"That was incredible!" Aurora spun in an excited circle as she walked, showing herself every bit of sixteen years old. Now that the fear and adrenaline had worn off, she could fully appreciate the magical events of the day. Devrim and Brinn walked on either side or her, amused and confused respectively. "We met a water nymph! Three of them, actually. Are they made of water or do they just look like water?"

"A combination of the two," Brinn responded calmly. There was really nothing special about them, but Aurora made her wonder if there was.

"And then the ground opened up like the world would split in two… why do gnomes dig if they can move the earth around like that?" Aurora asked.

"Their magic can only move the earth temporarily; the holes they make will go back to their natural state when the magic is complete." Brinn was beginning to enjoy being the expert. Others never deferred to her knowledge, and Aurora's enthusiasm made her feel important. She unconsciously straightened her back and puffed out her chest as they walked.

"These gnomes are strong and heavy, but not very good at fighting," Aurora observed. She bumped into Devrim as she mimicked a fighting stance. The boy was delighted by her touch and chuckled softly.

"Those gnomes were not trained for fighting. Likely they only attacked because they were the closest ones to your position. Why were they after you, anyway?" Brinn asked nonchalantly.

Aurora started to answer, but Devrim could feel there was more behind her question than idle curiosity. 'She wants to know who we are and if we are important. But why?' Devrim thought. He stopped the Empress and answered himself. "Aurora needs to see the Fates. The future of the world depends on her making it to them."

"Your world maybe…" Brinn bristled. Surely silly humans could not affect her life in any major way. It was not like they had magic or anything.

Devrim shook his head, "The entire planet is in jeopardy." The man and elf stared at each other intently. Aurora could feel the tension. They were on the brink of an argument. The Empress needed to distract them or at least change the subject.

"Oh Brinn, I wish you could have seen Devrim back there fighting the gnomes. He was amazing! I mean I have seen him use a sword before, but not in a battle. He cut them all down and rescued me. He is my hero!" Aurora could see her praise had worked. Devrim's face had brightened, and the elf was listening passively. "Thank you!" She said to Devrim.

Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.

Whether out of impulse or to further her flattery, Aurora leaned over and planted a kiss on the boy's cheek. Overcome by his own desire, Devrim turned his head and pushed his lips to hers. He immediately panicked. What was he thinking?! He had barely even touched her arm without permission and now he was kissing her. To his surprise, she kissed him back. After her initial shock, Aurora relaxed and placed her arms around his neck. Devrim hugged her tight, years of emotion welling up. The moment, though unexpected, was almost perfect.

"You guys know I am right here, don't you?" Brinn asked. Her face looked annoyed, but her eyes danced with amusement. Finally these humans were being interesting!

Embarrassed, the two teens separated and tried to act casual. "Sorry," Aurora mumbled.

"Me too," Devrim agreed.

"What are you two to each other, anyway?" Brinn needled them. She was enjoying the entertainment.

Aurora blushed. Devrim gave the girl a sly grin in return for her pleading gaze. 'I'm not answering that. You can.' He thought.

"He is my husband," Aurora said. It was sort of true.

Brinn crinkled her nose, "Was it was an arranged marriage?"

"Does it help if I say yes?" Aurora asked innocently.

"Want to try a different answer?" Brinn would not accept her lie.

"He is my brother," Aurora tried again. That had been their story while they had been traveling. She realized how ridiculous it sounded as soon as she said it.

"Ew! Do all humans kiss their relatives like that? No wonder there are so many of you." Brinn giggled at her own joke. "You are not very good at this 'lying' thing, but I am enjoying your effort," the elf nodded enthusiastically. It did not help that Devrim was smiling like the cat that ate the canary.

"Fine, we are friends," Aurora said, exasperated.

Brinn stroked her chin. "That's the closest you have come to the truth so far. Let us give it one more try." The elf sounded like a school teacher coaxing her student.

The Empress growled in frustration and threw her hands in the air. "Ugh, it is complicated, okay! Are you happy?" Aurora did not wait for an answer, but stomped off ahead of them in a rage. How dare they treat her in such a manner!

Brinn turned to Devrim. "I am happy; are you happy?"

Devrim nodded thoughtfully. "I am very happy. You have gotten more out of her in a single conversation than I have managed in six years."

"Six years?! You are either dedicated and patient or stupid." Brinn responded.

Devrim grinned, "Probably a combination of the two. As the lady said, it is complicated."

Brinn nodded. "I can tell. I hope she figures out her feelings for you. You must really love her to come all this way on her errand."

"I do." Devrim responded without hesitation.

"I wish you the best," Brinn said honestly with a slight melancholy in her voice.

"Thanks... You know, I may not trust you, but I am starting to like you ever so slightly," Devrim held up his fingers and pinched them closely together to demonstrate.

Brinn's face broke into a large smile, "That is the nicest compliment I have ever heard! You are not so bad yourself, lover-boy." She slapped the man on the back.

"Do not call me that or I will take it all back," Devrim threatened, but there was still amusement in his voice. Nothing could bring him down just now.

Brinn called out to the Empress, "Hey, Rory! You are going the wrong way. Veer to the left." Aurora did not turn around but did aim slightly left as she continued her solitary march. "Much better!" Brinn yelled her approval.

"Rory?" Devrim asked.

Brinn laughed, "Aurora-Rory. I cannot give you a nickname and not give her one. I have got to offend everyone or someone might actually get offended. Plus I have saved her life twice, so I feel I have earned the right. Three times if you count just now." Brinn pointed in the direction that the Empress had been going before being redirected.

"Why, what is in that direction?" Devrim asked as he squinted through the trees to look.

"You do not want to know…"