Three Elves & a Fae

By Zam

Chapter 4

Lady Morgiana's groan was a heavy thing, that radiated with exhaustion, worry and annoyance in near equal measure.

"I really hate this place," She muttered under her breath.

Pushing herself from the desk, the woman returned attention to them and patted Rasha's head, "I'm sorry you had to see that. All of you," she stressed, looking over Irfan and Asila who nodded solemnly.

"Can I ask what will be done about it?" Asila said, "I don't like the thought of another Fae wandering into that town thinking it safe."

Morgiana straightened and folded her arms, frowning, "For now we'll send someone to investigate what the towns thinking, we need to be ready if a mob starts marshalling or they start spreading rumors."

"Isn't that dangerous?" Rasha asked.

The woman forced a smirk, "We're Spriggan and our disguise magic is even more effective here than it was before the Transition, should do for a quick sweep. As it is, I'll keep the town on a no fly list and, aah, crap, I'm gonna need to tell the princess too."

"I mean, we don't have too," Drake said slowly, earning a glare from his superior.

"I'm not becoming a liar of convenience, Drake, besides," She shrugged, "That kind of thing always bites people. Better to be upfront now rather than let it catch us unawares; I won't be letting anyone punish Kuro-Chan for defending her party though, be sure of that."

Rasha perked up at the prospect, "Do you need someone to carry a letter to Lord Mortimer?"

The woman smiled, "Thanks kid, but I'm needed at the World Tree soon anyway, and I'm sure you've got people waiting for you back in Salamander territory."

"Ah, yes," She said, hiding her disappointment, because honestly no, she wondered if the woman saw it, but then Asila chimed in again.

"I assume you want us to stay silent on the matter?"

"Just show," she mouthed the next word slowly like it tasted bad, "Discretion, but I won't ask you, let alone order you to lie, just maybe don't boast about it to every human you meet."

"That won't be a problem, Morgiana-Sama," Irfan chuckled, "After all this, I think I'll appreciate some downtime."

"Fair enough," She strode behind her desk and removed a handful of coins, "Here, some Yerudo, my treat, and just know Tokeko's offer is for all of you, I get it if you have your own way and your own people, but still."

Asila pocketed the money with practiced ease and bowed alongside Rasha and Irfan as she said, "Thank you for your kindness, Morgiana-Sama, but I think we'll be fine." The elf's hand rested comfortingly on Rasha's shoulder and she stood a little straighter, her smile a little more genuine for its presence.

"All right then, well I'm sure your friends back, so let me walk you down."

If Morgiana had been hoping to snag Kuro by walking them out, Rasha had to guess the woman's plan had failed, as even after hovering for a full minute, neither the Spriggan, nor Lihan, materialized. Finally she sighed and said, "Just tell Kuro-Chan to be at Kurotaka's guild hall before curfew."

"You have a curfew?" Rasha asked, trying to match that to the lax image of party hardy Spriggans she'd heard.

Morgiana chuckled, and one of the nearby Fae added, "Big sis gets awfully mad if we don't get enough sleep.

"Darn right I do!" Cackled the Faction Leader, before striding back up stairs with a cheery wave.

They ended up waiting another fifteen minutes for the pair to return, Asila and Irfan looking increasingly alert as time wore on and Rasha's stomach coiling into knots until-

"This damn place is a maze," Lihan groused, as he popped out from inside the ziggurat, behind them somehow.

"I don't even know how you got us back here, but at the wrong side, I did try to tell you," Kuro said apologetically.

Irfan and Asila relaxed, easy grins on their faces, as the other elf shot his friends a look and snapped, "Not. A. Word."

Kuro ran a hand through her messy hair, smiling, "Maybe I should show you all to the rest house, just to be safe?"

"Don't you have a meeting with your leader?" Asila asked.

Kuro shrugged, "I can give my report in twenty minutes, don't worry."

Irfan and Asila exchanged a look, before the man chuckled, "She said you needed to be back before curfew."

"Well then I definitely have time," Kuro assured, glancing at a sullen Lihan, she added, "If it helps, we'd have been late regardless."

"Oh, why is that, get to talking?" Asila asked, humor ebbing as Lihan looked to Kuro, who was biting her lips. "What is it?"

The journey back to the 'Restful' as the inn, turned public public Rest House was called, was tinged with a certain amount of awkwardness, as Kuro tried to explain her behavior.

"I can't believe you got ambushed," Irfan laughed.

Lihan sent the other man a scathing look but his retort was cut off by Asila. "Even if he was who you were looking for, why not just ask?"

The fact Kuro and Rasha cringed slightly, said there'd been a misstep somewhere.

Kuro forced a shrug, "Not everyone who survived SAO did so by staying safe, or by being heroic. Some… Some showed themselves to be very twisted or dangerous and," She clutched her side, "Well let's just say I've been on a hair trigger since a recent incident."

"Is this about someone named Gwen?" Lihan cut in, having failed to get anything out of Kuro by being subtle and needling her on the round about trip back to the tower. Because yes, he could be bad, but he wasn't so terrible he could get lost on the way to a giant pyramid!

"Ah, I think that is Kuro-San's business, not ours," Rasha cut in.

'Another Fae cultural affection, I've been hearing that sort of idea a lot recently,' Lihan mused.

"Sorry if we pried," Asila corrected gracefully.

"Its fine… I- You deserve to feel safe here, so I'll give you the cliff notes," Kuro said as they rounded on the inn, the words tumbling out of her mouth hastily.

"Gwen was another SAO, Survivor, she… bore a grudge against me for something that happened in the game, and was dangerous. But no one recognized her; I didn't recognize her even though she pegged me easily enough. When the Transition happened, we handled it better than some people, fought in the mob squads and well… You know where I ambushed you?"

"She tried to kill you in the arena?" Lihan asked, brows rising, 'How close was I to a battle, one wrong response and she'd have thought me one of her killers.'

Nodding, Kuro's voice was tight, "She did, got me right in the gut, but her magic skills were lower than mine. I… Ended that fight."

"So, you stopped a murderer, that sounds like a good thing, especially as you were defending yourself?" Irfan asked, nose wrinkled in confusion.

"I still killed," Kuro said simply, "so I don't blame those who knew Gwen, or thought they knew her for being suspicious, or others for being scared."

The pushed open the Rest House's doors to find a rug covered floor, large chairs Kuro called 'bean-bags' surrounding tables with Hookah -a sure sign of the Fae's civility in Lihan's books- surrounding low tables, with one of the Fae's ore lights radiating warmth in place of a fire. Spriggan were scattered around, most looking weary as they chatted quietly among themselves, read books or simply stared into space.

"Welcome, you're the courier's party, yes?" Called a sharply dressed Fae woman with equally sharp features, and neatly trimmed dark hair that perfectly framed her handsome visage. She was adorned in simple pants and a white, tucked in shirt and little tie, very human clothing that none the less complimented her well.

"We are," Asila said, hand resting on Rasha's shoulder and only now did Lihan see how uncomfortable the girl had looked as she now eased and relaxed into the touch. "Can we have two rooms?"

"There's just enough space," the Spriggan answered with a smile, "We comp meals here, its low durability stuff but my fellows and I have high skill levels, so I promise you'll like it. Dinning in your rooms, or out here?"

Asila sent Rasha a look and the girl smiled gratefully, "I'm pretty worn out, so I'd like to go to our room, thanks."

"I'll join her, it's been a long day," Asila said.

"We'll eat down here," Lihan said, drawing a stare from Irfan and he caught Kuro's gaze, 'Our conversation isn't done.'

"Fair enough, how about I show you two to your room and the menu, I'm sure Kuro-San can do the same for you boys," The woman said, throwing a cloth over her shoulder and motioning for Rasha and Asila to follow.

Lihan ignored the curious look his friend shot him as Kuro blinked like a draconic babe, all wide eyed and confused, before shrugging, "Well OK then, you two ever use a hookah?"

"Yes," They answered without thinking.

"Ah good, I never know what flavors to pick," Kuro said, counting off on her fingers, "I hear good things about the Blue Starbuzz Mist though."

What in all that was holy's name that name meant was lost to Lihan, but Irfan grinned, "Me too, never tried it though, so let's go with that."

"Right this way sirs," Kuro said cheerfully, leading them towards a comfy little corner lounge area.

Once they passed by the resting Fae, Lihan pressed again.

"When you talked about this Gwen person, you sounded sad. You act like its reasonable for Fae to distrust you for protecting them from someone that wanted them dead."

"I do, because it is," Kuro said simply, flopping down into one of the bean bags, while Irfan and Lihan followed at a more sedate pace, sinking into the comfortable mass with a sort of nervous trepidation.

"What I think Lihan means is…" Irfan tilted his head, expression pained as if the thought made his mind hurt.

"I know what I meant," Lihan cut in, "You thought I was a murderer, some kind of lunatic killer because I came close to putting down that priest who wanted us dead. You talk of yourself like you should be seen in the same light as those who want to hurt people for fun while you protect them."

Kuro looked at him, measuring, before sighing, "You've only been fighting monsters, Lihan-San, people are… Different. Or more, being someone who can do that makes you different from others who haven't, who can't and it always should."

"But why? Lihan rasped, confusion and vexation boiling over, even as Irfan practically begged him to shut up with his gaze.

Kuro glanced back at him, ears drooping she asked, "Lihan-San, have you ever done something unforgivable? Not even with your own hands. But that cost someone else something that can never be brought back?"

He knew he could say yes, but judging by all he had seen, he knew the right answer to give. With a heave of his chest, he ducked his head, "No, honestly no, but-"

"I'm glad," Kuro intoned oh so gently, not at all like his uncle who suffered from War Weariness who snapped at every mention of such things and who Lihan couldn't even be in the same room as anymore.

His confusion must have shown because Kuro turned her focus solely to him, leaning forward, her hair hung over her eyes as she spoke softly.

"You see, some people think that by doing evil they're… Dropping ink on clean paper, but me? I think that when someone does something unforgivable, they are revealing a part of themselves. That is to say, the circumstances don't matter, if you do something evil or cruel by choice you aren't being changed by threats or danger, you're just revealing a part of yourself, perhaps one you thought you never had, and never wanted to know you had."

Her knuckles cracked as she sucked in a raspy breath, "I… I'm someone who's seen that side of herself. I peeled back those layers to see parts of myself that are loathsome, evil and that deserve to be punished… But I wasn't, and here I am, someone whose already been bloodied, and knows what it means to rip away the part of yourself that never thought you capable of killing, of murder."

She forced herself to look up, watery eyes and pained features forced back as she tried to smile, it was an unpleasantly wrong expression on someone so stricken. "I know already I can do things others might hesitate too, and I want to ensure as few people as possible ever have to find out who they are when the chips are down. I want to save as many people as I can, I want to repay Kurotaka who defended me and gave me a home when they had no reason to, and if that means killing for the Fae."

"I'll do so, again and again, until it finally kills me."

The room was of far higher class than the human inn, Asila thought, clean worked stone walls, high roof, art on the walls, thick quilts and comfortable beds, along with shelves containing books. All in all it felt closer to home than she'd been in some time.

But she did not let that distract her as she bid the charming inn keeper goodbye, "Thank you again, how much will we owe you for the meal?"

The Spriggan chuckled, taking her had and gently kissed it, "Madam, this is a Rest House, no one pays here; I'll be back with your meals shortly."

"T- Thank you," She stammered, watching the handsome woman leave, as Rasha giggled from her chosen bed.

"She looks like the kind of person who'd do well at a shitsuji café."

Closing the door, Asila hummed, "I'll take your word for it, dear. Though now I wonder what to do with the money Morgiana gave us."

"She probably meant it for supplies, at least for you three," Rasha amended, looking away, "Couriers get outfitted with whatever they need, but… I don't know what you guys are gonna do."

"That is a good question," Asila mused whispering a chant, to Rasha's rapt gaze, as the spirits roiled around her and spun out wildly to cling to the walls, "We can talk freely now."

"Elven magic is really pretty," The girl chirped, wings flicking out, "Its all… Tingly too, I don't know, it… Resonates?"

That was something to investigate later, if Asila's theories about the Fae being born of Elemental Stones held true, but for now she placed down her staff and joined Rasha on her bed.

"I am glad you think so, the Grand Purpose which lends us this strength certainly 'resonates' as you said, with myself as well."

"Grand Purpose?" Rasha asked, chin resting n her fists as she kicked her legs and looked to Asila curiously.

'The Halkagians already know this much at least,' she decided.

"This world we live on is a living, breathing, thinking entity, Rasha," she counseled seriously. "The rock has life, the oceans, the air and mountains too. They are all connected in a great Skein, this is what we call the Great Purpose."

"Like Kami!" Rasha cheered, shuffling closer and grinning widely.

"Kami?"

"Yes, like Mount Fuji and the other stories," Rasha chattered excitedly, "like with the Shinto shrine maiden I'd visit for good luck charms and holidays." Rasha's expression snapped to something melancholy and as she tried to rally, Asila's mind raced.

"Your people... Can hear the spirits?"

"Uh, no, not quite? I mean some people said they could hear Kami, but back home no one could do anything like you do," She amended. "But we have shrines and stories and rituals, there's the sun goddess Amaterasu, but she's the kami of the sun, like you'd have the kami of Mount Fuji. But like I said, no one can do what you do so it was all… Faith."

"I… See," That was. That raised many questions to Asila's mind. Already she'd struggled to see the Fae as some changed humans, but this further emphasized the contrasts! It once again forced Asila to reconsider her approach and plans and thoughts on the Fae even further.

But she needed time to think and reflect, fortunately it came with a knock at the door and a voice calling, "Asila-San, Rasha-Chan, your dinner is ready!"

Rasha was grateful for the food, not only was it tasty and filling, but there's been an effort by the cooks to make it remind one of home as much as possible, complete with a sort of pseudo tempura and even chopsticks.

Watching Asila try and fail to use them had been a real highlight in Rasha's book, getting to teach the blushing, usually refined elf, even more-so!

Of course, with the familiarity, came the differences, came the reminders that this wasn't home and might never be again, if they even survived.

"Rasha-Chan," Asila cooed, "you look so crestfallen."

"Ah, sorry just homesickness, I shouldn't bother you with it," She stilled as Asila pulled her into a gentle, over the shoulder hug before leaning into the warmth and comfort of it.

"You, my dear, are never a bother to me. In truth, I fear we've been a burden on you."

"Are you kidding? You saved my life, you protected me and comforted me, and… Well, you've done so much for me," Rasha murmured, words tapering off as her mind sunk into a mire of awkwardness.

"And you've helped us too, and even if you hadn't I'd not change a thing, helping you was the right thing to do," Asila said with steel in her voice.

"Well, thank you regardless then," She said, popping the last of her meal into her mouth and refusing to leave Asila's side, even as her tone grew dour. "What will you do now?"

"What will you do?" Asila chuckled back as she stashed their bowls on a bedside table. Seeing Rasha's pout the elf added, "I mean it, you don't have any messages to carry back. Will you wait for a new bodyguard and missive, maybe head for the World Tree? You seemed eager to go there, but I assume you want to return to your capital friends too."

"Ah, well," She shrugged, "I just wanted to be useful, its… Easier not to think about stuff when you've got tasks and complete and it means you're not being a burden too."

"I take it courier work does not leave you much time to socialize. Present company excluded of course," Asila said, patting her head.

"Haha, yeah, no not really, and before the Transition, I was the last of my friends online… I just wanted to play a little longer, I just didn't feel tired yet, I just didn't want to go back to my boring little room and homework and now…" Her body shivered against her wishes, eyes wet.

"All you want is to go home," Asila finished for her, giving her shoulder a companiable squeeze as she hugged her closer, letting Rasha nuzzle against the older woman.

"Yeah…" Shaking off the thought, she pressed on, "What about you?"

Asila sighed, "I don't know, this has gone so far beyond anything I thought possible; even with a guide as skilled as you I am worried we'll trip up somewhere and cause your people trouble they aren't ready for."

"I guess you need to make a report and stuff too, right?" Rasha asked, wondering what that would even look like.

Asila chuckled, "Oh my, yes, where to even begin beyond, 'we found an adorably flying Fae girl' I wonder?"

A giggle escaped her lips, "I'm not a puppy."

"Of course, of course," Asila surrendered, before she slipped away from the hug leaving Rasha hungering for its warmth.

The woman looked at her seriously, consideringly, a small frown set to her lips as she said, "I have no idea what my people will make of all this, I don't think I can even explain it, let alone all I do not know."

Rasha nodded, "Yeah there's… a lot you haven't seen yet, the other Fae capitals, the deals with the royal family."

"That is indeed important," Asila said slowly, "But I was speaking of your people and your plight."

"You mean the crusades you mentioned? I don't think anyone would participate in those."

"Not even for the promise of a way home?" Asila asked.

Rasha's heart skipped a beat, her eyes widened, "What… What do you mean?"

"The land the humans seek to take from us is their 'Holy Land', they likely believe ancient magic from the time of their Founder lies there. What's more… My people are more advanced than the humans, we know of other worlds, and remember things long forgotten. I cannot say we could return your people home, not right now, but if anyone on this world could find a way, it may be us."

Rasha forced down her disappointment and it was soon subsumed with worry, "So you think the humans will promise us a way home if we help them take their Holy Land?"

"The humans promised to share the land with us after our great foe was defeated, only to betray and try to slaughter us all," Asila said grimly. "But," she said, lightly, "Your people do not seek conflict, you are not given to war making and given the chaos of these Mobs and other, internal tensions, I do no see this happening soon. But one day it might and with knowing so little of Fae, my people may grow similarly fearful of such a threat, my word alone, only carries so much weight."

Her mouth felt dry, her mind raced and she forced out a tight, "What are you asking me, Asila-San?"

Asila sucked in a low breath and met her gaze head on, "I am offering, and only that, for you to join us on the trip home. To my country, where we can assure the senate of your people's status as victims of a terrible displacement, learn enough to send true watchers here who won't stumble over their own feet and risk an elf hunt that would harm us all and…" She rested a hand on Rasha's cheek, "At least try and find you a way home."

Rasha's words caught in her throat.

"I cannot make any promises to that last matter, but we can try, and whatever else," Asila said hotly, "I will protect you. You will not be harmed or threatened or mistreated, we are not a barbarous people. I know I would be happier knowing you were safe, and I'd not leave your side for a minute unless you wished it."

Rasha's heart was hammering in her chest, mind whirling, "You want me to leave my people."

"I want you to only do what you want, Rasha-Chan, I'm just presenting a different path, if you wish to take it, I won't begrudge you for staying, not even slightly."

She swallowed, "What would they want to know, this Senate?"

"Not military maneuvers or schemes," Asila assured, tone lightening a touch as if the idea was silly. "It would be unrealistic to expect that of you and ill-suited to us. No, what they would wish to know is of your people, your beliefs, your peaceful nature, what brought you to this land. Enough so that, if the time comes, we can make ready to help you, and yes, I won't deny, protect ourselves from danger if the worst comes."

"I…"

"You do not need to answer now, or even tomorrow, or at all," Asila said warmly, patting her shoulders, "Just know the offer is there, and whatever else, I will always think of you as my friend."

Rasha's entire body quaked, she swallowed, and shuffled forward, letting Asila enclose her in a much needed hug, "Can you… Tell me about your home?"

"Of course, my dear. Now, where to begin?" She said grandly, stroking her hands through Rasha's hair gently as she hummed.

"Our nation is called Neftes, its stretches across the vast Sahara desert, where the days are scorching hot, and the nights are cool. Small towns dot oasis's while great cities of gleaming stone and steel rise high alongside coast, the mighty river, and vast lakes. Our capital of Adyl, is an artificial archipelago…."

Kuro sighed contentedly, at the sight before her. Irfan and Lihan were stretched out on the bean bags, looking completely at ease as they sampled the Hookah and let their meals settle.

"That was delicious," Lihan said, as the manager collected their plates and accepted their quiet thanks before bustling away.

"That was the best I've eaten in months," Irfan sighed, taking a puff.

"Months?" Kuro asked, sure the food had been good for low durability, but still.

Lihan snorted, "Irfan is a terrible cook."

"I'm too full to hit you for that, be grateful," Irfan laughed.

"Well, I'm glad you both enjoyed yourselves," Kuro said, groaning as she forced herself to stand. "But I'd better be going, curfew is almost in session and I'd like to check up on Rasha and Asila-San."

Both Fae's eyes snapped to the doorway and Kuro's ears twitched at a familiar shuffle, "Well thank you for the consideration, Kuro-Chan," Asila announced warmly, two trays in hand, "However Rasha-chan's gone down for the night, the poor dear was exhausted."

"Ah, that makes sense, I'll see if I can get her a good escort home tonight then," Kuro said thoughtfully, before looking over the trio and adding, "What will you three be doing?"

"I am quite sure she'd be happy with you as her escort," Asila countered with a grin. "As to us, who can say, I think we will return to the road soon, and maybe make for Arrun, or further north. I think some of it will depend on Rasha herself, I worry after the girl."

"I'm glad she has such a reliable person looking out for her, Asila-San," Kuro said, bowing.

"And I am glad we had someone reliable like yourself with us through this," She offered a bow, "I wish you all the best going forward, my dear." Her companions piping up in vague agreement.

"Ah, thank you, Asila-San, Irfan-San, Lihan-San, I wish you all the best and a safe trip wherever it is you're going. Would, you like me to take those plates, Asila-San?"

"Oh, not at all, I think the hostess rather likes me," Asila chuckled, as the woman in question strode up with a confident grin and the blonde broke off from their party to meet her in the middle of the foyer.

"Well, all right then," Kuro bowed to the two men, who looked faintly stunned, but offered little salutes, "Good luck, and be careful."

"Not just for our safety you mean," Lihan said, with a thoughtful nod.

"We'll keep it in mind," Irfan said, smiling sweetly.

"Thank you, it's been a pleasure," Kuro said, before making for the door and returning to the streets of Muiska, knowing the Kurotaka guild hall awaited her.

The thought made her feel… Warm.

Upstairs Rasha slept deeply, buried beneath the covers and weighty decisions far from her mind.

For now, at least.

Epilogue.

The Muiska marketplace was buzzing, but a shock of reddish, nearly pink hair was easy to see as Salamander perused item stalls and store houses with a travel pack and a long list.

"Long trip planned?" Chuckled a good natured Spriggan in a dark crimson touched shirt with black, green tinted hair tied back in a rough ponytail.

"Yup, and I wanna be ready for anything this time," chirped Rasha.

"Good to hear, the road to Gaddan's better than most, but still has its rough spots."

She chuckled, "Don't I know it; and thanks for the stamina potion!" She called, dashing off to the next stall.

"Safe travels kid!" Gods he was sounding like an NPC!

Well outside Muiska, in the overgrown jungles of the Spriggan forests, where shadows could hide beasts and Fae alike, an unusual trio sat near a hilltop, basking in the sun.

"Is this a good idea?" Irfan asked.

"I think it is," Asila nodded, not taking her eyes from the unwrapped cloth bundle laid before her, laid out on it was a plus one sword, a satchel of potions and in her hand rested a jar holding a 'Song of Courage'.

"Do you think she'll come?" Lihan countered.

"Let us give it an hour," she said, looking back towards the hidden city, "and if not, we shall see what tomorrow brings."

Within the guild hall of Kurotaka, Kuro drifted in a dreamless sleep under the watch of a guild healer, her body welcoming the much-needed respite.

It would be another day before she awoke; but when she did, she would be ready to help.

As always, and forever.

Fin