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As she opened her eyes, she saw that she had been tied to a chair in a room bathed in the warm sunlight that streamed through the window , but the brightness only served to accentuate the throbbing pain in her head, a reminder of the brutal blow that had knocked her unconscious.

As she slowly regained consciousness, she struggled to free herself from the restraints, her mind racing with memories of the attack. The room was lit, with only a small window allowing rays of sunlight to enter . The air was thick with the scent of old wood and smoke, and the silence was oppressive. She tried to recall the events leading up to her capture, but her memories were hazy and fragmented. The only thing she was certain of was that she had to get out of there and fast.

She tried to get her hands out of the ropes, but they were too tight. Suddenly , She heard the sound of something falling and turned her head to look at a boy standing in the doorway with his mouth open wide with shock.The boy's eyes were wide with fear as he stared at her . He seemed to be frozen in place, unable to move or speak.

The sound of the tray falling still echoed in the room, and the silence that followed was oppressive. She took advantage of the distraction to try and free herself again, her hands straining against the ropes as she tried to loosen them. The boy's gaze never left hers, and she could see the fear and uncertainty written all over his face. She wondered if he was the only one in the house and if he could help her escape.

He suddenly turned around and started speaking what seemed to be a name and running to call someone, almost falling down while doing so .

Not paying mind to what just happened , Aurora continued her task of finding a way to get out. She started jumping to get the ropes to break off but instead fell down , at last , after what seemed to be a long time , she was able to break off the ropes . Getting up , she ignored the pain in her head and started looking for ways to get out.

She saw a small round window but noticed that it was too far up for her to reach. She surveyed the room, her eyes scanning the space for anything that could help her bridge the gap between herself and the tantalizing window. Her gaze landed on a small chair, which she carefully pushed towards the wall, using it as a makeshift step to reach for the window's sill.

With a surge of excitement, she grasped the windowsill and hoisted herself up, her heart pounding in anticipation of freedom.

The moment of triumph was short-lived, as she found herself wedged in the window, her hips and shoulders stuck, anThe irony of her situation was not lost on her as she struggled to free herself from the window, her stomach protesting with each awkward movement. She cursed the muffins that had seemed so harmless at the time, wondering how something so sweet could have led to her predicament.

A girl wielding a spatula burst into the room, her brother hot on her heels, and even the dog was ready to take on the bad guys. The dog , wearing a tiny cape , stood proudly on its hind legs, paws clenched into fists. The girl declared, "Take that, evil forces!" as she charged forward with her spatula at the ready.

Her brother tried to keep up with his sister's antics, while the dog... well, the dog mostly just barked loudly and wagged its tail.

"Wait, stop! I'm not a threat, I'm just a lost traveler trying to find my way!" Aurora exclaimed, holding up her hands in a peaceful gesture. The girl with the spatula, brother, and dog froze, their eyes locked on her with a mixture of surprise and confusion. The girl, still clutching her trusty spatula, took a step back, eyeing Aurora warily. The dog, sensing its human's hesitation, relaxed its stance and plopped down onto its haunches, panting happily.

The brother leaned in to whisper to his sister, "Maybe we should ask her what she's doing here?"

" No, we can't trust anyone ! Don't you remember what master said?" Retorted the sister.

" Wait - wait a minute , just let me explain myself!"

"Zira, can't we just first let her explain. I'm sure there could be another reason."

" Yeah, Zira, I'm not here to harm anyone," said Aurora , although they could only see her legs dangling out of the window.

"Okay , but only one chance," sighed Zira

"Um , thank you for giving me the chance to explain, but I think I would prefer to explain while I'm not dangling through a window."

" Oh yes , we'll have to get you out."
she announced , her voice low and urgent. The girl nodded, and with a quick flick of her spatula, the window latch opened, allowing Aurora to slip out into the room.

The brother and the dog watched in amazement as Aurora landed gracefully on the floor, her movements swift and silent. But just as she could feel even a bit of pride in her landing , she tripped and fell down.

Getting up , Aurora brushed off her skirt and started explaining .

"I promise you that I mean no harm. I had come here for work with my boss, and had gotten lost."

" Any person of magical descent could see that these are the elvish lands. How did you even come here?"

" I followed the dog,"

" A DOG ? That is a frawner and a beautiful one at that."

" What is a frawner?"

"A frowned is a crea- Wait, how do you not know this. Oh, my lords!" She gasped

" You aren't of magical descent , are you?"

"I , well , I don't know much, but that doesn't mean that -"

" Then how do you not have even a bit of magic aura around you?"

"Well, if you really want to know, then no, I don't have even a bit of magic in me!"

There was silence. Neither of them knowing what to say .

"How did you come here ? In the magic world?"

"As I said, I came with my boss, but suddenly, these things called the dreamcatchers started attacking us out of nowhere. So I ran and found your do- I mean frawner and followed him here."

Shock was written on their faces. Suddenly, the young boy spoke,

" My name is Vela . This is my elder sister , Zira, and this is Ro." He said, pointing towards the frawner.

"Nice to meet you, Vela," Aurora said with a slight smile.

"Not so nice for us," said Zira

"Zira!"

"What! You know that we could get in trouble! Why should we even help her!"

" You know that we can Zira"

"We are not doing anything, and that is final."

"But -"

Zira walked out of the room, not wanting to argue anymore .

"I'm sorry . She usually isn't like that."

"That's alright . You really don't need to put yourselves in trouble for me. "

" No , someone once helped us when we needed it . Now , it is our turn to help "

Taking the boy's hand, Aurora spoke, " Thank you, truly."

" No worries," smiled the boy

"You can stay here for a while till I can convince my sister."

"There isn't any need to convince me ."

Saying this, Zira walked up to stand beside Vela.

"Vela, go outside."

"Zira she-"

"Vela, I will not repeat myself."

Vela gave, one last look of hope at

Aurora, and walked out of the room.
After a couple of minutes passed in silence, Zira spoke

" We will help you."

With a look of surprise and happiness, Aurora began"Oh tha-"

But , you must promise me something."

"What is it?"

" Never harm us in any way. You have a magic aura, but it's unlike anything I've ever seen . When you find out , have us on your side. "

Even though she didn't know what Zira was talking about , standing straighter, Aurora said, " I never so back down on my words. I promise,"

"Then it is settled. Tell us what we need to help you with ."

" I just need to get to the Iron Works by Thursday."

" The Iron Works is on the other side of these lands. But we'll come with you. Today is Monday , and we leave tomorrow. Get rest."

"Thank you, Zira , for helping me,"

" That's alright . My brother probably won't have let me breathe in peace ." Smiled Zira

" Well, then get rest. We leave at dawn."

Saying this, Zira left the room, leaving Aurora and her thoughts.

I hope Mr. Jenkins is safe, thought Aurora.

But even she didn't know what was to come.

.・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。.