Fae were practically immortal, aging at a miniscule drop to a human. She had never seen one of the Eldar Fae; there were only eight ever recorded in all of Arcadia.
Theron didn't look chagrined. He simply inclined his head. "Grandfather. Merely assessing a novel variable."
"Novel variable," Maelek chuckled in echo, reaching them. He tapped Theron's shin lightly with his cane. "She has a name. Use it." He turned his bright gaze on Layla, and the warmth in it was startlingly genuine. "Layla. A pleasure. I am Maelek. Ignore this one," he gestured with his cane at Theron, "he was born with the personality of a ledger. All columns and no heart." Layla bowed her head.
"Pleasure to meet you, Mr. Valerius." Maelek waved a hand dismissively.
"Maelek, Please. I feel old enough without the formal
