Beneath the Armor: An Elven Desire

Chapter 9

Morning came too quickly, and with it, the responsibilities of the day. Fay met Drax in the common room, her eyes bright from her late night activities and sound sleep. Drax, ever the perceptive one, noticed immediately.

"You look different. You enjoying the luxury of a warm bed?" he gave a laugh.

Fay nodded, feeling a blush work its way onto her cheeks. She managed a weak smile. "You could say that."

Drax let out another rumble laugh, clapping a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "We'll take it easy today. There's a lovely market square I think you'll enjoy."

As Fay set out to explore the town, her mind was a whirlwind of emotions. The cobblestone streets under her feet felt foreign, each step a reminder that she was far from home. Yet, amidst the unfamiliarity, her thoughts constantly drifted back to the inn. She couldn't help but steal glances over her shoulder, hoping to catch another glimpse of Drake, the mysterious and comforting presence she had grown attached to. Her heart ached with longing, an unspoken bond pulling her toward him. She wondered if she should confide in him about her actions, her face heating at the thought of revealing her secrets.

Sighing deeply, Fay shook her head and forced herself to focus on the human town surrounding her. The bustling market stalls and vibrant chatter of townsfolk were a stark contrast to the serene forests she once called home. She reached up and touched her makeshift headband, ensuring her pointed ears remained covered. The disguise was necessary, but it made her feel even more like an outsider.

Drax noticed her distraction and gently nudged her. "Come on, Fay. There's something I want to show you," he said with a reassuring smile. His presence was a grounding force, his quiet strength a balm to her restless spirit. Fay offered Drax a smile. There weird relationship had developed over time, but sometimes she wasn't sure if he was just following Drake's orders.

They walked through winding streets until they reached a small but beautiful pond area hidden behind a grove of weeping willows. The water sparkled under the mid-morning sun, and the air was filled with the soft hum of dragonflies and the croaking of frogs. Fay felt a sense of peace wash over her as she took in the tranquil scene.

"It's lovely," she whispered, her eyes reflecting the shimmering water. Drax nodded, pleased to see her relax. "Thought this might remind you of the forest".

As they admired the pond, two little boys approached them. Their clothes were tattered, and their faces smudged with dirt, but their eyes sparkled with mischief and excitement. "Hey, miss, wanna see a magic trick?" one of them asked, his voice filled with innocent enthusiasm.

Fay's curiosity was piqued, and she nodded with a warm smile. "Sure, show me what you've got."

The boys exchanged a quick glance before the taller one produced a small, worn-out deck of cards from his pocket. "Watch closely," he said, shuffling the cards with surprising dexterity. He fanned them out, showing Fay that they were all different. "Pick a card, any card."

Fay selected a card, the Jack of Hearts, and held it up for them to see. The boy nodded and took it back, shuffling it into the deck with a flourish. He then closed his eyes, muttering a few words under his breath. When he opened them again, he spread the deck out on the ground, face down.

"Now, tap one," he instructed. Fay hesitated, then tapped a card. The boy flipped it over, revealing the Jack of Hearts. Fay's eyes widened in surprise and delight.

"That's incredible!" she exclaimed. "How did you do that?"

The boys grinned, clearly pleased with her reaction. "Magic," the taller one said with a wink. As the boy recollected his cards Fay lent in close to Drax's ear, "I didnt know humans held magical abilities too?" Drax let out a burst of laughter. "We don't. That was just a trick of the hands and mind." Fay frowned not quite understanding what he ment. But Fay quickly let it go as the boy prepared to do another trick. Unbeknownst to Fay, while the boys entertained her, the shorter one subtly slipped his hand into her pouch, extracting a few coins. The theft was quick and practiced, a testament to their survival skills in the harsh streets.