Chapter 3: A Dress an Elf and a Witch

I spent the next week in somewhat of a daze. I did my best to keep myself busy, spending time working with Gregor, exploring the forests and lakes. I shied away from the other elves, but it didn’t seem like they noticed. It was my guess that Lani hadn’t been a very social elf, which made me question what kind of elf she was. The only thing I knew about her was that she had a temper and liked to burn things, but that much I could have figured out on my own. It was a common trait for fire elves to become easily angered. What I didn’t understand was why Gregor loved her, and I wanted to know why.

I had never been really interested in boys before, but when you only have teenage boys running rampant with hormones, there isn’t much selection. Gregor though, he was perfect in every way. He was sweet and funny, not afraid to make a fool of himself, when he was in front of me that was. In front of others, he was always calm and collected, never letting anyone else see how wonderful he could be,

I also noticed that the other elves didn’t spend that much time with him, but I blamed that on myself. I thought he was too busy taking care of me and protection Lani that he isolated himself from others, save for polite greetings. I didn’t want to think that something might be wrong with them, with Gregor and Lani, that made the other elves avoid them.

In the few moments I had to spend by myself, I wondered how they had been before I arrived, if anything had really changed. For the first time ever I picked up my journal and flipped through the pages, looking for anything about elves that might explain why we were being treated like outsiders. I had done my best to stay away from it, not wanting anything more to happen. I had been pretty lucky so far, and I didn’t want to have to start over in someplace else.

When I found anything about elves, I would skim it to see if it might mention anything that could help answer my questions. I was so frustrated, I had to look through the entire book several times, and it took a few days before I found anything useful, and when I did, I couldn’t process it. There was only one answer to why we were treated like this, but the facts didn’t add up.

I had to confront him, not something I was looking forward to. This was my fault for creating the general races; not creating people and places to go along with them that could evolve the world to a place where I might not recognize it.

Finally, one afternoon after the midday meal consisting of berries, nuts and a light soup, I finally asked him, “Who exactly are you Gregor?”

He choked on his mug of mistdew and stared at me, “What are you talking about?” His eyes looked at me, showing innocence from what I might be inferring.

I didn’t look at his eyes, those emerald jewels would force me to forget my resolve, “Who are you that everyone seems to never talk to us. I know it is not me, otherwise I would be receiving new from my family in the Elder tree.”

The Elder tree, home of the elves that were a step above all else. It was where the council representative lived with their family and other elves of high importance. The only time when regular elves ever enter the Elder tree is when either they wish to seek council, or in a case of emergency when it is used to house Elenuar’s population.

“Tammy, it’s not what you think!” He tried to deny that he was the heir to the council chair. That once the current one stepped down, he would take up the most honored position.

I didn’t truthfully care that he was as close to royalty as elves ever got, but I was letting out my frustration that something had gone against the words I had written. I had thought this world was based purely off of what I had scribed, and the thought that something could be different scared me.

“Why aren’t you studying in the Elder tree? Why aren’t you taking your lessons like you’re supposed to? Aren’t you the next chair?” The glass in my hand melted as my fear and anger came at full force.

“I’m not, alright! I’m not the next chair!” he shouted, his own eyes beginning to glow, though it was obviously due to his emotion, and not his will to control water.

“Then what are you? Why does everyone treat you in silence, as if not to disturb you? And why is Lani with you, how high up is she, and why are we allowed to take simple jobs like burning weeds? I know more then you give me credit for, and after I passed your test you should know I’m not some idiot!” The insignia of fire upon my hand glowed like molten lava, both of us being led by our emotions.

“I’m not the heir, the heir is my sister you simple minded twit. She is the one with the responsibility, not me.”

My eyes widened and lowered in glow, “Wait, what?”

“My twin sister Mekoi is the heir. She is my elder twin and next in line. The only chance I have of getting close to the Chair is if she dies or is proved unsuitable, which she is not.” His eyes matched mine as our glows both vanished, the air taking on a more subdued feel.

A gust of wind blew between us, cooling the air and our tempers. For moments there was only silence, save for the occasional rusting of leaves. We didn’t look at each other, only at the ground.

“Listen… about Lani. She’s… well, we’re not related by blood. But her father is an advisor to mine. But she doesn’t speak with him, so it does not matter.” I knew he was saying this for my benefit, but that didn’t change that fact that Lani was important, at least in keeping the second-in-line company.

“Gregor, is there a reason why we’re burning weeds when we could be doing any other job, almost anything, that could be better than this?”

He sighed and placed his hand upon his brow, “Lani, if you know anything about elves, which you should, you know how we feel about balance. No job is small or big, everything is important. You know we’re the balance keepers.”

My face began to flush as I realized how stupid I had been. Balance is the most important factor for elves. They base their entire existence on keeping balance between things, which is part of the reason they are so willing to help the council.

“Why don’t I… why doesn’t she… talk to her father?” I had to know about her, a week of only burning and being with Gregor had gotten me nowhere in finding who Lani had really been.

“I don’t know, something about Lani’s mother having left the isles maybe. Anyways, it’s not important,” He shrugged his shoulders as if it really didn’t matter. “Also, you know, something big is going to be happening soon. And Eternal Ceremony.”

Even though I wanted to question him more about Lani’s family, the words ‘Eternal Ceremony’ pricked my pointed ears. “You can’t be serious. The only… But it’s just so… almost no one has a…” My thoughts were all over the place. If there really was going to be an Eternal Ceremony, then I had to see it.

An Eternal Ceremony is the elves’ version of a wedding. But unlike humans, a pair of elves rarely make these vows, for they can never be broken. The vows are bound by magic, an oath that lasts until they no longer exist. Only those who are certain in their never-changing feelings take this oath, and the ceremony itself is always a wondrous and beautiful event. No two were the same; they always reflected the pair in question.

“L-Tammy, I’m completely serious. And I’m supposed to go there with an escort, which is meant to be you.” He grinned at me, trying to hide his slip up.

I winced a little as he mentioned her name, I knew he wanted me to be her, but that wasn’t possible. Gregor and I were never meant to be, even after all we’ve both been through. I sometimes wish things had gone differently, but then I would be someone different, and not the person that loved him.

“Um, Gregor, what am I going to wear? Red?”

“Of course, and I’ll be dressed in blue, and there will be no problem, you’ll love it. The two are this couple, and Earth and Water pair, very nice, though not the best in balance, but still. Being part of the High Family, you know I need to attend, so please, tell me you’ll come.” He had a begging look on his face, as if he thought there was a possibility that I would ever refuse such a high honor.

I leapt onto him and embraced him tightly, “Gregor you moron, how could I not want to go? Ever since I… since I learned of them, I wanted to see one in person. Imagination can only do one so much good!” I had almost let it slip that I had created the ceremony, and that would lead to more questions I did not want to answer.

“Wow, first a loser now a moron. And what else have you called me in the past week? Dork, nerd, something like a geese…”

“Geek,” I corrected him.

“Yes, geek. But what are these terms form your land? I can’t tell if they’re good or bad, or just a pet name of some sort.”

Releasing my grip of him, I brushed myself off, “Gregor, don’t think much of it. It’s a nickname, you know? Like how I’m Tamera, but I like being called Tammy. It’s just that simple.” No way was I going to tell him what exactly they meant. There was no contest for them here, so of course he didn’t understand what it meant. All the insults that worked on Earth wouldn’t work here, because they had no history.

“Fine, but it’s tomorrow at Sun’s Descent. And I suppose you do need an outfit, but who to go to? Everyone knows that Lani makes her own clothes, so I suppose there is only one answer…”

I waited for him to continue, but when he did not I inquired, “Which is?”

“What?” he had obviously gone into a state or something of the like, “Oh, yes. Well, the only logical answer I can see is that I tell you a bit of magic that isn’t elemental. I didn’t want to do this, you have the power of an adult, but the control of a child.”

“That’s ridiculous!” I protested.

“Oh? And exactly how many near forest-fires were started because you were having too much fun?” He raised and eyebrow with a smirk in his eyes.

“Hey, that was only twice!”

“A day,” he finished for me.

“Fine, but it’s not my fault. You try dealing with this, you try being a human, having to adjust to everything, not having your own skin anymore you bastard!”

“Ah, now that is a word I understand. And I would loathe being a human, unlike you, who love this opportunity, do not deny it. You enjoy yourself too much here to hate it. Why, I even see sparks in your eyes to match that which Lani had…” his mood dampened as the name ‘Lani’ left his lips.

“Well, back to the magic. What would I have to do?” I wanted to change the mood, make him forget her, at least for the moment, even if it was a futile attempt.

He rolled his eyes, “Imagine what outfit you want in your mind, perfectly. Down to the last stitch then say Roperia. It’s that simple.”

“It can’t be that easy,” I said in disbelief.

“It is, it’s used and an exercise for the first years at El. I thought you knew more about us,” he smirked, showing that there was something he knew that I did not.

“My expertise works more with the grand, than the small, insignificant details such as a first year’s studies.” I knew I was wrong, but I didn’t want to admit it.

“That’s as false as a troll’s promise, and you know it. The little elves that study there learns in an order that helps them progress and decide what they are suited for. Can you truthfully say that that is not important?”

His words struck me. I had created everything, yet ignored the small things. This caused me once again to be caught unawares by the ways of my world. I knew this would happen no matter where I would go, and it decreased my excitement over learning and actual spell.

“Well, would you like to try it Tammy?” He looked at me expectantly.

“Yeah, OK. Now, let’s see, a red dress worthy of a Eternal Ceremony…”

“Whoa, no. Start off simple. It’s your first time not using your element for magic, you need to practice. Start off with a red skirt.”

“Why red?”

“Because it’s easier if you get used to one color. I don’t want to teach you, only for you to start all over again with another color, alright?” He looked annoy, as if I was a babe asking why the sky was blue.

“Alright, so, do I close my eyes or what?”

“If it helps,” he sighed and looked at me.

I gulped, he look sent shivers down my spine, but I would never tell him that. I had to stop myself before I fell head over heels in love with him, something I knew was extremely possible and probable

Closing my eyes, I imagined a simple, blood red skirt , but added a little golden fringe to the end. Then a golden butterfly to the left hand side. My mind kept adding and adding until it was no longer a simple red skirt, but a beautiful garment of red silk with golden embroidery depicting a butterfly flying through the wind, dancing towards its mate.

Taking a deep breath, I said simply, “Roperia.” I felt a sudden drain on myself, as if my inner heat was leaving me. My fingers began to shiver as the skirt formed in my hands. It felt wonderful, the cool silk, but that wasn’t what my mind was on. I felt like I could collapse at any moment, my knees trembling, ready to fall out from under me at any moment.

Before that moment could arrive however, Gregor swooped behind me and lifted leaned me against his chest. Slowly lowering himself against the ground, my legs slumped when he reached the ground. I was sitting in his lap, his very warm lap.

“You’re an idiot,” he whispered into my ear. “I forgot to mention something, though it shouldn’t be of great consequence to someone with your materials.”

“Uh huh,” I mumbled groggily, “and what was that?”

“You can’t create things out of thin air. That amazing dress you made just came out of your personal cloth storage. Luckily, Lani has more than enough to clothe herself for years, some very fine materials indeed.”

“Well, boo yah for that. But why do I feel so nappy?” I pressed my head into his chest, it was warm and comfy, and I felt like sleeping.

“Because you spent so much energy. Really, it’s only because you’re not used to it. That body has more than enough energy to spare. You’re just a little shell shocked, that’s all,” he grinned. He always smiled when I did something stupid, when I proved I wasn’t an all-powerful being.

“Fine, I’m not doing that again today. And I think that skirt is very worthy of an Eternal Ceremony, don’t you?”

“Oh, most definitely. You just need a top, and shoes, and perhaps a little jewelry and you’ll be perfect,” Gregor patted me on the head.

“Jewelry? I don’t have to make that, do I?” Clothing was easy, but jewels, carved and shaped, placed intricately in designs was too much. And beyond that, I didn’t think I could change a jewel, that would take too much from me.

“Luckily, Lani has tons of jewels. They’re in the hidden compartment under her bed. And no, we don’t rob each other. Lani is just… she likes keeping secrets from others. Even after all these years I still don’t know everything about her. Maybe that’s why I love her so much; she likes a puzzle with no answer. No matter what you do, it can’t be solved.” Gregor seemed to have two different reactions to Lani: shut down, or light up. Right now, he was lighting up.

“So, you love puzzles,” I stated. I didn’t need to ask, it was obvious, after all, he only stood by my side for two reasons: He wanted to watch over Lani’s body, and that I was such a confusing being to him. He knew things I had told him, but I frustrated him to no end with my sayings and how I used to live.

Truthfully, no matter how happy this past week had been for me, that was because I never gave myself a chance to slow down and think. I know that if I had, I would have found myself lonely, longing for someone that would understand what I was saying, that would understand all the movies and books and celebrities that seemed such a norm in my life. I might have broken down, and tried something different.

But, because I wasn’t really thinking about it, every morning was like a new treat, one more day to live out my fantasy. As long as I thought of it that way, I would be fine. I just had to think of it as temporary.

“Yes, I like puzzles. And I like you,” my heart skipped a beat. It did that whenever he spoke kindly to me. I had never been interested in guys before Gregor, but maybe I just didn’t like humans, at least, that’s what I thought. I suppose some of you might have thought I was interested in Drey, but unlike some cheesy romance novels, I was not nor have ever been in love with my best friend’s brother. Sorry to disappoint you.

“Ok, so should we go back to work or what?” I tried pushing myself up and was mostly successful. My legs only wobbled a little bit.

Gregor got up with his usual ease, “Well, I think you should rest, get some food, wander around. I hear we have an interesting visitor in Waterbee’s Glen. She might interest you, help you figure things out.”

“What do you mean by that?” I had no idea what he meant, and I still wonder how much he knew about what I really was before I left.

He sighed, “Just go and see for yourself. You have enough energy to walk there, just stay away from water and you’ll be fine.”

“Fine, I guess I’ll see you later then,” I started walking off towards the east.

“Um, other way Tammy,” Gregor chuckled and pointed to the west.

“Uh, right. Thanks,” I blushed and turned around, my face flushed as I headed off down the trodded path.

The whistling of the wind, the green leaves dancing to the tune, the trees standing astute, though giving off a presence that demanded to be noticed, all making a breathtaking scene that could not be ignored. Every few minutes I stopped and just took in a deep breath and smiled. I was truly at peace here, like I had never been before.

When I was about halfway there, the loneliness finally took over. Gregor wasn’t there talking, and I was not tired enough to let sleep be my escape. I didn’t cry though, I had cried myself out that first day, when I remembered my mother. Instead, I became consumed by darkness.

Images and voices spiraled around and around inside my skull. I saw Melissa, grinning as she put make-up on me, Drey, gawking at the latest operating system, and Dad, lying on a couch asleep, crying in his drunken sleep. To think that I didn’t want to move to a new town, and yet I end up moving to a new world! I hate sounding cliché, but I missed them, even obnoxious Drey… well, he was nice to check out. Even obnoxious, he was still hot and I was still a girl with hormones, at least, back on Earth.

I cursed at myself, I had a completely hot guy with me every day, and beyond that, he was perfect. I could stare at him all I wanted, and he wouldn’t blame me, thinking me a silly human. I didn’t love him, not yet, but I was getting close, dangerously close. I thought to myself that maybe that was why I was thinking of Drey, so that I wouldn’t fall for Gregor. It’s better to fall for someone who you can’t tell because they’re far away, then to fall for someone who can never return your feelings.

As my dark thoughts continued, I found myself at a stream. It was simple, sparkling with the Sun’s rays. I stopped and looked at my face, trying to find some hint of who I had been in this body that shouldn’t look like me at all. At first, I thought it had look like a version of myself, but as I eyed myself more carefully, I realized we were similar, but in no way the same.

Her lips were thin, just two pale red strips that seemed almost painted onto her face. Her nose was thin with a sharp end, while mine had had a little ball. The cheekbones were higher, and the eyebrows arched in a way mine would never have achieved, even if I tried to wax them to match the shape. The only thing that was truly mine were the eyes, and I still wished they were not mine.

Everyone had brown eyes, and out of all of them, mine were plain and had no hidden color. They were flat, as if they were gems that had lost their luster in the years past. Still, I clung to this one piece of me that had not changed, no matter how much the rest of me been transformed beyond recognition. Lani may have had a past, but only because I created it. Without me, this body would not exist, this wonderful body and power would not be mine at that very moment.

In my opinion, even though to all those that inhabited Marchial would have believed differently, I was transformed, not replacing someone. To them, all of this was real, it had existed for millennia, but for me… for me, it only existed a few months, and I had only written about it, not experienced it, no matter how much thought I had put into it.

I knew I shouldn’t, but I wanted to dive into the water. I wanted to become emerged in something other than my thoughts; I wanted a distraction, if only for a little bit. Even if I was fire, that shouldn’t mean that water was deadly to me. It just meant I wouldn’t be able to use my fire until I dried, but that was the only side affect, and with the gusts around me, I would be dry enough in a short while.

Making my resolve, I slowly disrobed myself, a small chill going through my spine as the wind blew through me. Neatly folding my clothes up, I placed them on a dry spot not too close to the stream that they would become wet, but not too far that I would lose sight of them easily.

Stepping into the stream, I was disappointed to find that it wasn’t very deep. It only reached halfway up my thighs, and the rest of my body felt cold in comparison. Bending my knees, I let the water cover me until it touched the tip of my chin. I wasn’t eager to dive my head in, but I knew it would stop my thoughts, if only for a brief moment.

Taking a breath, I dropped my head below the weak current and felt the cool water fill my ears and nose. I stayed that way for at least a minute, not breathing, not moving, and just feeling everything move around me. As my head emerged, I didn’t gasp for air as I would have done if I were still human. Instead, I simply opened my mouth and the air came in on its own, as if it knew I needed to fill my lungs. It was pleasant, I couldn’t deny it, and it was exactly what I was looking for.

I spent at least an hour, if not longer, staying in the water, relaxing myself and thinking of nothing whatsoever. It was as if the water not only washed away whatever dirt was on my body, but also all thoughts of things that no longer existed to me.

In my entire life, this was one of the most peaceful moments I’ve ever had. No noise, no thought, no anger or sadness, just simple, pure peace. I’ve tried and failed to return that moment of peace countless times, when I was sad or angry or wanted to kill someone, but almost none ever came close, except for one other moment. That moment was pure bliss.

Finally pulling myself onto the banks, I lay down upon my back, letting the warmth of the land and the cool breeze dry me off, causing tingles to be sent through my cells. It was exhilarating and calming simultaneously, and it was not long before I was completely dry.

Slipping back into my clothes, I remembered my original plans to visit the stranger. I truly was curious, even thought it hadn’t been my plan in the first place. If Gregor though they might be able to help me, I should at least give them a chance. The worst that could happen was that I would end up still stuck here, which, even with the loneliness, wasn’t that terrible.

Going back down the road, it wasn’t long until I finally found where they were. There was a crowd of elves outside a small blue tent, large enough to fit two to three people, but anymore than that would have been quite a snug little fit. It was a bright blue tent, spotted with stars here and there, seemingly random, though I was certain there was some pattern to them.

I tried to get through, but decided to wait patiently as one of the crowd. My curiosity would have to wait until it was my turn. I didn’t dare speak to anyone, everyone was sure to know who I was, and I would know no one. It was depressing that
I had been here for a week, yet I had only spent time with Gregor, the drawback of being friends with the second in line.

While I waited though, another elf approached me and asked, “Lani, is that you?”

I turned and looked at the elf that had such a high voice that it might break glass, and yet it was sweet, not screechy. She was tanned, though not as dark as Gregor, and tall, even by elf standards. I’m sure she was at least 6’8”, and she was extremely thin. Her hair was cocoa, with blue-green eyes that looked at me as if I was some strange beast, rarely seen.

I decided the only thing to do was pretend to be hung-over. From a few stories Gregor had told me about her, it was a bit of a norm for her. I wasn’t quite sure I wanted to know the reason for her copious drinking, and how much she had to put back just to get a buzz.

“Uh yehzz, it’s me,” I tried to say with a slur. I knew it wasn’t a very good imitation, and I really should be better at it, but I could not act to save my life. I only hoped that whoever this elf was, she didn’t realize anything was off. I didn’t want anyone else knowing about my situation.

She chuckled, “Hung-over as ever I see. And what was it this time, another fight with your lad? Or is that over and done with?” Her eyes sparkled, while mine filled with shock.

“W-what are you talking about?” I knew she couldn’t be talking about Gregor, could she? Unless, maybe, Lani did feel that ways towards him… the very idea broke my heart in two. It shattered any chance I had of getting together with Gregor.

“You know, that… oh right, we’re in public. Well Lemuri,” she addressed me by my surname, well, Lani’s, “I suppose our time to mix words on that subject is not in this moment. But may I inquire as to why you have come to see Sarin? That surely is a subject that can be considered safe enough for the public.”

I winced, deciding to tell a partial truth, “Sinbul,” Gregor, “suggested it, thinking it might take my mind off of a few things. Delve deep and answer the unanswerable, questions that should never have been asked, but yet were, and now demand answers.” I hated speaking formally, but it was a necessity. Elves were always polite and formal, which is why they didn’t fight. The ones that become close were less formal with each other while alone, but in public, everyone was formal.

“And what questions may those be?” the elf asked, I still had yet to know her name.

“Things concerning those that appear as if out of our power, until something changes.”

She quirked her eyebrow, “And what changes may those be, if I may ask?”

“Those that affect none but I and one other. Sinbul is… worried, which is justified, yet I am not sure whether such changes are helpful or hurtful to me,” I was stretching my mind every second to think of what the proper speech would be. Gregor had practiced with me a small amount, and I knew how to write it out, but no matter how well I wrote, elocution was not one of my strong points.
`
“Perhaps, next time we meet in private, we shall discuss that issue as well. I would be most… displeased to discover some betrayal on your part, after all the secrets we have shared in the past decades, and even in the recent year itself.” It almost sounded like a threat, and yet, I could tell there was more concern in her voice than displeasure.

“Yes, perhaps. Though, a girl must stay somewhat private,” I turned my eyes away. If she were really as close to Lani as she acted, she might notice the eyes, and how they didn’t sparkle as before.

Pulling me to her in one sharp moment, she whispered so softly into my ear that I could barely hear her words, “I warn you Lani, you know the dangers of your actions. It is always better to have a second party’s opinion, which is exactly my position with you. I would hope that you don’t continue to act like you must avoid me, for it would hurt me greatly. The time to talk is tomorrow. I shall meet you, and do not think I don’t mean it. We have much to discuss, and you shall not escape me this time.” Her words were sharp and piercing. My whole body became stiff. I looked around, and noticed that we were no longer near the other elves, a distance away. I couldn’t help but wonder when that had happened.

Before I could get another word out, she sent me one more sharp whisper, “And improve your drunken ramblings, you seem a bit rusty.” With that, she went back to the crowd and disappeared. I almost started to hyperventilate, everything was too much. I decided to ask Gregor about her later, because I could not remember him mentioning Lani being on friendly terms with anyone other than him, if what had just happened could be considered “friendly”.

Sighing, I reemerged myself within the crowd, the moments passing as I moved closer and closer to the tent. I was so close now, but I wasn’t excited. My interaction with that strange elf had turned my curiosity into anxiety and nervousness. Maybe this “Sarin” could help me. I began to think this person was a woman, and she was obviously some sort of magic user, otherwise the elves would not be so interested in her.

But, why would they be interested in her so much? There had to be something special about her. What race was she? Was she a traveling elf? That would make the most sense. But whoever they were, there was obviously something special about them. Suddenly, the sound of a gong rang through the air, and it came from the tent. Everyone stopped speaking and turned in expectation to the tent.

The tent opened, and a honey-skinned elf with short blonde locks came out, and he had an interesting expression on his face. It was like he had just been given an intriguing puzzle to solve. The elves let him pass, wondering what could be on his mind. Everyone was curious about what had happened in the tent, and everyone wanted to be next.

Once again, the tent opened, and my mouth dropped open in shock. Sarin was a woman, but not an elf. She was tall, well built, and had pink hair. She was Madame Lethur, though something was different. She looked a few years older, and much less reserved, at least in how she decorated herself.

The wild pink hair, which had been let wild in my world, was tied up onto her head in two large buns, one on each side of her head. Her ears were pierced with a golden hoop in each lobe, and a blue stone in the cartilage of her right ear. She was also lacking the glasses that I had grown so used to seeing her wear. I suppose that was one change of this world that affected both of us in the way that it took away our need for glasses.

The biggest difference was her outfit. It was a deep sapphire blue dress that had long sleeves that flared wide open right before the wrists and stopped above her knees. It clung to her figure, revealing that she was, well, very well… endowed. On the dress were stars, but they didn’t seem random in the least. On closer inspection, it was revealed that her dress contained the solar system, though it was partially covered by a long white sash that was a foot in width and wrapped around her waist, ending in a large bow over her rear-end. On her feet were knee length, point toed boots that were a bit open at the bottom, and though they looked slightly worn, there was no dirt on them

Her brown eyes scanned over the elves, looking over and sizing each one up in her eyes. I stood there, nervous, awaiting for her eyes to look me over, and decide if I was worthy of her time. When her brown eyes met mine, I gulped, and her eyes widened in… in something I still don’t quite understand. Not shock or curiosity, maybe it was just a realization, an epiphany. I’m still baffled by what could possibly go through her head sometimes.

Reaching out, she grabbed my wrist at lightning speed and pulled me in front of her tent saying, “Come along chickpea, I see we have much to discuss.”