The rustic, grey path made of bits of cobblestone of all sizes and shapes led the succubus and the young mage into the heart of the rural Demacian village. Small establishments erected from stripped logs and ivory clay stood firm and stout with the occasional taller building that looked to be shops, restaurants, or perhaps taverns. The sun's rays were an embrace as the aroma of warm, hearty baked goods wafted into Daelys' nose along with the mouth-watering scent of spices scattered lightly upon roasted meat. Some smells were savoury, others were deliciously sweet, while others were neither but made his empty stomach grumble nonetheless.

Evelynn's golden eyes flickered over to her side, "You're hungry." She noted bluntly upon hearing the sound of his stomach's protest.

"Very," Daelys huffed, "but I don't have any money."

Evelynn cocked her head at this and confusion settled on her face. "And?"

"I can't get food."

The confusion upon the succubus' face grew. "I don't understand, darling. Just take something while the humans tending to their stand aren't looking." Evelynn nudged Daelys and nodded her head in the direction of a small bakery. "The food is out on a stand, when that man turns around, just grab something. He won't notice a thing with all the bustle."

"Are you crazy?" Daelys chided with a hushed whisper. "I can't steal from them! They need a living too."

"Daelys, who gives a damn? They can live without the extra money one loaf of bread can bring, but you can't live without it right now." Evelynn reasoned, slightly annoyed by the fact that his kindness was making this more difficult than it needed to be.

"We'll find another way." His voice was firm, "Besides, I get caught, it'll only spell out more trouble for us." Daelys motioned to the tall, white marble tower at the center of the village. It looked terribly out of place with its perfectly symmetrical, arching entrance, white-marble construction, and intricate filigree details screamed "high society" at every possible turn.

Evelynn swallowed a little. Mage seekers were this widespread? A chill crept down her spine like cold fingers as the memories of her lashers being cut off came back to her in a startling flash. "Why are they here too?"

"I don't know but from what I've caught wind of, it's to quash the mounting mage rebellions throughout the Demacian lands." A tinge of sorrow escaped Daelys.

Evelynn patted his arm. "Hush, darling, not so loud." Her eyes darted through the crowds. "Let us keep moving." Evelynn's tone carried a hint of urgency.

Daelys picked up on it and silently agreed; keeping quiet would be the best for them as of now. His stomach grumbled again and Daelys grit his teeth at the hollowness in his body. He wondered what he was going to do. What can he even do? Ionia was a month's journey by horseback and boat, maybe more. It would take much more time to get there by foot and they had nothing. No money, no identity, no friends. Just each other. Daelys looked over to the succubus by his side and wondered why she didn't leave. Of course, with the mage hunters after them, it was dangerous for them to be alone but with her invisibility and power, Daelys couldn't help but wonder mayhaps she could've killed him to make sure the only person who knew her whereabouts was dead. After that, fleeing alone could've worked well for her. He shook his head. It doesn't matter now.

Evelynn and Daelys wove through the bustling crowd until they arrived at the village's heart. The plaza was flat with large slabs of grey stone making up the ground. A single statue of a warrior stood proudly at the center. Daelys studied it, running his gaze over the warm, ivory-white surface.

An aspect? He had heard tales about the gods, demigods, and aspects in his youth. He sighed. If the gods are so mighty… why do they not aid the people in the direst hours? His thoughts roamed until slow, soothing music flowed into his ears. Daelys halted and looked over at the young boy sitting on a wooden crate, his small hands held a flute that was pressed to his lips.

Memories of his life before his capture rushed back. A wistful smile crossed his lips. He could recall playing music and singing for the arts, acrobatics and wrestling for athletics. He would sing for his mother, for his friends, he even set up a small stand with his friends and sang for passersby on the street. Daelys wondered if he ever had the chance at a normal life.

He shook his head, shoving the self pity into the back of his mind. "I think I have an idea." Daelys said suddenly.

"Hm?" Evelynn hummed in acknowledgement.

Daelys motioned for Evelynn to come closer. "Can you make me a handkerchief with your mana?"

Evelynn raised a brow but obliged. She hid her hand from the passersby and formed a small square. "Here."

"Perfect…" Daelys chuckled and gingerly ran his fingers through his hair. Evelynn saw a slightly awkward shyness in his eyes.

"Daelys?"

"I'm a little out of practice but my friends and I used to make little bits of money this way to buy candy." He smiled and laid down the handkerchief with his boots.

"What are you doing, darling?" Evelynn stifled a giggle as she realized what he wanted to do. Such a silly man...

"There once was a girl who's pale as the snow,

With eyes as bright as polished gold.

She had hair as black as midnight,

Oh, how beautiful, oh what a sight."

Daelys sang to the tune of a folk song his mother used to sing to him. He had long since forgotten the words but that didn't matter for he had the perfect muse in front of him. As he finished the first verse, he noticed several people gathering around, curious as to who the pleasantly deep, resonant, warm voice belonged to. Evelynn felt herself smile and this only encouraged Daelys to continue. He took Evelynn's hands in his and spun her in a circle, her raven hair flaring out behind her as she turned to the tempo of his song.

"She had her secrets, she had her darkness,

But lips were sweet, they're a heavenly bliss.

She claimed to be heartless but I know better,

We can learn, we can grow together."

Evelynn's amusement came out in a hearty chuckle. She pulled him a little closer by the hands and smirked. A small crowd had gathered around them now, their curiosity mounting. The succubus noted this. His plan was actually working and she decided she'll add a little to his performance; Evelynn was rather proficient with luring her victims closer and closer with her soothing singing.

"There once was a boy who's handsome and tall,

With a smile that can please almost all.

He was strong, determined, and strangely kind,

With a heart full of care and compassion on his mind."

Daelys' brows shifted up a little at this. He didn't expect that but he quickly found himself grinning widely as Evelynn continued to sing.

"He held much pain and suffering inside,

But he still seeks to fight a noble fight.

Pure of the heart like the heroes of myths,

As of now, he has but a single wish."

Daelys hummed at this and wondered what she meant by "single wish". Perhaps it was a reference to his wish to escape to Ionia, or maybe it was a reference to his desire to see a world where magic is not shunned by Demacia.

"Did I capture your likeness?" Evelynn questioned as she leaned against Daelys' chest.

"Perfectly." Daelys smiled and glanced at the crowd who were cheering by now. "Darling." He said so the crowd could hear as he leaned forwards and sealed their little performance with a kiss.

Evelynn smirked against his lips. "You're quite the performer…"

"Yes, I am. I always wanted to be a people person." Daelys replied, his smile turning slightly sad before he gathered the coins his little song earned. He tucked the coppers and silvers into his pocket. More than enough for a couple of meals. "Come, let us get a bite to eat."

"Us?"

"Yes, us." Daelys nudged her along.

Evelynn huffed, "I don't want t-"

"Stop being such a drag, Eve. A bite won't hurt. We'll get something good that you'll love for sure.." Daelys pulled her along now.

"And if I don't?" the succubus cooed, playing along now.

"I'll eat my words." A lopsided grin spread on his face.

"Ooh… Alright. I'll bite."