Two Worlds- Laurliza

5 |A New Life| ☆

     John started running, thinking about nothing but what would be ahead of him. He wouldn't have to worry about Henry hurting him again. But, he couldn't stop thinking about Martha...

     What would happen to her? Guilt soon flooded John's senses as he continued to run with all of the strength and endurance he could muster. It was nearly morning, about the time when Aurium soldiers went out on "Elf Hunts."

     John had about 15 minutes to hide before soldiers came out to check for people like him.  He found a large ditch covered by a tree that he could use. He rushed as quickly as possible towards the ditch, sat down, and waited for the men to arrive at their posts.

     About 10 more minutes had passed and men showed up, including their families. These people all looked so....excited.

     "Jesus....," John said to himself quietly. "So many people wanna kill me..."

      John had an idea. He covered his ears with his cloak. He made sure to cover up most of his face as well, just in case anyone recognized him. He got up and joined the crowd, fitting in seamlessly.

     There was a man walking next to John. He immediately remembered the guy.

     The tall man whispered to John excitedly, "I saw an elf the other day! He stole a loaf of bread from my shop. I hope we find him!"

     John's eyes widened. He whisper-shouted, "yEP I HOPE WE F-FIND HIM T-TOO!"

     The man laughed twistedly. "Is this your first Elf Hunt, kid? I get why your nervous. I was too the first time I went to one if these."

     John awkwardly smiled back at him as the man walked further down the forest with the crowd.

     "Yeah, that's it!" John thought to himself. "It's totally not the fact that you would literally kill me on the spot for existing!"

     ---------------------------------------☆

     He didn't stick with the group for long. He found another path leading to a large village . He held his cloak to his face shakily as people stared at him walking through the town.

     Elves were fairly tall, much taller than humans, so that caused people to stare even more. He was surprised that one man realized he was only 17.

     John had grown hungry over this time, and he had already eaten the berries and bread. He approached a shop. He felt like this was the perfect opportunity to just take a little piece-

     "No...," John said quietly. There were too many people watching...there were already so many eyes on him already. He was just about to leave when he heard two women at the shop speaking.

      "Have you heard of the Aurium Ball? It's tonight!" One lady said to the other.

      "Yeah! Isn't there supposed to be a giant feast there, too?" The other lady replied.

     A feast? John's eyes lit up. It seemed like a stretch,  but maybe if he could just sneak in... It could be so easy to just take some food. After all, it's just a party for rich people, so did they really need all of that food to themselves? All he needed was enough food for a week then he could just easily make his way out....

     John made his way towards the castle he heard it was taking place in for more information. He wanted to sneak in, but how? He saw some men in dress shirts and long black pants- waiters. They were hauling out silverware and dishes into another part of the castle. They had left a spare uniform on a chair they had already taken out from the other room.

     John realized this was his only chance. He rushed towards the clothes, making sure to not make a sound. He grabbed the uniform and ran like a mad man as far away as possible.

      He put the uniform on and left his original clothing on a tree branch. The uniform fit nearly fit him perfectly, besides the fact that the plants were just a smidge too short for him. He made his way back to the castle and snuck in with the rest of the staff. He had covered his ears with bits of his hair. He hoped that this would be enough to conceal them for now.

     He had to restrain himself from smiling like an idiot after managing to get past the guards awaiting the entrance to the castle.

     All he had to do was sneak in and out. It was gonna be easy, or atleast that is what he told himself.