“You can stay with us. It would be our honor.” The man says rubbing his face clean with a handkerchief from his wife.

“Are you sure that it wouldn’t be too much trouble?” asks the gentle one.

“Of course not. You are always welcome.” The wife confirms and leads them inside their house. It wasn’t very big but had a very homey feeling. It turns out that they only have one guest room.

“We can get you blankets and pillows but I’m afraid that three of you have to sleep on the floor.” The wife apologized while her husband left to get said blankets and pillows.

“Three? There are five of us and I don’t think that anyone wants to share the bed.” The judgmental one pointed out.

“The little one can take my daughters room.” Rue jumps in surprise.

“It’s fine I can stay in this room.” They felt unsure about staying in the missing girl’s room.

“Oh, don’t speak such nonsense, sweetheart. A child like you should have their privacy. Besides I’m sure that my little one wouldn’t mind she loves to have friends over.”

That’s not the same, Rue thought but they also appreciate it.

“Thank you, madam”

“Ho! What a cutie you are.” The wife reaches out and pinches Rues cheek. Their face feels as if it is on fire.

“May I ask what your name is, madam?” Rues question sounded weird due to their check still being pinched. The women abruptly lets go and Rue rubs their sore cheek.

“Where are my manners? My name is Emil Ray. May husband is called Edward Ray and my daughter Is Rose. But you can call me Auntie.” The women slightly ruffles Rues hair. “I will be back in a second I will just help my husband he has been taking an awfully long time.” After that the women left.

“Seems like she took a liking to you!” The gentle one enthusiastically said, and Rue shot him a glare. They sigh.

“We shouldn’t stay here we should keep moving forward.” The blue one insists on and clenches her fists. The judgmental one’s expression twitches obviously agreeing but not completely.

“We have been on the road for over 12 hours. It is already dark and our horses also need a break.” She argues, her pointy ears twitching.

“The sleeping one is already awake we don’t have time for breaks!” The blue one hisses making sure that the couple which are downstairs do not hear.

“You won’t be of any help if you are dead tired, Mira.” The judgmental one scoffs.

“We won’t be of any help if everyone is already dead by the time we get there. Besides, we won’t even help this poor couple get their daughter back! We take their space. Hell, the ‘chosen one’ even takes their daughter’s room!!” Rue jerks back once they were mentioned, not anticipating that they would be dragged into this. They notice the gentle one’s eyes darkening.

“That’s not their fault! They didn’t ask for that room and they weren’t responsible for what happened. I agree that we should help but arguing isn’t going to help anyone.” The gentle one goes between the two. Either out of anger or shame the blue one looks away and furrows their brows.

“You have been awfully quiet, chosen one.” The judgmental one raises an eyebrow at them. Even if they didn’t say it, Rue is sure that she means more than just right now. “What do you think we should do? You are the leader.”

“Don’t push this onto them, Aylin.” The gentle one scolds.

“Why don’t you want to save the daughter?” Rue shoots back.

“A waste of time. We need breaks but what we don’t need is to help every damsel in distress.” Explained the judgmental one in blank manner. “You have also not expressed you opinion on this matter, Liora.” The judgmental one turns to the calm one. She hums.

“I do not believe that we should get involved in unnecessary situations. It is tragic what happened, but the village has to deal with it we cannot involve ourselves in situation that would put our lives in unnecessary risk and invite trouble if it can be avoided.”

“That’s two pro and two con. Seems like you are the tie breaker, oh chosen one.” Rue pulls a disgusted face. Being the tie breaker sucks. Can’t they just do a coin flip. Though Rue thinks that might be insensitive considering what they are debating.

“Let’s sleep the night over it. I’m sure you are still tired from the ride and training this morning. We can still decide the next day.” The calm one suggests.

“That would cost unnecessary time.” The blue one protests and the judgmental one seems to agree.

“I think it would do us some good. The chosen one also needs their sleep.” The gentle one reaches out and lightly ruffles Rues hair. Though he seems to cringe at using their title.

“Children should sleep at least 9 hours of sleep.” The judgmental one agrees before frowning. “That reminds me how old are you?” This made the gentle one look contemplative as well.

“On that note what is you name? We still don’t know it.” At that moment the Ray couple came back.