A Change In The Horizon || The Lost One AU

22. Tension

At the crack of dawn, the two Watchers found themselves back right in the center of the village, Elisha leading the way through the area. The sky was filled with glorious colors, like a passionate orange, blood red and a retiring purple. Just one more day, and they would be out of the worlds for good; but for now, they'd just have enjoy their time here— at least, that's how Xelqua saw it. The other, more stubborn Watcher not so much. He only grumbled in signage as their guide led them to a small cafe to get some breakfast.

They all sat down, trying to ignore the glances of the other elves there. It was painfully obvious that they did not belong here, and it was enough for Miesall to grab onto his silverware, wielding the knife and fork almost like weapons.

'Calm down.' Xel signed onto his skin. 'No one has come after you so far, remember? You're alright.'

Miesall shook his head. There were Listeners crawling around here, after all. Even if he had somehow agreed to stay here, somehow getting roped in with a promise that he would try to see things differently and experience new things, he was still on guard.

Xel only sighed, hoping that Miesall would truly understand one day. A small smile appeared on his face as he recalled last night, when they had officially become friends. There still was hope for him yet he realized.

Each of them ordered a small bite to eat, something to break their fast. Xelqua chose another elven delicacy, whereas Miesall chose just a simple bread made from villagers. Even though he was fascinated with updating his food gallery, he merely nibbled at it.

Xelqua tried to pick up the mood, chatting with Elisha lightheartedly. They talked for awhile, but Xel found himself growing silent when he recognized who was headed right to them. He moved an eye to Salt, watching him clench his utensils even harder than he already was.

'They're still here!' Miesall growled, watching as the fierce horned warrior approached. He was alone, but certainly his king couldn't have been far.

Xelqua stood up from his chair, moving to stand in front of Miesall. Partially to assure him that he'd be alright, partially to make sure that he didn't rip the Listener's head off as soon as he walked through the door.  Mostly the latter.

The door opened, a bell jangling as a result. There Allec stood, tall and proud as he walked over to the two Watchers and an elf. "Good morning." He hummed, leaning over a bit so he was a similar height as the Watchers. "I trust you like the village?"

Miesall dug his fingernails into Xel's wrist. If he didn't come from a species that was overly quiet, he probably would have hissed. "It's lovely." Xel replied with a nervous grin, trying to will himself to not feel his arm. He supposed this was better than having Miesall show his hate and fear in other ways, though, so he decided that it was alright to sacrifice his arm to the cause.

"I'm glad you think so." The Listener replied, standing up now. His eyes narrowed momentarily as he glanced at the Watcher with the snowy hair. "Hopefully you'll be out of our hair soon and never have to come near any of our villages ever again." He explained. The plan was for them to leave at or before nightfall, after all.

Miesall's claws only dug in deeper. 'I do not trust him.' He told Xel, as if he ever once had.

It was almost as though the Listener had heard him, and maybe he had with his telepathy. "Don't worry, my liege made me pinky promise not to lay a hand on you." He rolled his eyes, sighing as if it was the most ridiculous order he had been given.

Miesall frowned even further. "And why would he do that?" He asked out loud.

Allec rolled his eyes again. "I don't even know, but I will honor him as my king." He replied, almost like a child that had been told to apologize to their sibling when they couldn't care less about the other's feelings.