In the evening's waning light, the elves gather around a fire to deliberate their forthcoming actions. Birger and Izzimar are hastily packing, intent on departing before the situation escalates. Avvian and his kin, choosing to remain in the village, have granted their permission to journey onward with their wagon and horses. Yet, a sense of disquiet lingers with Arjana as preparations unfold.

"Birger? They won't harm the women and children, will they?" she asks.

"Under normal circumstances, no. But certainty eludes me. The usual scenario is their use for labor, nothing more. However, my knowledge is dated; my life in exile began before the curse was cast. The lengths to which some might go are beyond my ken," Birger replies, his tone hurried, signaling a desire to conclude the exchange. Arjana discerns from his demeanor...this was an ominous portent.

As Birger and Izzimar packed their belongings, Arjana made her way toward the elves' meeting. She concealed herself behind a house, straining to eavesdrop. She was determined to find out their true intentions concerning the nearby settlement of women and children.

"Are you certain there were no men? Could it be that the men are on a hunting trip and might return?" inquired a female elf.

"No, the women are living in makeshift tents with their children. Many have started farming; it appears they have seeds," Avvian reported.

"And food? Do they have someone capable of hunting? After all, we need meat," another elf pondered.

"I saw them with a fishnet. Perhaps they've been using traps instead."

"Are you absolutely certain there are no men?" an elderly elf inquired urgently.

"I'm positive. I overheard one of the women's conversations. It seems they are seeking refuge while their men are at war."

"Then we must act at night and capture as many as possible! We must hurry; I fear my child cannot endure much longer without food. Rationing is failing us," a mother elf of three implored.

Arjana retreats, her heart sinking upon overhearing their conversation. She sympathizes with the elves' predicament, yet the thought of elves taking away women and children while their husbands are absent unsettles her. Anxious, she rejoins the group and pulls on his cloak.

“Um… Mr. Birger, can we talk for a second?”

“What is it, youngin'?”

“I... I'm uneasy about the idea of elves taking the women and children. Can't we change their minds?”

“It's best not to interfere, youngin'.,” he sighs, feeding the horse a carrot. “Those elves rely on humans; without them, many will perish. I get that you're human too and feel a duty to protect your own. But remember, saving the humans might condemn the elves-”

“But if we save the elves, we could endanger the humans. I want to believe they all have good intentions and just need food. But, like my father once said, there are no guarantees. What if some harm the women or children?” Arjana interjects with determination.

"Even if you wanted us to act, there's nothing we can do that guarantees the safety of both sides," Birger says, wiping his face with his hand. "Protecting the humans will lead to the starvation of the elves, but aiding the elves will result in the humans being subjected to slavery."

"How about this? You talk to the elves, and I'll go speak to the humans. I just want to gauge their attitudes towards elves. Maybe then, things won't have to get violent?"

Birger sighs deeply. "Youngin', you don't even know the way to the human village."

"Izzimar has been to the village, right? He can guide me there, and you can try to talk some sense into the other elves before they carry out their plan," Arjana insists.

"Huh!?" Izzimar turns to the sound of her voice, incredulous. "I'm not sure.... They're planning an attack on the village tonight. I don't want you falling ill again..."

She pauses, recalling the day she collapsed. It was night, and she had been unconscious for days. If she collapses again, there's no guarantee that she'll wake up... But the village can't be too far. Despite the risks, she knows she must at least attempt it, for the humans' sake.

"...You'll help me, won't you, Izzimar?" Arjana pleaded. The boy nodded reluctantly. "Yes, I'll help you. I'll take you there. This time, I have the amulet Birger gave me. And this time, I'll be careful."

Birger hesitated. He didn't want the girl to fall ill again, but it was daytime, and the human village didn't seem too far away. With reluctance, he sighed.

"Alright, you two go ahead and find the human village. When you do, cast a spell to signal that you've arrived."

"We will!" Arjana exclaimed, clutching Izzimar's hand and stepping into the woods. She attempted to match his pace but noticed Izzimar dragging his feet.

"Do you still trust me after last time?" Izzimar asked, a hint of worry in his voice. "I...I almost got you killed..." he murmured, bowing his head in shame.

"Of course, I trust you. We all make mistakes, Izzimar," she reassures him. "Now, let's go before it gets dark. Lead the way.". Izzimar hesitates, his stiff posture evident of his reluctance.After delegating in his head, he finally agrees.

".....Okay, I'm a bit turned around. Can you tell me what you see?" Izzimar asks.

"Oh! Sorry! Sometimes I forget that you're blind!" she apologizes. "There's a mossy rock to your right, and a fallen log to your left."

"I smell acid. Where is that acid smell coming from?"

"A rotting fruit... maybe?"

"I remember that fruit; I dropped it to find our way back. Let's head in that direction," he explains before pulling her along.

As they walk through the woods, Arjana admits, "Izzimar, would you like to go on walks when I get better?"

Izzimar doesn't say a word, choosing instead to pull her along. Guessing that he is focusing on navigating, Arjana doesn't press the conversation, and they continue on.