Crescent -ateez&skz x reader

Chapter 4 - Passage to Reynyr

Chapter warnings: none, if there should be lmk :)
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You both slowly bring your hands up in a show of submission and then freeze. You can feel your heart trying to explode from your ribcage, all of this was for nothing. You're doing to die anyway.

You force your racing thoughts to into silence to attempt to figure a way out of this precarious situation, Hongjoong beats you to the punch though.

"We mean no harm, we are not threats" he states clearly in a tone indicating ultimate submission of power in the situation.

The archer facing Hongjoong arches a questioning brow at him. He has blonde hair reaching his shoulders with half tied delicately at the back of his head. His features are nothing short of ethereal. He almost doesn't seem human, as if on cue you spot the slight point in his ears and subtly shining vine tattoos reaching out of his collar up his neck. Elf. Makes sense considering how they snuck up on you and a bandit of all people.

"It is hard to put any belief in those words considering your poorly hidden intentions to steal from us" he states, hands on his bow not so much as twitching.

You decide to risk speaking next, looking between the long haired elf and his partner, who is equally if not more mesmerising. They appear rather similar except he is slightly shorter and his own hair stops at the nape of his neck in a slight mullet. Possibly brothers? His features are softer than his partner's, his eyes exude a degree of kindness- or more so the capacity for such a thing considering how his arrow has not left it's target.

"We truly apologise, it was a foolish and selfish suggestion to take the rabbit, before that point we had merely been observing the mechanics of the trap so we could create our own. We were simply unsure of when we would eat properly again, the temptation became too great and formed a suggestion, for which I sincerely apologise"

The slight flicker of understanding in the eyes of the elf opposite you all but confirm your suspicions of him being a kind soul behind his defences. He exhibits feelings of pure warmth despite his raised bow. You decide that your best bet would be to address him as much as possible without appearing rude to his partner.

"State your business in our territory" the more intimidating of the two practically spits.

Hongjoong takes a moment to assess the best course of action before replying calmly, "we were not aware of this being anyones territory, for that we also sincerely apologise. We fled Igoras last night, for personal reasons. Considering the kindom's fear of the northwest we assumed it would be the safest route, we're simply passing through" he concludes.

The kinder elf speaks then, and his voice practically melts you, it is utterly mellifluous.
"That is understandable, however we cannot in good conscience allow you to pass through without knowledge of why you fled, personal or not. It is too great of a risk for our people"

Yep, definitely a kind soul. You exchange a questioning look with Hongjoong, it is not your place to answer this for him. He offers you a reassuring smile and replies carefully.

"Understood, Igoras is a barbaric kingdom as you may know. My upbringing was far from acceptable in their eyes and though I turned from that life long ago, my previous partner had no trouble turning me in. I was due for execution but I escaped, I found refuge with Arla. I hadn't considered the position it would put her in so she'd seen coming with me as the safest option. Her other reasons are not my place to discuss and are irrelevant details for your understanding." He finishes with an edge of finality in his tone, of which you are grateful for.

The two elves exchange a quick glance, unspoken words filling the air for a moment before lowering their bows. The kinder of the two speaks.

"That could be a true account, and though I don't personally doubt your words, we cannot risk letting you past without first consulting our people. You will come with us. You will not be harmed, that is not our way. You will either be sent on your way, or accompanied to the edge of our borders and have your memories altered in order protect our people if you bring about any form of suspicion. Our weapons were purely defensive, we will need you both to hand over your own for the time being" their postures are still defensive but more open than before.