Early the next morning the Lieutenants met at the house steps like agreed upon. They both came dressed rather casual neither one wearing visible weapons or armor. They smiled upon seeing one another, grabbed hold of the other's hand, and strolled off the steps into the elven capital.

"Breakfast?" Asked Alura

"Yes and anyplace is fine." Said Keira

"Mmmmhm." Said Alura

As they walked hand in hand through the calming white-stone streets they admired the buildings on ether side of them that were made of similar stone. Aqueducts and greenery were strategically placed to give nature it's place among the urban sprawl. The people who past the two predominately Elven and too busy with their tasks to pay them any mind.

It wasn't long until the pair arrived at a suitable tavern, the menu outside was magically enchanted, and the sign was handcrafted. It wasn't busy yet, it's doors recently opened as Keira and Alura headed on inside. The barkeep greeted them as they entered and welcomed them to a table or the bar.

"What can I get you?" Said the Barkeep

"Two bowls of oats with berries." Said Keira

"Drinks?" Asked the Barkeep

"No, it's far too early for that." Said Alura

Alura reached for the coin purse that set upon her hip, she opened it, and retrieved a pair of golden coins to pay for her and Keira's meal. The barkeep outreached his hand, Alura handing over the coin. Keira stood patiently her thoughts occupied on where they should sit.

"It will be right out." Said the Barkeep.

"Mmmmhm." Said Alura

"I've got it." Said Keira

Keira pointed to a square table tucked away in the far corner of the Tavern, Alura giving her a nod as the two made their way over. The chairs were quite comfortable, the table clean, and the window lighting the spot just ever so. The tavern itself still quiet, more patrons trickling in every second as the barkeep brought them their meal.

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"Thank you." Said Alura and Keira

"Any word from the front?" Asked Alura

"The Trolls still haven't advanced further than the river was the last I heard, enjoy your meal." Said the Barkeep.

"If they had the numbers, I'm sure they would incur further." Said Keira.

Alura grabbed a spoon from the table, dipping it into her bowl, and coming back out with a spoonful of warm oats and strawberries. Keira doing the same as the two wasted no time in consuming their meals. A hot one was better than a cold one after all.

The two didn't take long to finish their breakfast but the tavern was now much livelier with all kinds of patrons. Many conversations were going on all around, not one able to be listened to without the noise of several more. It was time to go, Alura and Keira agreed before one voice stood out among all the others.

"Spare a coin?" Asked a girl.

The girl's skin tone matched Alura's, her hair short a even darker blue then Keira's, her eyes amber, and she wore dull clothing. She repeated her request moving timidly throughout the tavern, many of the patrons passing her by as they ether didn't see her, hear the request, or have any more coin to spare. The Lieutenants could see a sadness forming in the girl's eyes that was all too familiar so they tried for her attention.

"Come here child." Said Alura

"Come to us." Said Keira

The two waved as the girl's gaze searched the tavern for the kind voices she heard not long after she spotted them and hurried on over.

"Hello." Said the Lieutenants.

"Hi." Said the girl.

"Is just one coin really all you need?" Asked Keira

"I think so...I want to help get a gift for those who have been caring for me and the others." Said the girl.

"The others?" Asked Alura

"The other orphans." Said the girl.

Keira's heart sank with Alura's, the two exchanging a look with one another before Keira retrieved several coins from the coin pouch that set upon her hip.

"These are yours but may I ask where you and the others have you been staying?" Asked Keira

"We all stay at the orphanage." Said the girl.

"Will you show us?" Asked Alura.

"Sure." Said the girl.

The journey was a short one, the orphanage was actually a well-kept but ordinary building secured by several foot high walls. An aged bronze statue greeted the trio as they entered its courtyard, the statue appearing to be in honor of the last elven king and queen. Children of all ages could be seen playing happily inside its walls, an older elven gentleman playing among them and an elven woman of similar age tending to the garden within.

The woman had light purple skin, amber eyes, and long purple hair. She was wearing a darkened robe that was tattered around its edges and carried what appeared be a enchanted staff. It was decorated with greenery, assented with blooming flowers, and no doubt useful in gardening. Upon noticing that she had visitors she came right over greeting all with a smile.

"There you are, I see you brought visitors or have you brought trouble?" Asked the woman.

"Hello and no we just wanted to make sure she arrived back safely." Said Keira

"I thank you then for your kindness."

"Can we make a donation?" Asked Alura.

"What sort?" Asked the woman.

"Well, what do you need?" Asked Alura

"A moment of your time would be the most useful but as for you little one your breakfast awaits." Said the woman