In an hour Tsutfuul' was revealed before their eyes as a heavy squat stronghold. Another quarter of an hour passed and they saw the gate but Cregennan strayed off the road and for a while they rode along the city wall. A few dh'oine noticed the riders but it seemed like they didn't care at all at the sight of the she-elf accompanied by a mage.
At one point Lara spotted a stone staircase implanted right in the wall. Without dismounting they climbed to the top and walked a downward track until they reached an arched passage that lead to the inner yard. Cregennan pointed at the door of the nearest house.
- Ladies first, - the mage held the door for Lara to enter.
- Those stairs in the wall are a threat to your safety, - she noted with a matter-of-fact tone.
The mage grinned.
- Or so it seems. Make yourself comfortable.
He took off his gloves, throwing them onto a table near a fireplace.
- And those dh'oine, I don't even think they recognized an elf in me.
- They often see your kind. Wait here, I'll have someone cook dinner for us. I myself am not good at it.
Someone was quick and in less than half an hour they sat down to table. To be more exact, at first Cregennan did try to eat like a normal human being but then apologized and repositioned himself to an arm-chair, putting his long legs on a stool and his plate on his belly.
- Sometimes I have to dine at court in Tretogor. Sheer torture, I must confess. I can't eat sitting at a table. It feels like I've been staked.
Lara's capacity for surprise was slowly fading. She made up her mind not to interrupt Cregennan's dining procedure lest he should overturn the plate and she - choke on her meals with laughter.
So, - she said when he finally had finished his meals and put the plate aside.
- I owe you some explanations... You see, to a certain degree we are alike. Like you, I know something of the subtle art of magic. I am also on His Majesty's service. Officially. And unofficially I take interest in certain new social tendencies... Those she-elves left of their own will and don't wish to be found. It is common practice that new things run into fierce opposition.
- I do not quite understand.
Cregennan gave Lara a long intent look and she averted her gaze not without difficulty. The vortex of his eyes sucked her in without leaving a single chance of escape.
- There is a certain... man that I know. One day he came to me and said he was in love. He didn't look as happy as he should have looked. He said that the girl would never be welcomed by his family as she was... taller than he.
Lara gaped at the mage with her mouth open.
- To cut a long story short, he asked for my protection. I kept my mouth shut. That was a few years ago. Their alliance turned out to be fruitful... Then more couples appeared. By that time I was so involved, that I took all the responsibility for the village. No one has found out as yet. But soon we are due to be exposed.
- How many? - Lara whispered.
- Around thirty. But it is not the only settlement. There are more. For others, however, I am not responsible.
- What awaits them now?
Cregennan got up and strolled about the room.
- No idea. I see two options. We're going to get a new race or start a war, with me right in the midst of it.
Lara looked at him with her eyes full of sympathy.
- I could be of help, only if I knew we're fighting for the right thing.
- What could be wrong about it? - he examined her face.
She lowered her eyes, avoiding his purposely. He chuckled.
- Oh, I know your doubts. You, elves, think of yourselves as the Elder Race and view us as animals but I know that we are the same kind. Because if it were not so, your precious she-elves would not walk around pregnant at the moment.
- What? You don't mean that! It's not possible! I don't believe you.
Lara jumped up from her seat, too embarrassed to dare look at the mage.
- I'm leaving.
With a swift motion Cregennan caught her by the elbow and turned her to face him. If he could put shackles on her eyes, that was exactly what he did. His hands clutched her wrists. If it were a spell, Lara did not know how to lift it. Her restricted freedom now only allowed her to examine his countenance, to appreciate his appealing regular features. She closed her eyes tight to bring herself out of her daze.
- I have nothing to say to you.
- You don't have to say anything, - he said gently.
- I don't believe it's all going to work out.
The mage touched her chin delicately.
- And I think you do, Lara.
In case anyone has any doubts as to anyone's being a genius of a writer, I can advise to do the following. Make up a story in your own language, then translate it into another one, read the translation and, finally, the original text. You'll be amazed at how smoothly it goes now. Unfortunately, the translation will remain just as - how do I put it politely... ok, ok - baaaad... no, even worse than it seemed at first sight.