The young Venginn sat at the family table, with a rather damaged book in front of her. Its cover was scuffed and few of the pages were damaged after she decided it would look better after being thrown across the room. Books were evil, and their text consisted of fuzzy little goblins that liked to change on her as she read.

"Young lady, you will learn to read this book or so help me you will not get any dinner tonight." Her mother scolded her, like she usually did.

She was already being punished for throwing the book, did they need to punish her for not reading it too?

"You're an Elf Venginn, you need to act like it. We are dignified people. We don't throw books across the room!"

The book continued to sit on the table, as if mocking her. Human script was hard enough to read, but High Elven, it might as well have been the scratching of a land dragon, for all the sense it made, every letter looked the same. "Rass Illthfeash", That was the title, she knew what it said. Her parents used the term everyday. "Elven Doctrine", the rule and laws of the elves, but she just couldn't read it.

"If you don't read it, and understand it, one of those animals will steal you way!" Again, her mother used the word Animals. What she actually meant were Anthros, the humanoid beasts who inhabited the world with the rest of them.

Her father leaned over and whisper to her mother, Venginn could just make it out, "Maybe we should consider sending her to school."

"Absolutely not! I'll not have the human school infect our children. It's bad enough we have to live here with them. But gods damn me, I won't let her interact with that non-sense they teach."

This is what it was like every day. Always the same. Force to read from that same book, before moving to other useless books. Her brothers didn't really care for her, neither did her sister. Why was she even born to this family?

Across the room, her older brother mocked her failure to read, while her younger brother just sat quietly. Completing the assignment her parents tasked him with. Three pages in, and nearly an hour had gone by. Thankfully her parents were bluffing about not giving her dinner.

Almost every day was the same. Only occasionally, she was allowed to go wandering outside. It was one of her few reprieves from them, and the nightmare they put her under.

"Don't go too far Venginn, or-"

"An animal will gobble me up, I know."

Venginn had interacted with a few Anthros that came through town, but only rarely. Anytime the opportunity arose her parents tried to keep them from her. They weren't that bad. It was hard to understand what her parents had against them. But it didn't matter, that’s what her parents demanded, and she didn't have a say.

In particular, there was an odd boy who lived nearby. She didn't know his name, didn't know his age, or anything beyond his appearance. The boy looked odd. His skin was marbled, tan and bright white. His hair was funny too, black, gray and chestnut. He was like a funny looking patchwork doll.

Of course, when her parents saw him, they made it a point to sneer. They told her "That's what happens when you breed with Anthros. You end up a freak." But he didn't seem like a freak, quite the opposite, he seemed really nice. Always offering to help people. On more than one occasion she had watched him carry packages that were far to heavy for him, and then refuse the coins offered for his help.

Maybe her parents were right, it seemed like a dumb thing to do. Why would anyone just help someone else? He always seemed to have a book in front of him too. Which was even more absurd, no could like to read that much.

Today was no different. The boy just say outside, sitting on a bench reading one of those absurd tomes. She had to walk by several times, just to see him continue the absurdity. Sitting there, reading. Smiling happily. Why was he so happy.

She couldn't stop watching him, as he read the book, turning the page occasionally. It was hard to make out what the cover said. Every time she looked at it, it looked different. "Aimless" no, that wasn't it, she got closer, "Amarc?" That wasn't even a word. Why was it so hard to read.

"Animals, of Domiconti" the boy spoke with a smile. Looking up the two caught each other's eyes. "I saw you trying to read the title."

"Whatever, books are dumb."

The boy shrugged and went back to reading, "I like them, they're fun. This one is about, well, animals. My mom calls it a 'bestiary'. She's a hunter."

"Like a guild hunter or just a hunter?"

"She's with the guild. I think she's ranked 'Superior'."

"… is that good?"

"There's only four ranks, and it's the second best so, I guess."

The two stood there, each just a bit lost, yet finding something in each other's company.

"Want to read it together?"

Venginn sat next to the boy and stared at the pages. There was a large cat like creature, she tried to sound out the name at the top of the page, "O-ha-".

"No, it's pronounced, 'Okenek'. See this letter makes… can you not read?"

"I can read. The letters just… keep changing."

"I see, that sounds like something I read about. Oh, by the way, I'm Samil." He held out his hand to her, and that stupid smile of his, cause her to consider hitting him once. Instead, she grabbed his hand and shook it.

"Venginn."

Everyday for the next few months, Venginn would escape her home and search for Samil. The two would just read. She hated it, but somehow, he made it tolerable. No, enjoyable even. There was a trick he taught her for reading. She had something called dyslexia which made words and letters challenging to decipher, but his trick helped. It wasn't perfect, but it made it tolerable.

---

The days grew warmer, and eventually summer rolled around.

The summer months were Samil's favorite, as almost everyday would bring various sweets and baked good his father and mother would prepare. His mother in particular, was amazing at turning the bitter and tart berries around the village into the most wonderful baked tarts you could imagine.

His mother never had much, being abandoned by her family for being mix blooded. She had basically grown up in an orphanage just outside the Trilliona. When she came of age and left, she had to learn how to make do with almost nothing, and she did. It always seemed strange how poorly people would treat his mother, well elves specifically. It was almost impossible to tell she even had elven blood, and she looked like any other Antrho Human hybrid. But they could tell, and it wasn't easy when they did.

That's one of the reasons she ended up in Wollseeth. Most the population here was human, and although humans were not without racism, they were nothing like the elves. After finding a job at the hunter's guild, she later became a hunter, where she met her future husband. Samil wasn't sure if they meet before or after they came to Wollseeth.

"What are you smiling about?" He was always smiling, but his mother had a six sense for when it was a true smile or just the mask he wore.

"I don't know. It's summer, I was looking forward to spending it with my new friend. The solstice festival is coming up soon."

"Oh, is that the girl you've been hanging around?" His mother's smile dropped, "Samil, you should be careful. I'm aware of her parents, they're… very traditional."

He knew his mother was right, but still he enjoyed her company. There was something about the young girl. She had this adventurous streak, and curiosity about her.

As the end of Jenos came around, the summer solstice festival would start with a literal bang.

Foosh!

The mage in the center of town cast several fire spells into the sky. The growing fire signifies the longer summer they had this year. Normally, they wouldn't pay for the mage or the fireworks, but every ten years, it was worth it for the double leap year celebration. 312 Ast-Astrix was such a year.

You see, once every ten years there would be double leap year with two leap days. In order for the calendar to work, a leap day was needed every other year. But they also needed one every ten years as well. They added this extra day, on the 6th month of the year, Jenos. Turning it to the longest month of the year with 33 days. Every year there was a three-day celebration around the solstice, giving farmers a few days' respite between planting and harvesting. Leap years, it was extended to four days.

It was common to give small gifts to friends, family members and significant others during this time.

Samil attempted to give such a gift to Venginn as he handed her a blue and purple flower, or at least he tried to.

"What's this?" She looked over the flower with mild curiosity.

"It's just a gift, for the summer solstice. It's a double leap year, and I don't know, I thought people gave each other gifts."

With a bit of uncertainty, Venginn took the flower from Samil. He couldn't help but smile as she did, only to caution her as she manhandled it a bit too much.

"Eh, be careful. It's called a frail lily. It glows light blue in the evening, but not if you damage the flower."

It wasn't something elves did much. Gifts were given only for the rarest of events. Trivial things, like days of the year or celebrations, where usually gift giving occasions. Still, it was a nice jesture. It would have been rude for her not to accept it.

The day was fun! Throughout the town, people would transform their shops, throwing up small decorations. At night, they would set up booths and games, like a carnival! For the double leap year, it was even more impressive, and everyone participated. Well, almost everyone.

"You mix blooded mongrel, stay away from my daughter!"

With that, Venginn's father pushed him hard enough that he couldn't keep his balance. Falling to the ground, Samil watched as Venginn protested her parents force, yelling at them. Somewhere along the struggle, her lily fell to the ground.

"You alright kid?" One of the soldiers policing the event held out his hand. Samil did the only thing he could, he smiled and graciously accepted the hand up. Most of the villagers were nice, even those that may not have approved of his parents' union weren't against him, per say.

As he went to pick up the lily, he found himself disappointed that he couldn't do more. The blue flower probably wouldn't glow tonight, given the large number of purple bruises. Still, it was pretty in the day light at least. With a sigh, Samil began the walk home. The flower had cost him a copper that he didn't really have. But it was the feeling of rejection that actually hurt.

---

"I don't get it. You were doing fine a month ago Venginn, what happened?" Her mother placed her hand on top of hers. The concern in her eyes was genuine just, hallow somehow.

"I just don't get it. Reading is hard for me, Samil helped me make sense of it."

Her mother didn't want to hear that. As was made evident when she pushed away and took her hand off hers.

The day would pass, and as usual, she would not get very far. Though, it wasn't because she couldn't read it. She just didn't care anymore.

Several days, it went on like this. With her parents threatening to send her away if she didn't improve. Where would they even send her too? It was an empty threat, and she knew that.

"Venginn… Your mother and I think you should start attending school. You aren't where we want you to be, and… I hate admitting this, we think interacting with the other children helps you. Even that mix blood Samil."

It was hard to say how she felt. School was a foreign concept, but from what little she gathered from the other kids she could talk too, most didn't like. But Samil would be there. Maybe it would be worth it?

True enough, Sootember the 13th rolled around, the 2nd Momadeg of the month, and the start of school. It was as bad as everyone led her to believe. Abial was, a bit of a witch. She would torment anyone who stepped out of line, and the number of pages handed out were not a joke. She seemed to pick on Samil a bit more than was fair and gave her wider birth then deserved.

Perhaps it made sense, Abial was a full-blooded woodland elf.

Initially, it was slow going. Venginn was behind the students at her age, but now that she had the tricks Samil taugh her, she could read fast enough. Even more, she relized how easy it all was. Just memorize a few passages, which was all she ever did. Being unable to read, it was the only way to get through a passage, have someone else read it and memorize what they said.

Within a month, she and Samil were the two best performers in class. It felt good to sit next to him.

The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.

Years would pass, and eventually two new, much younger students would enter their class, Reese, and Emilie. Their dynamic changed things. Emilie was easy enough to get along with, a bit shy, but once you broke through that shell quite friendly.

Reese on the other hand, liked to celebrate birthdays. One of the first events Samil and Venginn could remember about him, was the trauma he put Hemmsal through. It would be challenging to truly befriend him. But Samil would try at least.

That winter, the winter of 316 Ast-Astrix was special. It was another leap, just a normal one. But, that cold winter Venginn and Samil began exploring far beyond the borders of the town. This cold snowy day was no different.

The sounds of the two laughing could be heard by all the winter animals trying to sleep.

Venginn looked over their work with a laugh. "I think he needs eyes." The lopsided pile of snow would barely pass for a snow man.

"I think he needs major surgery. He shouldn't be leaning like that." Samil laughed, but found some darker rocks just below the snow, and some bark for a mouth.

"Non-sense! He's smiling. He's a happy little abomination. Just like you, horse boy." It was a kick name she had recently given him. It was probably meant to be a bit insulting, but he didn't seem to mind.

Suddenly, and without warning, the snowman decided it had enough of life and began tilting over. Both Venginn and Samil tried to save the doomed creature but failed. Instead, somehow, Venginn began to fall. With a laugh and a sudden grasp, she tried to steady her self off of Samil, but only caused him to fall as well.

The two fell into the snow, Venginn on to her back and Samil face first into the snow next to her. For a moment, they stared at each other. Their teenage minds and hearts confused. A light flush and they laughed in uncertainty again before getting up and wandering out of the snowy embankment.

The sound of crunching snow and breaking twigs alerted the two of them to another group of people enjoying the winter landscape. Gezal, Reese, and Emilie stared at the two for a few moments. Both of them worried for a bit about what would happen if Venginn's parents were told about them hanging deep in the woods together like this. Their flustered faces only adding to suspension.

Neither were expecting the absurdity that Gezal was about to start, "What about you Venginn and Samil, what role would you play in our Circus?"

Venginn was both relived and confuse, "What?"

Samil laughed slightly as the situation seemed to diffuse itself. It was amusing to think that Reese's absurdity was rubbing off on the would-be knight. "I suppose I could be the horse. I have the blood for it, well at least 1/8."

With little left to do, and not wanting to arouse any more suspicions. Samil and Venginn would wander with the other three for a few hours. You couldn't call the five of them friends, but for that afternoon, perhaps they were.

Summer would come once again. Things were about to change. Both Venginn and Samil had spring birthday, in fact, they were littler more than a week apart. At the age of 15, this upcoming year would likely be the last year they were in school. After this, they would either start an apprenticeship somewhere, or perhaps, if they could, find a college or academy that would take them.

That assumed they both survived what Samil was about to do.

"Venginn, I've been thinking about this for a while it's… Well… I love you, and I'm pretty sure you love me too." Samil held out a pair of wooden bracelets.

Each culture had their own view and methods for courtship. Humans tended to exchange either precious metal rings, or more often than not, bracelets. First of wood, then of metal once married.

Venginn tried to convince herself that he didn't say that, that he didn't do that. That was the one thing he couldn't say. Her parents had come to an understanding, so long as Samil helped keep her grounded, and focused on books and school their relationship was… tolerable. But anything more and they would disown her.

"…sorry, but could you say something?"

"No." It was quick, and without thought, passion or feeling, beyond fear.

"…Oh." Clearly it wasn't what Samil was hoping for.

"No. no. no. We can't do this. My parents, they would literally kill you, and then me. No. I like you Samil bu-"

"Then why does it matter?"

Why did it matter? It was a question she had a hard time answering to herself. Clearly it mattered, it had to. Her parents they wouldn't allow, and then there was… she struggled to think of something else, anything.

"BUT! We can't." Her heartbeat in chest and fluttered wildly. This wasn't what she was expecting today. How would it even work? How would they work. They'd get married, maybe open a store somewhere. Have some kids. Kids, oh gods that would mean…

"No, no, no…" Her face felt flushed this wasn't happening today. "Samil… Let's just pretend you didn't me ask that."

"…Ok. If that's what you want to do." For one of the few moments in his life, Samil didn't smile. That hurt her more than anything else.

Venginn stood there by the lake as he wandered off, back home or to town. It didn't seem to matter, he just needed to walk away for now.

Her heart pounded, and her head felt light. She needed to sit, she needed to think. They were 15, it was too young for them to do this anyway. Most people don't even think about courting till they're at least 16. That was a year away, and engagement bracelets, they usually only came out two maybe three years later. That was four years from now. More than that for many. This was too fast, even if she wanted this, and maybe she did.

Her mind drifted, as she thought about him, and what he would look like four years from now. Then fourteen years from now, then forty. What would they look like when they were old together? Would their grandchildren come and visit them. The feeling of blood swelling to her face made it feel hot. The blush she had would have made a demon question if she was alright.

The smile that crossed her face was bitter as much as it was sweet. There was just no way.

As she got up it occurred to her that Samil had left the other bracelet. Unsure what to do with it. She could destroy it or just leave it, that would have been the best. But somehow that seemed wrong. Samil didn't seem to have much money. How many coins did he spend on this? She'd have to give it back to him later. Without thinking about it, she took the bracelet with her.

Sitting in her room, she couldn't bring herself to do anything with the bracelet. She should have thrown it away, or given it back to him, or even just chucked it into the damn fire. But she couldn't. It was just too much to make a decision. Instead, she pushed it to the back of her desk where it would be dealt with later. When her head was a bit clearer.

At least that was the plan.

It wasn't all bad. Everything went back to normal. Samil was still his pleasant slightly dorky self, and she was her usually slightly abrasive but good-hearted girl. Who suddenly realized what she wanted but could never have.

What was she supposed to do now? Why couldn't that damn horse boy keeps his thoughts to himself. He had to infect her with his love.

Her father handed her a bouquet of blue and purple frail lilies. "Venginn. You've been down for the past few days. I thought these might cheer you up."

They were beautiful, and the irony of the gift was not lost on her. The whole reason they were her favorite in the first place was because of him. A weak bitter smile crossed her lips as she continued to look at them, without taking them.

"They are your favorite right? I remember you liking them when you were younger."

"They're great dad. Thank you."

The last year of school finally started, with a whimper. Everything felt different, but also the same. Reese was his annoying self. Emilie was catatonic for some reason. Gezal and a few others were missing. But it wasn't that different. Samil was his usual bookish self. Adorable and silly, and absurd, and stupid. So very, very stupid… No matter how much she tried to stay away from him, it just seemed to make it worse.

"Venginn, are you paying attention?" Fense was glaring at her with his predator eyes. Making her feel like unsuspecting prey.

'Animal' That word bounced around in her head before she shook it out. That wasn't fair, he wasn't looking at her like prey, just like a silly girl who couldn't keep her mind straight.

"Sorry, Fense."

She didn't bother staying behind to work on the homework. Instead, she went right home, not wanting to deal with Samil right now. Though, that might have been a mistake.

There on the kitchen table, was the wooden bracelet Samil had tried to give her over the summer.

It wasn't even an argument, just shouting at her. They guessed immediately who had given it to her.

"You! You and that damn beast. I can't… Venginn this is beyond unacceptable. I mean a human would be bad enough, but that mut. He's not even an Anthro, he's... disgusting."

"How dare you! Samil is a good man. Better than either of you. He doesn't judge others; he wouldn't ever hurt someone. He's… just a good man, and I love him." She finally said it, and it felt right. It felt good. But what happened next, didn't.

Smack.

They had never hit her before. Never. They would always yell, punish, withhold dinner even. But never hit, until now.

"You will never see him again. If you do, I don't care what the guards or soldiers do to us. We will not tolerate this relationship."

"Your mother's right. I think we need to send you to your uncle in the Dark Elven States. They aren't like the woodland elves, but at least they're elves."

Venginn knew she should have destroyed that damn bracelet. Why didn't she?

---

Meanwhile, on the other side of the village about an hour late. Word of what was happening in Venginn's household had spread to Samil in the most unpleasant way.

"You need to stay away from my daughter!" With that note came a rather fast right hook.

The punch was harder than he was expecting, and it forced him to the ground. Samil held his arms up, begging them to stop. Instead, they started kicking him. Only the soldiers were able to put a stop to it.

The village was small, but even the small village had a jail. Fortus, the commander of the soldiers and knights stationed at the village, was the de facto warden and head jailor. It wasn't usual that he would question Samil about what happened.

Fortus stood in the small jail listening to Samil's petition. It was a bit odd, but not unheard of for the victim to ask for leniency. "I see. I can't have people beating on others regardless of the circumstances."

"Fortus, I understand. But I don't want to cause any more trouble."

Down the hall, Venginn's brother shouted, "I don't need charity from you, fucking animal."

Fortus had to shake his head. With that one statement any hope of leniency was thrown out the window. "Shut it, or I'll make your stay a month instead of a week." Turning back to Samil, "I'm sorry son. I can't just let someone like that out. He needs to spend some time here to cool off."

None of this was going the way he wanted. It felt like a mistake to propose to Venginn. At the very least, it was too soon. He just couldn't risk losing her. Though, his actions might have just ensured there was no alternative.

The next few days were hard. Venginn's family and Samil's parents got into more than one confrontation. Fortus threatened to throw everyone in jail, only for Ard to come out and mediate it all. He was only partially successful. Things would keep getting worse.

Even school wasn't a reprieve. Venginn was there, she wasn't speaking to him. Always making a point to leave before him.

Samil slowly walked out of the schoolhouse, only to stare at Venginn in the distances and she walked away. He had spent years watching her, he could tell she was hurting. For a moment he wasn't even aware of the other girl standing outside the schoolhouse. Emilie was there waiting for something or more likely someone.

"Waiting for Reese?" He tried to make pleasantries but just wasn't focused on her.

"Yeah. I really need to talk to him about something."

"You two are always together, hope everything is alright." He could tell his voice was hollow, as he couldn't stop thinking about her.

"I… might be going away in few days. I'm being interviewed for a college. I've been trying to figure out how to bring it up. But you know Reese, he's hard to talk to." Emilie's voice was filled with sadness, and confusion.

But again, Samil wasn't focused on it, and barely heard it. In fact he completely misunderstood.

"Heh, yeah, he is. Glad to hear you might be going to college. Shouldn't be surprised though, I think you're smarter than the both of us. I mean… then Venginn and me…" He sighed; all he could think about was Venginn. "Do you like him?" He didn't really care, but it seemed like the right question.

"What? No, I'm 8 and he's my best friend."

Samil laughed. "I know that but, you can still like someone. I mean, I did. I thought… she did too but maybe I miss read things."

"I think Reese is going to be a while. Do you want to talk about it?"

At first Samil didn't, but he also didn't leave. Eventually, it just all came out.

"'Let's just pretend you didn't me ask that.' That was what she said. And I've tired, but somewhere, things did change. We’ve been together since we were kids. Her parents never liked me, but I guess they tolerated me because I helped with her studies. You know, she hatted school and reading when she was little.”

“I can’t believe that, Venginn always has her nose in a book.”

“It’s true, she hated it with a passion. But… For some reason she started hanging around me, and copying me. It’s funny because I thought she hated me. Used to make fun of my hair and skin.”

Samil rubbed at his arms nervously. Maybe if he didn't look like this, they wouldn't have known about his mixed blood. Maybe there could have been a chance.

“I just… wish we could go back to a few months ago. Even if I was just her friend. You know, not many people can tolerate me because of my appearance. Not to mention my mixed blood. But despite her occasional bullying, she did.”

With one last sigh, Samil started walking away, not in the direction of either of their homes. “Good luck on your test, Emilie.”

One last confrontation, this time forcing Venginn's father and brother on the ground. Samil's mother was a very successful hunter. Picking a fight with her was not a good idea.

"ENOUGH!" Fortus got involved again. "This is the last time I will warn both of you. The next person in either family to start a fight, will spend a year in the jail, and have to pay the full costs. If you don't want to end up in debitor shackles for the rest of your lives, stop this nonsense. Before someone gets killed."

Ard was of course unwilling to commit to such drastic actions, but he also knew he didn't have a choice.

Perhaps then it should come as no surprise that Sami's family had a plan worked out when he got home. "Samil. Son we love, but it's too dangerous for you here."

His father handed him a purse, with 3 gold coins. About half year's salary.

"It's enough to start off with. More than I had." His mother spoke between the tears.

He was 15. Young, but not too young to head out. His parents didn't want to do this. If he pushed back, if he decided to stay, they'd support him. No matter what the consequences were. But his younger brother didn't deserve that. They didn't deserve that. It wasn't like they were abandoning him; they'd see him again one day. Just, not for a while.

"Also, here." His mother handed him a scroll, sealed. "This is a letter of recommendation from the local guild hall. It won't make you a hunter, but if there's a job available at any of the local halls, this will get you in. You're a smart boy Samil." His mother was strong, but even she couldn't keep the tears back.

One last thing, a carriage ticket. He could leave whenever he wanted. The destination was a near by city, but he could go further if he needed to. His father recommended the capital, he had friends there that could look after him.

Before he left, he had to do one last thing. Even if it was a bad idea.

"Venginn…"

"Samil, I can't talk to you. My father is about to kill you and your family. Please." She was between tears. Though, so was he.

"I just. I'm sorry. Look, I heard your family was going to send you away, but they don't have too."

"What are you talking about you stupid horse."

"I'm leaving the day after tomorrow. I'm going to head north, maybe to the capital, maybe somewhere else. I just… I just to know, I'm sorry. And even if it's wrong, I had to do one last thing."

She wasn't expecting the kiss. It was as quick as it was long. As apathetic as it was passionate. It was their entire relationship summed up in one action. Neither wanted it to stop, but they didn't have that luxury.

The last day was surprisingly peaceful. No doubt Venginn talked to her parents. Perhaps, they accepted his answer of exile. For the sake of both their families he hoped so.

When the carriage finally came, Samil bid fairwell to his family. He thought about saying goodbye to his few friends but, it didn’t seem worth it. As much as he wanted to say goodbye to her, he knew he'd never leave if he did.

The carriage lurched forward, only to stop a moment later. Shouting outside as followed by the sounds of coins being thrown. It was such an odd exchange, but not as surprising as what happened next.

Samil wasn't expecting the carriage door to swing open. Even less, he wasn't expecting to see Venginn standing there. She sat down next to him, as the carriage sped away. Outside, an older elf started running towards the carriage. Shouting something she didn't care to hear.

"I didn't have time to pack." She tried not to laugh at the absurdity of it.

The carriage road away from the village that had grown too small for them. Samil squeezed at Venginn’s hand, the uncertainty on her face disappearing. As she stared into his deep brown eyes, her heart fluttered again. His spotted hair and that stupid smile he always had, he would always be there for her, willing to go to the ends of the world and face exile with her. Closing her eyes, she did the one thing that felt right, and kissed him, before laying her head on his shoulder.

"This is a horrible mistake."

"The best kind."

Life would not be easy for the two. They were both well read, and intelligent, but with little money and skills. Yet, they would find a way to Lam’hathm the capital of Thrus. A place that was large enough that their union would not be questioned.

Samil would get a job at the local guild hall, as an actuary. It didn't earn much, but it was enough. Eventually though, he would climb the ranks, and in time become an important member of both the Hunters and Freelances.

Vinginn had a harder time, at first. But her knowledge of plants and herbs lent itself well to one of the local apothecaries. She even started learning healing magics, finding she had a natural talent for them. Had things been different, she may have even ended up at a college.

Years would pass, decades and the five children were more of handful than they had expected. Mix blood relationships usually have a hard time bearing more than a few children. Their friends insisted their love overcame their blood boundaries. But, it was fine, this life was what they both wanted, and they were happy.

Perhaps, it was of little surprise that fait would have their paths intersect with an old friend again.

"Reese, Emilie! It's been forever. Who are your friends?"

But that's another story.