Humans in Eldergrove

In front of us, sitting lazily and comfortably, is Arin.

“You all sure took your sweet time.” He said as his feet rests on the seat on the other side.

Wow. The nerve of this guy to say that when he was supposedly missing, but somehow, I don’t really feel mad or anything. Maybe because he’s done so much for me since coming here? I’m not too sure.

As I was lost in thought, Elvina grabbed Arin’s feet and lifted it up in the air, leaving him in a vulnerable position.

“What do you think you’re doing, my dear Elvina?” Despite his pathetic state, he still has the gall to be talking like this. Honestly, I kind of respect it.

Elvina didn’t respond. Instead, she gave him a glare, so intense, that it could turn any onlooker into stone.

Seeing as Arin didn’t seem apologetic at all, Elvina throws his feet to the floor at full force, leaving him gasping for air as the pain must be unbearable.

Elvina nonchalantly entered the carriage and swept the dirt off the seat where Arin’s feet was once perched. The guards seem to not care at all about the state of their mayor as they prep the carriage for its trip.

Interestingly, they are using deer to pull the carriage. I guess horses wouldn’t be readily available in a place like this.

This seems like a great mode of transportation–especially since Arin is supposed to be a big deal around here. I haven’t rode horseback or sat in a carriage in my previous world, but I’m excited to experience it.

I look back inside the carriage and I quickly realize that maybe I’m getting my hopes too high. The carriage can sit at least two people on each side–to a total of four passengers.

To the left is Arin, who’s still writhing in pain. It seems to be serious as I look closely at his feet and both of it seems to be facing a different direction. Holy hell, Elvina was really pissed, huh.

Arin keeps on calling my name, trying to have me help him, but I don’t even know how.

To the right is Elvina, who doesn’t have a hint of anger on her face. Instead, she’s doing her world-renowned smile, said to bring a chill on anyone’s spine if they were unlucky enough to witness it.

It only makes sense to sit beside Elvina, so that I don’t have to see her face. It’d also save me from any inappropriate touching coming from Arin. I swear, this man keeps on “inspecting” me whenever we find ourselves alone.

I enter the carriage and sit beside Elvina, as decided. Elvina closes the carriage door and soon, we departed.

“I thought Felaris would come with us?” I asked, a bit curious.

“Like I said, he’s-” “Aauugghh!!” She got cut off by Arin’s writhing, but she collects herself and continues her thought. “Surveying ahead.”

“I see…” I looked at Arin as I spoke.

“Aren’t we going to do something about this?” I whispered to Elvina, still trying to avoid eye contact.

“Maybe. Only if he’s sorry.” Her reply shook me that I mistakenly glanced at Elvina. The glare she had could cut steel with ease. There’s only one thing that filled my mind in that moment. Scary! Scary! Scary! Scary! SCARY!!!

Arin slowly stopped his loud whining, eventually being able to cast a healing spell on his broken feet. Over time, his feet healed back to normal.

He gives Elvina a confronting look as if he wants to fight her. Dude, you better quit while you’re ahead. I’m sitting beside her too.

All the worrying is for naught, fortunately, as he takes Elvina’s hand, apologizes to her, and kisses the back of her hand as a sign of affection.

To my surprise, Elvina accepts his apology, and everything goes back to normal.

.

.

.

Wait, wait, wait! Just like that?! You know what? I’m not even going to question it. I’m happy they’re back to normal.

The conversation continues as Elvina asks Arin a question.

“So, where were you then?” Elvina asks in her usual, cheerful self.

“I had to pick up something important for today’s business.” He pulled something from behind him.

It’s a parcel of some kind, but wouldn’t this be pressed already since he was using it as a pillow earlier.

“Here, Naoki. It’s for you.” I reluctantly accepted the parcel.

“Thank you…” It feels very light. I wonder what’s inside.

“Well, open it!” Arin said–excitement is obvious in his voice.

I slowly open the parcel, for it to reveal clothes. I inspected it closely and it seems quite well-made, like it was from a popular brand.

I don’t know what this kind of outfit is called but it seems regal–with a violet base color, and a gold hue adorning its motifs.

Unfortunately, there’s no mirror of any kind so I can’t really see if it would fit me. Still, I’m happy to be getting new clothes. I’m tired of wearing the same set of clothes every day.

The clothes they had me wear was a light-brownish shirt and pants. Its fabric is quite thin, leaving me cold in sleepless nights.

“Why don’t you try it on?” Arin said with a strange smile plastered on his face.

Hell no, I thought to myself. Just what is wrong with this guy.

Thankfully, the ever-so vigilant Elvina took care of him. With just one glare, she managed to put him in his place.

“Don’t worry, Naoki. You can try it on when we make our stop later.” Elvina declared.

“I see. Is it a long way to Glimmerholm?” I asked curiously as I assume the forest couldn’t be that big.

“It’s at least a two-day ride to get there from Eldergrove. We have to make several stops as well.”

“That sure is a long way to get there.”

“It used to be less than a day if we take the usual route, but ever since the conflict with the humans started, most of the main roads to elven cities have been compromised.” Arin interjected, serious in his tone.

“What do you mean by compromised, exactly?”

“There are human ambushes lying in wait at these main roads. They take advantage of hysteria caused by the war, and if someone evacuates to a safer place, that’s when they strike.”

“That’s awful.” I could only clench my fist. I had no idea it was this dire.

“This is why I’ve sent Felaris to scout the way ahead–to make sure we don’t face any unnecessary adversaries. We’ll be meeting up with him soon.”

“I see. Wait! Did you send him all alone?” I know that Felaris is more than able to take care of himself in these kinds of situations but is it safe to send him by himself?

“Yes. Don’t worry too much about him. He’s more than capable.” Elvina proudly stated.

“Felaris is very strong. So much so that, if he had been a part of the King’s faction, we’d probably be winning this war.” Arin said, also proud in his statement.

It seems they hold Felaris in very high regard. Do they not know about his escapades trying to spy on Rosabel?

As we talked about Felaris more, the carriage suddenly went to a halt. Voices coming from a couple of people could be heard outside but it’s not coming from our carriage drivers.

“What’s wrong?” Elvina said in a hush voice, facing the direction of our drivers.

“Humans, my lady. A whole lot of them, and they seem to be in distress.” One of the drivers said.

There seems to be a commotion outside. Don’t tell me this is that human ambush Arin was talking about earlier.

“I’m going to look into it.” Arin exited the carriage, followed by Elvina.

“Stay here, Naoki.” Elvina whispered.

“Ok.”

While they were out, now’s probably the best time to try out these clothes. Since I’m in an enclosed space, it took me a bit of time to wear it.

Apart from the formal top that I saw earlier, the parcel also included pants and boots.

The pants, or should I say shorts, only reached until the middle of my thighs. It felt kind of silly and embarrassing but it seems easy to move in.

The boots, colored red, are very comfortable as well. I feel like I could run a far distance in a small timeframe. Maybe it’s enchanted? I’ll have to ask Arin later.

The clothes are a perfect fit. A chill run down my spine. Why does Arin know my measurements? I tried not to think about it.

Also, I couldn’t get a full view of myself wearing these new clothes but I’m pretty sure I look like a kid. It’s very dumb but I’m putting my full trust onto Arin. Perhaps this is just the fashion for humans in this world.

The commotion got louder, as I can hear some of the words being said. They seem to be using the human language. Of course, they are. Fortunately, I’ve learned enough of the language to the point that I can understand and make basic conversation with someone.

“Lord Arin! Please! You have to help us.” A voice is shouting, presumably one of the humans in distress.

“Like I said, we have important business to attend to. We cannot linger here for too long!” A voice resembling Arin’s retorted.

I wonder what they’re talking about. It wouldn’t hurt to peek a little bit, right?

I slightly open the door, being ever-so careful not to open it too far that Elvina and Arin would notice. There’s also the possibility that it’s not safe to even step foot outside, hence why the humans are in distress.

The sight before me could bring a tear to even the toughest of men. I see a human family; a father, mother, and their two daughters.

I further surveyed the scene and it seems like their own carriage got damaged–the wheels at the backside are nowhere to be found– and is now blockading the path. The horse, still connected to the carriage, looked lost on what it’ll do.

The family is begging to be brought along–the parents are afraid that something dangerous might befall them if they were to travel on foot.

Arin is arguing that he cannot take them along as we are currently conducting important business. I guess he’s being vague about our journey to Glimmerholm. I understand it though.

“Please, Lord Arin! Our daughters! Even if it’s just them, they’d be safer with you than they’d be with us here!” The father cried.

The children started crying as well. Poor girls. They barely have any idea what’s happening around them, but now, this is going to be their reality. It breaks my heart to listen to their cries. A child must be cheerful and happy; not… this.

I cannot stand idly by and let this happen. Not if I can help it.

Disregarding Elvina’s orders, I step out of the carriage–everyone, surprised by my sudden appearance that it made the family stop with their incessant pleading.

I went to where they were–our carriage being a far distance to where all the commotion is happening.

Elvina intercepted me, and in a hush tone, says “What are you doing?”

“I’m here to help, that’s all.”

“I thought I told you to stay in the carriage, Naoki.”

“I can’t help it. The little ones crying made me spring onto my feet.”

The father gave me a little bow as we made eye contact. I returned a bow to show respect. Perhaps wearing the clothes Arin gifted me demands respect from others.

I stood beside Arin, who’s looking impressed by my new outfit. I asked him what all the fuss is about and he pretty much confirmed what I heard earlier.

I look back at the family and they seem anxious of what’s to come. We need to resolve this matter where both parties get a satisfying response.

“Arin. I want to help them.”

“I do too, Naoki, but we can’t dally around here any longer.”

“What’s their deal anyway?”

“It seems their village got raided by elves a few moons ago. They stumbled around Eldergrove, trying to run away from pursuers, and now they’re lost with a damaged carriage to boot.”

“That’s terrible.” I tried to think of a way to help the lost family but no idea comes to mind.

“Can’t we send them to Hollowspire? We’re not that far away from there yet, are we?” I suggested.

“We aren’t.” Arin confirms it.

“I believe it takes an hour on foot to get there from here. Way less on a horse-drawn carriage.” One of the guards interjected.

“That’s right. But the problem with the gentleman is they believe they’re still being followed. He wants us to escort them back, and you know we can’t afford to lose any more time.”

I see. We’re definitely at an impasse here. I think and think but I don’t know if there’s a direct solution to anyone’s problems. What if…

“Would it be possible to have the guards escort the family back to Hollowspire?” I feel like this is the only realistic way for both parties to be satisfied.

“What do you mean?” Arin inquired.

“The guards walk with the humans back to Hollowspire while we clear the way here and head towards Glimmerholm. With this, everyone is satisfied, right?”

“Hmm… Perhaps that could work, but we can’t have them walk back. It’d be too dangerous.” Arin thinks on it some more. Eventually, he hollered over the father.

“Can your horse still run?” Arin asked the man.

“Yes, Lord Arin. She’s a bit spooked but she can still perform her job.” The man answered.

“Excellent! I’ll have one of mine ride it back to Eldergrove and they’ll call for assistance.”

“What about us?”

“I believe there’s a shelter not too far from here. I’ll have one of my guards escort you there until help arrives.”

“Will it be safe there, my lord?”

“Do not worry. The shelter is enchanted with a magical barrier that makes it undetectable to individuals with terrible intentions, and my guards can hold their own in a fight. You and your family will be safe.”

“Thank you, Lord Arin!” The man jumped in joy as soon as he heard they’ll be safe. It seems the mother is glad as well.

I’m thankful that we’re able to help this family.

Arin called for the two guards and got them caught up with the plan.

First things first. We need to remove their carriage that’s right in the middle of the road. It was large and looked heavy so I thought it would be a laborious task but a single spell from Arin made it float and displaced to the side of the road. That’s that taken care of.

Secondly, he orders one of his guards to take the horse and ride it back to Hollowspire to get help for the family. Thankfully, there seems to be a spare saddle in our supplies, allowing the guard to ride the horse properly and fast.

And thirdly, the other guard takes the family to the nearby shelter where they will wait things out while also being safe from any potential dangers. Before they left, the father and mother said their thanks one last time.

I waved at the children goodbye and they return the gesture in earnest. I guess now, the children seemed to have calmed down that they are able to smile again. I’m glad!

Arin, Elvina, and I watch them as they slowly disappear into the forest–a smile on our faces, knowing that we had helped them.

Shortly after, we also continued our journey, with Elvina taking the role of the carriage driver. The current plan is to make it to the designated checkpoint that Arin and Felaris agreed upon where Felaris will rejoin the group.