceeded to placing the fur into Zael's backpack. It was quite big and now, his backpack looked oddly loaded. Good for him he did not feel the weight of it.


"Keep the heads of your enemies, kids. Those are your trophies, proof of your devotion in battle. Nothing like having your sworn enemy's death stare to gaze at everyday." The veteran spoke, much to the surprise of the others at the kind of barbarities he depicted. He simply fell silent afterwards, not even uttering a word of goodbye or anything of the sorts. Zask immediately intervened to make the strange moment fade. "Alright. then i suppose this is it. Skarvald is at about 2 days of travel by carriage, to the north." He said as he led the two outside, where a small carriage led by two beautiful black horses awaited. "There's the fish. I suppose you know how to ride a carriage, right?"


And now, Zael all but turned his gaze to Elvina, for he had no absolute idea about how a carriage was to be led.
 
Being encouraged and supported in such a continuous, positive fashion. In fact, trars welled up in her eyes, but she forced herself to act more controlled. Never had she been so welcomed in all her life. Her feelings validated, and collectively viewed as a fact, not just some hysterical phase, as her uncle had so lovingly put it.


"There's the fish. I suppose you know how to ride a carriage, right?"


Zael looked at Elvina a in a subtle panic, but she smiled reassuringly, and turned her attention to Zask. She wasn’t surprised he didn’t know how to ride a carriage, but thankfully, she was taught from a young age. She often accompanied her father on his weekly trip to the marketplace. It was a good excuse to get away from the hub of Exton.


“I know how. It’s been a while, but it’s instinctive.” She reminded him, hoping she sounded more confident than she felt. Trips like that with her father dwindled when she got to the age of sixteen. Apparently it was deemed as inappropriate at such an age. Elvina never understood the logic, or rather lack of, behind that. In response, Zask smiled broadly and showed them out into the street, where the carriage was waiting for them. The back was loaded with piles of fish. Elvina didn’t recognise any of them. Fish was something she had never eaten. It wasn’t for people like her. She looked over the supplies almost enviously, but thought of the food package that sat comfortably in her bag dulled the jealously down. Homemade was unbeatable, after all.


Elvina was the first to approach the carriage, and hoisted herself up onto the drivers seat, which was long enough for around three people to fit. After settling down, she jerked her head in a motion to get Zael to join her.


“You’re not sitting back with the fish. You’ll stink by the time we arrive.” She remarked with a small grin, in surprisingly high spirits despite the early morning. The streets were deserted, and a hazy fog blanketed to air around her. It was calming, and the chill of the morning air was refreshing. Her stomach was undeniably bubbling with nerves for the journey ahead, and she allowed the calm atmosphere help her unwind. The carriage shook in response to Zael hoisting himself up, and Elvina spoke under her breath, only to him.


“I hope you have faith in me. I haven’t driven one of these things in years.” From that, Zael stared at her doubtfully, but Elvina simply grinned and whipped the horses into action, who set off with a start. From the window of one of the neighbouring houses, the small boy who she recognised to be the same child who had declared himself king upon their arrival, watched on hopefully through his bedroom window. From behind the glass, he saluted proudly, and Elvina returned it with just as much pride. This quest wasn’t just for her and Zael, it was for humankind. Behind the scenes, there were whole villages like Skystead who were counting on them to succeed. The thought burdened Elvina’s conscious in a needed, yet pressurising way. The consequences were literally a matter of life or death. All of a sudden, she felt highly unprepared.


“Do you think we can do it?” She suddenly piped up, yet not taking her eyes off the road ahead. Forcing herself to turn her gaze to Zael, she peered at him with a troubled expression. Since the two had joined forces, the probability of them actually succeeding had never been discussed.
 
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