Riley followed Thalion into the building. She frowned. Please tell me that they aren’t just as bad. If they are, I’m in trouble. She looked at the elf.

Walking through the group of dozing soldiers, she followed him into an office and sat next to the desk.

Nicole sat. “Are there other elves here?”

“A few, but not many. Our forces are stretched thin.” Thalion smiled at her. “I see that you made your choice. The people will be happy to meet you.”

Nicole blushed. “Why?”

“You still have your noble class, right?”

“Yes.” Nicole nodded.

“That’s why. With the people’s permission, you’ll join the council.” Thalion smiled at her. “My lady.”

Riley turned and grinned. “Well, well, your ladyship, it’s an honor.” She hopped up and curtsied.

Nicole reached over and bonked her on the head. “Stop that.”

Riley nodded solemnly. “My apologies, my lady.” She grinned and clasped her hands together.

Nicole sighed. “You’re a terror.”

Thalion chuckled and looked at Riley. “We’d love for you to join us, Riley. If not, I won’t force it. Though we could use your help.”

“You aren’t still destroying Music’s things, are you?” Riley asked. She frowned at him. “Or out killing all the humans?”

“No, we learned our lesson.” Thalion sighed. “In more ways than one.”

Riley quirked a brow. “What is the curse?”

“I can’t tell you that.”

Riley turned and looked at Nicole. She smiled. “Lady Nicole, can you tell me?”

Nicole shrugged. “I don’t know it either.”

“Sorry. It’s a matter of security,” Thalion said, looking at both. “It is good to have you here. I imagine that you’re tired. We’ll get you a room. Nicole, if you have any auras, they are appreciated.”

“They’re really bad,” Nicole said, blushing. “Like really bad.”

Thalion nodded. “They’ll get better after you join the council. If you make an allied oath with the royals of Eteln, you’ll gain access to their auras. It’s advised.”

Riley considered it. Are they trustworthy? She paused. “I swear an alliance with the royals of Eteln. I will aid them if they aid me and do not violate my morals. I may end this oath when I leave the war.”

She smiled and waited. Aw. They’re probably sleeping. Sighing, she looked back at Thalion.

“They may be sleeping if you did anything beyond a simple one.” Thalion chuckled. He looked at Riley. “What are the terms for your auras?”

Riley shrugged. “Don’t be terrible.” She sat in the chair, leaning against it.

“That’s appreciated.” Thalion smiled and turned to Roger. “Do you have an interest in nobility? I’ve heard things, but candor is best.”

“No,” Roger replied. “Though I do know some nearby knights. I want to recruit them and need to know how.”

Riley slumped down, letting her head rest on the back of the chair.

“We can have it arranged. It’d be ideal to recruit rather than kill.” Thalion yawned and looked at them again. “Lady Riley, I hate to ask, but would you mind aiding with the blood fields behind us? Our Void Mages are running ragged.”

Riley nodded. “After a nap, sure.” She forced herself out of the chair. “Do you have a cot or corner?”

Roger nodded. “We all need some rest.”

Thalion stood. He walked out of the room and led them to a small room with a few cots. “Here you are. Guards will be outside for all of your safety.”

Riley walked over to the cot. Her armor shifted. Plopping onto it, she lay there, pulling the thin blanket close. Letting the exhaustion win, everything faded away.

~~~

Roger watched the girls fall asleep. He turned toward the elf. “We are willing to help, but you will not use my daughter. Do we have an understanding?”

Thalion nodded. “Of course. We can discuss specific terms if you wish. It will depend on where you wish to live and Riley’s choice.”

The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.

“Why?”

“Because we are two nations, not one.”

Roger nodded. “Fair enough. I would like to know our options.”

“Of course. I’ll contact the council and the royal family.” Thalion studied him. “Anything else?”

“No.”

“Will you take issue if we harm the nobles?”

“Me? No. If you harm the good ones, Riley will have issue. I can promise you that.”

“Good to know.” Thalion nodded and walked from the room.

Roger shut the door and sat on his cot. Leaning against it, he half-slept while keeping watch.

~~~

Riley woke and stretched. The sound of rumbling stones filled the air. They’re still fighting, aren’t they? I should help with that.

[2974 people have sworn loyalty to you. This bond will break if you fail in your noble duties.]

Clearing it away, she sat up, pulling the blanket around her and looking at the sleeping elf nearby. A smile spread across her face. Nicole the noble. I can’t imagine her sitting in some boring meeting. Riley looked around the room. I don’t want to sit in boring meetings either.

Looking at the door, she contemplated pulling out the lute. Can I trust them? She frowned. Where are some servants when I need them? A crooked smile spread across her face. “Beauty, I’m investigating. I need a dress to blend. I hope that you are having fun. Give me a helping hand.”

Triggering Assume Disguise, she looked down at her military attire. Alright! She walked to the corner and used Ambush, appearing in the corner of the barracks.

Walking to a table, she joined a group of soldiers.

A woman looked up. “How’s the siege going?”

“We’ll wear them down,” Riley replied, sitting on the free chair. She leaned forward. “Did you hear that a couple of elves showed up?”

The woman nodded. “One elf. The other’s a half-elf.” She leaned forward. “The captain said that we should try to recruit her. She’s a Void Mage.”

Riley nodded. “They need to send her to the blood fields.”

“That’s the plan.”

Are they just using me, too? Riley nodded. “How do they clean those up?”

“You’re green. No one asks that,” the woman said, chuckling.

The soldier next to her chuckled. “They use that void magic to rip out the dark magic. Then, a druid anchors it. Doing it will usually cause some wraiths to form.”

“It takes a lot of mana, and isn’t always possible,” the woman added. “It will grow if things are killed near it.” She smiled. “Welcome to the front.”

“Thanks. Does that mean we can finally get rid of them?”

“With a moved front? Yes. They’re working on it now.”

Riley smiled. “Know anything about an elven curse?”

“That’s a conspiracy,” the woman said, sighing loudly.

“What conspiracy?” Riley asked, leaning closer.

The woman rolled her eyes. “That they can’t get the noble class. That’s why they protect half-elfs and try to recruit them.”

Riley’s eyes went wide. “Really?”

“Gods, no. It’s nonsense,” the woman said.

“It’s true,” the soldier replied.

“No, it is not. I have it on good authority that…”

Riley tuned out. Is that why Althea didn’t want me to drop the class? Why not say it? She frowned and looked at the two who were arguing.

“That is not true,” the woman replied, shaking her head.

“It is,” the soldier replied with a smug look. “They’re both nobles. I heard it myself. We have one elven noble with us, and the other has that wild replenishing aura. That’s why we need to recruit her.”

“Are they good allies?” Riley asked, leaning forward.

The woman frowned and studied Riley. “You should know that. How do you not?”

“I lived in the north. Small farming village,” Riley said. I hope that works.

The man paused and studied Riley. “Do you think she’s a spy?”

Riley blushed. “I’m just sheltered and new.” She looked at the table. Please let this work.

“Who’s your captain?” the woman asked.

Alright, I’m done. Riley sighed, stood, and dropped Assume Disguise. Turning, she walked away, heading back to the room.

“Gods, it’s her!” the soldier hissed.

Ignoring it, Riley walked to the hallway and looked at the soldiers. She smiled at them.

One blinked and shook his head. “Is it her?”

“Yes,” Thalion replied. “Lady Riley, over here.”

Riley turned and walked to his room. She entered and looked at the gathered group. “Hi, Dad.”

Roger smirked. “How’d the spying go?”

“Pretty well. Learned some things.” Riley smiled at the group, who were staring at her. “I didn’t learn about them and the elves, but I will.” She shut the door and took a seat next to Nicole.

Nicole chuckled and looked at Thalion.

Thalion gestured. “This is Lady Riley. She’s a half-elf, though she looks like a full elf right now.”

“Can we see her real appearance then?” a captain asked.

Riley paused. She looked at Nicole and back at the ground. Do I want to look like a boy? Do I want them to know?

[You can look like a female version of your old appearance. ~Beauty]

Riley felt her form ripple. She reached up and felt her bob of hair. Her ears shrunk, and she looked at the group.

“So, not very different,” the captain said, smiling at Riley. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.” Riley leaned against the chair. This is so strange.

Nicole reached over and tapped out a message. “You look good.”

Riley smiled back. She turned toward the group. It’s strange. I keep expecting them to kill me. She looked at the group.

Thalion turned to them. “What other suggestions?”

A captain shook his head. “We’re stretched thin already.”

Riley turned to Nicole.

“They’re planning the best path in.”

Riley stood and looked at the map. She frowned.

“A duke grabbed the capital quickly,” Thalion said, frowning at it. “As we’re highly exposed up here, it’s restricting progress.”

Roger stood. “Riley, be safe, please. I’m going to try to recruit some people. Word of our departure is likely spreading now.”

“Do I promote that?” Riley asked.

Roger paused. “They saw your magic last night. It wouldn’t hurt—“

“All due respect,” Thalion interrupted. “It would be best if you could help with the fields. We have to keep soldiers there, too. That’s the problem.”

Riley nodded and stood. “Fine. I’ll jog down there, but I expect a nice house for my father and another for me in a border city.” She smiled.

Thalion chuckled. “Yes, your father and I spoke. Rest assured that won’t be an issue, and thank you for aiding us.”

Riley turned to her father. “What else should I be demanding?”

Roger chuckled. “Don’t worry. I’m forcing him to write up a contract. He has promised to have it in two days.”

“You can join us in Eteln,” a soldier said, his smile growing. “There are some dukes who are—”

“Nope,” Nicole said, standing and sighing. “You aren’t forcing her into some arranged marriage. Let’s go, Riley.” She turned and opened the door.

A captain stood and followed. “Captain Esther. I’ll be escorting you.” She smiled at Riley. “And we’d be happy to host you regardless.”

“Thanks.” Riley followed her through the barracks and out the door.