A drop of moonlight

Chapter 6: Timing

Denise woke up to the sounds of the wild roaring at the back of her ear. Out of pure instinct, she jumped out from where she was and grabbed the nearest object to protect herself. As luck would have it, she only has a few pieces of rocks, but she is more or less happy to have something in her hands.

She is currently in a cave. Spacious and quite well-cared for. There are traces of life she can see with a thing or two utensils she sees.

A stranger's territory.

With the alertness of a feline huntress, she surveyed her surroundings. Eyes critical at anything that may pose a threat to her. Muscles tense and ready to act at given moment.

However, her eyes see nothing that could harm her. Instead all she saw was the elf she had rescued. They don't look as weak as they were before. Ruddier in complexion and more livelier in movement.

"You're awake." Said the elf.

Relaxing visibly, Denise lowered her guard slightly. Her arms slack and her grip on her impromptu weapon loosen. Logically, even though the elf is a species of peace, one cannot lower their guard on unfamiliar presence.

Besides, she was never an easy person to get along with. People find her difficult as she sees them. And never was she relaxed in something unfamiliar to her.

"Where am I?" Asked Denise while keeping a distance from the other. With how at ease she was, this elf's level of danger is unprecedented.

"You're in our home." Replied the elf. "After you've freed me, I was quick to find my charge to confirm their safety. I apologize for leaving without a word. It was my fault."

"It's fine." Says Denise as she figured out that the elf is not without any companion. They are known to be close knit and affectionate to their loved ones.

Legend has it when their people die, depending on how close they were an elf is expected to suffer to some extent. Though some people say it was nothing but a myth, something to make elves more than they were. That they are not affectionate at all and more indifferent than noble humans in powers.

"It is not fine at all." The elf said with finally. "It is unbecoming. Let me repay your life saving grace in some way."

"There is no need for it." Replied Denise. She is flustered at the tone that the other used. “I just did what I should do.”

“What you did is something that others would not do.” The elf said with certainty. "I have my basis for what I uttered back then. Humans are greedy and always selfish."

"Well there is no denying that." Denise replied. "Still if you wished to repay me. I suppose helping me get out of the forest is the best way to do so."

Denise was not looking at the elf at this moment therefore missing the glint in their eyes at the mention of leaving. Though if Denise was aware, the elf was cunning in its own way. With the wisdom of time untold, it would take a very long time before Denise would get the chance to outsmart them.

"I'll be more than happy to assist you with that one." The elf was adorned with a tranquil face as Denise directed her gaze at them once again. "But I'm afraid you have to stay here for a couple of months. Your timing is not good for this time of the year. Leaving for the nearest settlement is a hard journey with all the activities in the forest."

"Does this have to do with the fact the animals are misbehaving more than they usually do?" Denise has an idea of what is happening, but for the sake of her own sanity, she doesn't want to wander her mind to that area. She knew too much to actually actively seek answers.

"Well it's the season where they are most active." The elf replied as their gaze was forlorn at the distance. "The slightest disturbance can cause countless casualties. You just can't imagine the horror we have to see during this time of the year."

Hearing that Denise more or less certain of her guess and turned into a more real. There are only a few phenomena that make animals and beasts so aggressive. And the elf's words are wise. Going out is simple suicide at this point.

Slumping on the floor, Denise gave a long suffering sigh. "Just my luck."

The elf has a half smile as the child seems to carry something more that a petite body of theirs can handle. Despite being small, she does carry a sign of a young adult in power to her.

"By the way, if this thing continues to be an issue for the next couple of months, would it be okay for you?" Demise said. "Let's introduce ourselves. We don't want you to address us with nicknames, don't we? My name is Denise Liam."

"Fedikano."

“Great to finally know your name.” Denise said as she truly let go of the stone in her hand. “While staying here, is there anything that I have to be mindful of?”

“Well there is one.” Fedikano said as he looked a little amused at whatever thought that came to his mind. “I have a companion with me. He is a little troublesome fellow. I hope you can get along with him.”

“How troublesome?”

“Something akin to a prideful alpha wolf?” Fedikano replied, not quite sure of how to describe his companion. “He is cold, yet kind if you don’t rub him the wrong way. As long as you don’t annoy him much, I think you and him can get along with each other in the period of time you’ll be staying.”

“Should I be worried?”

“There is no need for worries. If things do come south, I’ll step in.” Fedikano assures her. “Despite how I was back then, I promise you I am quite a resourceful person. My companion knows more or less than to cross me when I make a decision.”