Isodera Forest, Waxenian Camp, Five days until the caravan arrives

Talia was playing with her fingers by the lake, feeling a lot sorry for herself. One would think that she is angry or vengeful by the look of her face, but in truth she was just sad. There is a reason why she was seduced by a male Sylph, and it isn't because they worship a Sparrow, but because the man actually gave her a sense of purpose and love, actual attention. All that the Waxenian woman ever wanted was to be loved and have a slight recognition, since Arsi was so busy and angry all the time by overseeing every single problem of the tribe that he neglected her personal needs.

She understood why he needed to do this, he needed to perform, to show that he is a competent leader. But he never had a minute to spend with her, to actually be a couple or even ask her for advice or help, it was always “me me me”, a backseat spectator with no voice whatsoever. It was frustrating to just pose as a wife instead of being one, invisible yet present at the same time.

Talia sighed, her eyes fixed on the shimmering surface of the lake. The ripples danced in the sunlight, mocking her solitude with their carefree movements. She remembered the first time she met the Sylph, Cantler was his name. His laughter was like music, and his words were a balm to her weary soul. He had seen her not as the Waxenian leader's wife, but as Talia, a person with dreams and desires.

But now, sitting alone, she wondered if she had made a mistake. The Sylph's attention had been intoxicating, but was it worth the cost? She had betrayed Arsi, yes, but more than that, she had betrayed herself. Her heart ached with the weight of her choices, and the loneliness seemed to close in around her like a shroud.

She looked up at the sky, watching a lone sparrow flit across the expanse. A part of her envied its freedom, its ability to soar above the world and leave all its troubles behind. But she knew she couldn't fly away from her problems. She had to face them, to find a way to reconcile her need for love and recognition with the life she had chosen.

As she got up and turned away, an unfamiliar face showed up at the entrance of the camp.

A Lacerta appeared in a horse carrying a cart, maybe from a mineshaft. The guards tried to shove him out saying he was trespassing, but he insisted he was invited by the Waxenian Leader.

“Leave him be, he is expected to arrive.”, The Young Waxenian said to the camp, the denizens being put at ease, but still didn't let their guards down.

“By the Elk! What happened to him?”, The local shaman asked as he saw the Lacerta’s injuries.

“I was ambushed.”, Zagul said as he dismounted his horse, pulling the bags in its back, “And I brought one of them. Needed to kill the others.”

As if on queue, the adults covered the children's eyes as the Lacerta not only showed the beaten body of a Sylph, but also Uzu's body, the face unrecognizable thanks to the wound of the ax slash. As Zagul explained what happened on the cave, the shaman and the healer came to tend his wounds by Arsi's orders. The biggest problem was the slash in his back as the other wounds were more simple to take care of. He also showed the bag full of metal and gems, worth not as much as the usual mining expedition Arsi would send, but obviously way more than two people could carry.

Talia saw a fellow brethren of Cantler, beaten up and spitting blood. A man of pale skin as the color of the snow, eyes as red as the human blood and slim features, his wings shivering in pain. She couldn't help but feel sick watching the brutality of what happened not only to him but also whoever dead body was next to him. He was conscious, but barely. That made her worry about Cantler, because that is not a fate she wishes to anyone, but she hardly has the means to stop this, so all she can do is get closer and give an apologetic expression.

Arsi pointed at the captive Sylph, “He's the only survivor then.”

“Yeah.”, Zagul said in a grunt as the arrow was finally removed from his shoulder, “Either the information leaked, or they are watching the camp from afar.”

A heavy silence settled over the camp as the Waxenians gathered around, their eyes darting between the injured Lacerta and the battered Sylph. Whispers spread through the crowd, a mixture of fear and anger. This attack was unexpected, and the presence of a Sylph prisoner only heightened the tension.

Arsi's face was a mask of stern resolve as he assessed the situation. The camp depended on the resources from the mining expeditions, and this ambush threatened their already precarious existence. He knew that trust within the tribe was fragile, and any sign of weakness could fracture it further. His gaze fell on Talia, who stood at the edge of the crowd, her expression conflicted.

“We need answers,” Arsi declared, his voice cutting through the murmurs. “This Sylph will tell us what we need to know about their movements and intentions.”

The captive Sylph groaned, his eyes glazed with pain and fear. He looked around at the Waxenians with a mixture of defiance and desperation, understanding the precariousness of his situation. Arsi motioned for two guards to secure the prisoner, ensuring he couldn't escape or cause further harm. Zagul followed suit as they finished up the medical procedures alongside Arsi. Talia walked behind them, but as soon as she got near the tent they were going to start interrogating, the guards didn't allow her passage.

“Sorry, private business.”, One guards said, using his spear to block the way.

Inside, the Sylph was put on the ground, or rather thrown to the ground. The Lacerta and the Waxenians present looked at the prisoner, waiting for him to try voicing a defense. He didn't seem eager to say anything.

So in the old fashioned angry way, Arsi punched his face with all his brute force.

*THUD*

“Fuck!”, Was all the Sylph said as his wings flapped on the floor.

Zagul squatted near him, a frown forming in his eyebrows, “Tell me, how come you and your friends know that I was going to mine in the caves?”

“Shut up…”, He managed to say between is moan of pain, “I am no snitch…”

“You will turn into a corpse six feet under if you don't start talking.”, The Waxenian said as he gestured one of the guards inside to hold his staff, “Bring the tools.”

“At once, Chief.”

The captive chuckled, “Heh, you think I will be so easily broken? Not in a million years.”

“Spare me the cliche lines.”, The Lacerta sighed, “You will be responsible for the death of many if you act that way.”

“He is waging war against my tribe, he won't spare anyone so why would I tell him anything?”

Shit, solid argument. Zagul did hear that Arsi would destroy them and their totem regardless of anything thanks to the whole thing of getting cucked and all.

Arsi narrowed his eyes, anger simmering beneath his calm exterior. "Your tribe's actions put us all at risk. We can't afford to be at odds with each other when there's so much at stake."

A bluff, if The Lacerta could tell.

The Sylph spat on the ground, his defiance unwavering. "And why should I believe that you Waxenians won't just kill us all once you've gotten what you want?"

Talia, standing just outside the tent, listened to the heated exchange with a growing sense of dread. She knew that Arsi's temper was unpredictable, especially when it came to matters of pride and betrayal. Her mind raced, searching for a way to de-escalate the situation.

Taking a deep breath, Talia stepped forward, pushing past the guard's spear. "Wait," she called out, her voice carrying over the tension-filled air. "Let me speak with him."

Arsi glanced at her, surprise and irritation flickering across his face. "Talia, this is not the time for—"

"Please, Arsi," she interrupted, her tone firm. "I can help. Just give me a chance."

Zagul looked at Arsi who looked enraged at the mere sight of the woman. Arsi’s eyes narrowed at Talia, clearly irritated by the interruption. He was about to say something, but Talia’s determined stance made him pause. With an exasperated sigh, he waved his hand. "Fine. You’ve got five minutes."

Talia moved closer to the Sylph, her heart racing. He looked both pained and defiant, and she felt a pang of sympathy despite everything. She crouched down, speaking softly but firmly.

"Look, I get it, you’re hurting," she said. "But we need answers, and you’ve got a chance to make this easier on yourself if you help us out. Tell us what we need to know, and we can find a way to make this less miserable for you."

The Sylph’s gaze shifted between Talia and the surrounding Waxenians. His defiance wavered, but he still seemed hesitant.

"Why should I trust you?" he muttered, wincing from the pain. "You’ll just use me and then toss me aside."

Talia took a deep breath, trying to sound as sincere as possible. "Because not everyone here wants to make things worse. We really do want to figure this out, and if you help us, there might be a way to turn things around. I know it’s tough, but there’s a chance for something better if you work with us."

The Sylph hesitated, clearly torn. Talia’s earnestness was making an impression, but he was still wary.

Arsi, growing impatient, tapped his foot. “Come on, Talia. We don’t have all day.”

The Sylph looked from Arsi to Talia, his tough exterior starting to crack. “Alright, alright. But what guarantee will any of you give me?”

Zagul's eyes widened in awe, because neither he or Arsi were planning on playing the good guy, bad guy approach, yet this woman had the perfect allure that caught people, even the Lacerta would be affected by it if not for his previous experiences.

The woman looked at Arsi for help, but he only stared back.

Talia sighed, realizing that offering guarantees was not her strength. "I can’t make promises that I can’t keep," she said. "But I can assure you that if you cooperate, we'll consider your well-being in our decisions. We need your help to understand what's coming. If you choose to remain silent, it only makes things worse for everyone involved."

The Sylph's face was a mask of conflicted emotions, but the pain and exhaustion seemed to be wearing him down. Slowly, he nodded, as if he could see a glimmer of hope in her words. "Alright, I'll talk. But you better hold to your word. I'll start with why we knew about the mining."

Talia nodded, feeling a mix of relief and apprehension. “Thank you. We’ll do what we can to address this situation as fairly as possible.”

She looked at Arsi again, this time he nodded, but Zagul couldn't tell if he agreed, approved or was just content with the results of the persuasion. The Elk is said to be the symbol of strength, nobility, power, freedom and agility, but it is going to be a mystery if the Waxenian Leader is going to uphold the nobility part of the mantra, or whatever they use. Regardless, the room is more at ease that they are progressing with the interrogation, instead of batting their heads on the wall, stuck on a stalemate.

The Lacerta took the initiative, “Well, let's start with how did you guys knew about the cave.”

The Sylph gritted his teeth in a scoff, but complied, “You have a rat inside the camp. They tell everything there is to know about this place and it's plans for the future.”

“A rat?”, Arsi questioned.

“Someone is telling details of the things that happen here. A backstabber, or spy, if that makes it simple.”, The captive explained.

The Leader was about to shout in anger, obviously, but Talia asked something way more important than being salty about the situation, “Who is this spy?”

“I don't know. And yes, I know it's stupid to say that, but I truly don't know. The only thing I got were orders from our Elders who oftentimes mentioned the spy.”, He said as he readjusted his feet to be more comfortable on the ground, “Never questioned it, so I can't say who this person is.”

“Kid.”, Zagul calls Arsi, who is not offended at all at being called a kid, despite the present guards being obviously bothered by such remark, “Did you tell anyone about our meeting yesterday?”

“Not that I can remember. But no one recognized you when you arrived, so there is that.”, The Chief managed to blurt out despite his unstable state, “Besides, that's not the problem in the Camp. I don't know who might be behind the cloth, and information in general doesn't keep hidden for long.”

“Mouth to mouth?”

“Exactly.”

“So there is someone paying too much attention and they for some reason want the tribe to perish?”, Talia asked as he tried to rationalize the situation.

“Enemies?”, The Lacerta asked, after all no attack from the inside would come without a reason.

“Unfortunately.”, Arsi offered an explanation, “My father, the previous Leader, he did a lot of things people didn't like, and also a lot that people did. Me inheriting the Chief position might have made some people uncomfortable, to say the least.”

“So they are plotting to kill you.”

“Maybe that isn't it.”, Talia came up to a conclusion, if her apprehensive face and voice didn't tell enough, “The Elk is being worshiped since the previous Chief, since he wanted to change our perspective and plan ahead for future difficulties. The previous totem was the Wolf, family and cultivation.”

“A lot more peaceful than the Elk, who seemed glory, honor and battle.”, Arsi concluded the explanation.

“So it's both a religious and political matter.”, Zagul groaned, irritated. Of course, when it's time to shit, it never is a slight rain.

They all tensed at the reasons. They were all there, Arsi trying for his dear life to make up for the downs his father made as well as neglecting his own family responsibilities. The few people that always disagreed with the change of deity and now the imminent war on the horizon, problems never stopped piling up. With a sigh, Talia bid her farewell for now, giving a “we still need to talk” look at the Chief, her role on this interrogation being done for now. The Sylph patiently and painfully waited for the whole thing to finish as he wasn't exactly allowed to voice his discomfort.

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“So, what do the Sparrow Worshipers know?”, Arsi asked, turning his attention to the captive.

He sighed, “A lot. They know about the caves and are probably setting hidden camps nearby. They also know the day the caravan of merchants might appear, as well as the amount of manpower you have to fight in the war. At least from what I've been allowed to know.”

“That's a problem.”, Zagul said.

“No shit.”, Arsi snarked.

Who would've thought that he could be sarcastic.

“It's do or die, we being on the disadvantage.”, A guard commented.

“Except that we have him.”, Zagul pointed to the Sylph, “Pardon for the late introductions, but who are you?”

“Nate.”, The Sylph answered, his wings flapping in pride, for some reason.

“Zagul.”

“Arsi.”

“I imagine you want me to tell about their plans, right?”, Nate asked rhetorically. Of course they would want to know about enemy tactics.

The room is filled with a silence so deafening that it wasn't even awkward, just painful.

“That's expected.”, Nate grumbled, reluctantly agreeing to let himself tell his kin tactics, “Well, since y'all trained to be warriors, we can exactly go toe to toe. They'd use strategy to lure you into a false sense of security and strike when you're most vulnerable.”

“Before you do that.”, Arsi tuned to the guards inside, “Make sure that no one hears this from the outside. Play dumb if necessary, but whatever is discussed here, remains here, nowhere else.”

“Sir!”, The guards said as they left to uphold their orders.

“How so?”, Zagul asked, seeing that the plan is sound, but still just a general idea instead of a Step By Step thing.

“First thing was to put up a siege, not to attack, but not let any of you out of the camp. So we searched perimeters where would be easy to defend and hold position, giving that the camp is near a flatland at the coast of a river.”, The Sylph explained, gesturing either with his head or eyes to get the explanation across, “So far the trees on the nearby forest and the lake, using the boats to get archers to ensure none escape or go in.”

“The archers would have a good way to keep us inside while they work on the siege walls, working uninterrupted.”, The Waxenian growled, they'd put them in a cage where they can't leave. If they try, they attack, if they stay, they starve.

If you run the beast attacks, if you stay the beast eats.

Fuck…

“And why attack the caves?”, The Lacerta resumed the questions, “Why diverge the men and resources to attack there? Surely it wasn't just to take hold of the merchants that come here.”

“Beats me.”, Nate shrugged, unsure, “All I can tell is that they wanted something that might give them an advantage. Not sure what.”

Zagul has a good idea what they might want from that, too bad they needed to go against him of all people.

“What the Sylphs know about magic gems?”, That was a gamble that the gecko was willing to take. Better make sure he is on the right track than left it to the end.

“Those exist?”, Arsi asked, a bit surprised.

“Of course. That's why I asked if there were gems in the cave, or crystals.”, Zagul pointed out with a frown, “They can have properties that can be used in warfare, even in their brute and unpolished forms. That's the only thing I can come up with to explain why they attacked the caves aside from the uphold of the resources themselves.”

“The desire for control…”, He contemplated, “Totens can be really eerie sometimes.”

They look at the captive for clarification, Nate immediately getting their meaning, “That is possible.”, He admits shamelessly, “It's not the first time that my tribe used or had interactions with said stones, or people willing to buy it.”

“So you did know about it.”, The Chief sneered.

“Not entirely!”, He was quick to correct his statement, “What I mean is that we already have one, what I believe it is one of the gems this lizard spoke about, not that I knew what they were after!”

“And what gem is it?”, The Lacerta asked before Arsi could explode a blood vein from his constant grimaces of anger.

Nate flapped his wings to answer, “Our wings are too heavy for us to fly, so the gem allows us to do so, in a way that only a few members can see, and fewer use it.”, He gets up briefly, “That way we can cover Land, Sea and Air all the while our workers cover up the camp.”

“A quick getaway, quick attacks in the span of minutes and then archers covering all the exits.”

“We are totally fucked.”, Arsi gritted his teeth, his fists clenching, his body shivering as it forced itself to keep quiet and on the same spot.

“Not entirely.”, Zagul said with a grin.

They looked at him with a mix of hope, skepticism and unseriousness, but the grin he had in his face wasn't one of blind confidence but one of actual gall and experience, a veteran. He picked up the gem he pocketed before, the crude brown crystal not even shining, giving a underwhelming vibe, but the grin never left the lips and cheeks of the Lacerta.

“What is this junk?”, Arsi asked impatiently.

“An Earthshard.”, Zagul said as he jiggled the gem in his fingers, “It is a mystical stone believed to have been formed during the Age of Titans, a time when elemental forces roamed freely across the land.”

He then looked at the gem, displeased, surprising Arsi as he believed that something so old must have a lot of power.

“I admit that despite the era and name, this gem is rather weak compared to others with similar properties, but it can be used to turn the tides in our favor if used correctly.”

“I assume you know how to, right?”, Nate raised his eyebrows, regretting to underestimate again the Lacerta.

“Zagul?”, The Waxenian said.

“Yes?”

“When and how?”

Oh, he forgot to explain this part, “When I finished dealing with them,”, He looked at the captive Sylph, “I found the only one in the cave deep walls. I instantly knew what it was and it's capabilities, so I picked it up, because it never hurts to have one of these.”

Arsi sighed in relief and exasperation, he clearly wasn't in good mood and despite the way the news got to him, there was a sense that some weight just… vanished.

“What are those capabilities?”

“If a Magic Sensitive puts his Éter on the gem, regardless if it is attacked on a tool, staff or weapon, the wielder has a minor but valuable control of the Element Earth.”, He explained as he used the dirt of the ground as example, “Shit small stones, minor earthquakes, plant manipulation, fortify structures they created themselves or already existed prior to the gem's influence… the list goes on.”

“Exactly what we need to win this battle.”, The Chief nodded.

“Not quite.”, Nate said, almost prompting an attack from Arsi, “The gems have limitations equal or higher than their possibilities. We can't fly with ours forever for example, some even loosing their wings, a symbol of pride amongst us.”

“He's right.”, The Lacerta quickly backed up the allegations, “The Earthshard doesn't get the privilege of not being under such limitations.”

“Fine.”, The Waxenian spat, “What are those?”

“The Earthshard is not a tool of destruction or grand transformation. It cannot cause large-scale earthquakes, create mountains, or shift massive boulders. Its energy is finite and requires time to recharge after use. Overexertion can cause the gem to crack, diminishing its power permanently, and in the worse cases, exploding, having the possibility to take someone's life in the process.”

“Darn it…”

Of course, Zagul was hiding even more limitations and hindrances of the gem, like fatigue over long periods of usage, emotional based control, dependency and even biological hazards to the wielder and environment. Not to mention a weird sense of protection of mother nature.

Protection of mother nature… huh…

“That is if someone doesn't know how to use it properly. I have studied these gems for a time, so I know how to go around these setbacks.”, He offered, putting a hand over his shoulder, trying to sound reassuring.

“Great, all I need to do now is trust a Sparrow and an Alligator.”, He didn't seem reassured.

That's also another thing Zagul wished he could prevent. Uzu had the knowledge necessary to put his Alligator persona in a more credible light, but now he needs to improvise and adapt to whatever an Alligator worshiper might be or mean. Hardly a difficult task, thanks to the decade spent as a slave and even before that, but that is a great inconvenience, no matter how little the problem might be.

So, instead of giving an excuse, Zagul doubled down.

“Well, I am not going to force you anything, the choice is yours to take. But this gem?”, He raised his hand, showing the Earthshard, “This is mine, whatever your choice is.”

Arsi looked down, absorbing the dilemma. There is a lot of reasons to go with this plan and an equal amount to go against it, mainly the nagging feeling that the Lacerta can betray him, but if he was going to, he would've done it already. He took his time explaining this knowledge, getting this information, all for the sake not of his own profit, but the benefit of the Morepans, even going out of his way to guide and advise the Chief. The Waxenian debated with himself, mixed and crushed between what is good for his people and what is right. They aren't mutually exclusive, but not inclusive as well.

The Earthshard is a good weapon that can stand a chance against the ones on the ground, maybe even being somewhat useful to the ones in the air even. The ones at the lake could go to the shore and try their luck if they saw that the previous advantage was vanquished… But what could Zagul do to them? Not the Sylphs, but him and his people? What if he is the spy and os trying to come up with a weird and super complicated, complex military genius plan to win the war? Arsi dismissed this guy before became he thought he'd die or just go home, but he is way more capable and smart than he showed.

The cons outweigh the pros.

“No.”, He said, simply and bluntly, “I won't proceed with this plan.”

That took Zagul off guard actually. He gave a pretty good reason, a decent plan and even his support to use the Earthshard, yet he refused everything.

Arsi’s voice was firm, though a hint of hesitation lingered at the edges of his words. "We’ve come this far without relying on such dangerous tools, and I won't put my people's fate in the hands of something that could just as easily destroy us as it could save us."

The room fell into a silence that felt heavier than before, as if the weight of Arsi’s decision pressed down on everyone present. Zagul’s grin faded, replaced by a thoughtful frown. The Lacerta crossed his arms, considering the implications of Arsi’s refusal.

“You’re playing a risky game, Chief,” Zagul finally said, his tone low. “There’s no doubt that your decision is grounded in honor, but honor doesn’t always win wars.”

“It's not about honor.”, He shook his head, “And that's not the only reason why I don't want to proceed with the plan.”

Nate, who's been quietly listening, decided to ask, as his wings flapped in confusion, “Then… what is it?”

“I don't trust him.”, Arsi pointed at Zagul.

Zagul’s eyes narrowed, the air thickening with the tension of unspoken words. He didn’t react outwardly, but inside, the wheels of his mind were spinning, recalculating, reassessing. His grin had vanished completely, leaving a hard, impassive mask in its place.

Arsi continued, his voice steady but carrying an edge that hadn't been there before. “You’ve been too convenient, too knowledgeable about things you shouldn’t be. You arrive with solutions to problems we didn’t even know we had, and you offer your help so freely… It makes me wonder if you’re the one orchestrating these problems in the first place.”

Zagul uncrossed his arms slowly, deliberately, as if trying to project calmness. “You think I’m behind this? That I’d put myself in a cage like this just to manipulate you?”

“I think you’re a manipulator,” Arsi said, his gaze unwavering, “Whatever your reasons to help us now, it doesn't change the fact that your motives are unclear. You could be steering us into a situation where you benefit the most, regardless of what happens to us."

“Fucking bullseye.”, The Lacerta thought annoyed.

Zagul sighed, a sound that carried both frustration and understanding. He needed to bluff here, "You’re right to be cautious, Chief. Trust is something that must be earned, not given freely. But consider this—if I truly wanted to harm you, there are easier ways to do it than by offering you a way to save your people."

Arsi didn’t flinch. "Maybe. But until I know for sure where your loyalties lie, I can’t afford to take that risk. My people’s lives are in my hands, and I won’t gamble with them."

The Waxenian turned to the Sylph, “And you. You will be a prisoner until I have a clear mind on what to do with you.”

“Sure.”, Nate said, even if Arsi didn't need confirmation.

“Now, leave. I will uphold my promise to the Morepans, they won't be caught in the war and will have some supplies delivered tomorrow.”, He said as he picked up his staff resting at the tent’s entrance, “As for you, I expected you to not show up, especially on the enemy side.”

Zagul said nothing as he left the tent, the guards entering to take the Sylph to a cell. He sighed, the plan not really working that much, but he never truly promised to help on the war, after all, a small unpolished gem is capable of helping a lot on his own matters.

----------------------------------------

Talia just left the tent, the serious talk continuing as she was now facing another issue she has. She took care of one, actually helping and making amends on her mistakes, showing that she was willing to go back and make up for it. But the problem is that only Arsi saw it. The camp? They still saw the unfaithful wife of the Chief, the woman who allowed her virtue to be taken by someone else. The treatment and resentment… it was visible they were displeased, even if they didn't touch her.

They couldn't as Arsi didn't call the marriage off, meaning Talia was still his is some way or another. Touching her, cursing her or damaging her in any way, verbal or not, was still going against the Chief, a rule everyone followed to the letter. That was maybe her only luck, since if this rule didn't exist the treatment she was going to get would be way worse. They stared at her with a mix of feelings.

The gazes that followed her were a heavy burden, filled with judgment, disdain, and a touch of pity. Talia could feel the weight of their eyes pressing down on her, a silent condemnation that echoed in every corner of the camp. Each look reminded her of her transgression, the stain on her name that no amount of penance could seem to cleanse.

As she walked through the camp, the murmurs were like a low hiss, barely audible but ever-present, a constant reminder that she was an outsider among her own people. The children no longer played near her, their mothers pulling them away with furtive glances, as if her mere presence could taint their innocence. The men averted their eyes, some with thinly veiled anger, others with uncomfortable silence, unsure of how to act around a woman they once respected but now saw as tainted.

Talia’s shoulders sagged under the unspoken accusations, her steps faltering as she tried to hold her head high. The path ahead seemed longer, more treacherous than ever before, every step a reminder of the fragile ground she walked on. She had made amends in the eyes of Arsi, but the camp was a different matter. Forgiveness was a distant dream, and acceptance even further.

There was only one thing that kept Talia's sanity at bay in this situation. As she sat on the lake, someone sat beside her, and she immediately smiled as she recognized who was there.

“Oliver.”, She said to the child, who was still blissfully unaware of the whole problem.

“How ya doing, Aunt?”, He said in his playful tone, hinting a bit of concern.

“I'm fine.”, She smiled through the pain, “What troubles me is the war the future reserves for us.”

“Nah, we are strong!”, Oliver flexed his muscles, trying to show reassurance despite there not being any muscles, “We gonna beat them and make them regret messing with us!”

Talia chuckled softly at Oliver's bravado, the tension in her chest easing just a bit. The innocence in his eyes was a welcome balm to the constant scrutiny she faced. He had no understanding of the complexities that weighed her down, no knowledge of the silent war she was fighting within her own camp. To him, she was still Aunt Talia, the same woman who had taught him to fish and told him stories by the fire.

"Yes, we will," she replied, her voice gentle yet laced with a determination she hadn't felt in a long time. "But it's not just the battles we fight with swords that matter, Oliver. Sometimes the hardest battles are the ones we fight in here." She tapped lightly on his chest, over his heart.

Oliver looked at her, his youthful face scrunching up in thought. "You mean like being brave and stuff?"

"Yes," Talia said, smiling at his simple yet profound understanding. "Being brave enough to face the truth, even when it hurts. And being strong enough to stand by what you believe in, even when everyone else turns away."

The boy nodded seriously, as if he was committing her words to memory. "Then you don’t have to worry, Aunt Talia. You’re the bravest person I know. And I’ll be brave too, just like you."

Talia's heart swelled with a mixture of pride and sorrow. She wished she could shield him from the harsh realities that awaited him, but she knew that wasn't possible. All she could do was set an example, to show him that even in the face of scorn and rejection, one could still hold onto their dignity and their sense of self.

"Thank you, Oliver," she whispered, pulling him into a tight embrace. "You’ve given me more strength than you know."

He winced in a grimace, “You are weird, Aunt.”

Talia chuckled again, “You might be the first person to say that so positively to me.”

“...Adults are weird…”

As they sat by the lake, the weight of the camp's judgment seemed to lift, if only for a moment. In the company of a child who still saw her for who she truly was, Talia found a small but crucial piece of solace.

It was enough to keep her going, to keep her fighting.

And she will need it.