Hail White

Chapter 5

I automatically bolt up and sit straight, there were not only four men but seven, yep, seven elves all over 6’5” feet. They all had white hair almost silver, some had it long, others short, and others tied in a bun. They all had the same facial features, they looked graceful, ethereal beings with pointed ears, slender features, high cheek bones and strait nose. The only way to distinguish them is because of the color of their eyes.

Their clothing is black from head to toe and have garments made of fine materials like silk or leather, each one had different weapons from swords to bows and arrows to some weird sticks attached by a chain, all of them looked very deadly.

“Who are you” the one with almost white eyes asked

When I finally find my voice I shutter my name “Hail White”

“King Alaric White’s daughter” one that’s sitting by the tent asked, his eyes were like mine.

“Yes… How do you know?” I ask

“It’s our job to know things” another that was setting the fire with kind brown eyes asked.

The one with kind green eyes approaches me “I’ll explain this men are acting like barbarians” he tells me and takes a seat on a stool he had just laid next to my cot “you see we are a Elite Team, we give our services to those in need, from a High-risk search, arrest dangerous felonies, hostage rescues, and other situations involving royalty and secret missions. We need to keep our eyes and information open all the time.”

The elf with brown eyes sits near a tent and takes some stuff out I think that’s his, “we know you ran away from the Queen’s hold, the vampire that helped you came to us and asked to search for you once he helped you out, it seams you found us first” and he starts laughing.

“Ok, so you were looking for me?”

“Yeap” green eyes said

“I don’t know who you are or what to call you.”

“How rude of us!” Green eyed just looked ashamed “well I’m Elenion, the one in charge of the team.

The one with blue eyes and the bun is Thalion, he is the Tactical Operator.

One over there with long hair and purple eyes is our best shooter and observer Faerilath, then we have our negotiator and healer, always joyful Aeloria he is the one with the braids and brown eyes. Our tracker Galathil with amber eyes and short hair. And then what we like to call our ying and yang, Erindor is the one with almost black eyes and long hair is always in a bad mood, he is our munitions and poisons expert, and the one with silver eyes and short hair is our breacher, he is always fooling around, he’s Lyrael, they are twins.”

“So what now” I ask.

“So now, we take you to the nearest town and make sure you are concealed from The Queen, and of you go” I think its, Erindor, the black eyed one, said.

I just sit down and think, this doesn’t work for me, I need to learn how to defend myself and if I do have a vampire side I need to work on it and get it stronger. As I’m lost in thought Aeloria, the one with brown eyes approaches me with a plate full of food. I take it thankfully and start eating, I can’t even get to swallow the first bite, this is terrible! I don’t want to hurt their feelings, and I’m thankful for their help, but maybe I can make a deal with them.

“Looks like none of you is the cooking specialist in the team right, I was wondering if that spot is open?” I ask as casually as I can and look up from my plate to meet, I think the negotiation elf, Aeloria.

I hear a snort followed by a laugh from my side and try not to get distracted from my goal.

“I’ve told you this is not food it’s torture” he said between laughter

“What do you propose? Princess” he asks back with a smile.

“I cook and help with your stuff, you help me get stronger and teach me to fight and use weapons and poisons, simple” I say back and shrug my shoulders.

They look around at each other as if reading their thoughts and for a few seconds that feel like minutes I think they won’t want a helpless woman with them I would be the weak side of the team. I just silently pray to my parents they say yes.

Then Elenion stands up and says “ok, can you fix this?” And points at the stew in the pot.

I just nod and get to work

I stood at the fireplace, my hands moving with confident precision as I fixed the stew. The air started filling with the savory aromas of onions, garlic, the elves had brought in their backpacks. I chopped fresh vegetables with a sharp knife.

As she threw the vegetables in the large, cast-iron pot, the sizzling sounds and enticing aromas filled the air, making her stomach growl with anticipation. I added the already tender chunks of beef, that were already cooked, releasing a rich, meaty flavor that mingled with the vegetables.

Next, I poured in a rich, flavorful broth, made from a secret blend of herbs and spices that Lyrika had taught me. The liquid simmered and reduced, infusing the stew with a deep, satisfying flavor. As the minutes ticked by, the stew transformed into a hearty, comforting dish, filled with tender meat and vegetables in a rich, savory broth.

I looked at it with satisfaction as I tasted the stew, adjusting the seasoning with a pinch of salt and a sprinkle of fresh herbs. I ladled the steaming hot stew into a warm, ceramic bowl, the aroma wafting up to greet me like a warm hug. With a happy smile, I carried the bowl to the elves, ready to be devoured and enjoyed.

As I watch them eat, an elf sits gracefully at the edge of a moss-covered stone, The rich aroma of the dish fills the air—savory, hearty, and comforting, The elf lifts the spoon to his lips, his pointed ears twitching slightly in contentment as the warmth of the stew spreads through him. He takes a slow, deliberate sip, savoring the rich flavors, a soft smile playing on his lips as he closes his eyes, lost in the moment of simple pleasure.

The fire crackles nearby, casting a warm glow on his silken hair, and for a moment, all that matters is the perfect taste of the stew and the quiet peace of the forest around me.

“Deal!” One of them shouts and I’m startled by him “but you have to get your own tent ready and keep the pace we won't be waiting for you.” He looks at me.

“Deal” I say back.

For the next few minutes, we just enjoy the silence of the night and the stars above us.

“Go to sleep, we pick up camp at sunrise to go home” Elenion says

I just nod my head and hurry up to my cot, and try sleeping, it doesn’t take long for me to fall asleep.

It’s already sunrise when we start packing up, I help with the food and cooking utensils and put them in the back packs, they handed me. I watch them work harmoniously, each in its own task just like when I was in the castle. They fit everything in their back packs and hang their weapons in their waist for quick reach. I don’t think we will see danger ahead, but I guess they like to be prepared.

When we are done they hand me an apple and a canteen and tell me to eat and drink, and that we would be stopping by noon to get a bigger snack, but we weren’t going to set camp, it was a full 24 hr walk to their house, and I’m thinking with me it will take a bit longer.

So, with everything packed we head into the forest, im just carrying a small satchel with a few clothes and fruits.