Around the fire a small group of us sat, curled up a bit further away from the remainder of the caravan which set up camp. I hadn't taken a tent the entire journey, it meant having to share with someone and that didn't interest me. "You know, you aren't a real good people person, eh?" A human girl laughed as I finished pulling my fishtail braid to the side, working on the ends.

I never learned their names though I had spent the better part of 22 days with them. "I know," I admitted, keeping my eyes down as she sharpened her sword out of sheer boredom.

Three of them started laughing, "She knows," a boy mocked and I let out a weak chuckle.

"Most people don't like me the second they look at me, I don't have to pretend to be as sweet as honey." I didn't bother to properly defend myself. My appearance alone was insulting to people and I was rarely given the opportunity to change someone's opinion. I had no skill or practice at ensuring I was liked. I knew I was awkward and that wasn't something I had a problem with. It mattered less since I had no intentions on sticking around for long or making friends once we arrived in Tira.

"Well, I like you," the red-headed human spoke up and caught me off guard. "You're blunt, I like it. Most slaves we rescue are so shy and avoid us, you don't give two shits, do you?"

My fingers paused in my hair, the corners of my lips twisted into a small smirk. "A slave, that how you still see me?" I challenged him.

His eyes went wide realizing what he said. Though I had been toying with him, I let him squirm as he stuttered, the other humans seemed equally uncomfortable. "Ma'am, I didn't mean-"

"Oh, I am a Ma'am now?" I laughed coldly, tying the braid off.

"No!"

"No?"

"I mean-"

I raised a hand and held out my wrists, two silver cuffs still around my wrists. "Don't let the restraints fool you," I started and placed my wrists together, the metal touching and as I slowly pulled my wrists apart, lightning began to jump between the pieces of metal. "They're for you," I winked at him as he lept from his seat, the others moving back from the fire.

My point was made and I stopped, laughing as I rubbed my wrists. I knew there would be small burns under the metal, but it was worth it to see their faces. "What was that?" The redhead was now grinning as he sat back down, leaning forward. "Oh, I do like you."

The laughter of the group echoed through the silent forest. The wildlife knew to stay far away from the loud gathering, reflective eyes occasionally were caught out of the corner of my eye, but it was gone just as fast as they appeared. There was nothing out here except the stars above.

The soldiers were tired, soon all of them retired for some sleep or to relieve someone else for the night watch. Soon, it was just the redhead, Edwin. "How did you do that trick?" He asked curiously, aimlessly strumming a lute.

"It isn't a trick, Edwin," I said with a sweet smile, leaning back as I listened to the sweet, soft music. My eyes struggled to stay open, exhausted from the long walk, the norm for the last 22 days. "It's why I am not liked. Magic runs through my veins through I have the appearance of the magicless elf."

"What's not to like?"

I laughed and shook my head, "It's hard to explain to a human, but we have very loyal clans. My existence goes against all of them." I explained, my eyes closing for a second, the tune slowly turned more familiar. "I know that one."

"I'd be surprised if you didn't," Edwin smiled at me, motioning me closer.

Sliding across the dirt, I rested against his shoulder, glancing up at him. He began to play the song more mindfully and I softly began to hum along. Edwin took my humming as encouragement and began to sing. I had heard a lot of strange songs in my time, but this was by far one of the strangest. It was a song about the - Queen Leena Asix'Corrah-ha. A song of warning of her power, her wrath, and the myth that her soul lives on in the sea storms, claiming her vengeance.

We were halfway through and my voice timidly joined his as my head rested on his shoulder, my eyes closing. For the first time in as long as I could remember, I felt calm and at ease. It all ended with an uncomfortable clearing of a throat. My eyes shot open and I sat up quickly, the music stopping, "Edwin, you know shouldn't play such songs. You're lucky my father isn't here."

"Captain..." Edwin cleared his own throat awkwardly, placing his lute away and my heart fell. I did my best not to show it as I leaned back, resting my hands behind me in the cool dirt. "I didn't realize, Annika knew it, I thought..."

"Thought what?" Elias' brow raised. "What did I say about Annika?"

That piqued my interest. I glanced to Edwin and he looked to me, his cheeks almost matching the colour of his hair. "That she is off limits."

"Exactly, so go on a scout mission," Elias said as he took a seat across the fire from us.

Edwin was quickly on his feet and I exhaled sharply, glancing at Elias. "You warned them away from me?" Elias slowly nodded, unashamed. "Why?"

"You've been spending a lot of time with us. My people don't need the distraction of a pretty young thing. We have a job to do. He can buy you a drink once you're safe, until then..."

I had heard enough. I stood up and shook my head, "Goodnight, I'll try not to get in your way tomorrow." While I had nowhere else to go off to, I found myself weaving through the tents of the recently freed slaves trying to find an open fire to keep me warm, yet I wouldn't be subjected to judgement. There were no such areas and subjected myself to walking a few rows of trees into the woods, laying down my cloak against the edge of a tree and curling up, hoping anger was enough to keep me warm during the night.