Revised "Chapter" 5

This was a miserable day for Kirn. He felt badly for Nia as she would be forced to stay her and not with the Prince, who was showing an uncommon kindness and acceptance of her being. That was something she would not- was not- finding among the soldiers and other Priestesses. It had shocked him when he had discovered that she was treated as badly inside the camp as she was outside of it. She had obviously saved many of these men's lives, and it wasn't exactly every day that a Sylph healed you. It meant that any other ailments that they had were going to be cured as well. Elves didn't have overly supernatural physiology, nor did they have superhuman strength. It was astounding the diseases that could run rampant throughout their population, different from Human diseases but no less devastating.

And for those to be helped was no laughing matter, for though Elves could be more resistant, their diseases were, too, and that made them harder to find cures for, and the cures were often more expensive and troublesome than the ones the Humans had. It was something that had often been spoken of in snatches among healers, but no one really said it out loud. After all, humans were humans, and they were... cattle. No real importance other than keeping people fed and clothed.

He slipped out of the tent at the Prince's dismissal. It would be safe for him, indeed, and he had felt the need to go looking for Nia. Certainly she was in some state of shock, or perhaps some odd sort of happiness- elatedness that she had been acknowledged. She would happily live with that sort of thing for the rest of her life, as it was rare enough in the kingdom.

That wasn't the case, though he didn't discover it until he found her. She was not in the Order's tents, and apparently knew a way through camp that involved seeing or being seen by as many people as possible. That wasn't a bad thing in and of itself, but damn... It wasn't easy for him to come to terms with. Kirn rather liked the Priestess. Something about her positing, helpless and powerless, made him think of a child that needed to be protected. With her half-blood, it was likely that in elf years she was still a mere child, though not by the human count. It wasn't exactly something that made it easy to determine her rights, as some that came as adulthood were determined at a certain age. Half-breeds could not really be determined to be adults at any age, as they grew and matured at whatever rate their heritage determined. Those with more elf blood grew more slowly, those with more human blood aged faster, and those of both... those of both could be adults at any time. The officials rarely bothered with it since it was such a pain, and so many just declared their adulthood whenever they looked and their physical appearance could support the claim.

Nia was obviously an adult, though, and one that was in a good deal of trouble if she was going to be dealing with townspeople. After searching the camp that was the only place he could think that she would go to. Certainly, she would not go outside the camp and into the wilderness! There were creatures and even though this was decently inside the borders, there were always the dangers of rogue scouts or troops, and they didn't treat the women with respect. At least, that was what he had heard. It made him shudder to think of some of the stories that had been told about some of the things that had been done.

Any case, he started on the path to the town. It wasn't a far distance, and it was one that was decently populated with some carts carrying things back and forth, and even a few guards and soldiers that had healed up well enough that they decided to visit. There were modest fortifications to the town as well, with a low stone wall keeping out both animals and providing a decent place to hide behind should someone attack. Flying arrows would have a harder time hitting their targets, for sure. Nowadays it was mostly for cows, though, to keep them and the sheep in. And beyond he could see the modest homes that filled the area. It was certainly nice enough, with few places that looked worn-down or from families that were poor. It was a rural place, with woodcutters and hunters, and self-sufficient enough that most would not have to worry about such things. But where in it would Nia run off to? Wouldn't the villagers be as cruel as everyone else?

A call came out from behind him, and he turned to see Nia running from the woods. She was waving a hand that held some plants. Kirn could hardly believe his eyes. She had been to the woods! He stopped until she was close enough to reach, a few more moments because she slowed down on approach. Then his hands went up and started shaking her vigorously. "That place is dangerous! If you needed herbs or medicinal plants, then I should be accompanying you! What is wrong with you?"

Nia was taken aback by his actions, jerking away from him with wide eyes and a scared look on her face. She looked like she was about to be hit, and with that shine to them, Kirn could assume why her reaction had been so violent. He ran his fingers through his hair. "I'm sorry, it's just that it really is dangerous, and I truly don't know why you were possessed to leave like that. I know that the things said by the Prince were wonderful, and I'm sure lifted your spirits a great deal, but still, that is reckless and I don't feel-"

"He said what? Oh, Kirn, I am fine after hearing all that. It was just the thanks of a patient. In the long run, it means nothing. After all, I am just a Priestess, and just a half-breed. Mixed bloods aren't thanked by anyone important." There was an odd, strained smile on her face that confused Kirn almost as much as her words had. Was there a problem in how the Prince had thanked her? Or had her wits been rattled by it and she would realize it later.

It seemed to be neither. There was a sharp jerk of her head, a twist of her face to the side, and Kirn could see blood welling from a cut on her forehead. The stone that caused it fell to the ground in front of him. He was speechless for a moment, but after that moment was moving. His hand lifted to her face as he turned his, looking for the perpetrator. He soon found the person he sought, a little human boy that was glaring resentfully from where there was a bend in the fence. "Hey! You! Come here and explain yourself!" His words were sharp and harsh, and his hands almost twitched on her skin as he brought her closer so he could see the wound.

"Son wanna, don haveta!" the boy shouted back at him. There were some giggles from the same area, and a few heads popped up from behind the curve. "She's a halfie! She's a dirty blood, gettin' higher than her station! That's what me momma said!" He turned and ran, the others following him, almost unable to because they were laughing too hard at Nia's misfortune.

"Damn brat." He moved so that his shadow wasn't in the way of his sight. "This doesn't look too bad. Stop twisting. You'll hurt yourself if you try to get away like that, you know."

Her little struggles to get away weren't that bad, honestly, but he had no desire to let go. If she were closer to him, then she would be a little more protected. As protected as she would have been if he had been with her in the first place, he thought darkly. Or perhaps had kept her hood over her head. Why had she been running around with it down? This was obviously going to be the result! "Agitating people isn't going to do you any good." His hand reached back to draw it over her head, hiding her face from view. "I don't have anything to wrap that with, and it's bleeding a bit badly. I think that there's something that's been cut. Other than the skin, I mean."

Her hand had reached up to put pressure on it. "No, that is just the way the face cuts bleed. Always worse than anything else, unless ya get an artery or vein." She shrugged. "Apologies. But I was running low on these, and then saw you coming to the town. I figured you might be... since you aren't watching the Prince, I thought you'd be coming to enjoy the town. I haven't been in, but I heard that there is a nice bakery and toy store in. I was hoping you would grace me and allow me to ask you to buy something from both places. The toys I use to keep children quiet. And I like the sour breads." She held out a hand, in which a small pouch was laying. "Please."

Her large eyes compelled him to say yes. It was something that he could do for her, since she was fool enough to risk her life outside the camp. He wondered where she had gotten the money, though, since Sisters were not paid for their work, and they were not given any through the Order itself. A lover, perhaps? The thought made him smile. The woman before him would be untouched if she were in the Order, no doubt about that. He couldn't be the only kind soul to take to her, Kirn suspected, and nodded his head to indicate that she would be receiving everything she asked for. He had to admit, it wasn't much or difficult to get. Practical, actually, and it impressed him a bit.

Then again, she didn't seem the impractical sort. The Order didn't breed those, and somehow he suspected that others wouldn't indulge that side of her if she had it. It had probably been stamped out long ago.

It wasn’t her fault, however, so he went ahead and nodded, watching her smile and walk away happily. Back towards the camp where she would be hidden away from sight, either by the other Sisters or by her own violation, not that he could blame her because of what had just happened. His eyes strayed towards the area where the kids had disappeared as he continued towards the village. It wasn’t difficult to find the main shops clustered in the center around an open green, where the local law would be carried out, and got what Nia had wanted. He had debated back and forth on what toys would be easier for her to carry around and wouldn’t take too much room, but he decided to go off her other paper toys and a small mechanical doll that pirouetted in place.

The small objects fit neatly into the money pouch, which was noticeably lighter after that visit. He frowned slightly, but then again, Priestesses weren’t paid much. Even so… The sweet shop took most of the rest of it, and he left with the small paper package tucked protectively into his arms. The villagers were friendly, and he made a plan to come back during the evening. A night here relaxing was just what he needed.

The dust between the roads had settled down, the carts no longer traveling over the short path. The day’s trade had ended. He heard a clamor arising from the camp, and his pace quickened from a stroll to a light jog, wondering what was happening ahead.

It soon became clear from the shouting and commotion that it was something important. Dangerous, actually, as a soldier stumbled away from the collection of tents and rough fences with a wound in his side. Kirn dropped everything and rushed towards him, knowing that it was safe to approach due to the sigil on his uniform that stood out starkly against the black of his uniform. It was a sad, sight indeed, as he grasped the gasping elf’s shoulders. “They’re a platoon for assassination! I don’t know who for… perhaps the Sylph…”

The Sylph? But the Prince had only left just a few… Oh, dear. He laid the soldier down to rest on the grass. They didn’t know it was the Prince. They couldn’t know. So it was only natural to assume that they had come for the next important thing that the Kingdom had- there were only 25 of them within the Kingdom, each the most highly skilled healer that the Kingdom had. In this war, that meant they were valuable, and would cripple the war efforts if taken.

His sword rested heavily on his hip. The differences between the uniforms made clear who was friendly and who was not. That was going to make all the difference, here. The Sisters had gathered near the fence, climbing over, their robes as stark against the green grass as flags of surrender. There was no way to tell which one was which as they all had their hoods drawn up around their faces. They were being guarded by a few who were fighting desperately. He saw one go down, as well as one of the sisters that failed to move aside from the too-strong swing of the blade. Cries erupted from the group. He rushed towards them, unsure if he would be able to help. His uselessness, after all, had been what had gotten him assigned to take the Prince here.

His approach brought him near the scent of blood that was making the ground muddy and difficult to balance in. Behind him, he could hear the town bell clanging. They were in no danger, most likely, unless the group decided that the Prince was in town for something. But how had they gotten this far inland? How did they KNOW? It was all too much for him to think about at the moment, as his sword met another weakly. He was pushed back by the brown-clad human. The idea that this had been a terrible set-up, the beginnings of a revolt, crossed his mind, but as his feet moved to bring him to a different angle, he could see the symbol of the kingdom that was attacking on his shoulder. He feinted, and then struck, sending the man to an early grave. The slice of his blade into flesh nearly made him sick, and the feeling of having skewered something was strong. He let the body slump to the ground, sliding off the metal blade. One of the Sisters was being carried off, but it wasn’t Nia. The tie around this one’s waist was orange and in a simple knot, denoting her inferior status. He made a move to come after her, regardless, but was stopped by a hit to his back. It threw him off-balance and nearly got him killed.

His guard was thrown off enough that in the next moment he had a sword to his own neck. “Where is the Prince?” was whispered dangerously in

Gone! Kirn snarled at him. The sword was pushed up even more against his throat. Lies! His attacked said. He can't be gone. We know that he's wounded, so where is he being held!
A call went out, a bugle, a melodious golden note that brought the pressure of the crowd against his throat away. He could feel a warm trickle of liquid running down as he breathed a sigh of relief. The other hadn't brought his attention away from him, but the look was furious and confused instead of outright murderous. "The soldier paused as if to say something, but nothing came of it.

Kirn slumped to the ground as they fled, all the attackers. He could hardly believe what had happened. The Sisters went to attend those who had been injured, scattering through the mess of fallen tents and scattered belongings. It was an ugly sigh indeed, but what was he going to do about it? One kneeled by his side as he nearly choked on the fear that built up in his throat, threatening to make him sick after all this. It hadn't even been a real battle, but that didn't matter.

Her fingers reached for him, but he recoiled. "Don’t touch me!" he snarled. Her voice got cross in turn/ "Then stop bleeding!" IF you can't then sit still and let me bandage it! He shrugged her off and kept walking, looking for Nia, knowing that this one wasn't her because she held the cerulean sash but the knot was as simple as any. She followed after. "If you're looking the mixed blood, she wasn't with us! She hadn't returned to camp yet! IF she's lucky, then she'll be far away in the woods, watching us clean up and not bothering her own head with all this, and if she's not she'll have been taken or killed. You'll find out soon enough, so sit for me! Her fingers latched around his arm, stopping him in his tracks, in the folds of a tent that had been knocked down in the scuffle. He couldn't bring himself to physically force her off of him, though he longed to. It was intensely dismaying to have himself like this, at the mercy of a Sister, one of the no-violent orders in the Kingdom.

Even so, he felt the smooth cloth of her robe wrapping around his throat, snugly but not so that it would cut of his breathing. Thank goodness, because he felt stifled as it was. She was surprisingly gentle. "Why are you so worried about the half-breed anyway? She's no good for small things like, this and will be tending those who got stabbed. You barely got a cut." The elf's face was flushed. "Besides, she's a damn half breed why should she be a sylph anyway? She hasn't got the skills-" That get her knocked off her feet, shoved away in a fit of anger. Kirn narrowed his eyes at the girl. "She has skills enough, I bet, for this camp. She's a half-breed. Think you that they let anyone get to this level and take care of soldiers unless they have the ability to do so? Sylphs are not made lightly! Think, you brainless halfwit! As bad as a halfie, perhaps worse, I think."

She glared up at him, tears in the corners of her eyes. A sharp voice from behind him defended the girl, though, much to his surprise. "And think you that she has no reason to distrust me? I would if I were the girl. Hilra, please see what herbs you can salvage from the medical tent. It's in a mess, but I need them. Please." The tone turned softer, but it didn't stop Hilra from nearly saying no. She wasn't happy with the order, but if there was wounded... the Superior would be furious with her if she didn’t obey at this point. Kirn couldn't hide his surprise that Nia had appeared. Seemingly out of nowhere, to be kind to someone who was clearly not being a friend to her.

"The girl is no different from the others, and I can't blame you. Halfies, indeed. I'm surely one of them, and the King surely hates them, and why should his subjects not, too?" She spat. Her eyes threw daggers into his heart. He felt badly for how he had spoken to the girl, since he had only been that kind to her a few days ago. "And you are not one to say anything." Her words echoed his thoughts eerily, and he thought back to some of the stories he had been told about them when he was younger. Those stories had been around for ages, and with few halfies around as there were, it wasn't exactly something that was unheard of for anyone to think.

He thought of the haunted barn that had been told about in his childhood. It wasn't exactly the same thing, since this concerned people, but Nirn could recall when it had finally caught fire and the villagers had been ever so relieved. It was saddening, but he knew that she was being treated in a similar way. How else was he supposed to feel about it? If she were burned, at this point he felt that only he would be the one to be sad about.

"I'll be given over to hell if I let you bully others for how they see me. Either they'll come out of their own ignorance or they won't but you can't force hate out of them. So leave her be!" She glared at him before turning to the soldier she had been attending before her defense of the younger Sister. He felt ashamed for behaving in such a way, but at the same time... What else was he going to do? Her honor had been at stake, and for what she had done, she had a lot of it. "Are you safe? Are you alright? I was worried when I saw the attack. Is there any way I can help you?
His voice trembled a little with concern. "Just get yourself to the tents and help clean up. Please." Her voice was still rough and condescending, but there was a tiredness in it, a sadness that he could tell where it had come from. It wasn't that he didn't understand why she was upset; it was that he felt bad for his own impulsiveness. "Yes, mam. My apologies. He moved to go help the soldiers that had come out unwounded and began to clean up what had happened.

It took most of the day, yet by the end of it he felt accomplished. These were things he could do- helping out others, getting them organized and doing things. Though his own superiors had delegated the tasks to him, and he had taken the punishment when things weren't going well, it felt good. That was the important thing. He went back to the spot where he had dropped Nia's things, her money and her toys. Te arrival of the villagers to help drive off the intruders had been far too late, but that hadn't stopped them from helping how they could/ didn’t matter much since they had ended up destroying what he had bought. Kirn felt guilty for this, and left the soggy package where he left it, only taking the bag of money back. The paper that spun was relatively unharmed, but the little dangling fall was done for.

Ah, well. He could see the tents more clearly from here, more dirty and ragged than before. It was funny that he could see some backup from a town father away in the distance, armor gleaming, though it was a small contingent. A dark chuckle escaped him. Too later indeed. They would be burning the dead soon.

All they had wanted was the Prince. It was sad and sick. But how had they known that he was here? That was dangerous information. It looked that there was a spy in the camp, but who? Probably a soldier. The King would be furious when he discovered this, as he had heard as he was helping others talking about how they had been interrogated for the information. Everyone was astounded. They knew that a general had been brought in but a Prince? THE prince? It was beyond belief. The commanders of the camp rode out to greet the other soldiers as Kirn watched starting back towards the camp because of exhaustion and the adrenaline of the entire affair wearing off. He was glad Nia was all right, and he could smell the scent of food cooking from this distance. The soldiers and townspeople that had come to back them up were getting along grandly, laughing and commiserating over what wounds had been had,

Nia was nowhere to be seen among them, which wasn't a surprise. With carious Sisters up and about, doing what they could, he slipped into their tent, calling her name out softly. A rustle from one of the sections alerted him to a presence there, and while he made to retreat, she poked her head out from a torn canvas. "Hello to you." Her eyes seemed saddened by his appearance. "If you've naught to say to me other than what you said earlier, then leave. I've not the time for this. I must rest for the morning rounds." "You have the evening ones tonight, yes? Then let me stay. We can talk."]
]
"Naught to talk about."

"Where were you? Did they take you while you were on the road? How were you safe?"

"I saw them and ran to the woods. Came out when I saw it was safe. I'm just glad they did not see me, for all the robes I wear make me seen far and wide." Her tone was wry, aware of how much of a target she was. Doubly so for her heritage. "Mayhap I should have let them take me. It would not have been a trouble."

"For the kingdom it would have been! Don't be so foolish!" He swayed with sudden tiredness. "You've been a help to..."

Another round of trumpeting rent the air. It was the announcement of some persons of importance arriving, not just the commanders of the camp. He peered out, but wasn't able to see who it was from here. A small hand brushed his shoulder, steadying him though he hadn't known that he had been swaying. "Sleep. You need it, so come and rest on my cot. It'll be much trouble to move you elsewhere. Understand?"

He nodded, his eyes falling closed as she pushed him into her own section, falling onto the mats on the ground that provided comfort and warmth. It was merely seconds before he fell asleep.
Nia had crept in with him to get some rest before the next morning. There was nowhere else for her to sleep if she wanted to get any, and it would be suspicious if she went out to the woods at this point. As it was, it seemed Kirn had some suspicions about her story of running to the woods. She would, too, but what was she going to tell him? The truth? As she had stepped out after he had fallen asleep, she noted the flag that had accompanied the soldiers. It was a bright horse galloping, bird's wings extending from its sides. A Pegasus, a creature that had been on this land once upon a time but had fled to warmer countries long ago. It symbolized the freedom that those who were in this nation had.

She had to scoff. That was something that had been lost long ago. There never really had been any, really. She knew that other nations had moved forward, finding peace between humans and elves, and even half bloods finding their place in the scheme of things. She had seen it so long ago, when she had lost herself across the border to the North. Her feet paused where they were, the night beginning to fill her eyes and bring back the memories that she had kept tucked away.