As exhausted as they all were, none of the warriors were allowed much time to rest. Caius allowed them a short break to catch their breath and wet throats that most hadn't realized were parched until the danger had passed. Once that time was up, he had them cutting up the behemoth and field prepping the hide and meat so it could all be carried back the next day.
Everyone except Elle already knew what to do, and started in as soon as Caius gave the order. As disgusting as it was, she was more than willing to help. The apprentice guardian hadn't been sure about this part, but when he realized she wasn't shying away from the blood, or smells, he brought her to a section of the beast that was not already occupied and showed her how to get started.
She had been shocked to find that he had included a small pack of the preserving spices in the things he had shoved in her bag, so once she got started, and he was sure she knew what she was doing, he moved to an adjacent section and got to work as well.
It was several grueling, disgusting, smelly hours later before they finished tying off the last of the bundles of what they would take back. The rest they left for the carrion creatures to finish. They were far enough from Paddra that it would not be a problem. Once they had that done, they tied the bundles onto makeshift sleighs with commandeered boughs and leaves taken from nearby plants. They then paired up to drag them at least a far enough distance back so they would not be bothered by said creatures when they came to investigate the source of the bloody smells while the group slept.
As much as Elle had not minded helping take care of the task, she was more than thankful when they stopped near a narrow opening that ended up leading to a small waterfall with a pool at the bottom big enough to accommodate them all. They settled their burdens along the far canyon wall before all the men started shucking off everything except for their pants. Elle watched with wide eyes until Laer caught sight of the look.
He paused with his shirt halfway up and shot her a grin. A mischievous look shot through his eyes before he spoke up. "Come on, I know you have to feel as gross as the rest of us. You've already proven you're one of the guys. You might as well go all in."
Neither of them noticed the glare the man received from Caius, but that was mostly because Elle had just given Laer an extremely rude hand gesture. It was just unfortunate that he had no idea what it meant. Even if it wasn't clear, her words left little room for doubt as she stomped past him. "Shove it, frisky boy. I don't need to show off my pecs to get clean."
She ignored his chuckle as she made her way to the water. The rest of the men eyed her with a little trepidation, as even though Laer might have enjoyed the show, the rest of them would have been uncomfortable to have her disrobe in front of them so casually. Thankfully, all she did was reach up and take down the tie she used to keep her hair pulled back all the time before she walked out into the water until it was thigh deep. Once there, she dove and swam out a short distance.
When she came up, she turned and smirked at the man that had been teasing her before she pointedly ignored them all, and focused on cleaning her skin and as much off her clothes as she could get. If she had bothered to look back again, she might have noticed that more than one set of eyes kept drifting over to where she was standing waist-deep in the pool. It might have motivated her to kneel down instead of standing there with her clothes plastered to her body and leaving little to the imagination.
As it was, she finally noticed that fact when she started to make her way out of the pool, even if she hadn't seen anyone looking. She grimaced as she pulled on her shirt, and the linen stuck slightly before she was able to pull it away from her skin. At least it did not restick to her when she let it go. She was grateful for small favors.
The men had all left their shirts hung around their campsite to dry while they finished setting up. Night had already set in by that point, so a fire was one of the first orders of business. Despite the bugs it might draw, it was still a deterrent to any of the beasts that might be interested in what they carried.
Elle was gratified to see that despite how the day had started out, the group around her had no trouble including her in their conversation as the evening wore down. Not that it was long before the majority turned to their bedrolls. The day had been long, and the morrow would only be marginally better. Once a watch schedule was set, the rest turned to find sleep.
Caius watched as Elle stretched. He knew he should not, but he had never seen her hair down, and the way the blond waves tumbled around her face as she rubbed the night from her eyes was another reminder of her femininity, despite her prowess. He jerked his head away when the last watchman walked back into camp as she started to pulled her tresses back into the tail she was known for.
Once the rest of their group was roused, it did not take them long to stow their gear and once again pair up to drag their massive haul back to Paddra along with the good news that the beast was slain. It took them twice as long to trek back with their burden, but they were still nearly two hours out when Caius sent Tewn running ahead of them. Elle presumed it was to give the good news and hopefully bring back help.
She was gratified to see she was right when an hour later, a group of ten men came running up to them to relieve them of their burden. She didn't complain, but she did roll her shoulders and stretched. She wasn't the only one, either. The king behemoth had been enormous, and even with what they left behind, what they brought back was enough that she knew she was going to be sore for days.
The group of warriors allowed the other hunters to finish taking the treated meat and hide into the facilities where it would be distributed, while they trudged onward. Before they made the last turn, Caius paused and turned to Elle. He wasn't sure if he would need to say this, and he knew she wouldn't like the audience, but he needed to prepare her regardless. "Elle, when we enter the city, I doubt it will go unnoticed. By this time, word of the king behemoth will have spread, as will its demise."
Elle grimaced but gave him a nod. "I understand. Don't show the tired, pretend to be nice, yada yada."
He frowned slightly, but he could not fault her. Some of her words were unfamiliar, but he understood enough to know she would act appropriately. He gave her a nod before they continued.
When they cleared the last curve, Elle barely caught herself in time when a cheer went up. She wanted to grimace as she saw Yeul and Praes waiting for them, and the main street was lined with people. Part of it was the fact that she had not anticipated the attention, and, as stupid as it was, part of it was the fact that she knew she looked bedraggled and gross after her adventure. Not that she had ever spared much thought for trying to look pretty, but she was still female. It was one thing when she was busy, but being paraded in front of the whole damn city was another thing altogether.
She caught sight of a few people she knew in the crowd but didn't get to do more than wave back before their group came to a halt in front of the Seeress. She tilted her head slightly to Caius before she spoke. "Apprentice, you have done well. The tale of the battle has already spread, and it was indeed well fought. Paddra thanks you all for your contribution this day."
Caius clenched his jaw as he nodded. As much as what he was about to do disturbed him, he knew he wouldn't be able to sleep at night if he did not. He knelt to honor her praise, but his voice was firm. "I am grateful to receive your words. However, if the Emissary had not joined us, I doubt we would have been so lucky. It was her quick thinking and her power that allowed us to prevail. She was able to field the beast's attention so that we could bring it down."
Murmuring broke out around them that washed back from their position and through the crown like a wave. Elle was glad that he felt she was useful, but she wished he had waited to tell Yeul until they weren't standing in front of half the city. Damn, she wasn't even sure most of the civilians knew she was supposed to be an emissary of the goddess. She still somehow forced her face into a semblance of respect when Yeul looked over to her with a nod.
"While your request to attend was questioned, it is gratifying to know that both your judgment and talent live up to the things we have been told. Thank you, as well. I know this was not why you were sent to Paddra, but we are grateful nonetheless."
Elle managed a nod and saluted like she had seen so many of the others before her. She realized the crowd was waiting for a speech of some sort and nearly rolled her eyes. She was a detective for crying out loud, not a poet. Still, she choked out the first thing that came to mind. "I was happy to help. I'm trying to take care of my task, but I couldn't stand by and do nothing while the city was in danger."
She was thankful when Yeul seemed to have pity and gave her a smile. "I would love to hear the tale sometime. Perhaps you can share it once you have the opportunity to rest."
Elle was able to give her a real smile and nodded. "Of course. I would be happy to."
After that, Yeul nodded to all the warriors before she and Praes headed back into the heart of the city. The rest of their team had already started to disburse after congratulating each other. Even Laer had taken off with a grin and a promise to see them at the training grounds the next day.
Once they were all gone, Elle and Caius turned back to the complex. She gave him a regretful look. "I hate that you have to take me all the way back. Would it be okay just this once to let me go alone? I'm sure I'll be alright. I know you have to want a bath and your bed as much as the rest of us."
He only paused for a moment before he shook his head and gave her a lopsided smile. "I appreciate that you are concerned, but do not worry. It is expected that I be able to go beyond my peers. If I could not do something so simple, then I would not be fit to take up the mantle of guardian in time."
Elle grimaced at his reminder of what he was to become but didn't argue. They continued on in companionable silence. She was glad they were able to as the bulk of the crowd had disbursed when Yeul had walked away. Any stragglers that had stuck around didn't do more than shout out thanks or congratulations as they passed.
She thought they were going to make it back unhindered, but she cringed when she heard a familiar voice cry out. "Wait! Caius!"
Elle almost laughed when she saw Caius' shoulder's slump, but she reined it in when his irritation disappeared, and he turned to see Raine running to catch up. She gave them both a polite smile. "I apologize for stopping you, as I am sure you are both tired, but I wanted to speak to the Emissary for a moment."
Caius gave her a curious look, but it was Elle that was trying not to grimace. Yeul had definitely made sure that everyone knew her title now. She tried not to show her irritation when Raine gave her a strained smile. "I only wanted to apologize if I gave you the wrong impression the last time you were in my shop. I haven't seen you much. I didn't realize you were someone of such importance. I guess that is why you are with Caius all the time, that makes sense. I suppose what I am saying is, please feel free to stop in any time. You would both be more than welcome."
Elle didn't have the heart to tell her she avoided the place because the girl made Caius uncomfortable. She gave her the best smile she could muster and nodded. "I'm not really in the city much these days, but I'll keep your offer in mind and come by if I'm in the area." That was the best she could offer.
Raine's eyes flicked to Caius, and he nodded as well. "Of course, I apologize that we have missed you. We have spent most of our days on the plateau."
Raine's eyes widened at that news, but she nodded and gave the tiny woman another evaluating look, from her knotted hair to her dirty boots. She then smiled brightly at them both. "I understand. I hadn't realized the Emissary was also a warrior as it is uncommon for a woman, but please feel free to stop when you can. Thank you!"
With that, the girl waved and walked away. Once she was turned, Elle grimaced. "You know, as much as I don't usually care about these kinds of things, it's when twits look at me with that expression that I am reminded how much I hate long shifts with no baths."
It was several seconds later before she was shocked from her irritation by Caius' laughter. When she glared up at him, he shook his head. "If you want a bath, are we not delaying it?"
Elle wasn't sure what to think of the look he was giving her, but she thought better of asking. She hadn't really thought about how what she said would sound and didn't want it explored any further. She gave him a nod. "Too long already."
Elle had never been so thankful to see the gates of the Seeress' complex as she was when they made it to the top of the path. She tiredly bid Caius goodnight as she followed one of the girls to a bathing room so she could get clean and find her bed.
The next morning Elle was sore as hell, but she was in a surprisingly good mood. She had helped do something amazing, and something told her she was going to finally have the opportunity to quit being treated like a guest. Or at least she hoped it would allow her to plead her case.
Caius was waiting for her in the outer courtyard when she made her way out. She raised her brow, as he had taken to waiting for her outside. He smiled when he caught sight of her and headed over. "I was unsure if you would head out straight away. I thought you might wish to speak to Yeul first."
She blinked up to him and nodded. "I did want to speak to her some time today. Did you want to join us?"
He smiled. "I would not want to intrude. I only came because I have something for you."
Her eyes widened in shock. That was the most unexpected thing she had heard in a long time. It took her a moment to respond, and she sounded oh so intelligent. "What?"
He shook his head with a grin as he pulled out a thin strip of leather and handed it to her. She let it fall to its length, and her eyes widened when she saw a rather large tooth. She looked back up in shock. "Is this what I think it is?"
He nodded. "Yes. Each of the others grabbed their own trophies, but I did not think you had. It is traditional, and you deserve the remembrance. Wear it with pride. I have no doubt that it will be the first of many."
Elle grinned up at him as she slipped it over her head. "Thanks. It's not something I've ever done before. I'm glad I have you there to watch my back."
A look passed through his eyes that might have shocked her to see, but it was gone by the time she looked back up. She nodded her head to the back. "I'm hoping this won't take long. Why don't you come with me, anyway?" When he looked like he still wanted to object, she grabbed his arm. "It's not like you didn't haunt these halls more than me before I showed up. Trust me, they think I can't hear them, but plenty of the girls lament that it's me now instead of you."
The look he gave her caused her to laugh out loud, but she cut herself off as they made it to the chamber that Yeul used most. The guard nodded and opened the door. "You have been expected."
Elle raised a brow, but she was still in too good a mood to be bothered. They made their way to the small courtyard, and Yeul looked up with a smile. "Edelweiss, it is good to see you smiling this morning. Are you here to ask me to reconsider your previous request to join the hunters?"
Praes was the only one to look shocked at her words. Elle tried not to grimace as she nodded. "Yes. You told me to prove myself, and I feel I did."
Yeul gave her an evaluating look for a moment before she patted the lip of the fountain beside her, "Tell me of your adventure first. I would like to hear about it in your words."
Elle obliged. She didn't exaggerate, but she did have to stop several times and elaborate, It was much longer in the retelling than she had anticipated. When Yeul was finally satisfied, she sat back and gave Elle an unreadable look. It was several moments before she spoke. "You have proven over time that you are a capable fighter, and even a capable l'cie, but critical thinking under pressure is not easily taught. More often than not, we find that is a skill that is hard-won at best. Your ability to think while faced with an unknown threat is impressive. How did you come by that skill?"
Elle's eyes took on a faraway cast, and it was several seconds before she spoke. They could all tell her mind was not in the room with them. "You learn to keep your wits when you have to figure out how to track a man that is not only willing to kill his wife but cut her up to hide the body, all while making sure to gather usable evidence, so the bastard isn't able to walk away with a good lawyer."
It took her several moments to realize that all three of the others were staring at her with open shock, She jumped to her feet and shook her head, "I apologize, I shouldn't have said. Look, feel free to think about it, and I'll be back. Thanks."
She knew it was rude, but she needed out of there, She had purposely not talked about her job up to that point. It wasn't that there was no crime in Paddra, but it was relatively safe, as far as people were concerned. When you had to worry about so many of the beasts and even some of the planet trying to kill you, it tended to make the other shit matter a little less.
She barely heard Yeul's goodbye before she was gone. She didn't even realize Caius was right behind her until she made it out of the gates. She finally paused once they were closed, and he spoke for the first time, "Are you alright?"
She whipped around to face him but froze when it was only concern in his eyes. She gritted her teeth and nodded. He placed a hand on her shoulder, and her eyes looked up again. "You have seen that? You have been faced with that horror?"
Elle took a deep breath and nodded. "Yeah, that was my first case when I started homicide, but it was far from the last. I'm from a city many times larger than Paddra and trust me, it's not half as nice."
His eyes became troubled, but after a moment, his hand lowered. "You have not shared for a reason. I will respect your privacy. Have no fear that another will learn of this from me."
Despite her soured mood, Elle managed to smile again. "Thanks." That was the last thing said between them as they made their way to the top of the plateau.
A/N: Happy New Year! This year has been productive for me, and I'm hoping that the next one will be just as busy, in a good way! I hope all your 2020s are great as well!