Chapter 1

You opened the door and looked out at the two jail cells. To your left, male elves, surprisingly pristine and well fed. To the right, female elves, naked of course. Each of them a body type for every taste and seemingly free of ailments of any kind. You went down the line, eyeing each female elf.

“They don’t call you the best for nothing. I’ve never seen them in such good condition before.” you said

It was uncommon for slaves, elven or otherwise, to live in such poor conditions that they were suited for nothing but hard labor. Scars, lice, sexually transmitted diseases, malnutrition. It was both economic and an easier task to control. You, however, had a specific task in mind.

“Well,” the handler said “the best girls come at the highest prices.”

The Elven women looked at you with terror in their eyes. There were only two reasons people came to a private auction such as this: maids or sex slaves, often times both. It was quite obvious by the look of hunger in your eyes which of the two it was.

As you walked to the end of the hall, you noticed an oddity: an Elf girl hiding behind what must be her mother. She had one stark difference, however: light, coffee colored skin. Elves didn’t have varying skin tones in their natural state. It could only be a result of crossbreeding with a human. While poorly understood, mating with a human, male or female, black, asian or white, always darkened the natural skin tone of an elf as she aged. She would come into the world looking as pale as her half siblings and leave it black as was the coal in a mine.

“Foreman,” you said, eyeing the odd one out “tell me about this one. The one with dark skin.”

The elf’s eyes filled with horror and her mom pushed her further behind, her face pressing into her butt tightly. You suppressed lewd thoughts, wanting to remain professional in front of the foreman.

“Oh her,” he said “she, as you can imagine, isn’t the popular one.”

“What can you tell me about her?”

“She’s approximately ten. When we found her it was just her and her mother.”

“They weren’t with a tribe?”

“No. But you can probably guess why.”

“I see. Anything else? Diseases, deformities, scars, that sort of thing?”

“Aside from the skin you mean? None. She’s as healthy as can be.”

“How much for her?”

The foreman looked at you with shock.

“You’re serious? Her? Dear sir, surely this is a jest. I implore you to take a look at the others. Surely a man of such distinction as yourself would never stoop so low.”

The hurt on the girl’s face spoke to a life of mistreatment and unjust resentment. The face of someone who’d always been an outcast at birth. En’sha the Elves called them: impure one.

“How much?” you asked again

“Five thousand.”

“Three.”

“Three fifty.”

They both shook on it.

“Here’s the first installment. I’ll send someone to deliver the next half once I can fully verify her health.”

“Thank you.”

Two guards walked into the cage of naked elves with a chain. While one stood guard, arbalest aimed carefully, the other approached the half-elf. Her presumed mother pushed her fully behind her body.

“Don’t. Please.” she said “Take me instead. Please.”

“No.” you said

The mother began to cry, not moving a muscle. The guard gripped her arm.

“Move. We won’t ask twice.” he growled

“Don’t!”

With one hard pull, the guard flunger her into the bars with a loud bang. The half-elf cowered in the corner, legs shaking and eyes pouring tears. The guard pulled her arm so hard it nearly came out of its socket, attached the chain to an iron collar and pushed her to the door.

“Momm-!”

Before should finish, the guard slapped her hard.

“Careful!” you yelled “That’s my property. If you damage it I’ll demand a discount.”

“Sorry, sir.”

The guard pulled your purchase out to your carriage. Though it was nothing compared to those wealthy nobles, it was still nicer than what most could afford. The driver opened the door as the elf was pulled in front.

“I’ll take it from here.” you said “you can unshackle her.”

The second guard pointed his arbalest at the girl as she was unshackled. The moment her binds were off, she made a break for it; a massive error. The guard didn’t hesitate, shooting an arrow clean into her arm so as to cause the least damage possible. It was an arrow specially made to only penetrate to the end of the serrated point. She fell to the ground, howling in pain. You picked her up and she began to scratch and claw at you. You slapped her hard, finally putting her dreams of escape far out of her mind.

You put her in the carriage and climbed in yourself, your driver closing the doors. It would be nearly an hour before you returned to your accommodations. Plenty of time to get to know the little one.

“Greetings,” you said “my name is Sir Anon. Let me help you.”

The elf backed as far away as she could, shaking uncontrollably.

“Can you tell me your name?”

“F… F…”

“Is your name F or do you not speak common?”

“F-Flare. Sh-Shiranui F-Flare.”

She had a very rhythmic, light voice, almost like bubbles.

“A pleasure.”

She said nothing, unsure of your intentions. As her short life up to today had taught her, it was that she should be mistrustful of all but her mother. A mother she’d likely never see again, yet, all the same, kept the possibility in her mind. After all, if not for that idea, what hope did she have?

“Do you know who I am?” you asked “Why I bought you?”

She shook her head, but she’d heard enough stories from the other Elves to get a good idea of why she’d been purchased. Many stories and not a happy one among them.

“Like I said, my name is Anon, the title being Sir. I’m a knight in service to the crown.”

She continued to stare at you with her bright yellow eyes, covering her body to protect what little modesty she had left. You removed your riding cape and draped it over her body. Despite it only reaching your waist, it covered Flare’s small body perfectly. She pulled it tightly around herself, confused at the kindness. It was a kindness that none but her mother had ever shown her, made stranger still when given by a human.

“We’re going to get you properly looked after. There will be stipulations of course, my kindness won’t be free.”

“What… what is… stipulation?” she said, her mouth awkwardly fitting around the word

“A stipulation… a stipulation is a requirement. Terms that need to be met.”

She kept staring at you with confusion. Doubtless she was completely illiterate.

“Can you read or write?”

She shook her head.

“We’ll see about that. In the meantime, allow me to explain what your life will be from now on:” you said “once we get to the castle, you will receive a medical checkup then be put to work. Cooking, cleaning, anything that needs doing.”

She looked down at her bare feet with sadness. She barely heard a thing you said. All her thoughts lay with her mother.

“I’ll treat you fairly, fear not. Food, a proper place to sleep, I’ll give them freely. All you need do is what I ask.”

Most of the ride through the carriage was spent in silence, Flare anxiously hugging her body and doing whatever she could to avoid eye contact. Her wound had finally stopped pouring blood and the smack you’d given her cheek had now developed into a nice big welt.

As the carriage made its approach, a trio of soldiers made their way to meet you, clad in fine armor, all holding polearms. They held their blades to the girl’s neck as you approached the large castle walls. For the first time, Flare expressed an emotion other than misery. She’d never heard of castles in anything but the stories her mother told her.

As far as castles went, it was quite modest. Four walls surrounding a group of buildings the size of a football field. Only the main bailey atop a small hill was stone, the rest wood. This was the reward for your service to her majesty.

“Come.” you said, as the gates opened “Once we ensure your health is in order we’ll start your first task for the day.”

Inside a small building to the north of the complex lay the infirmary. Two beds, staffed by one doctor and a nurse. Flare was brought before them and made to disrobe while you watched.

“A very strange one you picked, milord.” he said, taking a careful look through her mouth “Why a coffee elf?”

“Call her a coffee elf again and I’ll give you ten lashes.” you hissed

“U-uh oh. Sorry I asked.”

He searched down her entire body until he got to the groin. He began to look only for Flare to snap her legs tightly shut.

“I’ll give it a look.”

She looked at you in horror as you knelt down. You’d seen this expression of fear before, it was a very particular look; one borne of trauma. She either watched someone get sexually assulted or was herself, an unfortunately common fate for elves. Her hands pressed tightly against her groin, as if removing them meant certain death. You motioned for a guard to enter.

“Please send this amount to the auctioneer by nine AM tomorrow. It’ll be on my desk.”

“Sir.”

You turned back to Flare.

“Let’s get you dressed and to your room.”

You and Flare walked up the path to the central castle as those around watched. Flare did her best to hide behind you, wanting to keep all eyes from staring at her nude form. After what felt like years, they reached it. It stood with four walls and two stories, almost like an oversized guard tower. Inside were comfortable accommodations: a kitchen, four rooms, a bath and even a weapon showcase room. You guided Flare to a room on the second level directly beside yours. It was small with a single bed and a window. To you, this was next to squalor but to Flare, who’d spent almost all her life sleeping on the ground with nothing but her mother’s body heat to keep her warm, this was like staying in the Queen’s own palace. Her eyes sparkled like she was looking at a chest of jewels.

“You’ll find your clothes inside that chest at the foot of the bed. I’ll give you ten minutes. When you’re done, come and find me in the study. It’s directly across from this room.”

She nodded and smiled. You couldn’t help but smile in return. Seeing such a downtrodden girl with such an expression of joy was infectious. You closed the door, giving her the privacy she so desperately needed right now and walked into your study. Flare took fifteen minutes to report back to you, yet you didn’t mind. She deserved a break, clearly.

Flare once again got that mystified look as she entered your office. Two large bookcases on either side of your massive wooden desk, the coat of arms of your family hung on either side of the door and, the crown jewel: a massive skull with long, curled horns hanging behind you beside two large windows; proof of your heroics. The skull was longer than she was tall and wider than her full arm span with what appeared to be four eye sockets. Its jaw lay full of serrated teeth hooked backwards and each horn was the length of her leg. Flare could only imagine the sort of demon that would be born with such a skull.

You enjoyed every second of her curiosity, both as she was seeing it through the eyes of a child and the ego boost that came along with it. Flare looked beautiful in her blue evening dress with puffy arms. She almost looked like a princess herself if not for the thin layer of dirt covering her skin and her ratty, greasy hair. It was here in your spotless study that you noticed she had a particular smell to her, a smell like that of a bog.

“I think the first thing we should do is get you bathed. Have you ever taken a bath before?”

Flare looked down, clearly very embarrassed.

“That’s ok. Come.”

She followed you down the hall to the east wing. At the end of the hall you opened the door revealing a large metal tub beside a water pump. You pumped a few times, letting water fill a bucket and dumping it into the tub.

“I’ll leave you to the bath. Be done in fifteen minutes or less.”

“Y-yes.”

Chapter 2

As Flare soaked in the bath, she looked out a stained-glass window, seeing only light as it began to fade into a dark sky. She cried when getting dressed in her new room and now she wanted to cry again. Why didn’t this man buy her mother as well?

She recalled all the stories told to her. So many about sexual abuse. Some worked in the mines. Others were made to be humiliated. An elf with skin as hers had already seen enough of that. Was this kindness real?

She stuck her fingers deep inside her private area, pulling out a chained necklace with a pendant attached to it, a trick her mother had taught her to hide valuable items. The pendant was an arrowhead carved with an elven phrase “elassin salah, vissan vissala.” In common, it translated roughly to “dear child, I am here.” In times past, it was a ritual rite passed from mother to child. She held it close to her chest and began to cry once again. This was now all that remained of her mother.

After a long cry, Flare redressed, placed the arrow back inside herself and returned to her master. You sat in your study reading a novel and writing notes. You lifted your eyes up briefly before returning them to the text.

“There you are, good.” you said “Be a dear and collect a new candle from the other room opposite of us. This one is nearly depleted.”

“Y-yes.”

Flare rushed into the adjacent room, a large storage closet. Once again, she was struck by wonderment. It was not only filled with things like brooms, hammers, and dustpans, but strange serums, some glowing crystals and jars filled with multi-colored grains of sand. She’d only heard about such things in storybooks. She rifled through the shelves to find candles but her curiosity couldn’t be contained.

She removed one of the crystals from the lowest shelf, looking at it in awe. She placed a finger against its hot, smooth surface only to have it explode in a puff of smoke. She fell on her backside, causing an avalanche of cleaning supplies to fall over her. Once she’d realized what she’d just done, hearing your footsteps coming down the corridor, she began to shake violently. This would be lashed for this for sure.

“What the hells going on in here?!” you snapped, throwing open the door

Flare raised her arms in front of her head in an X shape, tears streaming down her face quickly. Your face softened. As a noble, you were within your rights to abuse your servants, Elven especially. In fact, it was expected, as it was seen to be the only way their kind would ever follow orders handed to them by a human. You had given lashings, beatings, and other examples of corporal punishment before without hesitation, yet you couldn’t lift your hand to her.

“I… I…” her voice shook “I-i-it was an accident… I didn’t know…”

You knelt down to her level and extend her hand, causing her to flinch.

“It’s alright. I’m not going to hurt you.”

“I-I’m sorry!”

She was completely inconsolable. You frowned and grabbed two candles from above her head.

“Come.” you said “You said you couldn’t read, right?”

She nodded, lip still quivering.

“Well then, let’s give you a lesson.”

You held your hand out to her and she tepidly took it. You lifted her up and she followed you back into your study where you sat on your comfy leather chair, lighting each candle.

“Come sit on my lap. I promise I won’t bite.”

Flare stared at you with red eyes and your brow curved. You could’ve sworn they were yellow, like cat eyes.

“Flare? Your eye color. Does it change?”

She nodded.

“Fascinating. I wonder why that is.”

Flare got up onto your lap and looked down at the manual in front of you, earmarked at page 247.

“Do you know my profession, Flare?”

She shook her head.

“Well, I’m a knight. But not just any knight. I’m a knight made to slay demons and monsters from Neraka.”

“Neraka? You mean Niyüg right?”

“Is that what the Elves call it? Well, in common it’s known as Neraka, the world of demons and monsters. I slay these monsters. This manual helps me know about what kind of monsters and demons are in the world.”

“That sounds scary.”

“It’s actually quite fun.”

“Fun? What if you die?”

“That’s what makes it fun.”

Flare looked down, not knowing how to react to what you just said. A knock sounded against the door to your office. You lifted Flare from your lap and placed her on the ground by your chair. Flare felt a strange feeling, a feeling similar to that when her mother would dote on her. In that instant she felt the horrible pang of homesickness, the gnawing need for her mom. She felt the tears fill her eyes again.

“Enter.” You said

The door opened and a tall female knight with short grey hair walked into the room. A mace lay attached at her hip and a shield bearing your crest tucked into her back. She stood at attention, barely even registering the young elf’s presence.

“What have you got for me?” you asked

Noel pulled out a sheet of paper.

“Her Majesty’s Vassal of Hololive wishes to speak to you. Something she declined to inform me of the nature of.”

“I understand. I’ll head there now.”

You got up, looking at Flare. Her eyes were teary and had resumed their yellow hue.

“Do you mind looking after this one here? She’s the new maid I hired.”

The knight gave a strange look.

“You don’t wish for me to accompany you?”

“That won’t be necessary. I’ll be fine.”

“Understood. I’ll look after her.”

“I appreciate it.”

You walked out of the office, leaving Flare alone with the woman. As she approached, Flare darted backwards, tripping and slamming into the wall. She began to cry loudly.

“Shhh. There, there. I mean you no harm.”

She knelt down and began to brush the Elf’s blonde hair tenderly.

“My name is Noel. I’m Anon’s shadow. I’ll keep you safe, don’t worry.”

“I want… I want…” Flare sobbed “I want my mom!”

Noel hugged her close.

“She’s not here right now. Shhh. You’re ok. I’ve got you.” she said “What’s your name?”

“F-Flare.” She sniffled “Shiranui Flare.”

“That’s a very pretty name.”

Flare was suddenly overcome with a wave of fatigue while laying in the security of the knight’s embrace. Her eyes, still puffy and bloodshot, began to grow heavy with the desire of sleep.

“You look sleepy. Why don’t we go to bed?”

Flare only nodded, already nearly asleep. She lifted her up and walked through the house, spying her room instantly. She knew implicitly why this elf was actually here. She opened the door and laid her down on the bed, grabbing a chair and watching her as she slept.

Flare awoke late the next morning only to find Noel had not moved. She sat attentively, staring into the middle distance yet somehow completely aware. Flare sat up and stretched, letting out a yawn.

“Noel?”

“Good morning.”

“Good morning…”

“Get dressed and we’ll get breakfast. After that it’s time to work.”

“Ok…”

Flare got up and rifled through the chest at the foot of her bed, finding what appeared to be work clothes and changed. She followed Noel down into the first floor where food had already been prepared. Noel sat at the head of the table and Flare began to pull her chair.

“Ah!” Noel snapped “The house residents always eat first. You serve us, then you may eat when we are finished.”

“Y-yes…”

Flare walked over to the serving table, retrieving porridge and cow’s milk. She placed it in front of Noel who wasted no time gobbling it down. She got up from her seat.

“Now you may eat.”

Flare rushed back to the table and got food for herself. She’d not eaten since early morning the day before. As reached up for the food she felt a stinging pain in her shoulder, the same that had been hit with the bolt when she tried to run. She rubbed her arm gently.

“Speed it up. You already overslept.”

“Y-yes!”

“That’s yes ma’am.”

“Yes ma’am!”

Flare rushed back to the table and wolfed her food down so fast she got as much on her face as she did in her stomach. Noel stood watching her, stone faced.

“Go put the dishes back where you found them. Then it’s off to the stables.”

Flare did as she was told then returned to Noel. She followed her back out into the castle courtyard and took to Noel’s back, wanting to be invisible. Noel pointed to the brickhouse by the castle.

“Those are my personal quarters. You are not to enter unless given express permission by either me or Anon.”

She pointed to the opposite side to a line of stables containing three horses with a fourth stall empty.

“That is where the horses are housed.”

They walked further down the way, reaching a long wooden house.

“Those are the servants’ quarters. Depending on Anon’s discretion, you may also be bunking there. On the right of the servants’ quarters is the outhouse and on the left is the supply closet containing tools for your duties along with the list of chores. On the side opposite is the armory. That’s another area you are forbidden to enter unless given express permission from either myself or Anon.”

They reached the end of the track at the gate. Noel pointed to a short wooden house, the infirmary where she’d received her inspection.

“That is in the infirmary. Should you find yourself sick or injured, you will report here. Do not lie or you will be lashed. Speaking of lashings.”

Noel pointed to a post to the right of the gate. Two chains were attached at the top and the mud around it lay disturbed and messy.

“Should my lord find you are in need of correction, you will be attached to that post and lashed to his satisfaction. He is a kind and generous man, but he will not hesitate to punish those who deserve it. Now that our tour is out of the way, let us return to the stables.”

She trotted behind Noel to the stables. She was given a pitchfork and Noel took position at the end of the stables.

“Your task right now is to shovel shit and to put it in this wheelbarrow. Once that’s done, you will take the wheelbarrow to the gate for collection. You may begin. Do not dally.”

Flare looked down and began to do her work under Noel’s watchful eye. As stern a taskmaster she was, she did feel pity for the Elf’s position. To her surprise, she not only finished the task quickly, but she did it to perfection. She had a natural agileness to her that made even Noel jealous. She had rolled the wheelbarrow to the gate and back in seconds, all without seeming to break a sweat.

“Good work. Next, we’ll be milking the cows.”

Flare spent dawn to dusk doing hard labor. Feeding the horses, shoveling shit, cleaning the servants’ quarters and the house, and more. She didn’t know which she hated more: the cage or this. At least in the cage she had her mom.

Cleaning the weapon display was the most fascinating of all. Swords and shields of all types and designs decorated the red velvet walls. One shield was made of bones with two horns coming out of the two top corners. A sword laying inside a display case seemed to almost be alive, covered in fur along the dull side of the blade that waved back and forth on its own, as though wind were brushing through it. At the far wall, hanging upright and demanding attention, was a pitch-black spear that radiated an invisible energy. It seemed to consume the light close to it, creating a darkness on its silhouette. Flare had never seen anything like it.

As night fell, you returned from your meeting, guiding your horse to the stables, and dismounting. You walked inside and found Noel and Flare waiting to greet you. Noel put her hand to her heart and bowed.

“Welcome home.”

Noticing Flare had not followed suit, she gave her a firm elbow. Flare did as Noel had.

“Thank you.”

“Did the meeting go well?” Noel asked

You sighed.

“Well in the sense that she and I had no issues between us. But, well… let’s just say things are beginning to heat up again.”

“How do you mean?”

“I’ll tell you another time. Just be ready.”

“Understood.”

“How did Flare do?”

“Exceptionally. She did exactly as she was told and better.”

“So happy to hear it. I knew I made the right choice.” you said “I’m going up to get ready for bed. I relieve both of you of your duties today. Noel, if you could meet me in my office in five minutes.”

“Yes, sir.”

Everyone went their separate ways, Flare rushing straight to her room to go to sleep. Immediately, however, she felt her mouth go dry. She lifted herself out of bed and walked down the hall for a drink of water. As she walked back to her room, she took next to your office and put her ear to the door.

“-that serious?”

“Yes. Whatever this is, if she was right in her assessment, this could be worse than any of us are prepared for. Our order is struggling as it stands, we barely have the numbers to keep ourselves competitive as it is. But this… I’m just worried is all.”

“I’ll remain ready. Whatever this is, my sword will strike whatever you need it to strike.”

“I’m glad to hear it. I just hope it’s enough.” you said “Getting curious, are we Flare?”

Flare jumped back and the door opened. Noel glared at her.

“The nerve. Are Elves not raised with the idea of common courtesy?”

“It’s fine,” you said “just curious is all. Flare, please go to bed. Noel, you’re dismissed as well. Good night.”

 Chapter 3

The moonlight gleamed through the window of Flare’s room and onto her soft face. She couldn’t sleep. Her mom was yet again in her thoughts. What was she doing now? Was she still naked in that filthy cell? Was she working in the mines as so many of her race were? It made her heart burn with a miserable sort of fire. Elves who worked in the mines were not elves that lived long. Most were lucky if they saw five years, regardless of age or health. Would she ever see her mother again? She curled up into a tight ball and cried yet again. It felt as though her eyes were more often wet than dry. She hugged her pillow and let out all she had to give.

“I just… just…” she whispered to herself “I just wish I had someone.”

Rain began to pelt hard against the stained glass window, a perfect portrayal of her mood. As the rain pelted down harder, so too did her tears. It just never seemed to hurt any less. It was an unbearable crawling beneath her skin, she would do just about anything to remove that feeling yet all she could do was put up with it.

As her tears finally exhausted, a strange sound began to ring from the side of the estate. It was loud. A sharp, quick slice of metal against something hard, like an axe striking wood. But who on earth would be chopping wood in the middle of the night during a rainstorm? Flare felt it best to ignore it. She closed her eyes and tried to get some rest.

Chop. Chop. Chop. It went on for hours. She covered her ears but it just wouldn’t end. She had to investigate. She jumped out of her bed, slipped on some slippers, and tiptoed down the stairs. Just as she was nearing the bottom of the steps, the door flew open to reveal Noel with a large sack slung over her back and a cleaver in her left hand. As she looked closer, she could see she was covered in blood, both dried and fresh. Her cleaver looked as if it had been painted slick red and even her hair and face were covered in the life-giving fluid.

The color drained from the half-elf’s face as she saw the scene and she put her hand over her mouth to stifle a loud gasp. What was she chopping for all those hours? What was the sack full of? She felt her legs grow weak and her body locked in place. Noel began to walk over to the steps, the sound of her heavy steel boots slamming against the stone floor making her all the more intimidating. Flare shook and her teeth chattered. Was she next? Noel looked at the elf with a muted expression, as though this was entirely normal.

“You should go to sleep,” she said “We have a lot of work to do tomorrow.”

Without waiting for a response, Noel walked out through the back, out into the rain, leaving a small trail of blood behind her as she went.

“Flare? Flare, bring me some tea, would you? Flare!”

Flare jumped, shaking the sleep from her eyes.

“Y-yeah. Right. Yes, sir.”

Flare rushed over to the kitchen and poured tea into a small metal cup, rushing back, and setting it gently at the side of your table. You sipped it gently as you read through a large book. It didn’t take long before you caught Flare beginning to drift off again. You snapped your fingers next to her face.

“Flare. I need you up and attentive.”

“Sorry, I just-“ she yawned “I didn’t get much sleep last night.”

“Why not?”

Flare felt a surge of adrenaline shoot down her spine. Even just thinking about the events of last night made her skin become colder than ice.

“I-it was nothing. Just the rain. I’m scared of the rain.”

“Is that so? Well, you’re welcome to sleep with me.”

Flare looked off to the side. Truth was, she did miss having some authority figure to sleep beside. Sleeping on her own, even in a fine, comfy bed, still filled her with a deep anxiety. Her whole life had been a message of “being alone gets you killed or captured.”

“Flare?”

She jumped yet again. She hadn’t even realized she was drifting off again. You closed your book.

“Here. Let me get you some caffeine.” you said, getting up

“Caff… caff…” Flare struggled

“Caff-ee-n.”

“Caffeine.” she repeated “What’s that?”

“It’s a chemical in some teas. It helps you stay awake when you’re tired.”

You walked over to the kitchen and began to heat some water, pulling some black tea from the upper cupboard. You showed the bag to Flare.

“This is black tea. Isn’t very sweet but it will help give you energy.”

After a few minutes, the tea was ready and you poured her a cup. Out of the corner of her eye, Flare could see Noel. She had a scowl on her face, one directed right at her. Flare’s hand began to tremble, nearly causing the tea to spill. You smiled lightly at Noel.

“Oh, don’t look at me like that. You need her help, don’t you? A tired maid is not a very productive one.”

“She’s a maid, sir.” Noel said through gritted teeth “She ought to be treated as a maid.”

“I’ll do what I think is best. It’s her second day, being a little lenient won’t harm her.”

Noel crossed her arms.

“I need to go into town today. Flare, why don’t you accompany me? I imagine you’ve never seen the capital, have you?”

Flare nodded her head, taking a sip of tea.

“You don’t think it’d be better if I went with you?” Noel said in an irritated tone

“You know exactly why you can’t.”

She let out an angry sigh and marched out to the stables.

“Go get yourself dressed. We’ll be leaving in thirty minutes.”

Flare looked at you dumbfounded.

“I forgot, you’re illiterate. Thirty minutes means… well… How high can you count?”

“Ten.”

“It’s three tens.”

Flare downed her tea, spilling some on her shirt and ran upstairs, returning in seconds, dressed in a brown schoolgirl outfit, complete with beret. You stifled a laugh, realizing what she thought you meant.

“Sorry, I don’t mean to laugh. That’s thirty seconds. Thirty seconds, twice, makes sixty seconds. Sixty seconds makes a minute and three of those ten minutes makes thirty. We actually have a bit of time before then.”

Flare turned bright red and looked at her feet, missing either shoe.

“Go ahead and get your outfit fixed up properly. I’ll be out by the stables in the meantime.”

You walked out to the horses and found Noel already attaching a saddle to your favorite horse, Torrent. A white Arabian, it was a horse as fast as it was elegant. Noel continued her cold glare.

“What?” you asked, annoyed

“She’s your maid, Anon. Someone of your standing needs to treat a maid like a maid. She’s a servant, not your friend.”

You scoffed and spit on the floor.

“My standing… as if that was anything illustrious. It’s worth less than the mud that we’re standing on.”

“That may be, but please at least pretend you care. We have to keep appearances, now more than ever.” she said “What are they going to say when they see you riding around with that th-“

Flare returned with her outfit (and shoes) in perfect order. You couldn’t help but smile. She looked far too cute dressed like that.

“Are you ready to go?”

Flare nodded, making a concerted effort to avoid Noel’s spiteful gaze. You climbed atop Torrent and held out your hand to the small half-elf.

“Come. Let’s go.”

She walked over to you and you lifted her up by her waist, seating her in the front half of the saddle. Flare’s demeanor changed from shy and frightful to happy in moments. With a light whip of the reins, the horse trotted to the gate and down the path towards the capital city.

It took another thirty minutes to reach the capital, a scenic route full of trees and small homesteads littered about. The capital was exactly what you’d expect of such a large empire: lacking no amount of whimsy and gusto. The streets were paved in stone, the buildings in marble and statues in the Queen’s likeness erected in many of the squares. Flare looked as if she’d witnessed paradise. As your horse clicked its hooves against the stone walkways, many of the residents gave a short, polite bow in your wake.

“Why are they bowing to us?” Flare asked

What Flare didn’t notice, however, were the snickers of disapproval that followed once they realized your traveling companion. To them, the horse you rode on was worthy of more respect than Flare.

“They respect me. I’m something of a hero here. I once saved this place from a great evil.”

“What evil?”

“Another time perhaps. Come.”

You guided Torrent to a hitching post and dismounted, helping Flare to the street below. You pulled out a list.

“We need to get these items and we’ll be able to return.” you said, showing her the list

Flare just looked at it confused. You cringed internally, realizing you yet again forgot of her lack of literacy.

“Pardon me.” you apologized “Just follow me.”

“Yes, sir.”

You both walked down past various storefronts, street urchins and, of course, the homeless, many of whom were Elves. Being as they were born, the Royal Government had made it their mission to eject Elves as far from polite society as they could. Any job, any ease, they did their best to erase it from their lives. It felt as though all eyes were glued to Flare, both man and Elf alike. It was as though they were watching you walk alongside a giant winged, horned beast, spitting fire from its eyes and farting lightning. Flare pressed up into your body and you held her.

“Don’t pay them any mind. So long as you stay by me, you’re safe.”

“O-ok.”

Down a street corner, you both walked into a large black building with plants on the outside. The inside slapped Flare across the fact with a wide array of overpowering scents. It was like every smell in the world had been put in a giant perfume bottle and sprayed profusely across the shop. You had been here many a time and still had yet to get used to it. You walked through rows of various plants, Flare still clinging tightly at your waist, until you found a pot with a bright pink bloom. Its leaves were spotted purple and it gave off a sickly sour smell. You lifted the pot into your hands.

“Now, don’t touch this Flare. It’s poisonous. It’ll make you seriously sick.”

She lifted her eyebrow.

“Why do you need a poisonous plant?”

“My profession. I often coat my blades in poisonous substances. Gives it an extra kick.”

Flare’s eyes went wide.

“That’s so cool!”

“I’m glad you think so.”

You walked to the counter, making great effort to be sure the plant didn’t touch your skin in any way. The clerk put it in a clear box with holes to allow oxygen and sunlight, and you returned to the streets. You both did another walk down the street and Flare took great interest at a statue depicting a woman with darker skin and large breasts.

“Who’s she?”

“Oh her? That’s Sana, the Star.”

“The Star?”

“It’s said that, long ago, Sana fell to earth; a living star. She, along with the first King, established this nation. The King died and Sana vanished, but it’s said she still lives.”

“How old would she be?”

“Three hundred years, give or take. Not too much longer than Elven lifespan.”

“Do you think she’s still alive?”

“Yes. She’s gone but… well, I’ll tell you when you’re older.”

Flare frowned and they kept on their way. The pair visited three stores: an oil shop for a special scented oil designed to suppress smells, an alchemist for mixing agents and finally a store dedicated to magical practice. Flare took the greatest interest in the last shop.

It was a house of oddities: one shelf lined with glowing crystals, books with covers that moved as if they were living, magic staves and even a collection of eyes that followed you as you moved. You approached the counter, leaned over, and lowered your voice. Flare, with her pointed ears so adept at hearing, heard the entire conversation:

“Give me the usual. It’s almost time. The payment, as promised.”

“Good luck.”

You turned to the door only to see Flare near the exotic animal display. She had her finger in between a large bird cage containing an odd-looking creature: it had the appearance and markings of a panda, yet its eyes were mere slits with no pupils. It looked as though it were made of bubbles and floated the same way. It nibbled lovingly on Flare’s caramel finger. You smiled.

“Seems he’s taken a liking to you. You know what those are right?”

“What?”

“That’s a Flame Fairy.”

Flare’s hand shot back from the cage.

“I-It won’t burn me, will it?”

“No, no not at all. It’s the fairy that represents a specific kind of flame. They’re said to bring good luck to those they form an accord with.”

Flare looked at it, then at you, then looked down sadly. You let out a sigh.

“You want him, don’t you?”

“Yes. Can we get him, please?” she begged

“I don’t know… Fairies tend to be a lot of effort to look after.”

Flare got puppy dog eyes.

“Pllllleeeeeeaaaaseeee?”

You facepalmed.

“You’re really going to force me on this, aren’t you?” you asked “Oh, alright. But you’ll have to look after it.”

“I promise I’ll take good care of her!”

“C’mon. Let’s go buy her.”

Flare lifted the cage and walked up to the counter. You paid a modest sum for it and finally you both made your way back to Torrent. You gently put all your items in the saddlebag, attaching the box to a special latch on the side of the saddle. Flare kept the cage in her lap as you began to ride.

“So, thought of a name yet?” you asked

“Yes.”

“What shall we call this fairy?”

“Kintsuba!”

“That’s a perfect name.”

The horse began to trot towards the edge of the city and Flare got once last look at it. As they exited, Flare’s mouth dropped open. Standing on the porch of a rather shabby plantation house was an elf with multiple bruises and lacerations with short blonde hair.

“MOM!” Flare screamed