Spirits of the Earth

@DragonSong

Daylight was waning and Orion found himself in the Draconi Forest. Recently he had crossed the border between Serendipity and Adela. Not the first Moonelf of his kin but still. Not many left the safety of the village. Orian like a few handfulls of others was different. He wanted to see what the world had to offer. And most of what he encountered was beautiful. Some things however not as much.

He had been tracking a wounded animal. A horse judging by the prints and it had a large wound causing to leave behind blood wherever it went. He hoped he could find the animal and heal it's wounds or in the worst case, end it's suffering. Life was sacred and therefor killing living beings was not something his kin resorted to quickly. But if the animal was in pain and he was unable to help it, making it's suffering longer was a crueler thing.

By the time he found it though the sun had set. Lunaria as his tribe of Moonelves called their Goddess shone in the sky above the trees in the sky. He could not directly see the light of his Goddess but occasionally through he saw some rays of the beautiful light reach the ground.

He could hear the river flowing softly in the woods. And the nightbirds singing their songs. There was a tranquility to this place which reminded him a lot of home.

Finally he had found the creatue. It was no horse however but a unicorn. It had collapsed from exhaustian but was still alive. A large gaping wound at it's side. Most likely an animal. If it was hunted by people they surely wouldn't have given up the hunt that easily.

''There there... I'm not going to hurt you...'' Orion spoke calmly as he approached the unicorn. He had never seen one other then in picturebooks and carefully he approached speaking comforting words.

The unicorn tried to get up but was to weakened so had no choice but to remain put. It did make a weak kicking movement with it's hoof though when Orion knelt down beside it. ''There there...'' he whispered once more. Softly running his hand over her neck and body.

Already he allowed his magic to kick in. With luck he was perhaps able to save this creature. For a price anyway. Deadly wounds were not exactly his specialty. Also being a male moonelf he was stronger in daylight. But he had to try. Even if it meant he would black out.

Something was happening, she could sense it. At the bottom of her pond Lula stirred, lifting her head and looking toward the surface of the water. Moonlight filtered down to her; it was night then, so she'd been sleeping for a day at least. She frowned, reaching out with that something else sense.

Someone was hurt.

Quick as lightning she leaped to the surface, bare feet balanced gently on the surface of the water. Through the trees, she saw a flash of white, then red. Silently she glided to the earth, stepping out onto the grass with the easy grace of a ripple spreading from its source. She moved toward the wounded creature- then hesitated when she saw she was not alone.

A two-legged animal knelt beside the unicorn. Lula tilted her head, both wary and curious. She'd never seen anything like it before. Well, that wasn't entirely true, in fact it looked more like her than it resembled any other creature of the forest. But that was what was so puzzling; she'd never before encountered an animal similar to herself.

The unicorn was bleeding heavily, and at first she thought this strange two-leg thing was the cause of her pain. She felt rage boiling up inside her fiery heart and stepped forward, opening her mouth to command that the creature leave.

But then she realized it was...helping. Quiet as a breeze, she glided to his side and knelt, guiding the unicorn's head to rest in her lap. "Shh, sister," she murmured, stroking her fingers through her silvery white forelock. Looking to the stranger with eyes like fire she asked, "Can you save her?"

''I can try.'' Orion replied. Glad he did not have to explain he had not been the one doing this. ''I'm not exactly a medic graduate... healing her might backfire on me but if I can just heal enough it is a start.'' Orion took a deep breath. ''Lunaria... support me...'' he whispered before he placed his hands just over the wound and focussed.

A weak warm white glow was emitted from his hands. ''It may sting a little bit. Hold still...'' he whispered to the unicorn whom was almost anything but calm but she certainly tried.

It took a few minutes but the blood flowed out less and less. Sweat made it's way down Orion's brow. He could feel the unicorn's pain and his own stomach felt as if filled with needles. Still. He needed to keep going. Even when he felt he bled himself. It was far from as bad as what the unicorn had but still unpleasant.

"Shh, shh," Lula soothed as the unicorn jerked, body trembling as the strange creature did- whatever it was he was doing to heal her. She stroked her cheek gently and the animal calmed slightly. Lula lifted her attention, watching to two-legged thing.

He was hurting. She frowned, and discovered that she did not like to see him hurting. Reaching out with her other hand, she touched his shoulder. As with the unicorn, she murmured comfortingly, sending out a wave of power. She could not heal as this creature could, but water was a soothing element. Perhaps she could ease his pain a little.

''Thank you.'' Orion spoke. He panted heavily and when the wound was almost completely closed, he stopped. At the least it did no longer bleed. For the unicorn anyway. His shirt and pants were despite it being dark, visably crimson red.

''Sorry magnificent being. I can not heal you any further tonight. Maybe... tomorrow'' Orion replied and retreated his hands. ''Rest for now. You've lost a lot of blood whilest getting here.'' The moonelf got up and walked a few metres before sitting down. Retrieving a wooden kit from his backpack and opened it retrieving a sewing kit and a bottle containing a kind of strong alcoholic drink.

After taking a few swigs he attached a silken string to the stiching needle and started to sew together his own wound. ''So...'' he said to Lula. His voice shivered since he was working on himself but he needed to talk while doing this. ''Who might you be.''

She helped the unicorn settle herself into a more comfortable position, answering quietly, "I am called Lula." She glanced up and frowned, tilting her head curiously as she observed him. Standing, she crept closer until she was almost on top of him, watching with a morbid fascination as he sewed his own flesh together.

She'd never seen anything like it- it seemed like it should hurt, and it was certainly not how he'd aided the magical creature now sleeping near them. "Who are you?" she asked in turn, looking up at his face from where she crouched. "And what brings you to my forest?"

''A little bit of distance would be appreciated. Doing this is not exactly... painless and I do not want to bleed all over you.'' Orion said with a smile. ''My name is Orion. A moonelf from Solos and Lunaria. I am traveling. But I saw a trail of blood and decided to follow to help the person or creature it belonged too. One day later and well. Here I am.'' he replied.

He looked at Lula for a moment. His face was a little pale and sweaty but at the least he seemed to be ok of some sorts. ''So... your forest. I hope I am not trespassing in a negative way?''

Lula backed away slightly at his request, though her curiosity chastised her for it. "Well, I suppose that depends on you," she replied evenly, watching his face. Was he really healing himself? He seemed to be in more pain. "Should you come in peace you are welcome here. Should you not..."

She let her form flicker, revealing the dancing flames that were her eyes, the ember that burned encased in ice at her heart. "Should you not, you will not linger long."

Then she smiled softly. "But you helped my forest-sister, so I do not believe you intend this place harm."

''I do not mean harm. Me and my fellow Moonelves are as good as incapable of killing. The only time we actually resort to it is when we can not save a wounded being, or when we really, really have no other way to stay alive. So not to worry. I mean you or your forest, nor it's dwellers any harm.''

Stichting himself up took Orion a good ten minutes but with some water from a flask he rinsed his hands from blood before puting his kit away. A bath would not be a miss neither the opportunity to wash his clothes but it was not like he could bathe in a pond right now. After all. The owner or spirit of the forest as he would name it for now was here.

''When she wakes up... maybe she can tell us who did it to her. I'm not fond of the idea of the causer or causers of her pain having pursuaded her also. I heard a unicorn can be sold for a lot. Either in one piece, or just parts. It 's saddening.''

Lula scrunched her brow in confusion. "Sold?" she asked. She was not familiar with the term. Stepping lightly toward her pond she gathered a handful of damp miss from the edge and held it out to him. "Here, if you press it to your word it may relieve some of the pain."

Orion thought for a moment. ''Basicly if you have something in your posession, rightfully or not, you can sell it to another person. Usually in exchange for an object of value.'' he accepted the damp miss with a thank you and took a small illuminating glinstering jewel from his pocket, placing it in Lula's hands.

''Basicly, you give something in return for the item you sell. Usually coins. In that case, it is paying. If something else is given, it is called a trade. Some people however, turned it into an occupation. Buying or trading various items and buy or sell it again to someone else, asking a bit more then what they gave for it themselves. Anything can basicly be sold or traded. Land, animals, clothes, but also sentient beings like you or me. Often they are captured and harm is inflicted on them. And many people, are willing to give a lot of coins or materials for a creature like a unicorn.''

Lula turned the jewel over in her hands, examining it from every angle. A frown slowly grew on her face as she listened. "I don't think I like this buying and selling," she decided. Then she thought a moment longer and amended, "Though I can see how it could be useful if someone else had something you needed and you had something they wanted."

Her eyes drifted over to the unicorn and she shook her head. "Well, it would be foolish to try to...sell a creature like her. If she were to be used as nothing more than a beast, her power would wane. She needs the magic in nature to survive." She extended her hand with the jewel in it, suddenly switching topics: "This is quite fascinating, what is it?"

''It is named celestial tears. My kin uses it to store moon, sun and starlight. We use it to replenish energy on times when the sky is covered or we are underground.  If my kin is not exposed to this light enough we well. Die. The crystals are a good substitute. You can keep thisone if you like.  I have plenty. He took a few others and put them in his hand. After a short moment, the light left the gemstones making them dull and his body took the energy in

Lula smiled, closing her fingers around the stone. "You really are like me, then," she said, excited. "You take sustenance from the natural source of your life." Unconscionably, she placed a hand over her fire-and-ice heart.

"I've never met a creature that looks like you- or me- before," she said, walking around him in a circle. "And you do not speak the way the forest children do." When she was in front of him again, she sat suddenly on the grass, looking up, and said, "Tell me ore about where you come from."

Why tell you if I can show you.'' Orion replied with a smile. He inhaled deeply and the surroundings soon changed. Revealing a garden with various small shrines and fountains. The flowers and trees in full bloom, a cresentmoon shaped temple made of white marble and various other buildings. There were people walking and children playing. All males if his race having blonde hair and light colored eyes while the women had dark hair and dark eyes. ''My kin uses illusion magic. This is how a part of my home looks like.''

Lula gasped, turning in a slow circle. "It's beautiful," she murmured, smiling softly. Her eyes followed most closely the people he hand conjured into the illusion. "How many of you are there?" she asked, so absorbed in the artificial world around her she couldn't even tear her eyes away to face him.

''In Astoraea, the place you see here we are with a few hundred but there are still some out in the world whom have never been there.'' Orion said and started to explain about how his race had come into existence. Lunaria, one of the Godesses of the moon, and Solos, one of the sun gods who both blessed people who prayed to them and have children in that fashion.

"So...why did you leave Astoraea?" She let the word roll off her tongue experimentally. A small movement from the unicorn drew her attention and she moved toward her, patting her neck and murmuring soothingly.

''I wanted to see more of the world we live in. The ocean, other forests. Cities, cultures. Everything. Well. For as far as I can until the upcoming festival anyway. It is required all of us are there. Well.  Most of us. I am sure there are a few who will not be able to arrive on time. It is called Lunares. A celebration once every five years where we honor those who gave birth to our firstborn.''

Orion looked at the unicorn and carefully got on his feet to move closer.''lets see if I can heal the final bit.'' The illusions had started to fade and when he reached the unicorn they had completely disappeared.

"Wait a moment." Lula reached back toward the pond and beckoned with two fingers. A tendril of water rose and spiraled toward her outstretched hand. She molded the liquid into a sphere, then cupped it in her hand and and breathed on it, clouding the surface with frost until it was a ball of ice.

She pressed the globe into Orion's hand. "I know it's cold, but if you hang onto it it may have the same calming effect as before." This way she could focus her energy on soothing the unicorn.

Lula was right it was cold. Still, if it helped then it was something he would endure.

A bit sliwer then before Orion started to apply his healing magic again. It did take a while but the skin started to close. Only the hair was missing on the spot. There were no actual new wounds on Orion but he did when he was done fell backwards into the grass. Exhausted. Surely he had lost consciousness for a few seconds too.

The unicorn dared to move a little more and gratefully looked at Lula and then Orion.

"Perhaps you could return the favor," Lula said with a smile, nodding toward Orion. The unicorn let out a soft breath through her nose and moved toward where the Moonelf lay. She tapped her horn to his lips, and Lula closed her eyes as she felt the release of magic flow out like a ripple.

Kneeling next to him, she stroked the unicorn's neck with one hand and gently shook his shoulder with the other. "You alright?"

''Never been better.'' Orion jestered.''I do not exactly use my healing abilities often so this basicly happens if I overdp it. Thank you though.'' He said although waited another minute to get up.

There. You are as right as rain. Good.'' He said to the unicorn. In the far distance though he heard something. A sharp whistle followed by the barking of hounds which immediatly seemed to upset the unicorn.

''I think we have unwanted compagny...'' Orion said to Lula. Gently patting the unicorns nose.

*They are dangerous people. With magic and hounds. I was kept for entertainment.*
It was as if someone spoke directly into his head. It was not Lula's voice though so Orion assumed it came from the unicorn.

*I use telepathy to speak to the both of you. I do not exactly have much power left. So it is all I can do until my strength returns.*

Lula was instantly on edge. "Come with me," she said, beckoning for both Orion and the unicorn to follow as she hurried back to her pond. "Hide here, sister," she said to the creature, ushering her into the water. She knew the unicorn's magic, though currently weak, would allow her the air she needed.

But that left the elf as a problem. She tilted her head, considering him. Then there was the cacophonous noise of hounds on the hunt, a chilling bay as they caught the sent. She grabbed his hand and pulled him into the pond, saying quickly and quietly, "I can mold the water, create a pocket of air for you to breathe. Now quickly, hide!"

''I am personally not the type to run away... especially in these cases. They hurt your forest sister. They will harm other creatures. I can not stand for that. I can not just make pretty illusions, I can make dangerously looking ones too. And they will hear the sound.''

*If you do that with your current strength you are in a lot of trouble. There are three vicious hounds and five people. Making the illusion, and influencing their minds to believe whatever you make is real is too much. Just hide.* the unicorn replied before entering the water.

Orion sighed. The unicorn was right and he was no help dead so entered the water himself as well.

Lula followed quickly, gliding to the bottom of the pond where the unicorn now stood peacefully. She smiled and patted her neck reassuringly, then turned to face Orion. Brow crinkling slightly in concentration, she reached out and pulled the water away from him, creating almost a second skin of air around his form.

"There," she said, quite pleased with herself. She settled herself into a cross-legged seated position, hair and dress drifting slowly around her. "We can wait them out here, and rest." Then she frowned, looking to the surface of the water, and added almost under her breath, "Though I will make sure they do not leave these trees unscathed..."

''I do not think they will leave until they have what they came for.'' Orion said as he took his waterskin and put some of the celestial tear crystals in them before drinking. It seemed to make him look better although the unicorn looked at him questioning.

*What happens if you run out of crystals?* she asked

Orion took a meditation pose. ''They can be recharged in the sun or moonlight. I make sure I do not run out. Would I ever happen to run out of this energy though I die. It is that simple.''

Lula listened to the unicorn and Orion with one ear, paying attention to the surface of her pond with the other. They were coming closer.

She pushed off from the bottom, coming as close to the surface as she could without actually breaking it. She could hear the hounds clearer now, and the rough voices the "five people" the unicorn had mentioned.

"They're circling," she relayed, "searching the area."

''We can not hide here forever.'' Orion said calmly.

*Well your kind does not kill, I do not think it is a good idea to let their blood fall on this sacred ground...*

Orion could hear muffled voices and the hounds. They were trained and bred for hunting and judging by their behaviour it would not take long for the hounds to find their hiding place.

*What illusion were you planning to make?*

''I was thinking of a dragon but I am not sure if I can pull it off for all five of them. Lula... are there any other creatures in these woods that are on your side? Maybe a wolf pack? Even birds of prey could do the trick.''

Lula looked at him, and a slow smile started to spread across her face. "Wolves," she answered, nodding. "Graywind and his pack come here often, they know it is a safe place to rest. They may not be far, would you like me to call them?"

Then she frowned. "Though...I do not like the idea of putting them in danger..."

''No need to put them in danger. Humans tend to be frightened by the sound of howling wolves. Their hounds  as well. No way a few dogs would take orders to look around for a unicorn with a wolf pack nearby.'' Orion replied. ''As long as they somehow surround them.''

*There are mages amongst those men.* the unicorn replied.

''I know. One is a lightning mage and the other an empath. I will take care of the lightning mage. As for the empath I just need to make sure he does not touch me.'' Orion said with a calm smile on his face. ''Even th lightning mage is not so stupid to throw his magic in random directions. If things go wrong, he will burn the forest with himself in it.''

*You know this how?*

''I am basicly directly in my mothers light. She tells me everything.'' Orion said and pointed up to the sky where the moon shone brightly.

"Very well." Lula nodded. Still listening to his conversation with the unicorn, she cupped her hands around her mouth and howled. The sound traveled easily through the water, out into the air. She waited a moment, then heard the familiar baying of Graywind and his mate, Winter.

"They're coming," she said, swimming back to Orion and the unicorn. She looked at him curiously. "How will you handle the lightning mage?" Then she added, almost as an afterthought, "Thank you," tilting her head back so her face was bathed in moonlight.

She'd never thought of the moon as a sentient being before, but if he said she was his mother...well, who was she to argue?

''By returning to the surface.''

*You bloody idiot... you've already made an illusion...*

''I know what I am doing. Trust me.''Orion replied with a grin. He could hear the hounds barking. ''Fear is a mages worst enemy. But there are more ways to deal with one. Lula could you remove the airpocket?'' he asked calmly.

"Alright..." She said it slowly, frowning. "But if you get yourself killed out there, I'm not cleaning it up," she muttered, molding the water with her fingers until it resumed it's natural position, rushing in around them to fill the gaps that had once been air.

''I will not die promise.'' Orion replied before the water engulfed him and swam to the surface.

The unicorn sighed. *I am not sure wether he is brave or foolish...* she said to Lula.

Once at the surface Orion climbed out and the five men looked suprised. They had been here for a while and had not seen anyone enter the water. Surely there was a limit on how long someone could hold in their breath.

''What are you five doing here in these sacred woods with hunting hounds?''

''None of your business kid.''

''If you're looking for the unicorn, she is long gone. Healed and planewalked away to recover. I recommend you leave this place right now. People like you are not welcome here.''

''We are not leaving without our unicorn kid.'' One of the hunters said.

''It's your funeral.'' Orion spoke relaxed. He looked at the dogs. They were growling at him but none attacked him yet. And they would'nt. Orion looked at them and with the passage of several seconds they barked fiercely before their behaviour changed from aggresive to frightened and hurried to their masters with their tails between their legs.
''They know. Be smart like your dogs and leave.''

''Know what.''

''The wrath of the forest.'' Orion replied calmly. He hoped that the pack Lula spoke about would not see him as an enemy. Also he hoped he remembered the story good enough. No. He knew he remembered it good enough to pull this off. ''Ever heard the legend of the forest guardians? Often spirits of animals protecting the forest. Having grown large overtime. And they are protective. Stop at nothing to protect what is injured or in danger. You five, are a threat to the forest.''

"I'm thinking a combination of both," Lula replied to the creature. She watched Orion leave the pond, biting her lip. She paced across the bottom of the pond several times.

"I can't take this," she muttered eventually. To the unicorn she said, "Stay here, you'll be safe," and shot to the surface.

Orion was facing off against the five hunters and their dogs. She quickly darted behind one of the large rocks that sat around the edge of her pond. She wasn't sure what she was planning to do, but for some reason she was invested in if the moon elf made it out of this encounter unscathed.

The unicorn hoped both would not get into to much trouble and wished she had such a quick way of replenishing energy like Orion had.

''Maybe instead of the unicorn we just should take you. Elves always do well in slavemarkets. Surely a lonely noblewoman would love to own you.''

''I need to apolagise. I am not for sale.'' Orion replied bluntly. ''Also I think I am over my negotiation fase. Eris, there are some new toys for you.'' Orion remained calm as he spoke. Actually his speaking was mere stalling to complete the illusion. One of a large wood and leaf like dragon who landed in the clearing they were in. They felt the wind of it's wings. Heard it's angry roar and felt it's breath. It was easily as high as the tallest tree this forest had to offer. Orion could hear the wolves who were far from happy with the intruders. At the least though the wolves could not see the illusion. Last thing he wanted was them to attack what was not there.

The five men looked almost fearstruck. As beautiful as the creature that had landed in front of them was, it looked furious

"Spirits above and below," Lula whispered, awestruck. Though she knew it was an illusion, the dragon was a fearsome creature.

The wolves were approaching. Lula peered from her hiding place and howled, both beckoning and warning them, urging them to circle the area without putting themselves in danger.

Then, quite unable to help herself, she stepped softly to Orion's side. "I want to help."

''I knew you would. Be careful though. Can you make branch or waterwhips? If so when the illusion will hit one of the, try to hit them on the same place.'' he whispered. Fortunatly he was away far enough so the men would not hear. ''They can not see or hear you but I only can keep this up for about five minutes so if we can make them leave before that, it would be marvelous.''

''B-bail... BAIL!'' one of the men finally managed to bring out as he backed off.

The lightning mage however was not so keen on running away and two cracking lightning orbs were created in his palms before throwing them towards the illusion, making them explode on impact. But it did nothing. After all it was still an illusion. But it all looked real enough to these men. And that was what mattered.

''What the hell is that thing!'' the mage said and threw a few more still with no effect. ''Spirits of the forest human. Warned you.'' Orion spoke calmly and confident.

Lula smirked. "Got it." She ducked away from him, gliding soundlessly through the trees until she was behind the humans.

The one with lightning started to panic, and she grinned. In the distance wolves bayed, and she added her voice to the eerie chorus. The dogs were positively frantic now; she whispered, low enough that their masters wouldn't hear, "Go, run. Leave this place, return home, return to safety."

She didn't like to scare the animals, but they didn't really have a lot of options.

After a few more barks the dogs decided it was time to leave and as a pack rushed off back to the place they came from. With the lightning not working and the dogs having ran, the three non mages ran off.

''It is not worth it Leo... we've lost thisone. We still have other goods to sell.'' the empath spoke.

''N-No. I will not lose to some spirit made of twigs and leaves after having come this far.'' the lightning mage replied. He breathed heavily. He must have shot over a dozin of lightning orbs. Letting them explode on something that did not exist.

The illusion started to raise one of its treelike, vine covered arms ready to hit the two men. He hoped Lula was capable of hitting them in a manner legitable for what the illusion did.

The illusion and Lula struck within an instant of each other, blending seamlessly. She called forth the water in the air, forming it into a whip that lashed across the man who'd been tossing lightning about before disappearing in a moment, leaving no evidence it had existed at all.

She grinned despite herself. That had worked rather well.

Orion had half the idea that Lula liked this plan just as much as he did.

The attack had hurt the two mages who decided running was better then staying and as they ran, Orion allowed the illusion to follow them a little longer until they were far away enough. The moonelf did not let the illusion vanish right away though instead he let it walk back and when all hostiles were gone made it vanish.

''Pfew...'' Orion spoke with a sigh of relief and allowed him to drop himself on the ground. ''I think... and hope they will not be back at all. Or at least not a while.'' he said with a grin.

Lila practically skipped over to him. "That was fun!" she said, grinning. Then she frowned and crouched to be close to his level. "You alright?"

She looked to the pond and whistled, signaling to the unicorn that it was safe for her to emerge. Raising her hand, she beckoned a thread of water to her palm and formed it into a sphere. "Here. Drink." She held her hand out to him.

''I'm alright thank you.'' Orion said although did accept and drank the water.

''It got easier when the first three rushed off. Influencing five minds is harder then two. The wolves helped a lot as well. Often their presence invokes fear into a person. Especially the houds.'' he looked towards the forest. ''To bad that unlike some of my brethren I am not capable of communicating with them.''

The unicorn resurfaced as well but was still cautious. *I do still think you are an idiot...* she noted.

Lula grinned at the white creature, standing and approaching to stroke her neck. "Perhaps," she mused, giving Orion a rather interested look. "What will you do now?" she asked, tilting her head curiously to the side.

''Well, the unicorn's wounds are healed so that is good. I could perhaps weave a little bit of illusion magic in your woods if you want but it will be a slow, slow process. Also with those men gone maybe I could look around a little and admire your forest. Enjoying and resting a place is not something that can be done often if you travel alone. Also... you gave me the impression you had not seen many elves before so maybe I can show you a few more things.'' he suggested.

A bright grin spread across her face. "That is very kind of you," she said happily. "But of course you should rest first. This place is sacred to the creatures of the forest, none will bother you here."

Her eyes caught on a few shadows slinking through the trees, glancing at them with glinting, golden eyes. She nodded respectfully, thanking Graywind and his pack for their help.

''Rest. Yes. I could use some of that.'' Orion said with a grin.

*Same for me. As long as I am low on power I can not planewalk* the unicorn said and laid down not far from Orion.

''When I get to placing some protective illusion magic though, I'll see what I will do next. Travel a little more maybe. As long as I return home on time for the festival it should be alright.''

Lula nodded. "Yes, yes. Now sleep, both of you." She gave them a stern look to make sure that did as they were told. "You can make decisions come morning."

She sat with her legs curled to the side on the rock she'd used to hide behind earlier, settling in to keep watch for the night. Softly, she began humming, a simple melody of dancing brooks and bending trees, of playful winds and flickering coals. She called a thread of water to herself, making shapes and words as she started to sing under her breath.

''Alright alright.'' Orion said laughing and made himself comfortable. The unicorn was already asleep he noticed. Feeling the moonlight on his skin and hearing Lula's voice soothed him but it did take him a long time before he could fall asleep.

While Lula could sleep, it was not something her body needed to do. She was perfectly at ease pacing her little glen, keeping watch for anymore potential threats until the sun began to filter through the trees.

A ray of light reached Orion's eyes which woke him up. The unicorn had been up for already a brief hour and was softly conversing with Lula about last nights events.

''Good morning'' Orion spoke softly as he stretched and sat up. He rubbed the muscles on his neck. They were a bit stiff since he had not bothered to grab his bedroll and a blanket

Lula broke off her conversation, looking over at the elf and smiling. "Morning." She sprang easily to her feet and moved toward him, the unicorn following sedately after her. She tilted her head, observing him; some creatures looked different under the light of the sun. "Sleep well?"

''Yes I slept fine.'' Orion assured. He looked at Lula and the unicorn with a smile.

*Amusing. Golden hair and eyes, and you call yourself a Moonelf. What do I amiss.* The unicorn asked.

Orion chuckled. ''True... Sun elf would be a better discription regarding the men of my race but... somehow we just stuck with Moonelf.'' he rubbed his eyes and straightened his clothing. ''You seem a lot better. How are you feeling?''

*A lot better. I should be able to planewalk in a few hours so I can go home and restore faster. Thank you though. Without you I would've become a persons pet or circus animal...*

"I should thank you as well," Lula said, dipping her head to him. "I have no doubt those hunters will talk of the ferocious monster they encountered here. Hopefully that will keep their fellows away."

Looking between the unicorn and the elf she ventured, "Should you eat? I assume you may be hungry." Food, like sleep, was something else she could partake in if she wished, but wasn't necessary for her survival, so she was really guessing. She supposed she could find some grasses or berries if they needed sustenance. 

''My race requires food yes.'' Orion spoke calmly. He opened his bag and got several things out. Realising though that everything had gotten wet. When he swam to the surface he had his bag on him.

''My luck.'' he chuckled as he took out a few extra pieces of clothes, and a blanket. His bedroll was wet too but it mattered little since it was made of willowbranches.

Everything which was wet was placed on the roll which he rolled out so it could dry in the sun after wringing it out. ''My kin of elves lives on what nature provides with exception of meat. We also refrain from wearing leather. I can get some nuts or berries for now. To bad my tealeaves are soaked though...'' he sighed but he did not seem to be angry about it. Having gotten rid of the men last night was completely worth all this.

"Tealeaves?" Lula tilted her head curiously. She'd never heard of such a thing.

Realizing Orion's- rather damp- problem, she moved toward the clumps of fabric he had spread out to dry and closed her eyes, breathing deeply to summon flame to her hands. Fire didn't come as naturally to her as water did, perhaps because she avoided using it for fear of hurting her own forest. Still, she managed to heat her hands to a rosy temperature and waved them over the supplies, attempting to quicken the drying process.

''Tea is an aromatic warm prepared by pouring hot water over cured leaves from a specific plant. The taste varies on how hot the water is but also when the leaves wee plucked. To add flavor, blossom or flower petals can be added or even fruit or herbs. Or a combination.'' Orion explained. ''I can not use these anymore though.'' he said as he opened a few small wooden boxes. One had dark leaves, one green and another very light ones. All were sogged though.

''Thank you for helping drying my clothes. If it is to much though it's alright. I will then just hang them to dry up.'' he assured.

"It's no trouble," Lula said with a quick smile. She was getting the hang of this. Within moments his supplies were dried. "I don't get the opportunity to use my fire much, it's good practice."

She flopped to the ground with a contented sigh. Whistling sharply, she called a few songbirds to her, whispering a request. They flew away, twittering, and she smiled as she watched them go. A sudden thought struck her and she glanced back at the unicorn. "I don't believe we ever learned your name," she said.

Two of the birds returned, bearing twigs with ripe berries, and landed on Orion's shoulders, offering him the food.

*My name is Jeä. Can't believe I was so rude not to even tell my name.* the unicorn said with a chuckle.

''Well you were in quite a tricky situation earlier.'' Orion replied and gently patted the birds before accepting the berries with gratitude. He pondered then. ''How about, before Jeä returns home, I make a nice, hot meal. If of course, I have permission to forage for root vegetables and berries.''

Lula chuckled and gave a playfully regal nod, gesturing to the forest around them.

"Of course, help yourself." Sobering slightly, she took a step closer and asked, "Anything I can do to help?"

Orion pondered. ''Not that I know. We could forage with the three of us maybe?'' Orion said but the unicorn shook her head.

*I should head home to regain my strength. As amazing as your healing worked, I did lose a lot of blood and I need to rest up with my own herd for the time being. Do not worry though, I shall not become a stranger. You will owe me that dinner though. When I am back at full strength.*

''Deal.'' Orion said with a chuckle and got on his feet so he could offer Jeä a bow.

"Farewell, sister," Lula said with a smile and a nod. Then she turned to Orion and said, "You may have to show me what you like to eat. I'm afraid I don't often, so my tastes my be...strange."

Jeä bowed to both Lula and Orion. *Thank you for your help sister, and you too son of Solos.*
It was then her form started to become transparant and it was not long until she completely vanished.

''It was a pleasure meeting you Jeä'' Orion said and waved until she was fully gone. He waited with speaking for a moment and turned to Lula. ''It is alright if you do not like it. Only way to find out is to try right?'' he said with a smile. ''I will need carrots, potatoes and onions. A variety of herbs as well. But we can look together. Will be fun. It has been a while since I did things together with someone else.''

Lula smiled softly. "Alright then." Her brow furrowed and she said, "I'm not sure I know what carrots, potatoes, and onions are, but I can help with the herbs!"

Being a creature of water and fire, the earth was not her specialty. She'd sometimes seen wild hogs or small rodents digging up the roots of certain plants to eat, but she'd never bothered to learn what they were called.

''Then I will teach you.'' Orion said calmly and offered his hand for Lula to take.

Orion had clearly done this foraging more often as he found a variety of carrots and potatoes and onions. Explaining that with the potato that the berries were poisonous and how to cultivate everything they found.

Same with the herbs and other things he foraged such as mushrooms, a large root vegetable and after several hours they had everything he needed. ''Fortunatly my kin eats no meat. Most creatures do though.''

Lula nodded. She'd been trailing after Orion like a loyal puppy, eagerly soaking up the new information. Now she said, "Yes, but not here. The predators know this is a sanctuary, they won't hunt within a mile of the pond."

She was holding a potato, turning it over in her hands. She sniffed at it, then darted her tongue out to lick the surface.

She recoiled slightly, scrunching her face up. "Are you sure this is good to eat?" she asked him. "It mostly tastes like dirt."

Orion laughed. ''But of course. I will need to wash the dirt and clay off first and peel them. A lot of things can be done with potatoes. And depending on how you prepare them they will taste different too. I will stick around for a few days so if you like I can let you taste a variety of various potato dishes. Small amounts though since you are not used to eating much. Food wise I only prepare of what I know I will actually eat. That way I never have to throw anything away. I find that such a waste.''

Lula blushed slightly, feeling foolish. But she smiled when he said he would stay for a few days. "I look forward to it," she told him brightly.

And she did. He was the first creature she'd met like herself- even if he wasn't exactly like her- and while the people of the forest were of course excellent company, she found herself fascinated by him.

With water and a sharp knife, Orion started to clean the carrots and potatoes. Cutting them in small pieces and put them in a cookingpot. With exception of a few smaller blocks which he put in a smaller pan. He cut the onions and a few other root vegetables.

''Right. Fire... any wood I can use without upsetting any forest spirits?'' Orion asked. ''It after all has to cook for a good while.''

Lula nodded to a large pine tree several lengths away from the pond. "Her lower branches are dead, they will fall anyway. She wouldn't mind if you took them."

Orion nodded and went to the tree after retrieving an axe from his supplies. He did not cut right away though. He placed his hand on the trunk gently. ''Although Lula said it was alright I figured it would be good to ask you permission to take the dead branches from you for a small fire. I can imagine the feeling of an axe is not exactly pleasant though... so understand if you'd refuse and rather wait for them to fall. Would I get permission though I shall spread the ashes from the wood over your soil.'' he spoke calmly. He could not forge mental links with trees so well as some others of his kin but he was wise enough to know that a forest was alive and should be respected.

Lula watched curiously, then smiled when she realized what he was doing. "She says they are like an itch," she told the elf. "Sometimes scratching the itch hurts, but it brings relief. She doesn't mind, truly."

''Alright.'' Orion spoke and spoke a silent thank you before he used his axe to cut off the dead branches for as well he could reach them. Not all would be fire wood but the wood he would not use would decay and turn into soil again or a source for mushrooms.

With stones he found at the pond he made a circle and filled the inside with sand before he put the wood on it so he could get a fire going. Once he had, and the fire was hot enough he put the large pan on it so the contends could heat up and boil. Cutting the herbs came after that,

Lula watched the process with curiosity, settling herself next to the fire as he began cutting. "What can I do?" she asked, tilting her head to the side.

''You can cut the herbs if you like?'' Orion said with a smile. ''I will heat up some extra water for a cup of mint tea if you want. Although mint tea is not exactly a tea but more of a herbal drink. It is still good regardless.''

She set about to this new task with interest. She'd never handled a blade before, and it was awkward in her hand. She managed to cut the herbs alright though, even if it was a bit sloppy.

"There." She sat back with a small smile when she was done. Her brow crinkled at him and she asked, "What is this mint tea then? Why does the water need to be hot?"

''If you combine herbs with hot water, the flavour and several effects will move from the plant into the water. Mint for example is refreshing where lavender is calming. With hot water it goes faster then with cold water. Also most of the time it tastes better when drinking it warm. Mint tea or Chamomille are very nice if you have a cold.'' Orion explained. He took the herbs and put a part of it in the gravy and the rest with the vegetables.

Fascinated, Lula nodded along as he explained. "Where do you learn all these things?" she asked wonderingly. What was common knowledge to most was obscure to her, and she didn't think that perhaps it was just a part of life outside of her forest.

''Books. And hearing things from other people.'' Orion replied calmly. ''Or finding things out for yourself of course. I have been lucky though with the fact there is a school in my hometown where knowledge is transfered from one person to many others with or without the help of books. But cooking for example, is not something that can be told to someone who can then do it right away. It is something you need to practise.''

There were several words she didn't know in what he said, but only one that she couldn't infer a meaning for. "Books?" she repeated curiously, scooting closer. "What is books?"

''A book or books in plural, contain words and sometimes words with drawings. Those who can write, put all kinds of words in them. Sometimes they are stories. Made up stories or things they have been through. And there are fairy tales. But there are also books with knowledge which explain how certain things need to be done. Like how to make clothes or potions. There are also books containing information about flora and fauna.'' Orion explained.

Her eyes grew wider and wider as he spoke, and she blinked in awe and confusion. "Words..." she repeated. "You mean- people can make words...stay? The sounds don't just fade away? Is that what writing is?"

She began to talk faster the more excited she became, reaching out unconsciously to grab his arm, eyes shining.

Orion nodded. ''I do not have my quill, ink or parchment so I will use an illusion for now to show you.'' he said and made sure that the food would not burn.

With illusion magic he created a vial of ink, a sheet of parchment and a quill. He dipped the illusionairy quill in the vial of ink and 'wrote' down a couple of words.

''A quill is usually made of a feather, metal or glass. We dip it in the ink and write on the parchment. And it can be read over and over again. If you have a lot of sheets filled with words or illustrations and bind them together, you have a book.''

It felt really strange to write in this fashion though. Since after all he did not touch anything.

''It is also possible to write in sand or on the soil. Some even write by carving in the barks from trees. I am not fond of the latter. Despite permanent it hurts the tree I'm sure. But when you write in dirt or sand it of course will fade in time.''

Lula watched with unabashed fascination. Looking up at him, she said eagerly, "Can you teach me? Not with an illusion, I mean really teach me."

She glanced around. "I don't have...parchment, but we could make something work, right?" Her eyes were about the size of saucers at this point, the fire in them leaping and glinting excitedly.

''Of course I can teach you. I would love to teach you how to read and write.'' he pondered. ''I will need to go to a settlement though to get some materials. I am not sure though since it depends on wether you want to, are allowed to and are able to but I could show you how well. Mortals live. There will be some rules though if you are coming with me. The main one being not to touch anything or run off into random directions. At the least those are mistakes I had made the first time I saw a town other then the one I grew up in.''

The illusions vanished and Orion stirred the mash pot and gravy some more. Both getting thicker.

"Go?"

She considered it. She'd never left before, but she didn't think that meant she couldn't. And to be honest, the idea sent a thrill of excitement through her. A smile started to spread across her face. "Yes. Yes, if you'll take me along, I promise I'll do whatever you say."

She beamed, drawing her legs up to wrap them around and sit with them curled under her. Excitement was accompanied by worry though- she'd never left her forest before- and to distract herself she leaned toward the food, sniffing curiously.

Her eyes widened a bit. "That smells really good!"

''It is almost ready to eat.'' Orion assured.

He took two wooden spoons and bowls from his supplies. ''I will tell you this though. The first time I was also a little bit scared. Out of exitement I ran all over the place. So it is safe to say that with you it would be an idea to hold hands. Not all people are nice either but most of them are. Some may even actually look scary but they have a really good personality. And then there are also people who look really trustworthy but are really mean. But I will do everything I can to make sure you can enjoy it.''

He stirred the food a bit more before taking the pans of the fire and set them on stones. Puting some of the mash pot and gravy in each bowl. ''Careful it is still hot.'' he said as he passed one bowl and spoon to Lula.

She took the bowl and spoon and looked them over curiously, not quite sure what she was supposed to do with the utensil. She watched Orion to figure it out, and hesitantly followed his lead.

The food was hot, but that didn't bother her. Lula's eyes widened at the first bite- though she didn't need to eat, she did on occasion and found that she rather enjoyed the flavors on her tongue. But she'd never tasted anything other than nuts, berries, some herbs maybe.

She took another bite, making happy little sounds in the back of her throat. It was different, but good.

Orion chuckled. ''Glad that you like it. It would still be alright if you didn't though. There are plenty of things of which I do not like the taste off.''

During his meal he took a little break to pour hot water into two cups and put some mint leaves in them. ''This is really good with honey in it but I sort of ran out.'' He admitted. ''It is good without it too though.''

He had not realised until now it was already dusk. Then again, foraging had taken quite a while too.

Lula took the tea eagerly, sniffing it, tilting the cup to watch the liquid move, turning it in her hands, poking a finger at it, and finally bringing it to her lips.

"Good!" she exclaimed again, pleasantly surprised. She'd never bothered to try to eat mint before, and was surprised it had such a strong flavor.

''Mint is very refreshing also during a hot day.'' Orion noted. ''We can make multiple cups from the same leaves though. So not to fear, we will not run out any time soon. And if we are we can pluck new leaves.''

Despite enjoying his meal he did finish eating rather quickly cleaning his bowl as good as he could with his spoon. But he would have to clean it with water later. ''What of the world outside of your forest would you like to know more about? You can ask me anything. I do not have all the answers but I will do my best.''

That was a difficult question. She thought about it, then said slowly, "Well...I've never actually been anywhere that could be considered outside here." She hardly even left her little grove. "In that illusion you showed me, there weren't a lot of trees- is that common? How do people take shelter? what grows there if not trees?"

''People build houses from wood and stone. Some houses are small, others are large. Some live solitary. Alone or just their family and provide for themselves by keeping lifestock. But more often is a village or a city. A village is multiple houses near eachother and everyone has their own jobs. A baker for example makes bread. A farmer grows and harvests vegetables like we just ate but on a larger scale. A herder tends to animals for milk, wool, meats or hides. A blacksmith provides everyone with tools. There often is also a spokesperson. A leader so to say. A city is larger then a village and can have multiple people with the same profession to provide everyone with what they need. I for example come from a village. Only my race does keep animals but do not use them for hides or meat. Also some villages and cities have things others do not and so they trade.''

That was a lot of information to digest, and yet she still wanted to know more. But glancing around, she realized it was getting late and tilted her head at him.

"Should you sleep?" she asked, genuinely curious as she normally had no need to do so.

''Oh I slept quite well last night. Elves as far as I know are able to endure with less sleep and do not nessesarily have to sleep every night.'' Orion assured. ''Also it is still quite early in the night.''

He finished his tea and heated up some more water so he could make them another serving of tea later

"Then can I ask more questions?" she said eagerly, scooting toward him. She didn't want to be a bother, but if he was willing to talk there were so many more things she wanted to know.

''Of course ask ahead. Anything you'd like. And if I d not know something I'll be sure to let you know that too.'' he assured.

She thought about her next question carefully, then asked, "What's the place you've been that's the most different from here, from the forest?"

''that, is a good one. In a forest there are trees everywhere. In a city not so much. But there are many ways to see it as different. There is the ocean for example which is nothing but water on the surface. And the water is salt. Not suitable for drinking There are mountains which above a certain point have nothing more but rock, ice, snow and a minimum of plant life. Most plants are herbs or moss. Barely trees. But a forest is full of life because of the trees and animals. A city, is alive due to the amount of people living there. So I think I will pick the high mountains for thisone.''

Cities. Mountains. Ocean. She shook her head- it was all just so much information.

"I want to see that," she said with a small smile, eyes going a little glassy. "I want to see all of that."

''I can take you to the city no problem. There is one not that far away from here. Mountains and ocean is a little more further away. I do not mind taking you however but I do hope it is possible.'' Lula was after all still the guardian of this forest.

''Is there someone you can ask to look after this place in your stead?''

She bit her lip, but nodded slowly. "I am not the only nymph here," she said, "just the most powerful. As long as I promise to return, the forest will be fine without me...for a while."

She wasn't exactly sure how long "a while" was, but she didn't mention that.

Traveling to the mountains especially without a horse could take a few months. Maybe two or one wild horse is friendly enough to take us. I do not have the coin to pay for horses from a merchant.'' he admitted. ''But I do think that since it is going to be months before you will be back, it could be even a year since you want to see both so telling the other nymphs would not be a bad idea. I will still of course put some protective illusion magic in the woods like I promised though.''

She smiled at him gratefully. "This is very kind, thank you." She could leave some protections of her own, pieces of her power that would act as a fail safe should anything happen.

''No problem at all.'' Orion said with a smile. ''Can I interest you in another mint tea or do you prefer forest lavender. Oh another thing. Do you wish to learn reading and writing before, during or after our  trip. When we go to the city I can get some easy books, ink and parchment.''

"If it is easier to wait, I will wait," she said simply, shrugging. "And I believe I would like to try something different from the mint." Everything about this experience was different, and she found once she got a taste of it she only wanted more.

''Alright.''

After making sure her cup was empty he took out the mint leaves and set them aside with his own. He refilled the cups with the hot water and set it aside to cool slightly. Putting the purple lavender flowers in a small piece of cloth, closing it tightly with a string so the small flowers would stay in. He made one package for himself and one for Lula, puting it in the cup and returned it to her. ''Mixing mint and lavender can be quite nice as well but let's not do things to quickly.'' he said softly. Setting the pan away from the fire. He could heat more water later if Lula still felt like drinking some more.

"Thank you." She accepted the cup and took a sip. Her eyes blew wide. "Oh!" A soft smile spread across her lips and she sighed happily. It was even better than the mint, and the scent of it was soothing as it circled her head.

''Glad you like it. Mint is refreshing but the lavender is soothing. Really nice if you can not sleep or feel anxious. Although it gets bitter if to much leaves are added or water is to hot... and numerous of other factors. Hence most like tea with milk or honey in it. Or both. When we are in the city I will make sure you can taste plenty of other things''

Lula hummed happily at the idea, sipping her tea again. "I feel rather guilty," she confessed after a moment, looking over at him. "You have promised me much, and yet I have nothing to offer you in return."

''Well what can I say I am a giver. But if it soothes your mind, I thus far have traveled alone. And it is actually a bit lonely. So if you truely wish to repay me, I will ask of you to enjoy yourself to the fullest.'' Orion spoke calmly as ever although there seemed to be a hint of a joke. ''It is a large world. As much as there always is no place like home, I do think everyone should at least have set out for a trip once. it does not have to be far but as long as they can see a glimpse of this world then it is good.''

She grinned at him. "I believe I can manage that," she said with a happy nod. She sipped at her tea, swinging her legs out in front of her body and flexing bare toes against the grass absently.

She would miss this place, of course she would. But she couldn't deny the thrill of excitement that seemed to have taken up residence at the base of her spine, occasionally sending little jolts through the rest of her body.

Orion thought for a moment. ''A new set of clothes would not be a bad idea either. The mountains can be quite cold. Being a nymph will not exactly change that fact. Also since we are most likely going to travel by foot you will need shoes. Or boots.''

She glanced down at herself, eyes traveling from her thin slip to her bare feet. Then she looked at his clothes, reaching out and tugging the fabric of his sleeve curiously. "Do we...buy these things?" she asked, testing out the new word.

''I am more fond of buying fabric and making clothes rather then clothing which is already. But it can be which ever you prefer. When we go to the city just let me know what you like. I should have enough to at the least get you a normal set of clothes, shoes and a cloak. Or materials to make you a set. Maybe it is then best that I find some work in the city and return in the evenings and teach you the basics of reading. I mainly live from nature but it is unwise to travel without some money at hand.''

She nodded quickly, eager to do whatever it said as long as it meant she would see something outside of her own forest, at least once.

"How do we acquire money?" she asked, tilting her head. "You said we may trade goods for it, but I do not have much to trade."

''I still have a few things I can miss. Also I have some coins left. A way to aquire money is to help people with something they need. For example a farmer who needs help with tending the land. Another way is to buy fabric, make clothes and sell the clothes for more money used to buy the fabric to make a profit. Besides. There is plenty in a forest you can trade. Herbs for example. They can be used for medicine. Even bottles of water can sell. Fresh water pearls, fruit from the forest. Name it and there is usually one or more people interested in it.''

"Oh, pearls?" she exclaimed, moving toward the pond. She dove into the water and returned a few minute later, hands cupped around some several dozen freshwater pearls of different sizes and color. "Like these?" She smiled a bit. "I collect them, I just think they're pretty."

''Those kind of pearls indeed. Jewelers use them to make necklaces, bracelets, broches and rings. Some tailors even use them to adorn women's clothes.'' Orion explained. ''For the same reason you just said; many find pearls pretty.''

She rolled them between her hands, observing the way they seemed to shimmer as they moved. "Should we take them, then?" she asked, tilting her head at him. It's not as though they'd exactly be missed, and if that meant they could get this "money" stuff he was talking about, then why not?

''If you are certain you wish to trade them then you can bring them with you. I could forage a little as well to get some nuts and apples. Perhaps a baker is interested in them. It may seem long, but I think... with preparing new supplies and the like we should be able to leave within a week to the mountains, or the sea. Whichever you prefer to see first.''

She beamed, nodding and letting the pearls slip from her fingers into a pile on the grass. "I think I'd like to see the ocean- the sea," she decided, drawing her legs up to her chest again and putting her chin on her knees. The naiad in her was drawn to the idea of a vast expanse of water.

''Alright, then we will go there first.'' Orion said with a nod and finished his tea. ''For now though...'' he stretched his body a little. ''It is time to get some rest. Both of us. If you are just as exited as I was on my first day out then you will need all the energy you have.''

She nodded again and flopped down onto the ground, still curled in a fetal position. "I've never actually tried to sleep before," she said casually. "Is there a trick to it?"

''Hmmm...'' Orion thought softly.''For mortals if they do not sleep well enough they can fall asleep spontaniously. But it comes rather naturally. Especially when being tired or sick. But I suppose meditation could work as sleeping too in some way. But when people sleep, they can dream about anything.''

"Dream?" Lula repeated, tilting her head. "The animals talk to me about that, sometimes, but I don't think the concept translates well. What is it, exactly?"

''A dream happens when you sleep. You can go through various events in your dreams. Including things that normally are not possible such as flying. Or see lands that are not real. Fun ones, wonderful ones... also scary ones. Only then we call it a nightmare. Anything can happen in those dreams. Some can even see the future through them.'' He explained. He was not sure if it made sense though.

She blinked. That was a lot of information to process. "Then I definitely want to try sleeping," she decided, nodding firmly. She closed her eyes tight and tried to will her body into unconsciousness.

''I do not know if it works like that but...'' he had taken his bedroll and laid on it. ''You need to be calm and actually not to exited to do it. Calm your body and senses. For example, breathe in through your nose for four seconds, and breath out through your mouth for four seconds over and over. It is alright if you can not manage it right away though.''

Relaxing her body, Lula took his advice and began a steady pattern of breathing in and out. At first it seemed silly, but gradually she felt her mind begin to drift to that place it had been in when...when what? She couldn't quite remember...

The realization drifted to the surface of her mind: when she'd been nothing but an ember wrapped in ice, aware yet unaware. She frowned slightly. Was that what sleeping was like? She wasn't so sure she wanted to try it after all.

''People sleep and dream also to process things that had happened with them. Most people also have no control over their dreams. Mine thus far though always have been pleasant fortunatly.'' he admitted speaking in nothing but a whisper.

Lula nodded, closing her eyes again and once more trying to relax. It had been a day of new experiences, why bother shying away from this one? She once more fell into the steady breathing pattern he gave her- in, out, in...out...in...out...

Before she realized what was happening, she was asleep.

Orion looked at her with a smile and in his head asked of his 'mother' Lunaria to look after Lula while she slept and that she would dream good and wake up rested. He did hope he had not done anything wrong with introducing her to all these new things.

His worries were soon soothed however and he too fell asleep.

Though she now realized it was not- technically- the first time time she'd slept, this was the first time Lula had dreamed.

And it turned out she was a restless sleeper. She tossed and turned and made little noises, collecting twigs and leaves and other bits in her hair and on her slip as she did. She was not necessarily upset though, for none of the strange flashes of color and brief images that flashed behind her eyelids could be classified as "nightmares". They were more confusing than anything else.

Orion himself moved very little while he slept and dreamt. He dreamt about his first days outside of the Moonelf village and the day he set out to see more.

He did wake before Lula did though and prepared some lavender and mint tea so that when it was time for Lula to wake up she would have something warm to drink.

Sunlight streaming through green leaves fell across her eyelids and woke her up. Blinking back into consciousness, Lula sat herself up and yawned. She looked around and saw Orion doing something with water and leaves again.

"That was interesting," she said casually, blinking again as she returned to a fully awake state.

''How are you feeling?'' Orion asked. He had just finished heating up the water and poured it in the cups. Adding the mint leaves and lavender flower packages to let the flavours go into the water. When done he took them out and handed Lula one of the two cups.

''You were a bit restless though.''

She smiled. "I'm...good. I feel good." She moved closer, sniffing the tea. "Oh, was I? I'm sorry, I didn't realize. Is that not normal? To be restless?" She didn't remember anything specific, but glancing down at herself she realized she must have tossed and turned quite a bit.

''Depends on the person. Some move more in their sleep then others do but it is more frequent if the person also has an unpleasant dream.'' Orion admitted.

He had prepared a few things and had even already changed clothes while Lula was sleeping. His hair was combed and he most likely had washed himself quickly as well.

''Do know regarding human cities. That meat is sold, animals and the like are traded, furs and skins and leather as well. Humans often trade goods from animals. But before you go we should prepare you to go as well by removingthose leavesand twigs from your hair. Otherwise they might think you're homeless and many are not friendly to those.''

"Oh. Alright." She set about combing her fingers through her hair, summoning a thread of water from the pond to wash out the bits she missed.

"Should I do anything else?" she asked, looking down at herself. For the first time since she'd gained a true form, she realized she was feeling self-conscious. Orion didn't seem bothered by her appearance, but would other people be?

''I do not think so. In overal you are a clean person so no need to worry. Oh yea do not mention you are a Nymph to anyone. Neither mention you are the guardian of the forest. I read the fairy tales. They do not exactly end well for the nymph most of the time.'' he took a fabric belt and pouch and handed it to Lula.

''Would you decide to trade the pearls for things I recommend to put them in here. Make sure that in the city your hand is on it at all times. There are thieves and pickpocketers who rob people from their pouches and valueables.''

Lula nodded seriously, committing all of his instructions to memory. She gathered the pearls and slipped them into the pouch then, unsure what to do with it, slid the pouch down the front of her slip. It seemed like it would be annoying to carry around in her hand for days on end.

She took a look around her grove, suddenly nervous. "I can't believe I'm really leaving," she said quietly.

''If for whatever reason while we are in the city you feel uncomfortable do not hesitate to tell me. Today will just be for a day though. Stick close to me. Better yet we will hold hands and you are not to let go of it. Feel free to drag me anywhere which is your interest though or point it out to me. We at the least will get cloth and some books. I will restock on my dry herbs and spices.'' he chuckled.

"Okay." She nodded, turning to face him and said more firmly, "Okay. Let's go." Taking his advice, she reached out for his hand and smiled. "Lead on then."

Orion nodded and put out the fire with the water. Finished therest of his tea and gathered his belongings together. He had of course every intention to come back but he just wanted to have everything along with him. Growing up in a forest with animals he had learned leaving things behind meant for the animals that they had things to play with.

He took her hand and guided Lula to the nearest town. It was a long walk but a pleasant one. The town they reached after several hours bursted with life and was filled with people. The houses were all made of wood and the streets were paved with stone. There were a variety of buildings. Different kinds of stores and market stands. Above all though. The amount of people and how diverse they were including their race. And some races which seemed alike had different skincolors too. The clothes were different with many as well.

At first Lula was fine, even when they reached trees she didn't recognize. Then they were out of the trees completely, moving in among- what had he called them? Buildings?- and she hesitated.

Then she saw the people. Moon, sun, and stars above, so many people! She stopped dead, frozen in a combination of nervous energy and pent up excitement. Looking around in wonder, she didn't even notice her mouth had fallen open, fiery eyes so wide they were taking up most of her face.

Orion chuckled. ''take your time. I was nervous at first too. And exited.'' he said calmly. Lula reminded him a lot about his first experiences although he could understand as well if it was to much for her and would want to go back.

Lula nodded slowly, trying to pull herself together. She shifted from foot to foot, both fascinated and a little disturbed by the lack of grass against her skin.

She took a hesitant step forward, toeing the ground experimentally. "Skies above," she whispered, looking around again as a soft, wondering smile spread across her face. "There's just so much!" she exclaimed, laughing.

''And this, is but a small town.'' Orion admitted. The scents of various foods met him as well. Meats, fish, bread and vegetables. But also scents from a local farm.

He took a step forward though. Still not releasing Lula's hand.

Lula sniffed the air. It was a very different smell from the forest, but not entirely unpleasant. "Where should we go?" she asked excitedly, whirling to face Orion with bright smile.

''Depends. Would you like to go to the market first for fabric? Or do you want to go see the stores first instead. All up to you. We could also just walk and see where we end up.'' Orion suggested.

She tilted her head, considering it. "I suppose we should get the things we need first, yes?" she ventured after a moment. Everything in this place was new to her, so no matter what they did she was sure she'd find something interesting to catch her attention.

''Alright. We will start at the market then to get some fabric.'' Orion said and with calm paces headed towards the market.

There was a variety of stands. Some selling the same kind of products and tried to get more customers then the others. Claiming their products were better quality wise. But first, Orion showed Lula a clothing stand. If he knew what kind of clothes she prefered then it was easier to decide what to make for her.

Lula wanted to touch everything. Like a small child, she leaned as far away from Orion as their joined hands allowed, running her fingertips over each piece of fabric she could reach.

Everything seemed so ornate. She looked down at her simple, sleeveless shift. She'd never been uncomfortable in it, but she was realizing that it made her stand out a bit. "Is this..." she began, gesturing to herself with her free hand as she turned back to Orion, "not alright? And no one else is in bare feet..."

She began to feel a little self-conscious, shrinking back against his side.

''There is nothing wrong with it. It is the weather for clothing and this town mainly has simple clothing due to the lack of nobility. But it will not be enough if you wish to travel.''

He stopped at a marketstand which made and sold shies. ''First stop, shoes. before something sharp will damage your feet.''

''Good day sir and young miss. What can I help you with.'' The man asked whom ran the stand. ''I'd like two pair of shoes for her. One for Summer and one for Winter.'' Orion replied. He could make shoes but since he also would make clothes he figured buying the shoes was a better option. ''Oh.. preferable no leather.''

With Lula being a Nymph he doubt she would want to wear animal skin.

''Can be arranged. You can take a seet little missy.'' the seller spoke gesturing to a wooden stool.

"Oh." Lula glanced from Orion to the stranger, then slid onto the stool. She kept her grip on Orion's hand, eyeing the other man a little warily. "Um, what do I do now?"

''Just sit back and let me measure. It may tickle a bit though.'' the man spoke as he took a strange piece of wood with various lines and numbers on it. Another piece of wood was around it. ''Could you place your ankle on the back of the wood please?'' the man asked. He asked no questions regarding Lula was completely without shoes or held Orion's hand. After all it were paying customers. Still though the simplicity of the girl's clothes did make the man wonder.

''You are not his slave I hope little missy?''

Orion chuckled. ''Not to worry sir. I am not the type of person to owe a slave.''

Lula obeyed easily, listening to the two men talk with her head tilted curiously. "Slave?" she repeated. Orion had mentioned something like that, hadn't he? He hadn't seemed pleased by the notion. She tugged on his hand lightly, throwing him a questioning look.

''A slave is a person owned by someone else. Often mistreated and abused.'' Orion replied. ''Often slaves are people just like you and me and then captured. Often beaten before sold to someone who is willing to pay. A slave listens to the one who owns her and has to do everything that his or her master says. It is quite a sad thing.''

The man nodded while he measured Lula's rightfoot first and left foot. With a ribbin he also measured her ankles and width of her feet.

''Alright I got the measures I need. I do not have shoes in her size ready at this moment but they should be finished after dinner time. No leather as requested. I have a shop by my home. It has a wooden sign with a shoe on it. Can't miss it. I will need half of the payment in advance though. Which will be 5 gold.''

Orion nodded and briefly released Lula's hands to get the nessesary coins from his purse. 10 gold for two pair of shoes in total was not bad. ''Oh missy, you do not mind wool do you?''

She didn't know what wool was, but she was too busy contemplating this new concept of "slave" to pay it much attention, so she just shook her head vaguely.

"Couldn't we have paid with those pearls?" Lula asked Orion quietly as she stood. She wasn't sure that she liked the idea of him giving away "money" for things she needed. He'd already done a lot for her.

''It takes a while to learn which people want money for their goods and which ones prefer materials. No the pearls, dear Lula. Are materials better sold to those whom actually use them such as tailors and jewelers.''

He shook the hand of the man whom got to work. ''I recommend selling half to a tailor, and the other half to a jeweler. That way you are capable to learn the art of trade a bit.''

Lula nodded. "Alright." It seemed this process was more complicated than she would have thought.

She bounced forward and took Orion's hand again with a smile. "Where to next?"

''We will walk around the market a little and then head to a tailor shop. The jewelery shop after that. On the market though we can look for a stand that sells clothes. If I am going to make clothes for you I do need to know what you like after all.'' he said with a smile.

She nodded eagerly. "Okay. Lead the way then."

Orion did take his time finding the stand which sold clothes. Passing several food stands, a stand where a variety of animals were being sold as pets. Orion was kind of surprised of how healthy they looked but it was best not to linger for to long.

They did find the clothing stand and the man tending to it but suggested for actual 'ladies' clothes to go to the shop. Orion thanked the man and a little later he pushed open the wooden door from the clothes shop causing them to be greeted by a bell. The man was not lying; outside he sold cloaks and clothes which were actually more meant for traveling but appearantly there was not alot of female clothes outside. Inside at the least they had a shot at finding something.

Lula's eyes had been in permanent state of rounded shock since they left the forest, but as they walked they went even wider. "Whoa," she murmured when they entered the store. She wasn't quite sure where to look first.

She had the sudden urge to touch everything. Smiling slightly, she reached out and ran her fingers lightly over the fabrics she could reach. "Most of the women we saw were wearing things like this," she said, pulling at a long skirt and looking to Orion for confirmation. "Is this...right?"

''Well there is certainly nothing wrong with it.'' Orion said with a smile. ''Take your time looking around. There are various colors. Some skirts even have patterns on them. Usually a tunic or vest or shirt is worn above.'' he revealed three types of top clothing and then took out a simple corset. ''And then this is worn on top. Or instead of a multipiece..'' he hang the clothes back and revealed an off white dress. ''They wear a dress.''

That seemed more like what she was wearing now. She took the dress, running the fabric through her hands curiously. "Then what are you wearing?" she asked, tilting her head to the side and reaching out to tug at the leg of his breeches. She'd seen mostly men in those, but one or two women as well.

''For now since it is Summer, a pants and tunic. Women are seen wearing pants a lot less but it is easier to move in them especially if you're working or are in a hurry.'' Orion admitted.

''I apolagise for the wait.'' A woman came from up the stairs into the store. ''I had to fix a special order. Is there anything I can help with?'' she asked.

The woman was a little chubby and certainly not very young but she seemed to be in good health and very happy.

"Oh, um..." Lula looked from the woman to Orion. "I, uh...I need clothes. I-I think I like this." She held up the dress in her hands, feeling very much out of her depth.

''Are you sure it is the first dress I showed. You can look for others if you wish.'' Orion suggested.

The woman giggled. ''How about trying it in. I have a fitting chamber. If the dress is to big I could adjust it even here on the spot. But of course if you wish you could look around for others.'' she said.

"Fitting?" Lula tilted her head. "Um, yes. I want it to fit."

She looked at the dress again. She liked it well enough, and honestly she wasn't sure if she'd even know what she was looking for if given the opportunity. "I like this. I can try it on?"

''Of course right this way.'' the woman said and gestured to the back of the store.

''I will stay here until you are back.'' Orion assured. It would after all not be appropiate for him to actually see her change.

Lula looked at him for a moment, a little nervous to be leaving him, but nodded. He knew this world and she didn't, so she would do as he said.

She followed the woman, casting another anxious glance over her shoulder and flexing her fingers. It felt a little strange to not be holding his hand after it had so quickly become habit.

There were two rooms. The woman lead Lula to one of them. ''Just put it on and tell me when you are done alright? If you are done you can come out and I can see if the dress needs any adjustments. If you need a helping hand let me know too.''

Lula did need help, as it turned out, but she was determined to do it on her own. This dress had quite a bit more laces and ties and such than her simple slip, but she thought she had it on alright, after a few minutes of struggling.

She emerged cautiously. "This...doesn't feel quite right," she mumbled, gesturing to the garment she wore backwards.

''Let me helo you dear.'' The woman replied and took Lula back in the dressing room and helped the girl putting on the dress properly.

''Much better is it not?'' she asked when they were done and lead Lula to an old mirror. ''What do you think? Comfortable? Can you move in it properly?''

She nodded, swaying back and forth and then turning in a circle. She gave the woman a small, shy smile. "Yes, thank you."

Lula turned to look for Orion. This place sold clothes- would the pearls be used here, or more of those small, shiny disks?

''It may need a little adjustment at the back. But other then that it is fine. Would you like to show your friend?'' the woman asked.

Lula nodded again. "Yes, I think so." She ran a hand through her hair, glancing back at the old mirror. She looked...different. Not necessarily bad different, but different. She wasn't quite sure how she felt about it.

''She is decent.'' The woman spoke.

Cautiously Orion joined the two ladies. ''It looks good on you. How does it feel?'' he asked Lula. If it was not comfortable after all it was a waste to buy it.

"It's good," Lula said with a smile, moving forward automatically to take his hand. "Nice." She twisted her body back and forth so the skirt flared around her knees. "Do I use the pearls now?" she asked, lowering her voice slightly so only he heard.

The shopkeeper tilted her head. ''Use pearls?'' she asked.

''Well. My friend here has pearls she wishes to trade if of course you are interested in them, for the dress. If the costs are not covered then of course we have coin to add or only coins if pearls are not what you can use.''

The woman pondered for a moment. ''Well I do use pearls in the more expensive clothing I make. I would like to take a look at them then. If you sir please return to the main store, I will make a small adjustment to the ladies new dress. It will only be five minutes.'' she assured.

Orion nodded and returned to the main store to wait for Lula and the woman to finish.

shifting from foot to foot, Lula looked at the woman. "Um, what am I supposed to do?" she asked, unsure what these "adjustments" would entail.

''Just stand still.'' The woman assured and left Lula briefly to get her tools,

After she came back, rather then cutting the fabric she folded it and sowed together. ''Would you happen to grow more then all that needs to be done is removing the thread.'' she explained when she finished.

''There. All done.'' She went to the dressing room and took Lula's old dress. ''Do you wish to keep your new one on and bring the old one with you?'' she asked.

"Um...yes please," she said softly, taking the fabric from the woman. She wasn't quite sure what to do with it, so she simply clutched it to her chest. "How...should I pay you?" she asked curiously, head tilting.

''You said something about pearls. I would like to take a look at them and see if they can be of use for me. Depending on how much you have and their quality and color we can see if there are enough pearls to purchase the dress. Maybe if you have more then the dress' value I could pay you, but if there are not enough pearls then additional payment in the form of money will have to do. We can decide that on the counter.'' the woman assured and gestured back towards the store where Orion was looking at the goods. After all thus far all they had was a dress. Footwear for Summer and Winter was made but in the cold season, a dress would most likely not be enough for Lula. It was however the question wether it would be wise to have Winter attire already or that he would make that for her.

Lula trailed behind her, feeling overwhelmed. When she saw Orion she gravitated toward him and the sense of assurance she was beginning to associate with him. Wordlessly, she fished out the bag of pearls and handed it over.

''Alright. Now. Could you show me the pearls you were talking about please?'' the woman asked. She took a small scale set, a pair of tweasers and a magnifying glass from behind the counter and three stools. One for Lula and one for Orion to sit on before she sat down herself. ''I will need to weigh and examine them. It should not take to long.'' she assured.

The nymph shrugged, nodding mutely to the bag she'd handed to Orion. "They're in there." She shifted a bit in her new dress, smoothing the fabric and adjusting to the way it fell across her body.

Orion nodded and took the bag but did not open it. Instead he handed it to Lula and sat down on one of the stools gesturing her to do the same.

Once being given the pearls, the woman examined them quickly and thoroughly. Weighing them and seperated them by color as well.

''Hmm if I would take these..'' she said when done. ''You can get both the dress and an additional 20 gold pieces. Does that sound alright to you?''

She did not take all of the pearls however and she also seemed rather selective.

Lula glanced between the shopkeeper and Orion. "Um...yes?" she ventured.

''Perfect.'' The woman replied as she gathered the pearls and put them into neat linnen bags. ''They come in handy for a wedding dress I am going to make.'' she explained and after storing the pearls she went to the counter and retrieved the golden coins, puting them in a neat small fabric purse which she handed to Lula.

While the shopkeeper was busy Orion casted a smile and a nod at Lula.

Lula nodded to the woman and clutched the little purse to her chest. She gave Orion a smile in return and stood, shifting her weight from foot to foot.

"Um, thank you," she murmured, stepping closer to her guide's side automatically.

''Pleasure doing business with you.'' Orion said to the woman and shook her hand when she held it out.

''Pleasure was all mine.'' she replied and then held her hand out to Lula.

Looking between the two of them, Lula quickly mimicked the shaking motion and snatched her hand back, reaching for Orion. She did manage a small smile and a shy little nod though, smoothing her other hand down the side of the dress and murmuring, "Thanks."

''See? That was not so bad.'' Orion said with a smile once they were outside. They still had plenty of time until the shoes were done. ''Want to check the jeweler next for the remaining pearls?''

"Not so bad," Lula repeated with a small smile, looking up at him. She nodded. "Jeweler. Okay." Her hand went to the purse she tucked into the front of her dress. "Will they give us more of those shiny disks for the pearls?"

''Correct. The tailor did not take half of what you had so it is possible you will get more. You tend to get more if you sell these things directly to a person who is also using it, rather then selling it at a trade post. At a trade post you will get less because the people working at the post have to resell the items. And they want to do so with profit.''

He gave Lula a smile and gestured to the rest of the shops. ''Come. Let's find the jeweler shop. Usually you will see jewelery such as rings, bracelets, armcuffs and necklaces when looking inside.''

"Okay." Feeling a little braver, Lula let her grip on his hand relax slightly as she looked around, taking in her new surroundings with rapt fascination.

Seeing that Lula could relax a bit and enjoy herself a bit more Orion relaxed a bit more himself as well. Still though he did not let go of her hand. There were a variety of shops which all kept this little town running. It was something he was actually quite amazed by. After all, it was not big. But everyone worked together. It reminded him a bit of home.

Eventually he saw a shop with jewelery displayed. Beautiful broches, rings, necklaces and earrings. He already knew though that they would be way to expensive for him or Lula to buy.

Eyes catching on the pretty baubles and bit of sparkle, Lula tugged on Orion's hand gently and pointed. "Is that the right place?" she asked, bouncing a little on the balls of her feet.

''It is.'' Orion said with a smile and opened the door. ''After you.'' he said as he held the door open for her and went in the store after she had.

There was a variety of cut and polished gemstones and very expensive looking items made of a variety of materials and precious metals.

A very old man came from behind the counter. ''Good day young ones.'' he spoke with a bit of a cracking voice. ''What can I help you with?'' he was almost even Lula's size with a pair of thick glasses in front of his eyes

Once again shy, Lula sort of tucked herself half behind her companion, wordlessly holding out the little bag of pearls.

''No need to be frightened.'' Orion assured.

''The longeared elf is right. I am a soldier no more you know.'' the man said tapping his cane on the ground. ''I am just an old former soldier who found out to late that making pretty jewelery was my true passion.'' he revealed a near toothless smile.

He looked at the bag. Obviously he could not see the contends, seeing the pearls were still inside. ''Is it buying or selling.''

''It will be selling.'' Orion replied and patted Lula on the shoulder. ''Come on. Show him what you've got.'' he said calmly.

Hesitantly, Lula pulled open the lip of the bag and tilted it to show the contents, taking a cautiously little step toward the shopkeeper.

''Ahh pearls. Always a good thing to have as a jeweler. Take a seat please.'' he said as he walked towards the counter and took out a box which had several instruments.

''If I may ask, where do these pearls come from?''

"My pond," Lula responded quietly. "The stream would bring them down to me, sometimes as presents from the other nymphs, sometimes by chance."

''Ahhh I see so you are a nature spirit. It has been a while since I have met one. I remember when I was just a boy and fell into a pond in a forest I had to draw water from. If it had not been for that beautiful nature spirit I would not be breathing now. I suppose it was you who chased those hunters away too then.''

The man sat down on a stool. ''Now let me take a look at those pearls.''

"I had help," Lula murmured, glancing at Orion with a small smile.

Then she nodded and handed the little bag over, still clutching Orion's fingers with one hand.

One by one although due to his age a little slower then the tailor the old man took out a total of 25 pearls, measured and weighted them before weighing all of the pearls on a scale in a bowl to make an aprox calculation of the amount.

''For all of the pearls, would a price of 25 gold pieces be alright?'' he asked.

"Um...yes?" Lula said slowly, looking at Orion for confirmation.

Orion said nothing. 25 was a little low actually but it was not bad. He could not call it a ripoff and the man needed to make a profit of it too to get by. Some pearls were not perfectly round either.

''It is your deal Lula. It is alright I think. '' he assured

She smiled, a little relieved. "Alright then," the nymph said brightly, nodding firmly at the jeweler. "Deal."

''Alright.'' the man took the pouch of pearls and stored them away. ''Do you have a coin pouch young missy?'' he asked as he did so.

"Oh, yes!" She grinned and pulled the little pouch out of the front of her bodice, holding it out to him easily. "Here."

''Perfect.'' the man said with a smile and took the pouch for a moment after counting 25 gold pieces and put them in the pouch. ''I recommend not to store everything in one pouch though. Thieves and pickpocketers are there in every city.''

''Thank you sir. We will keep it in mind.'' Orion replied. He himself also had spreaded it out over multiple pouches in his bag and always one for him him reach.

The jeweler sat down on his still again and started to sort out the pearls by color and shape. ''THank you both. Hope to see you two again someday.'' he said.

Orion nodded. ''Pleasure was ours.'' he replied before turning to Lula. ''Let's go. I will need something to eat, after that we can pick up the shoes. Does that sound like an idea?''

The nymph nodded quickly. "What do people eat outside of the forest?" she asked curiously as she looked around. She couldn't see any fruit bearing plants.

((sorry... real life stuff slowed me down imensely))

''Depends on what kind of species they are. Most species though eat meat, vegetables and grain products. Also fruit. Most races are dependant on food and water to survive. Settlements chop trees or make a piece of land available to grow food on or keep animals.''

He lead her to an inn and gave it a glance. Looking at the overal impression. It was clean and the patrons were not dressed in smelly rags. Meaning it was a respectable place. Or at least respectable enough. ''As for my race, we do not eat anything that is from an animal.''

[No problem!]

Lula glanced curiously around the inn as she followed Orion. "Hmm. I think I'm more like your people then," she mused quietly. "Of course, I don't really need to eat, but I like the way some things taste."

She sort of skipped forward and wrapped slim fingers around his arm, glancing up at him with wide, sparkling eyes. "What's this place? There's lots of people here."

''It is called an inn. Most towns have them. It is a place where people eat, drink, gather and meet. Travelers often sleep in inns. However some are not safe to be in. I always look at a few things. How clean it is, how clean the patrons are, if it doesn't reek, and how the patrons behave. See? Everyone is smiling, laughing and enjoying their food and drinks. There is no feeling of hostility.'' he explained as he lead Lula to an empty table. Pulling back a chair so she could sit down.

Lula nodded slowly as she looked around, taking note of the factors he mentioned. She took the seat and tucked her legs up under her body so she was sort of perched on the chair.

"I see." She nodded and her eyes flicked up to his face. "Well...now what?"

''And now, we order.'' The mooneld replied and raised his hand to one of the women who were serving drinks and food. ''Hello ma'am, I would like a glass of juice. Also, which dishes do you serve here that has nothing in it from animals? Regarding things that is made of their meat or bones that is.''

The woman pondered. ''No animalmeat, that will be roasted vegetables then I think and bread?'' she said. Orion nodded. ''perfect.'' he replied and looked at Lula. ''What would you like to have?''

The nymph was suddenly shy again, but she piped out a quiet, "I'll have the same." The idea of eating meat did not appeal to her.

''Two times juice and two times roasted vegetables coming up.'' the woman replied and headed to the kitchen to gave out the order.

''Places like these are often busy. If you ever, get into trouble and I am not by your side, look for a good inn. There are often kind people in places like these.''

"Alright." Lula nodded and drew her feet up onto the chair, hugging her knees to her chest as she gave another curious look around. "Are there lots of these sorts of places then?"

''most towns have one. The larger the town the more you will find. Some are only for sleeping and drinking, with others it is also able to rent a room.''

The servinglady placed two glasses of juice down before quickly going to another table. Those who were seated there all received a pint of ale.

Lula took her glass and sipped at it. She crinkled her nose a bit, not in distaste, more curiosity. "They put something in this," she decided. "It's...very sweet."

''Well, it is fruit juice. Some fruits do not grow in this region. Maybe they got their hands on exotic fruits from traders and turned it into juice. Fruit juice in general is sweeter though. Sometimes extra honey is added. I do not understand why though.'' Orion replied before taking a sip himself.

"Perhaps humans just like things sweeter," Lula mused with a shrug. She took another sip. "It's certainly not bad, just...different."

The sound of the door opening suddenly startled her- just another customer, but she was still feeling quite skittish- and the nymph just about jumped across the table, suddenly scrambling to press against Orion's side, nearly climbing into his lap in the burst of panic.

''Easy easy, it is alright. It is safe here. See?'' he looked at the new guests who were a pregnant woman and a man, of whom Orion assumed was the woman's husband.

He understood Lula's reaction though. The events of the poachers probably scared her a lot.

The nymph blinked wide, ember eyes up at him, and for a moment her form seemed to almost flicker between flesh and water.

Then she sighed, calming herself, and tried to sit back. "Right... Okay." She swallowed and forced a little smile, turning her attention back to her drink.

Orian remained calm and smiled reassuring.  ''There are places more busy than this one.  I will avoid them when you are with me for a while until you got used to it a bit more.''

He did hear a few men laughing about Lula's startle and had to resist the temptation use his illusion magic on them to startle them instead but decided against it. ''Don't worry.  It will be fine and if needed I will protect you.''

The tavernworker arrived as he spoke placing two plates with roasted vegetables and baked potatoes on the table. ''There you go. Enjoy.'' She said kindly before serving others.

Confused by the laughter- what was so funny?- Luka glanced toward the sound before turning her attention back to Orion.

"Yes. Right." The smell of food made her ears perk up, literally, and she leaned over the offered plates, sniffing curiously.

''Best not to mind them. Many people judge easily about reactions of other people. But what is important, is that we enjoy ourselves.'' he winked before he started to eat, using the cutlery next to his plate.

"Mhm." Lula smiled and nodded, watching how he used the utensils before taking a crack at it herself.

Her eyes widened when she took a bite- surprised, but pleasantly so. "This is good!"

''It indeed is. Meatless dishes tend to be a challenge often in taverns or inns. Hence I learned to cook myself. Not to mention most of the time I do not stay in towns.'' he admitted. There were times though like when it would storm, or snow he'd need to find a shelter better then the average cave.

She crinkled her nose and nodded in agreement. "This place is...interesting. But I think I like the forest better, in the long run."

''The same for me but it is important to have interaction with others as well. I am not sure how that counts for your race of course but there are not many who can handle the lonelyness to long. Getting to know people also teaches you eventually what type of people to avoid and eventually,just by looking at them you know what kind of person they are or what they are up to.'' he explained.

''I personally didn't have enough interaction with humans to know that but I can see soon enough what peoples intentions are behind their behaviour.''

"Hm." Lula shrugged and returned her attention to the food, picking at it slowly. She didn't really need to eat much, but she liked the taste.