Meeting with the two leaders, Fay quickly realized the conversation wasn't exactly pleasant. Tension hung in the air as they went over the creatures both tribes needed to watch for, and how dangerous the forest had become.
Nahrin's ears twitched. "Well, kid, don't just stand there. Get in here—we need to include you in the discussion."
Fay stepped into the tent and stood beside the two leaders.
"Elaruîn told me what you're planning to hunt. It won't be simple, and it'll likely take four days. Maybe more."
Fay's expression tightened. He hadn't expected it to take that long.
Nahrin noticed. "Don't worry, little hunter. While you're gone, my granddaughter will be in charge of your people. We'll take care of them. Now then—if you'll excuse us—I'll handle things here with the hunters."
He gave Elaruîn a respectful nod. "Thank you again, Master Elaruîn. For welcoming us, for helping us—your kindness won't be forgotten."
Elaruîn inclined his head, then turned to Fay. "We won't just be hunting that foul creature. We'll also be training. You still don't move properly through this forest. I'll need you quiet—silent as a mouse—when we track it. Two days will be spent working on that."
Fay nodded. He already owed the elf so much. If this helped him become stronger and more capable, he could provide even more for Mira and the others.
"Good," Elaruîn said, pleased. "I like a student who learns quickly—unlike someone I know who only ever ran straight toward trouble."
His gaze slid toward Nahrin, who let out a quiet grunt and scratched his cheek.
Fay took a breath. "When do we leave, sir?"
Fay still had to pack his gear, even if it wasn't much.
"Leave it," Elaruîn said as he stepped into the room. "We'll start with what I give you. It may be old and dusty, but I've given it to all my students in the beginning. That way, I know exactly where you're starting from. Now, change into this. Nahrin, you have a room for this, right?"
The elf handed Fay a folded set of clothes, a small buckler that could strap to his left arm, and a dagger.
"Sure thing," Nahrin said with a grin. "He can use my little girl's changing partition. It's in the back—you'll find it easy. This place ain't that big." For original chapters go to novèlfire.net
Fay looked around. He only needed to take ten steps before reaching the small curtained-off section. Clothes were scattered around—clearly belonging to Horin. He gulped and quickly entered, doing his best to ignore the surroundings.
The gear was surprisingly well-made. The outfit consisted of hardened, stitched leaf fabric reinforced with leather in key areas. The colors blended naturally: silver from small metal plates, green from leaves, and rich brown from the leather. It wasn't flashy, but it was functional and lightweight—perfect for moving through the forest.
The torso piece had a mix of leather and metal covering vital points, while the rest remained flexible enough for agile movement. Fay fastened the belt and sheathed the dagger. Though meant for an adult, the blade felt more like a short sword in his hand.
"Looks good on you, kid," Nahrin called out with a hearty laugh. "Reminds me of the time I used to wear it!"
Elaruîn, more composed, handed him a short rod embedded with a small, polished gem. "You hums are oddly fond of these," he said, eyeing it with mild amusement. "We elves used them too—as children—to manage our aether. I'm giving you this to help you get started. But use it as a crutch. One to be used only for a few months, until you get a proper feel for aether."
He fixed Fay with a sharp look. "Don't become like those humans who rely on tools to collect aether and forget how to do it themselves. With the Ravari's aether gem piercings, you'll be able to gather far more than they ever could."
The short meeting came to an end, and soon Fay found himself following Elaruîn through the village. They made their way toward the outskirts, where Mira stood with the two children and Selûne.
Fay crouched down in front of his sister. "Mira, listen. I need you to keep an eye on the two kids, okay? You're the big sister now."
She looked unsure, clutching the hem of her new tunic, the soft green colors went well with her light brown hair.
"I'll be back once I take down the big bad monster. That way, you'll all be safe." He smiled and tapped her forehead. "Don't worry—I'll finish it by tomorrow. So don't forget about me, alright?"
Fay tried to keep his voice upbeat, to give her something she could hold onto. He was leaving her a task—one he hoped would help her stay busy while he was away.
"But I don't want you to go!" Mira's voice wavered as she clung to his arm. "Stay, please, Fayfay… I don't want to be with the kids."
Fay had expected this.
It was getting harder to leave her behind. She wasn't used to him going off without her anymore—back on Earth, he had always taken her along, even when it was dangerous.
Leaving her alone had felt worse than facing the risks together, but it was not like that here.
"If you get stronger, I'll take you next time, alright?" he said gently. "If you help Mother Kueha and learn how to use Jiggz properly, then soon you'll be able to help me hunt too."
He tried to smile, but it felt forced. Mira's big eyes were already glistening, and he wasn't sure his words were enough.
Before he could try again, someone else stepped in.
"Don't worry, Mira—I'll help you train!" Selûne said brightly. "You'll still end up stronger than Fay, right? Besides, I haven't even shown you my beast yet. Watch this."
With a flourish, she summoned her creature. Fay blinked. As expected from someone raised in Yllasei Village, it had the air of an illusion beast. But the form it took was… unexpected.
A small, round pygmy hippo-like creature emerged, hovering in the air with two comically undersized wings. It was about half a meter wide, barely twenty centimeters tall, and somehow managing to float without effort.
Fay opened his mouth to comment, but Selûne silently signaled for him to leave.
She didn't say anything, but the look she gave him was clear: Go now—while they're distracted.
Fay shot her a grateful bow, then turned to Elaruîn, who seemed faintly amused.
"It's good you're getting along with her," the elf said. "She was just like your sister once… clingy."
The Eluwyn leader chuckled softly, and together, they disappeared into the forest.