Arden let his eyes trail over Marrina’s face. The pain in her expression made his chest ache.

The pain was caused by her captivity.

On that thought, his eyes drifted to her tail.

“Can I ask a favor?” he tilted his head to the side.

“Depends on the favor.” Marri said, turning her azure eyes to him and arching an eyebrow at him, she looked almost skeptical, for some reason. “But go ahead and ask. I’ll let you know.”

“Could I look at the metal band on your tail? I’m not unfamiliar with runes and would like to see what I could make of them.”

“Oh, yeah! Sure.” she laughed, almost as if relieved.

“Did you think I’d ask something you couldn't do?”

“Well, I can’t do a whole lot for anyone, considering my situation in life right now. But I was a little worried you’d ask a very…Irving-esque favor. You’re sweet, but you’re still a guy.”

“I wouldn't.” he snorted. And he meant it. That wasn’t his style. She was right, he was shy, but that’s not what kept him from asking her for inappropriate favors. He would never take advantage of anyone like that, much less someone who was enslaved.

“I’m starting to realize that. Whether out of shyness or genuine goodness, I’ve not decided, but right now I’m not sure I care.” her lovely blue eyes regarded him thoughtfully.

“Um…” He really didn’t know what to say to that.

But Marri saved him from awkwardness by shifting her tail and holding it up for him to see. “Go ahead and look at the band, though.”

Arden put aside his plate, he’d finished eating anyways. Much to his surprise, she lowered her tail onto his lap. “Oh.” he blinked.

“Go ahead and have a look.”

“Sure.” he muttered, hoping she didn’t notice the flush that crept up his face.

Pushing his embarrassment aside, the disguised fey soldier turned his attention to the metal band. It was made of a golden metal, but something told him it wasn’t gold.

Arden studied the runes for a while. There were two types of runes on it, binding runes and runes of power.

From what he could tell, the binding runes forced the wearer of the band to follow will and orders of the creator of the runes, as well as to the will and orders of any other person that the creator had delegated that same power to, though that delegated power couldn't override the will or power of the creator.

The more closely he examined the binding runes, the more he realized they were a very odd kind sort. Finicky and temperamental to make, he suspected, and only a dwarf would likely even be capable of making them, given how difficult to create they’d likely be.

But the nature of the magic behind the binding runes meant that Arden couldn't just kill Bellows and be done with it, as much as he’d like that to be the case. It’d be such a neat, simple solution, and no more than the dwarf deserved. He’d probably have to kill Bellows, Meeks, and anyone else who had the power to give orders to the captives. That could be just Bellows and Meeks, but it could also extend to any number of the staff, and that would get messy. It would also likely draw attention to him, which Lear wouldn't appreciate. He’d already messed up enough on this mission, so it was better not to try that route.

On the other hand, the runes of power were ones intended to keep the bands from being broken. They were straightforward and strong, but not actually directed at the wearer of the band, who would have been ordered not to remove said band anyways. These runes were to keep someone else from breaking and removing the band from the wearer.

“Are they interesting?” Marri’s voice broke into his thoughts.

Arden shook himself, blinking, “Sorry, what?”

“You were staring at it very intently and very seriously for a good little while!” she giggled, shifting and moving her tail from his lap.

“Sorry. Yes, they were interesting.” he grimaced.

That was true, the runes were interesting. Arden had come to the conclusion that, if he wanted to get any of the captive fey folk out of there, his best bet was to try to mess with the functions of the somewhat finicky binding runes rather than trying to mess with the runes of power, they were just too straightforward. Once he’d done that, he could get the wearer of the band out of Bellows’ vicinity, and to people who were stronger than he was. Winna came immediately to mind. Not that Lear wasn’t stronger than him as well, but Winna’s magic was just strange, given she was a human mage.

“If you say so.” She shrugged.

He noticed she’d finished eating as well, “Are you ready for dessert?”

The mermaid smiled brilliantly, “Absolutely!”

“Alrighty.” Arden reached into the bag, withdrawing the two miniature chocolate pies, and handed one to her, saying, “It’s a small chocolate pie.” in case she didn’t know.

“Oh! I’ve heard of chocolate, but never had it before!”

“Then you’re in for a treat.” He smiled at her, taking a bite. The pie crust was flaky and buttery and delicious, and the chocolate filling was sweet, creamy, and melted in his mouth. “Oh, that’s good.”

“Is it?” she asked, looking giddy, “I’m almost too excited to eat it!”

“Well, if you don’t, you might have to share when everyone gets back.” he motioned at the tent around them.

Marri frowned, murmuring. “I’d like to share with them, though.”

“I know.” Arden smiled. “I’ll…see what I can do. But you can’t share that one with everyone, and I don’t have any more right now. Eat it.”

Marri took a hesitant bite. As she chewed, her expression turned to one of shock, then pure bliss.

Arden felt himself grinning stupidly, totally absorbed in her delight. “Good, isn’t it?”

“It’s amazing!” the mermaid sighed happily.

“Yeah.”

“Are all desserts this good?!”

“I mean, everyone has different tastes, but dessert is generally awesome.” he shrugged.

“I love it.” Marri took another bite, expression dreamy.

The half-fey soldier had finished his quickly, and was now very happy just to watch her eat.

Gods, she was cute. Well, she was more than cute. Marrina was gorgeous, but her mannerisms were absolutely adorable at times, like now, as she swayed back and forth, delighted with her sweet treat.

“Thank you, Arden.” Suddenly her voice was trembling, and tears threatened to spill from her large blue eyes.

“Don't cry!” he squawked awkwardly, alarmed at the thought of being faced with a sobbing mermaid. What did one do when a girl started to cry?!

This reaction earned him an amused snort, and she wiped at her eyes, “Sorry. I’m being silly. But I am very grateful. You’ve been very kind.”

“I don’t think you’re being silly.” he shook his head. “I’m sorry you’ve been treated so poorly. I wish I could do more, but…” he let his voice trail off. Because at the moment, he couldn't do much more than what he was already doing. But he would bide his time, and come up with a plan.

They were quiet for a few moments.

“Well, you should probably go. The show won’t last that much longer, and I don’t want you to get caught in here.” Marri gathered up the now empty dishes and put them into the large paper bag Arden had brought everything in. “There.”

“Thank you.” He did the same with his dishes.

“We’ll probably be hitting the road again soon, just so you know.”

“Oh?”

“Yeah. We don’t typically stay too long in one place, and we’ve been here a bit. I’m kind of glad, it’ll be more time that I’ll be allowed to rest. I don’t know how long they’ll let me have to heal, but I’ll take what I can get.”

The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

“They won’t wait until you’re fully healed?”

“They usually don't.” Marri shook her head.

“I’m sorry.”

“It’s not your fault.” she paused, smiling a little, “You’ve brightened up even just the last day for me, which helps immensely.”

“Yeah?”

“Yeah.”

It was quiet for a few moments.

“Meeks said I’d be responsible for you all when the circus is traveling.”

“Oh, good.” Marrina smiled. “We do most of the packing up and stuff ourselves, but Meeks usually oversees us and he’s the worst. There won’t be a lot for you to do. Normally we like to sabotage Meeks, but we’ll behave for you, help you look good.”

Arden laughed, “Well, good! Maybe I’ll get a raise!”

Marri giggled, “We can sure try! You can be the fey-whisperer. But watch out or Bellows will get you in on an act!”

“That’s the last thing I want.” he snorted, shaking his head. “Will you be alright in here by yourself? I can stay and keep you company, if you prefer.”

“No, I’d prefer you not get into trouble. And I should sleep. I’ve not been getting much, thanks to all these injuries. You go rest. They give you a tent to sleep in?”

“Yeah, but I thought I might kip in here somewhere, just make sure no one sneaks in here to bother any of you all.”

“I appreciate that, but you go and sleep in your own tent. I’m sure the cot there will be more comfortable than wherever you found to sleep here. I’m sure that hay wasn’t a particularly good bed last night. Besides, we can take care of ourselves, for the most part.”

“Alright.” he shrugged.

-

“Okay, is everyone else’s stuff put up?” I asked, craning my neck and looking around as best as I could from the bathtub in the back of the covered wagon I was in.

A couple of days had passed since I’d shared that first meal with my new friend. He’d snuck food to me each night since then, and we’d passed the time together very pleasantly.

I’d been right when I’d said the circus would be hitting the road again soon, and we wer now just about packed up and ready to go.

Arden’s head popped into view. “Yes.”

“Good! We can let out the water from the tank now, and finally get it loaded.” I told him.

“Alright.” he cast an uncertain glance back at the tank in question, “How does it drain?”

“Have someone activate the rune on the bottom stair. It’ll open the front of the tank and let the water out. Just make sure no one is in front of it, or it’ll sweep them away, since the water comes out kind of all at once.”

“Right!”

“Oh, I can help with that!” Serha said, hurrying up, smiling. “I’m happy to help.”

“Thank you.” Arden nodded at her, then turned to me, “I’ll be back. Meeks told me to ‘ride with the mermaid so she doesn't get into any more trouble’. Luckily, I intended to anyway.” he smiled slightly.

“Lucky me!” I smiled, batting my eyes at him.

His face turned an adorable shade of pink, and he hurried off with Serha, leaving me to giggle to myself. He really was a cute young man.

Serha and Arden stood by the stairs for a bit, and then Arden walked around to the side of the tank, presumably to make sure no one was coming.

Just as Arden looked to Serha to give the go-ahead to let the water free, Meeks started to walk within splashing range of the water.

I grinned as the water poured from the tank, flowing down in a torrent. Luckily, Meeks was a decent ways away, so it only washed over his feet, but it soaked his boots entirely.

The manager roared in annoyance, and I stifled a giggle.

Meeks stormed over to Arden, who appeared apologetic, holding up his hands in innocence and waving them placatingly.

Then Serha hurried around the tank and soon Meeks was mollified. As he walked away, I heard him shout, “Just be more careful next time!”

Arden and Serha made their way back towards the wagon I was in.

“That was hilarious! He has the worst timing!” I snickered.

“Or I have very good timing.” Arden grinned at me.

“You timed it that way on purpose?!” I gasped, dreadfully pleased at the realization.

“He deserves wet socks all the time.” my new friend shrugged.

“Oh, I think I love you, boy!” I cackled.

“You didn’t!” Serha gasped gleefully.

“I didn’t tell you because I knew you couldn't lie to him, and he’d undoubtedly get angry, and it was better for you to not know it was on purpose.” Arden snorted.

Serha giggled, “You’re funny! I’m so glad you came here!”

“Me too!” I sighed happily.

“Yeah, me too.” Arden agreed quietly, still smiling a little.

Rowan hurried up, with Irving in tow. The centaur addressed my selkie friend, “Serha, can you help us get the tank loaded? It’s the last thing. Then we can go.”

“Of course!” Serha smiled, going off to the tank again with them.

Irving shot Arden a dirty look as they walked off, and I stuck my tongue out at him, which made him scowl and flip me the bird.

“You two have an interesting relationship, that’s for sure.” Arden snorted.

“It is what it is.” I shrugged, then told him, “You can go ahead and get comfy in here with me. We’ll be off the moment the tank is loaded and everyone is in a cart or on a horse.”

“Alright.” he vaulted easily into the cart.

Clearly he was strong and light on his feet. If I was being honest, the act of jumping so easily into the wagon had been really very attractive. Goodness. He was just a young human man, this was getting a little ridiculous! Admittedly, he was a very nice young human man, the nicest I think I’d ever met.

Arden settled down beside the tub I was in. “Does the water not splash out?”

“Nope, we figured out how much water we could put in without it sloshing everywhere. I’d just travel dry, but my scales feel awful when they dry out. Although I don’t think we’re going so far that they’d dry out to discomfort, but still.”

“You have the bandages off,” he observed.

“Pippa helped me take them off this morning. The burns are much better, even if the scars aren’t.”

“They’re not wet, are they?” His eyes flickered towards my back, expression now concerned.

“No, there's not really enough water in here to reach them. But a little water won’t hurt them. The ones towards the lower part of my back aren’t quite as bad. Although if the water does soak up into the bandages too much, I’ll get out and let it dry, or have Pippa or Serha change them.”

“Alright.” he nodded approvingly.

Serha appeared and clambered into the large wagon. “It’s all loaded.”

“Yep!” Rowan followed behind her. It was a little difficult for him, but he managed, and much to my surprise, I saw Irving climb in as well. Normally he preferred to take on bird form and fly above, or be a horse and stretch his legs, or sleep in someone’s pocket as a mouse.

Something told me his jealousy towards Arden was what had prompted this unusual decision on his part.

Soon everyone was seated, and the wagon began to move.

“How far will we travel?” Arden asked.

“Depends.” I told him. “I don’t think we’re going very far this time.”

“No, not far, just a day or two, I think.” Rowan agreed. “Although the longest is usually only about four days on the road. Not that that’s a really short time.”

“I like those trips.” Serha murmured.

“Me too. No performances. We get a break.” I sighed.

“I like performing.” Irving told us, shrugging.

“Cause you like attention. The rest of us don’t.” I shrugged, glad it didn’t hurt nearly as much to do so anymore.

“There’s nothing wrong with liking attention.” he glowered at me.

“I never said there was.” I sighed, shaking my head. “A lot of us just don’t like it.”

“I might if I weren’t forced into it.” Rowan said thoughtfully.

“Me too.” Serha murmured. That surprised me a little, because she seemed so quiet. I’d have thought she would prefer to be a wall-flower, given her choice. People could certainly be surprising!

“I’d rather sleep.” I replied, “I don’t mind one-on-one attention, or from a small group, but that’s just too much. It’s exhausting.”

“You’re very outgoing for an introvert.” Arden commented.

“I guess. But I do prefer to not be around a lot of people. My fey friends don't count.”

“I know you don’t like it, but your portion of the show is excellent, Marri.” Serha murmured.

“Thank you!” I smiled at her. “I am proud of it. Particularly the singing portion.”

“It’s quite a show.” Rowan agreed.

Irving grinned mischievously and said, “You could put on a real show by-”

I cut him off, yawning, “I’m not interested in hearing the end of that sentence.”

Arden snorted in amusement, earning him a glare from Irving. “Oh, like you’re any better than me, little boy?!” he snapped.

“I am. I don’t sit here and stare at her chest all day or say crude things.” Arden replied mildly, not flinching. “Nor will I ever.”

Damn, that was kind of hot, too. As shy as Arden was in regards to me flirting, he didn't let Irving intimidate him.

Irving bristled, and I could feel him pulling for his magic.

Irritated that he was annoyed at Arden for standing up for himself, and a little concerned about what Irving intended to do, I interjected. “Stop it right now, Irving.” in my most dangerous voice, which was actually something of a quiet, mild tone.

The ogre’s eyes flicked over to me, and he frowned. “Oh, so you think he’s better than me too?”

“At least he doesn't ask me to flash him all the time.” I raised an eyebrow at him. “And unlike you, if he did ask for that now, I might actually consider it.”

Arden made a strangled noise and covered his suddenly beet-red face with his hands.

There was a pause, then everyone burst into giggles, even Irving.

“Alright, alright. I get it.” Irving shook his head, still amused. “I’ll back off.”

“Thank you.” I murmured.

“I’m sorry I’ve been hard on you, kid.” the ogre said, lowering his head to Arden. “You’ve been good to us so far. I just…”

“You’re protective. I can see it. You just do it in an odd way.” Our new friend shrugged. “I’m not trying to butt in on your turf, or anything I just…if I can help you all have better lives, I will.”

“You can butt in all you want, honey!” I giggled, and Serha nodded in grinning agreement.

Irving rolled his eyes and Arden turned red again.

“And you two say I’m a bad flirt!” the ogre lamented melodramatically.

“Well, I don’t say anything particularly inappropriate to him.” I snorted, “And I’m just joking, for the most part.” I paused, telling him earnestly, “But I do like you a lot, Arden. You treat us all with more respect than…well, basically anyone.”

“I’m sorry that’s the case.” he grimaced. “If I had it my way, you’d all be free.”

It was quiet for a few moments.

“That’d…be nice.” Irving said haltingly. “I’d like to be free again, someday.”

Silence fell again as they all dwelt on the thought of freedom.