The sun was low in the sky when Priftoi ended Sofia’s first day of training. Sore and bruised, Sofia limped back towards her tent with Harton.

“I don’t think I’m going to be able to move tomorrow,” Sofia complained. “That girl worked me so hard. And now I’m cramping…” She gripped and groaned in discomfort. “This sucks…”

“We can ask Erae to have Priftoi lighten up on you a bit,” Harton suggested.

“Sure we could, if we ever saw him,” she retorted.

“Are you talking about me?” a familiar voice said behind them. Erae greeted them with a tired, but mischievous smile. 

Sofia crossed her arms in frustration, “Where have you been? I thought that you were going to train me and then I didn’t see you all day.”

“Apologies, mo cuishle,” Erae stepped forward to place his hands on her shoulders. “My troop was sent to handle an Ymplerim incident quite a ways from here.” In the dimming light Sofia could see dirt on his clothes and face. Shame washed over her as she realized how selfish she had been, and she reached to lightly wipe his cheek with her hand.

Gently pulling her hand from his face, Erae kissed Sofia’s palm. “Today made me glad you are training before going out again in search of your gate. I trust Priftoi coached you well? She is one of our best and brightest recruits.”

Sofia snorted. “If by well, you mean starting at level 100, then yeah.”

“She did go a little hard for it being the first day,” Harton agreed.

Erae furrowed his brow, “I will speak to her.” But soon his warm smile returned. He brought Sofia’s hand to his side so he could accompany them the rest of the way to her new accommodations with Itah.

“I am sorry I cannot spend much time with you this evening,” said Erae when they reached the entrance. “As you can see, I’m a bit of a mess. I should probably wash up before reporting to the Chief.”

“I’m a mess, too,” replied Sofia. “And I’m anxious to use some of Itah’s ointments. I’m experiencing pain in muscles I didn’t even know I had.”

Sofia felt a warmth in her chest as Erae released a hearty laugh. This…is really happening, right?

“Then let us part for now and plan to meet tomorrow.” As the night before, he bowed and kissed her hand. “Síocháin, sweet Sofia. Good night.”

Once Sofia entered the tent, Erae turned to leave.

“Erae,” the Dlam called after him. The elf turned back to face the creature. “I… believe you and Sofia are well matched. Your Ghyrz would say the same. But you should know that others are becoming curious about your attachment to her and… they may not be of the same mind.”

The elf stood silently, listening to the Dlam’s words. 

“I want her to stay as much as you do,” Harton continued. “But whether we are enough to convince her to remain… I cannot say.”

“Ah, well,” Erae gave a pained smile. “Then we shall simply have to make the most of the time we have.”

“Just… don’t make things too hard for her.” 

After a moment, Erae nodded in understanding. “Síocháin, Speisialta.” Bowing again, the elf disappeared into the night.

Inside the tent, Itah had already helped Sofia into a tub of warm water filled with herbs and flowers. 

“This feels sooooo good.” Sofia slid into the water up to her chin and released a long, loud sigh. 

“Once you are done soaking, I can rub the ointments on you that will help your muscles relax,” said Itah. She had already pulled several containers from a small set of shelves by her bed. “And I have more sanitary supplies for you as well.”

Itah’s tent was humbler than the other tents Sofia had been in. Although slightly larger than the recovery tent, it was smaller than Lyna and Faliona’s, and certainly less grand. There was no great antechamber like the Chief's tent, and the entire space was one big opening without any dividing curtains. But it was warm, cozy, and welcoming. 

Sofia felt the space was a good representation of Itah’s character, and she was grateful the young elf had invited her to stay.

“I don’t think I’ll ever be done soaking,” Sofia mused.

“Well, eventually the water will get cold,” chuckled Harton as he entered the tent. “And you humans tend to turn wrinkly as a prune.” Sofia stuck her tongue out at him and slid deeper into the tub. 

Eventually, the water did get cold and Sofia was forced to vacate its pleasant embrace. Itah brought Sofia a towel and had set up a panel for Sofia to discreetly change into her night clothes. The Apprentice Healer then invited the sore trainee to lay in the bed which had been set up for her by the back wall of the tent. 

A warm grain bag helped relieve her cramps as Itah began to massage Sofia’s back. The ointments were smooth and silky feeling on her skin, and filled the tent with calming and relaxing aromas. As Itah was working on her feet, Sofia heard Harton greet Faliona and Melião. 

“Síocháin, Keeper of Stories and compánach. Thank you for offering your services to Sofia.”

“The pleasure is ours!” Faliona replied in her bubbliest voice. “Itah, allow us to take over.”

The young woman went to change into her own night clothes as Faliona and Melião began working on Sofia’s muscles.

“Melião will handle your back and shoulders, and I’ll do your limbs, all right Sofia?”

“Mm-hm,” Sofia replied, already enjoying Melião’s velvet paws kneading through her clothes into her tense upper back. I could get used to this, she thought to herself. 

For the first several minutes, the Keeper of Stories and the Vrao worked in silence. Itah, her bed parallel to Sofia’s, sat and watched as they worked, eager to learn. Harton maintained a little more distance, staying close to the fire in the center of the tent which provided the space with warmth and a deep orange light.

Eventually, Faliona began to ask questions. Questions about life in Talamh, Sofia’s friends and work there, and what she most looked forward to upon return. The questions filled Sofia with longing for home, but with some apprehension. 

Sensing hesitation and doubt in her replies, Faliona switched to inquiries about Sofia’s time in Lyfay. Other than the Ymplerim, what had been Sofia’s impression? What did she think of the clothing and the food? Was she enjoying herself?

“Do you feel you’ve created any strong connections in your short time here?”

Harton’s ears perked at the last question. Despite Sofia lying face down on the bed, the Dlam could tell she was blushing. 

“Sofia often tells me she is grateful for your friendship, of course,” Harton offered. “And Itah’s. She’s also met several other kind and generous people in the camp.”

“I see,” Faliona replied. Itah sensed a shift in the atmosphere. She glanced from Harton to Faliona, trying to make sense of the sudden tension. 

“But perhaps there is a certain individual who has been more attentive than others?” Faliona insisted. Harton rose to his feet with a low growl, and Melião jumped off Sofia’s back and with arched back placed himself between Faliona and the Dlam.

“Harton?” Itah asked. Sofia slowly lifted her head, unsure of what was going on.

“I’m simply having a little girl talk with Friend Sofia, Harton,” Faliona giggled, trying to break the uneasiness. “You know how we like to discuss such things.”

“Is that all you are doing?” Harton asked through narrowed eyes. Melião continued to arch his back and fluff his tail defensively.

“Why would it be a problem to talk about Erae and I?” said Sofia, a blush rising again in her cheeks as she sat up. “It’s not like things have exactly been a secret. Itah knows. And I think of Faliona as a friend. Why shouldn’t she know?” 

The Dlam sighed heavily and laid down back by the fire. There’s nothing to be done now…

“So there is something happening between you two?” Faliona sat next to Sofia in a flutter of excitement. Eyes wide, and holding Sofia’s hands, the elf exclaimed, “How exciting!”

As the ladies continued chatting, Melião relaxed and hopped back on the bed to curl up next to his compánach, keeping a watchful eye on the Dlam. Itah, still unsure of what was taking place, looked back at Harton, a concerned expression on his face.

“But what will happen when you return to Talamh?” Itah was pulled back into the women’s conversation by Faliona’s question.

“Well, we won’t be able to see each other anymore, right?” Sofia seemed to visibly deflate. “But… that’s why we want to make the most of the time we have.”

Itah wasn’t sure, but it seemed Faliona relaxed slightly after Sofia’s statement. “Of course, that’s understandable. We only have so much time before the gates between Lyfay and Talamh are permanently sealed, so we should all make the most of the time we have you with us!”

Itah glanced around the room. Something is off.

Sofia chuckled to herself. “Erae has asked if I would consider staying.”

“What?!” Faliona reacted more strongly than she intended, startling the Vrao beside her. Harton released another heavy sigh.

“A couple of times actually. I can’t, of course. I can’t just… abandon my life on Talamh.”

Again, Itah noticed Faliona visibly relax. “We indeed all have our duties for which we are responsible and must attend to,” Faliona placed a hand on Sofia’s shoulder and made strong eye contact as she said this. 

Sitting up suddenly and clapping her hands together excitedly, Faliona continued. “Which reminds me, I have some things to prepare for the upcoming festival. Melião and I should be off.”

“A festival?” asked Sofia.

The Keeper of Stories and the Vrao rose from Sofia’s bed. “I hope you found the massage rejuvenating?”

“Yes, thank you. And to you,” Sofia nodded to Melião. “Your skills were much appreciated.” The Vrao flicked his ear and bowed slightly. Itah found his face difficult to read. Bidding farewell, the pair were soon gone.

“What just happened?” Itah asked once they were alone.

Sofia looked at her confused, “What do you mean?”

Harton sighed again. Guess I warned the wrong person…

Priftoi had arrived at the training grounds early the next morning to set up for her sessions with Sofia. As she organized her thoughts and equipment, a voice called out from behind her.

“Hey Priftoi!” A young elf with pale skin and striking red hair was jogging towards her. Upon reaching her, he pulled his chin length hair into a small ponytail. “We missed you at training yesterday. Where were you?” he asked.

“Morning! I’ve been tasked by Captain Erae to teach our guest from Talamh some self-defense skills before they continue the search for her gate.”

“Look at you,” the young elf gently punched Priftoi’s shoulder. “Already trainer status, huh?”

Priftoi pretended to act nonchalant. “Oh, it’s nothing,” she closed her eyes and waved her hand at him. “Besides,” suddenly grinning, “it’s kind of fun to boss someone around.”

The red-haired elf laughed heartily. “You boss people around? Noooo.” 

Priftoi acted as if she was offended. “If you’re just here to make fun of me, you can leave.”

“Hey, I’m not some new trainee you can just order around,” the elf’s grey eyes glinted mischievously. “Remember, I’ve been training just as long as you.”

“Oh yeah? Then let’s see those skills.” Priftoi marched into the middle of the clearing and took a fighting stance. “I could use the workout.”

The red-haired elf smirked and made his way to meet her when a small voice spoke from his shirt pocket.

“Wait! Get me out of here before you two start your shenanigans.” A dragon-like lizard appeared from inside the elf’s shirt pocket. Its red and gold face was sleepy and annoyed. “It is too cold for this nonsense,” mumbled the creature.

“Sorry, Tourac. Here, you can keep the shirt so you can keep warming up.” The elf carefully removed his shirt and placed it at the foot of a nearby tree. Tourac scrunched it into a nest. 

“Wake me up when you are done,” he said grumpily as he buried himself within the folds.

The red haired elf jogged back over to Priftoi. “That is so cool that you have already found your compánach,” she said, eyes starry with wonder. “But won’t you be cold?”

“Not for long,” he grinned. Taking a fighting stance he yelled, “Let’s go!”

Priftoi smirked in delight, and dealt the first blow. Her opponent blocked and returned the strike. The two were evenly matched in skill and speed, and continued on for several minutes without realizing they had gained an audience. 

The young elf executed a particularly challenging sequence of kicks that seemed to give him the winning edge when he heard a gasp. Turning briefly he noticed three figures watching from the sidelines, one of which had green hair.

Itah? 

Priftoi took advantage of his momentary distraction and delivered a blow that knocked the wind out of the elf and threw him to the ground.

He lay there, face skyward, and felt himself flush. Well, that was embarrassing.

“Ouch, I know how that feels,” he heard an unfamiliar voice say. Sofia, offering him a hand, helped him up and remarked, “You can really take a hit, though. I would probably still be sprawled out on the ground after all that.”

“Aw, Yersua’s tough!” Priftoi threw her arm around his shoulders. “Thanks for the workout, friend! Nothing like starting your day off right with some heart pumping cardio!”

Suddenly pulling away from him, Priftoi exclaimed, “But wow, you sure do sweat!”

Yersua looked down self consciously, remembering that he was shirtless. Rushing to grab his shirt, he accidentally sent Tourac reeling.

“Sorry, sorry Tourac!” He gently gathered up the reptile and replaced him in his pocket. 

“I deserve a trip to the steam bath tent after all this…” Tourac grumbled.

Yersua sheepishly walked back to the clearing. “Y-you must be the visitor from Talamh,” he said, embarrassed. “Síocháin.”

“Yes, hello,” Sofia chuckled at the attempt at formality. She brushed her low ponytail back and held out her hand. “My name is Sofia. It’s nice to meet you. I hope someday to be able to fight like you.”

“Ha, please aim higher, Friend Sofia. My name is Yersua.” He bowed, taking her hand and touching it to his forehead. 

Priftoi, noticing the question in Sofia’s eyes, said, “Cousin.”

“You’re Erae’s cousin? Nice to meet you!”

Yersua smiled in acknowledgement, and then glanced towards the other elf who had been standing by quietly.

“Hello Itah,” he said nervously, feeling the color rise again to his face as he said her name. 

Itah’s face also flushed. Quickly lowering her gaze, she quietly responded, “Hello.”

Priftoi and Sofia exchanged a mischievous glance. 

“Friend Priftoi, we need to make sure Sofia gets through several things before lunch time,” said Harton, breaking the deliciously awkward moment. 

“A-and I probably should go wash up before meeting the other recruits,” Yersua said, taking advantage of the attention shift. “It was a pleasure to meet you, Friend Sofia. Síocháin.”

Once Yersua and Tourac left, Sofia and Priftoi cornered Itah. “Sooooooo…” said Sofia mischievously, “he’s cuuuute.” 

“You can discuss this later,” Harton interrupted, saving poor, embarrassed Itah from more unwanted attention. “It’s time to train. Do go a little easier on her today, alright Priftoi?”

“Understood!” the pink-haired elf saluted. “Friend Sofia, let’s get started!”