Aleksei suddenly felt off about their ideas. But he noted how happy Tylvielle was. Perhaps the other four elves would be able to help. Nevertheless, each of the elves looked similar. Sandhor looked as though he were far too serious.
It was as if Aleksei were the target. He felt wrong about putting others at risk. But when he met the other elves, they accepted him as one of theirs. Although, each one had a different style. Tylvielle was the most flamboyant. Sandhor was the most reserved.
Nevertheless, they found a small seamstress’ shop. Aleksei felt small. He would likely visit this shop a whole lot, none of the elven clothes fitting him. He had a whole lot on his mind as he tried on the clothing, and it was far too easy for him to get distracted by the idea that people were after him. After all, he swore he wouldn’t hurt people for his sake.
“We should get you a proper jeweled sheath for your sword,” Ildihor said as Aleksei had his clothes fitted. “Here, in the elven world, the first rites birthday is celebrated by getting your own jeweled sheath.”
“Perhaps we should give him his own first rites ceremony,” Asrielle said. “A boy’s ceremony. It’s not right that he had to make flower crowns and pretend to be a girl.”
Aleksei didn’t quite know how to accept their kindness. The elves were so good to him. But was it a disservice to his other step mother to accept their help so quickly? Would they pay for his actions, too?
After the dress fitting, they found a small coffee shop. Aleksei tried the bitter, warm drink for the first time with the elves. But–out of the corner of his eye–he saw a group of nine, oddly-dressed elves. His stomach churned.
“We need to leave,” Aleksei said. He pointed subtly at the elves. “Before they come after us.”
Ildihor nodded. He gave the bartender a golden coin and murmured something in elvish. Afterwards, they all fled the coffee shop in a hurry. But it was no relief to Aleksei when they got back to the Ethorian manor.
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