As the woman marked the course for the race it was clear she was much more than a gardener who used an enchanted staff. Flowers bloomed at her touch, roots were tucked back into the earth, sticks carried away by those who did not impede the path. Various obstacles were also elected as her true nature became much more apparent making sure the path was a challenge but perfectly safe. With her task completed she and the other competitors readied themselves at the starting line.

"I'll lead the pack, on my roar." Said the woman

Just before the race started, Keira noticed the bruise her foot had made when striking Alura's thigh. She knew Alura wasn't one to complain but it was only right she thought that she mended any bruises or bites she gave Alura during their brawl. A spell of mending would be cast as her hand caressed Alura, the bruise fading as Alura took notice of her gesture. The two sharing a smile before they were interrupted by a literal roar.

The woman took off like a wild animal, leading the pack through the course just as intended. Her lover close behind her with the children followed by the lieutenants. The course started with open terrain where racers would find their place among the pack and their true competitors. Adults quickly out pacing many of the children except for a select few, all in it to win.

As racers made their way forward a series of logs was presented to them, all having to leap over several before crawling through several more and into a briar patch. The briars were placed so low the competitors would have to low crawl to get through them. It was a tight fit especially so for those who were older giving the time for the rest to catch up to them.

It was in the briar patch that many of the children caught up to the man, they grabbed hold of him trying to pull him back playfully as he muscled his way through unphased. The man was tied with the Lieutenants and beside them they noticed the girl they had helped earlier in tavern who was hot on their heels. It was still anyone's race with another obstacle approaching.

Next was a obstacle of crates that varied in height, the leader of the pack climbing them with ease jumping any gap between them that was needed. Her lover doing the same but with the added weight of several children on his back. The Lieutenants able to pass him but not before the girl from behind caught up to them now racing right alongside the best of them. Alura was ahead of Keira, then Keira was ahead of her, then the man was ahead of them both again, and then the girl all true competitors doing their best to catch up to the wild one that led them.

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With one last leap everyone rushed back to even ground turning a corner as they entered their final approach to the finish line. All taking a full breath every other step as they sourced as much oxygen as they could muster for their final push. The wild one would no doubt take first but who would take second, third, fourth, fifth, and so on? Bolting towards the finish line the results soon became clearer, the woman took first, second the girl, third the man, and for fourth the Lieutenants seemed to come to a tie. Then came all the rest of children some of whom had fallen off the man in his final effort.

"How fun, I hope you all enjoyed the course." Said the woman.

"I often forget just how fast you two are." Said the man.

"Impressive." Said Alura

"Well, it's in our nature, isn't that right little one?" Said the woman with a smirk.

"Druids?" Asked Keira

The girl remained quiet, the eyes of the Lieutenants curiously upon her waiting for her words that never came instead a modest nod.

"Yes, I've been teaching this one whenever I can spare a few moments with her alone. Thank you for your time today lieutenants, we loved having you, and hope you will come visit again soon."

Keira stood next to Alura both giving their direct attention to the girl who they met earlier in the tavern.

"Be sure to continue your training." Said Keira

"Yes, we are going to come back you know." Said Alura

"I will..." Said the girl with a smile.

"Good." Replied the lieutenants saying their goodbyes to the man, the woman, and the children.

"Before we leave, are you certain you don't need more than just our time?" Asked Keira.

"We're certain." Said the man.

"The time you spent here today is more valuable than you will ever know." Said the woman.

Alura and Keira smiled, making their way back out into the Elven city leaving the orphanage behind them.

"Have you ever thought about having children Keira?" Asked Alura

"I have...and you?" Said Keira.

"Not until today."

"Well, if you're serious about it..."

"Serious about what?"

"Us...we could try adopting the girl."

"You're crazy."

"Am I?" Asked Keira

"Yes... let's make one more stop before we head back."

"Sure, where are you thinking?" Asked Keira

"A spa." Said Alura with a smirk.