Journey of the Half-Elf - Book 1

Chapter X - Meeting The Parents

"We're here," Nerian called out, prompting Guinevere to pull the reins and stop the horse, hitching it to a nearby tree. He raised his arms to lift his little sister off the saddle, and with the starving and exhausted woman at his side, he continued to walk towards the hut.

"This is your house?" Guinevere asked, observing its lack of windows and shoddily built roof; even the collapsed peasant homes near the Manor were better by comparison.

"Yes, for the time being. An Elf used to live here alone. You would think such a home would look different, but this Elf, whoever they were, built it in a rush. Or they were just stupid; it has a good door, but a poor roof.

I know the quality is not what you are used to... Princess." Nerian turned around to reply, instantly bringing a wave of shock over the woman's face.

"You're a princess?! I have never seen one in real life!" Darelene gleefully cried, breaking away from Nerian's hand and rushing over to hug her.

"Oww," Guinevere winced as the little girl slammed into her scarred waist.
"Yes, Darelene. I am." The woman looked down at her and smiled, slowly wrapping her arms around her neck. "How did you know, Nerian?" The Half-Elf wondered, raising her eyes to his.

"Ha," He snorted, "Even a Swamp-troll could tell. No lowborn Elf would ever be allowed to wear such a dress."

"It is no longer fit to be called a dress, Nerian. It is just burnt silk now." She dejectedly returned.

"Unfortunately, we do not have silk, but wearing something is better than nothing, no?" Nerian told her.

"Hm, that is true I suppose." Guinevere said back.

"Anyway, let's go. Mother and Father may both be inside." The Half-Orc told the woman and his sister, before the hut door was opened. Before it, stood another towering figure.

"Papa!" Darelene ran forward, tightly hugging the Orc's waist and grinning up at him.

"Dara, my dear," he tussled her dark curls. "How have you been?"

"Good, Father. Nerian and I made a new friend. Look!" The girl pointed to Guinevere.

The Orc briefly smiled, before noticing the shape of her ears, immediately putting his daughter behind him and drawing his knife.

"Nerian, why have you brought an Elf to us? What were you thinking, boy?!" He yelled.

"Father, wait. Put the knife away. I acted the same way before, but I realised that she is not as bad as we believe. Besides, she saved Darelene earlier. For that, she deserves thanks, wouldn't you agree?"

"Hm..." The Orc grumbled. "Fine... she can stay. But only for a short time. After that she goes. The horse can go with her."

"You're the best, Father!" Darelene jumped for joy, sprinting over to Guinevere and taking her hand, leading her into the hut.

"I better not regret this, Nerian." The Orc pressed his hand against his son's chest.

"I know. She is weak right now, but if she turns violent, I'll kill her in a heartbeat. You have my word, Father." Nerian replied.

"Good boy. Now get inside, your mother is preparing food." He commanded him, staying outside to guard the hut.

"Mama, this is Goowee, she is my new friend!" Darelene walked over to her mother, still firmly grasping the Half-Elf's blackened hand.

"Hm..." The woman replied, digging her hand into her sack, placing bread rolls and apples in five bowls. "Well, of course I have no reason to be fearful, I heard every word.
This Elf is good, she saved you from harm, my dear.
Child, what is your name?" She asked.