Siona

An elven woman with dazzling silvery hair stood ahead of them, a finely crafted bow gripped in her hands, aiming towards them. She dashed at them, easily covering some more distance to stand thirty meters away. Even at this distance, it would be an easy shot for her—especially after her earlier display of accuracy.

"Don't worry, she won't shoot," Emir whispered, sounding confident.

But in the same breath, the elf's fingers released the bowstring. The arrow sliced through the air, headed directly for Klein's gut. His heart jumped, but he was prepared for the worst.

Just in time, Klein conjured a shimmering force barrier before him. The arrow collided with the barrier, shuddering as it was deflected away. Klein exhaled, as he gathered more essence, readying himself for whatever came next. The Elven woman had already covered half the distance, her eyes locked on him.

"Hey, I don't want any trouble!" Klein shouted over his shoulder at Emir. "Don't drag me into your mess!"

"Brother, how can you say that?" Emir cried, his tone light, but his attention clearly divided between Klein and the woman.

The elven woman spoke in a smooth, rapid string of Elvish, her voice carrying a sharp edge. Klein couldn't interpret a single word.

"Come on, Siona!" Emir shouted, just as another arrow whistled through the air.

Klein raised the barrier again, but this time the arrow tore through it, still speeding toward him.Emir shoved him to the left in a flash. The arrow grazed his side, sending a sharp sting across his ribs.

It was clear that the elf wasn't trying to kill him, aiming at non-lethal spots. But she was still vicious enough.

"I'm your friend!" Emir yelled, still using Klein as a shield, his grip firm as he dragged Klein back like a living marionette. No matter how hard Klien tried, he couldn't free himself from the clutches. 

Siona's next retort came in Elvish, her eyes narrowing as they bored into Emir.

Klein managed to catch one word: Coward.

"If I was a coward, I wouldn't even be here trying to help you!" Emir shot back, frustration creeping into his voice. "Gods, woman, think for a moment! If you take me down, they'll just pair you up with someone else. Is that what you want?"

At last, Siona hesitated. She lowered her bow slightly, though her fingers still rested against the string, ready to fire at a moment's notice.

Another sharp retort flew from her lips.

Emir rolled his eyes. "If it wasn't for my father, do you really think I'd be stuck in this situation?" His words hit a nerve, and her expression darkened, but Emir quickly spoke his next piece, "Just listen to what I have to say before you start shooting again."

Finally, he stepped out from behind Klein and strode forward, standing toe-to-toe with the silver-haired elf.

Siona's eyes narrowed further, but she gave him a curt nod to continue. Emir glanced at Klein, who was eyeing potential escape routes. He spoke, and his words flowed smoothly as before, but something the fellow did make it impossible for Klein to decipher. He could only make out that the girl was in some kind of trouble, and Emir could help her.

As they spoke, Siona's gaze flicked toward Klein, sizing him up with cold, analytical eyes. Her silvery brows knitted together in brief curiosity before she asked something, her tone less hostile.

Emir replied with a grin, sidling up next to Klein to slap him on the shoulder. "So, have we reached a conclusion?"

His voice shifted back to the recognisable expression. No, he didn't change language, nor was he speaking Klein's native tongue, but the weird blond seemed to have a way around that. Klein could tell he was still speaking elvish, but he still intrinsically understood them. There was something odd about it—perhaps a skill at play?

The striking silver-haired elf, finally relaxed, lowering her bow. Freed from the immediate danger, Klein took a moment to truly see her. She wasn't particularly tall by Elven standards, but she stood half a head taller than Elowen, her frame lithe and elegant, with strong, toned legs, highlighted by the white leggings she wore. Her skin was pale, almost matching the silver hue of her hair, eyes, and brows, creating an ethereal, otherworldly presence.

Despite the battle, her appearance was utterly pristine. Her white dress, flowing in soft folds, bore not a single speck of dirt or grime, as though untouched by the world around her. 

True, Elowen had the pristine quality about her too, but that didn't count on the dress she was wearing. Hell, the first time he found her, she looked like half-dead, her attire dishevelled, but this girl, though...

While his thoughts wandered, and his gaze lingered, Siona found him staring. Her icy eyes sharpened, staring back at him frostily.

"Sorry," Klein coughed awkwardly, tearing his eyes away. "I was just… wondering about your clothes."

Siona turned to Emir with a raised brow, but Emir made no move to translate the apology. Instead, he laughed. "Don't chase away the only people who can help you," he said to her.

Siona snorted, her gaze flicking back to Klein. She muttered something under her breath.

Klein failed to understand it fully, but he got a bit of it. Whatever these two needed from him, It didn't bode well for him. They were far stronger than him. Klein wracked his brain to come up with something that they couldn't do with their strength, that he could.

Siona snorted. "Talk to him about. . ." 

"Of course, I'll make sure to explain it all," Emir said, clasping him on the shoulder. "Unlike the hot-headed brute like you, brother here listens to reason." 

Klein grunted. 

"That reminds me, I haven't caught your name yet, Brother." 

"It's Klein," he made sure to pronounce it loudly.

"Brother Klein," Emir repeated, this time perfectly enunciating the name. "I see you've got some leftover food. Mind if we chat after I've had my fill?"