“Where are you from?”

  Arclan couldn’t have asked this question in a more casual tone even if he tried. It was a trivial question, the weight of which usually wouldn’t even be able to compare to a pebble. And yet, this pebble managed to stir the dirt beneath the waters. There was a moment where both stared at each other in dead silence, and the crackling of the campfire was the only indication that time was still flowing. In reality, not even a second passed until Marianne decided to speak.

  “Your ability is truly unpleasant.” She said it casually, with a composed smile, yet it felt like she spat out those words with venom.

  “Unfortunately, this doesn’t answer my question at all.” The unfazed voice of a child spoke with a curtness that clashed with the sweet tone it was initially going for.

  “It’s a place that you’re likely unfamiliar with.“ She gave the most straightforward response she could muster. The response was meaningless, after all, and they both knew it.

  ?Good enough!“ He spoke with that same childish voice but with an expression of glee that fit the state he was portraying, unlike before. That didn’t make it any less uncomfortable, though.

  ?Well then, you at least confirmed that you know something about my origins.“ The smug smile on his face implied that she should be grateful for this “act of kindness,” but she felt nothing but distaste for how he proudly displayed the advantages he held in this conversation over her head. She wouldn’t let that show on her face despite the pointlessness of such an effort.

  ?In that case, I want to ask, what do you know about me?“

  ?A straightforward question. I like it!“ “He flapped his wings as though they were a gesture, similar to humans clapping their hands.

  ?I’d prefer an answer to my question than empty compliments.“

  ?Sheesh, talk about cold! You did satisfy my curiosity, so I might as well.“ He stood up and began to pace around the campfire. The way he moved his legs, stumbling and wobbling, came across as childish and sluggish.

  ?You’re what people refer to as a Rooted. I’ll be blunt. I don’t know much about your kind. Most of the races, humans included, don’t even know you exist.“ He continued to move around in a manner that could almost be seen as dancing.

  ?You don’t say…“ She pondered for a while, unsure of how trustworthy his information, which so far isn’t helpful in the slightest, is.

  ?What little I know about them is mostly based on hearsay, but you confirmed some things for me.“ Suddenly, he stopped moving, standing right in front of her.

  ?But I’d like to keep them to myself for now.“ There it is again—that infuriating smile.

  ?So you’re going back on your word.“ She let out a sigh but didn’t bother to act in some exaggerated manner like this creature.

  ?What might you be referring to, I wonder?“ He was tilting his manner in an innocent that bordered on provocation.

  Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings.

  ?You said you would answer any questions we had.“

  ?To the extent that I’m capable of. Unfortunately, it’s beyond my capabilities to give you what you want. Disappointed?“ Yep, he’s persistent in trying to get a rise out of her.

  ?I guessed as much. Well, that’s fine. I learned more than I expected, so I’m satisfied for now.“ She honestly didn’t care to give him what he wanted. She would drop this issue. For now.

  ?You’re really easy to please, I see.“ He’s persistent, if nothing else.

  ?There’s still time to find out more. After all, we will be traveling for a long time together, right?“ Despite her neutral expression missing anything resembling a smile, she spoke in a more jovial manner, as though she was teasing him back.

  ?Understood, I’ll back off for now! I guess the game’s over. I didn’t expect to enjoy myself, so I’ve got to thank you in that regard.“

  ?You’re welcome. Now, if we have nothing more to discuss, I’d like to get back to watch duty.“

  ?You plan to stay up all night? Don’t you humans need to sleep to function?“

  ?I’ll manage.” She’s used to those kinds of sleepless nights. So long as the pursuers remain, she can’t afford to be careless. “Or are you saying that you’ll take on this duty?“ She stared at him with empty expectations.

  ?Why would I do something that soul-crushingly boring?” His deadpan expression suggested genuine confusion.

  “You would be helping me and, by extension, Alpheus.” Irritated by that display, she remained cordial.

  “Are you sure you want to do this, considering you don’t even trust me?” He sure is hellbent on arguing.

  ?You’re right. I don’t trust you in the slightest. But I’m willing to look past that tonight.“ She indeed doesn’t, but she’s aware that he wants these two, at least Alpheus, alive for now. If she didn’t make use of him now, it would be out of sheer pettiness, and she wouldn’t have the luxury to indulge in those sentiments. Any opportunity to lessen the burden on her body is essential to their survival.

  ?I’m glad you want to be the bigger person here! I’m moved. I truly am. But I’ll go play around in the woods if you don’t mind!“ Unfortunately, he’s well aware of her situation and couldn’t stop him if she tried. She would keep watch anyway.

  ?I actually mind quite a bit.“ She remained cordial, but the popping veins implied she was reaching her limits.

  ?Well, then forget I asked.“ And just like that, he took flight, not even bothering to look back at her. Yep, she has truly reached her limit.

  ?I see. Well then, have a great time, you little shit.“ The best she allows herself for now is a minor, inconsequential insult. Having dealt with children for the majority of her life, she had no choice but to filter her vocabulary, which, to put it bluntly, wasn’t an easy feat for her. At this point, it became second nature, and she stayed true to her efforts even during her travels with Alpheus. She feared that this little creature would disintegrate the image she had managed to perfect and let her hidden vocabulary fill her brain once more.

  ?Oh, by the way! I almost forgot to tell you, but since you’re working so hard for this little guy, I thought I might give you a little warning.“ He didn’t bother to look back at the death stare she was aware of unintentionally displaying.

  ?Watch out for the elves.” His words didn’t calm her down in the slightest, but they did make her pause.

  ?Anyways, good night!“ Just like that, he was gone.

  On the other side of the forest stood the elf, unmoving.

  Ever since the divine One left without another word, she was rooted in place, unmoving.

  Even when the beast beside her growled at her with crimson eyes that radiated bloodlust, she remained there, unmoving.

  Even when the band of human mercenaries, whose eyes radiated frustrations and morphed into shock upon setting sights on both otherwordly entities, she was there, unmoving.

  Even when the same humans raised their weapons at her with expressions she couldn’t decipher, she idled, unmoving.

  Even when both the monster and the humans, save for some who managed to flee, lay around her in a pool of blood, she lingered, unmoving.

  Eventually, she set her sights on the branch left behind by the divine one. She picked it up gently as though it could break by a mere touch. She cradled it, her eyes focusing on it only as though it were the most precious thing in the world. She pressed her forehead against it and spoke as though she was speaking to the inanimate object in her arms directly.

  ?I beg for forgiveness. This was a shameful display. We pledge to you that all of you will be returned to your rightful place.“

  She moved.