“So, do you still need to escort us home?” I ask Fleur and Aaron right after breakfast.

It’s only reasonable since with Mom and Dad here their role became rather redundant. I’m not saying my parents would protect us better, just that four combatants for two children is becoming rather conspicuous.

“Well, we’ve got our orders.” Fleur drags out her words and I already know where this is going. “We have to get you to Granhall and that didn't change.”

“I still think that in a worst-case scenario, we would fare better. No offense.” Aaron adds carefully.

“Some taken.” Mom frowns.

To be real, two professional fighters sound more reliable than a retired adventurer and former hunter. I can put my bias aside and look at it from a ‘who would I rather protect me’ perspective, not that I’d ever pick those two over my parents.

“Let’s not forget that with us here every expense is covered by the Fist…” Fleur hints at the most important detail.

That’s right, we’re basically traveling for free and can sneak some luxuries into the budget as long as we don't overshoot. I might be rich but I’m still stingy.

What they’re saying is that if they get to have a small paid vacation we all can enjoy some expensive stuff. A sprinkle of corruption is always on the table but after being exposed to an abundance of it I’m not sure how to feel about it.

“What did Mom want yesterday?” I slide over to Valka and whisper into her ear.

I see panic in her eyes for a second only for her to quickly gulp it down. “Uhm… she asked how bad really the captivity was, and how bad… you know, goblins, extortion, all that.”

“Ah, why not just ask me? She can sense when I’m lying anyway.” I’m a bad liar but her response was just pathetic. It’s not her fault though, I know my mother and I know she’s the one behind this.

I’ll get to the end of this, later. It’s a shame though that we had to vacate the rooms by noon. I could’ve slept the whole day in that fluffy bed and an afternoon nap sounds just as pleasant after raiding their diner once more.

“Why not just talk ourselves into another caravan?” I ask, as we’re approaching the gate on foot and no attempt was made to change that.

The biggest city I’ve seen in this country is as good of a place as any to catch a ride. Heck, I’d be fine with paying someone, a carriage driver, or whoever works in this industry to take us to Granhall. I’m rich after all.

“The four of us barely made it worth it for the merchants. And, again no offense, the abilities of your parents are questionable. We could wait around and look for a group without their any hired muscle but I doubt any of us plans to spend more time here than necessary.” Aaron whips out a totally reasonable explanation. I’d be fine if it meant staying in that same bed, lazing around, and eating all day.

That doesn’t mean I like his words though. It means walking, and I despise that. I wanna fly so bad… Aaron can fly.

“Can you show me how you fly?” I raise an eyebrow at him as his eye lingers on me.

“Maybe after you’re done with the previous assignment…” He smirks, reminding me of an irksome subject.

That damn wind blade that doesn’t push, doesn't tear, and still cuts everything… It’s time to cheat. Aaron is not the only wind user among us.

“So, Dad, how do you cut with wind magic?” I direct a cheeky side eye at Aaron while questioning my father with the do-as-I-said face.

The poor man was right, I may look like him on the outside but could never deny being my mother's daughter with this personality. He’s helpless against Mom.

And so am I.

“Only a hint.” And the matriarch in question chimes in. “Things earned serve you a lot better.” She nods at her own wisdom and nudges her husband to act.

“Right sweety, what is it you don’t understand?” He leans closer to me with a goofy little smile.

He seems happy to help and get my attention. Elf or not everyone likes to be valued. Actually, Dad seems to be very far from the elf behavior standards I know considering even I am more elf-like despite being only half. Mom’s influence maybe, or he’s just a black sheep or something.

I tell him about my deductions and my dilemma about why things shouldn’t work despite having witnessed them in action. Dad’s expression promises little good as my words flow and by the end, I find it hard to find my voice under his conflicted gaze.

“Am I that wrong?” My mouth drops at his reaction.

“No, no no no.” He shakes his head furiously. “I was just stunned by how bright and dense you can be at the same time.”

That’s not the encouragement I was looking for.

“The thing is, you are so close to the answer that it might be difficult to hint at it without dropping the solution in your lap.” He scratches his growing goatee.

It doesn’t suit him. He’s got that sleek elven face. It would be a crime to cover his sharp features with a messy beard.

“And the hint?” I ask impatiently after the weak compliment.

“Just think of the aspect of wind we use the most, besides cutting. Remember how light it is and… just imagine a gnome with really short hands sawing really fast. Many gnomes actually.” Even he scratches the back of his head by the end.

It’s incredible how easily this image is able to sully all the pleasant memories of him giving me witty lessons and advice of a lifetime. I like this embarrassed and clumsy Dad too, although his true wisdom would be a bit more appreciated right now.

A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

A sawing gnome… that much I can imagine but what is he using, a saw-sword? And why not just a single one, why many… tiny, fast… blades!

My grumpy face disappears and I throw my arms around Dad’s neck. “You’re right! thanks.” And give him a peck on the cheek. He begged me to do it when I was little and always melted when his princess gave him a small kiss. Might just be an outburst on my part but let him have his treat for questionable yet still useful advice.

I run off a bit off to the side of a road and stop for a quick mental imaging.

Make the wind blade have small wind blades. Then vibrate that bitch, like a bunch of tiny teeth grinding on something.

With the image acceptable I whip my arm out and an ugly yet blood-chilling cutter materializes. It blurs towards a tree I aimed at and… shatters upon impact.

Aaron laughs merrily at my failure and Dad too just shakes his head with a poorly hidden smirk..

“Fuck me, she’s scary. I would’ve kissed a goblin’s ass if she nailed it on the first try.” Aaron mutters as he catches his breath.

I don’t find it funny. I know trial and error is the way of things and can accept that. The error part still bugs me though.

“Eli dear,” Mom chimes in. “Why did you move your arm when launching the spell? As a matter of fact, would you care to tell us about what’s new on your Status? We might not be as ancient as Martha, all the best for her, nonetheless we might have a few insights.” Thank the Gods she isn’t around to hear that.

True but… Somehow I don’t feel like sharing my Status now, not even with my parents, much less our escorts. These few months in Salermo did change my perspective.

Maybe the old me will slowly return with time as the ice I built to harden myself melts away. Maybe…

***

I’ve lived in Granhall for many years yet the city has never once looked this beautiful in my eyes. The towering walls and everything else, including the Fort, peaking up from behind it… Even that damn snaking line of people waiting at the main gate. This place might as well be called my home by now and memories make it all seem prettier.

My constant whining when I got here about how terrible my fortune is and how much I hate this place… I wanna strangle the me of the past. I could’ve ended up somewhere like the Line or worse, enslaved and being just a tool. I got lucky.

Dad wipes the tear from my cheek that avoided my attention and ran loose. “It’s not that incredible of a sight, wait till you see Sereban.” He winks obliviously, just the way I like him.

As receptive as he can be about my emotions, sometimes I’m worried about his eyesight. Valka’s face is much easier to read and I’m most definitely not alone in this. Gaping mouth, unblinking eyes… telltale signs of amazement.

I nudge her with my elbow. “Close your mouth before you eat a bug. It’s just as cool on the inside.” I giggle and trudge towards the dreadful queuing ahead of us.

Ah, all the grumbling, whining, and boredom I hated so much in the past. How nostalgic.

“If we pray we might get inside by lunch.” Aaron jokes with a face ready for war.

He understands me well and knows only the Gods can help us through here or a large enough threat to the city. Pushing, cutting in line and any form of aggression really won’t end well, especially after watching nobility and Valeiran troops marching past the common folk through the priority gate.

“I can’t wait to see the face-” I begin to share the devious unveiling of my return when lightning strikes.

As in a thick purple bolt of electricity slamming into the ground just a few steps in front of me and forming a smoldering crater. Out of the smoke reaches a hand and before any of us can react it pulls me… into a hug.

“Praise be Pessus and Tena and whichever God might’ve had a hand in bringing you back alive.” A grandmotherly voice I dearly missed whispers into my ear. Although I can barely hear it after that entrance. “You came back, you’re well, and truly here little devil.” She brushes my hair gently.

Fear and tension evaporate in an instant however before I can complain or return the care a cough interrupts. “Good to see you too captain, as subtle as ever.” Aaron yells while his wind blows the dust away, his hearing likely as intact as mine.

All my escorts, parents included, have their weapons raised and ready for combat. Except for Val. She’s a third of their levels and still on the ground albeit with fist raised and eyes sharp. Even in this situation, Martha takes her sweet time to snuggle me a little longer before releasing me from the comfy prison of her embrace.

I got my share of hugs but that still patched a hole I didn’t know existed. Damn, I missed her. Just like my parents when she’s around I feel safe, and it’s almost like I’m a little relieved of an invisible weight I’m eternally holding.

Just then do I return to my senses and return the hug. “Missed you too, Marhta.” Then pull back and help Valka up from the ground. “Remember Val, she’s the teacher I talked about. The one who crammed all the stuff in my head you learned on the way. Or at least tried to. I know you said she must be a demon, but I promise it’s not that bad. Good luck with theory.”

Yes, I just threw her under the carriage on purpose. I know the old hag will be breathing down my neck to relearn all that boring stuff before I try my shot at making it to the Academy again. I don’t wanna be the only one to suffer and hope to drag Valka along, both to the classroom and to Sereban.

Martha’s eyes turn dangerous as they narrow on my friend. “What can she do?” She asks the question likely aimed at me.

“Tough as steel with a Blessing.” I start and Martha's mouth instantly curves into a wide smile, her eyes staying cold. “She also hits like an oxbear and can heal herself adaquately.”

The old woman reaches down and hoists Valka up with one arm gripping her shoulder. Very unmage-like but it’s a perfect reminder of what sort of a monster she is.

The smile never leaves Martha’s face. “A demon, huh? Is that what you think?” She talks slowly to Valka who only dares to weakly shake her head. “Bennett and I are gonna have so much fun with you. And the collar?”

“Long story short she was a slave and we went through this and that before Ehrhardt picked us up.” I explain with the least number of words possible. “Got the contract.”

“Good and don’t think you can get away that easily.” Her head turns towards me, letting go of Valka. “Just what did you tell your little friend here about me, huh?”

I glance towards my first Dad and then Mom for help but they both shake their heads. This will be ugly.

“Follow!” Martha barks and starts marching towards the gate. Her wide smile betrays the grumpy act but it’s all good because I missed these moments as well. Not so much the punishment, but oh well, I’m used to it.

We walk past carts, carriages, and countless people all throwing nasty glances our way, many raising their voices against our actions. That is until a typical guard stands our way, but not for the reason I got used to back in Solermo.

“Please stand in line or present your documents for priority entrance!” He lifts his hand in front of Martha.

“Vallace, drag your ass out here!” The elderly woman shouts and in less than a minute a man, the guard captain without a doubt, comes running. “Emergency!” Martha states and moves on, evading the eager guardsman and refusing to elaborate.

A resigned look and exhaustion on the officer’s face tells me all I need to know as he orders his men. “Let them through!”

The poor man probably knows Martha well.

The guards stand aside, although they need a second or two to process their captain folding like a card house in the face of a loud granny. Martha is basically oozing energy right now and I sometimes even catch electric sparks jumping between her finger and hair. Not that her eyes or lips aren’t proof enough of her mood.

We swiftly file through and arrive on the familiar streets of Granhall. A city just like Solermo but completely different at the same time. I’m not saying it’s perfect because crime is still present and merchants will try to scam you on every corner but it’s a fine place and it feels good to be back.

Little has changed ever since I departed to learn. Not that I learned much besides street tactics and some ancient locations I can barely remember. The streets are the same, the people seem the same, the vibe and smells are all the same… I changed though, quite a bit and I’m not sure if it was all for the better.

Let’s just pray the mess hall is the way I left it.