"Why do you look different?" I ask. He spins around and faces me, his eyes flashing. "Different? How so? I share the same features as every elf here! It must be my crooked ears that bother you, you humans only recognize the pointy ones. Truly a prejudiced species as I've heard!" He spits out the words, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

"HUH!? What in the Ancient Light are you babbling about!? Have you lost your mind?? Is Gulvan even trying to help leaving me with a kid like you?" I exclaim, my face twisted with shock and disgust.

"A kid!? I am 50 years old, young girl! And Gulvan knows what's best for you, entrusting you to his beloved son." Vasco says, his chest puffed out with pride. His son? Lies, I think to myself. And how old did he say he is?

Elves may live longer than humans, but there is no way he is 50 years of age! He looks no older than me, maybe even younger! I glare at him, knowing he is lying through his teeth. I clench my fists holding the air for support and say, "So much for Elven benevelonce when an 'elf' like you exists! Does Gulvan even know you're using him in your lies? It will come bite you in the butt! Mister 50 year old wo-"

A sudden splash of water hits my face, interrupting my rant. Vasco chants something in a foreign tongue and his palm glows with circles of magic. Another jet of water sprays me, drenching me from head to toe. He looks at my dripping face and chuckles, "You're getting a little heated up, so I thought I'd cool you down!" He continues to gigle like the child he is, enjoying my misery.

I feel a surge of anger, but I can't help being fascinated by his magic. It's unlike the sun's magic that the soldier wielded. His magic is serene and gentle, and irritating. I've seen magic in the village, but it was mostly those born with a core of fire. The other kinds of magic I glimpsed were from the travelers who passed by, wielding all sorts of elements and unique magic. Earth, wind, ice, water, steel and more. Every time they cast their spells, I watched with awe. Magic is beautiful, espeically to someone like me. My father was supportive of my curiosity but I gave him trouble all the time as I sneaked out of the house to meet anyone who would show me something new. 

"You are... smiling? Ahh, I should've known that you would enjoy getting splashed by water. Then here you go!" Vasco says, as he sends another wave of water my way. This time, I snap out of my trance. I try to stand up, but the ground is slippery with mud. I lose my balance and fall on all fours, but I don't stop. I crawl after the stupid elf, determiend to get him back. we race towards teh dining hall, leaving a trail of water and mud behind us.

"To be outran by a swimmer on land is disgraceful, really. I would never race again if I were you." Vasco says, his voice dripping with mockery. but I don't care, I'm still starving and the aroma of the food from the hall makes me feel like I could float with joy. I ignore Vasco and enter the hall. His voice calls for me, but I tune it out and head to the nearest table.

The table is laden with food, but I don't see any meat. I guess these elves are vegetarians. No matter, the dried fruites, mushrooms and salads of various colors and shapes catch my eye. I sit down and grab a piece of bread, dipping it in a sauce. I bring it to my nose and inhale deeply, savoring the aroma. My mouth waters, and I can't help but drool. I gulp it down, barely chewing. I devour one plate after another, not caring about anything else.

A few elves approach the table, thier faces twisted with disgust. They watch me eat with disdain, but they don't dare to say anything. They just show me their stupid expressions. I stare back at them while filling my mouth with mroe food, challenging them to speak. I order them to fetch me some water to drink.

"Bring a whole jug, and make sure it's cold too!" I demand, not caring about thier feelings.

Vasco dashes in front of me, blocking my view. He talks to the elves, bowing repeatedly. He seems to be apologizing. Was this thier food? Too bad, I keep eating.

He turns to me and says, "This is not ladylike at all, Hestia! You're acting like a ravenous wolf!"

"Ladylike? I think you met the wrong human for that. How about you use your water magic for something useful and pour me a drink?" I retort.

For the first time, he looks defeated and his face crumples. But he goes to fetch a jug of water for me. I think he's not so bad after all.

"Thank you, Vasco. Here, you can have some." I offer him some food, but I think my hand, which is now smeared with all sorts of juices and gunk, turns him off. Again, too bad, more food for me.

"...Enjoy," He mutters, looking away.