One rainy night in Gha'alia...

The elves looked at each other, one at each side of the human. They talked with apparent calm, but their stances said otherwise. It was a negotiation that could end in blood at any moment.

Not far from the harbor, hiding in the shadows, someone was watching, with five pale fingers around the hilt of her sword.

Calipoa was ready to intervene, but it seemed it wouldn't be necessary. Laceaga had everything under control.

The assassin took two steps back. Then another two.

The human and the scout followed the retreating figure until he turned around and disappeared under the dark rain.

Calipoa got closer.

"... Though perhaps you are a particularly entertaining human and it would be a shame to let Ecarae or his mistress make swift work with you."

The human smiled gently and replied with a somewhat teasing tone.

"Aw, that's rather sentimental for you, isn't it?"

The commander was about to make her presence known when she heard Vadeyn's name.

"Sentimental would be to tell you that 'I couldn't stand to see you dismembered'. I'm sure Vadeyn wouldn't be hard to track down if that's what you're looking for."

Calipoa rolled her eyes.

Here we go again.

She could have cut the conversation short.

But she had to know.

"Why must you mock him for his compassion even when he's not here to hear it?"

The smile had disappeared from the human's lips.

"Let's say it's a hobby of mine."

Laceaga was still smirking. The girl lowered her gaze, as if looking at his smug expression was almost painful.

"I'm thankful for your rescue but I don't appreciate you badmouthing him at every given opportunity."

A tiny smile began to grow on Calipoa's lips.

Laceaga scoffed.

"You're assuming I care about what you would or wouldn't appreciate."

"Well, you did rescue me. I'd like to think you care to some extent."

Laceaga raised an eyebrow.

"You can't be that stupid."

Calipoa's heart ached for the girl. When the realization hit her, she had the same expression on her face as Vadeyn often did on their younger days. Disheartened and defeated.

"Duliae paid you?"

"Obviously. And before you continue with your wild fairytale scenarios, let me tell you: he doesn't care either. I told you when we first met: you belong to Gha'alia." Laceaga's words were harsh, but his tone was almost quiet. He was simply stating what he believed were facts. "Prove your value if you want someone to care. But let me give you a piece of advice: Vadeyn can't even protect himself, much less you. If you insist on using him as a shield, his weakness will be your downfall."

"I don't intend to u-use him!" A quivering rage tainted her words. "And I don't belong to Gha'alia. I'm not a thing to be owned! And the man you're so quick to sneer at is the only one who has never made me feel like an object! So, thank you for the rescue and good night to you!"

She stormed off, leaving the scout with a look that was a mixture between annoyance and amusement.

Calipoa left her hiding place, stepping out and having the human almost bump into her.

"C-Commander!"

Calipoa stifled out a laugh. The little human was still fuming.

"I'll take over from here, Laceaga."

The scout shrugged and left the two women alone, his heavy steps echoing on the wet stone.

"I'm sorry I ran away" said the girl, suddenly losing all her indignation. "I panicked, and I thought Duliae and the rest would be in trouble if they found me there."

Calipoa sighed.

"You truly are like him, huh?"

"What?"

"Forget it. Why don't we get you someplace safe, mm? I know for certain there's someone out there fretting over your whereabouts while we speak."

The human frowned with pouty lips.

"I bet they can't wait to get their Cuthintal back."

Calipoa showed her a cryptic smiled and ignored the comment.

"Vadeyn should be nearby..."

"Oh! I hope he's not in trouble because of me..."

Calipoa looked at her out of the corner of her eye. The human was worried, yes, but also beaming.

"Whatever shall we do if he's in trouble, though?"

The girl raised her eyebrows and her surprise quickly turned into determination.

"Protect him, of course!"

Calipoa struggled to maintain a neutral expression.

Maybe there was someone who deserved Vadeyn after all.