"Eryn," Elias whispered into her ear before the little crowd of influential figures. "Look who it is..."
"Huh?"
She looked up, Changming still pulling on her sleeve.
In front of them stood people they have never seen in their entire lives...all except-
Eryn's eyes fell on the middle-aged man who stood on the side. He looked a little familiar, but-
"That's Alan Bai," Elias whispered. "Our birth father."
Eryn's eyes widened, and her hand went to grip her brother's wrist.
She had never actually seen their father's face in person, but she could see the slight resemblance in his facial feature's between him and Elias.
Elias let go of Chen's hand, instantly regretting coming to this place. These people were too high in society for their liking, anyway.
He turned to Chen's mother and bowed stiffly. "We were only doing what is right, bringing the children back. there is no need to thank us," he said.
The woman smiled warmly. "But we must. I am so grateful that you brought my children back to me. Let me introduce myself. I am Madam Liu, the head of the Liu family. I'm sure you've heard of before?"
Elias hesitated. He wanted to leave, and so did Eryn, but he couldn't just act rashly and be impolite. "Er, no. I've never heard of a Liu family," he said truthfully. "We've lived in seclusion for most of our lives."
He shot a look towards Alan Bai, a person who he would never acknowledge as 'father' in his entire life. He refused to.
Madam Liu looked surprised, but she quickly recovered. "That's fine, young man. I must say, you look very handsome!" she chortled. "Your sister...very beautiful, indeed."
She went forward and circled the both of them, examining their features closely.
The man dressed in dark blue robes with the short beard stepped forward as well. "I am Sir Xia. It's a pleasure to meet both of you. Ho! You are quite tall!"
His eyes darted over to Eryn, and Elias could see the motive in his eyes. "Young lady, you are welcome to my place at any time. If you need anything, you can come to me. Let it be a thanks to your good deeds!"
He waved over a younger man and pushed him in front of him. The man was about Elias' height. He had short brown hair with fair skin, and he was wearing smooth golden robes.
"This is my son! His name is Wayne! I hope you two can be acquaintances?" Master Xia said.
Eryn's expression remained blank as she looked up at the man in front of her.
He blushed.
She smiled inwardly. She knew what this old man's intentions were.
"Of course." She remained polite, curtseying just a little.
The other lively old man nudged Wayne to the side, rubbing his hands together. "I am Master Jing! It is nice to meet you," he said with a grin.
Then, all of a sudden, he pulled over Alan Bai. "This here is Master Bai," Master Jing said, throwing back his purple robes with a swipe.
Eryn and Elias said nothing, avoiding eye contact with the man in front of them. It was like they knew him, but didn't, at the same time.
Elias hid his curled fists behind his back, feeling the mixed emotions swirling inside his chest overwhelmingly.
Master Jing glanced at his fellow friend's solemn expression and frowned. "Ah, Old Bai, what's wrong?"
Master Xia exchanged a couple of glances between them. "Say, young lady, young man. There is some resemblance between you and our good friend, Master Bai..."
The atmosphere suddenly darkened as Alan Bai opened his mouth to say something, but nothing came out.
Elias smiled bitterly. "I'm afraid your eyes deceive you, Master Xia," he said, dipping his head.
"Perhaps..."
From the corner of his eye, he saw a lady sitting at the stone table a couple of steps away, waving a thin fan in her pale face. The woman smiled curtly, eyeing him with her mystical eyes.
Beside her sat a younger woman, seemingly her daughter, and Elias flinched when he caught sight of her blazing red eyes.
'A Pheonix,' Drachnai's voice echoed in his head. 'She is not an enemy. You will cross paths again in the future.'
Elias cleared his throat. "It is getting dark. My sister and I shall get going now," he said.
"Oh? So you are siblings!" Madam Liu exclaimed brightly. "I was wondering. I had thought you were lovers!"
Eryn cringed.
"Very well," said Master Xia. "Where are you staying, may I ask? Are you new to the city? Perhaps we can help you with your fees!"
Eryn bowed. "We haven't a place to stay yet, we are planning to look around," she answered.
Master Xia's eyebrows shot up. "Oh! It is so late! How about we lend you a place to stay at our residence for the time being?"
Master Bai was suddenly on alert. "Wha-"
"Oh...what is it to you?" Master Xia grumbled, elbowing him. "I'm merely doing a favor."
The twins shared a look, unsure.
'Why not?' Aragnes purred. 'I see no cons. I sense some interesting happenings may occur.'
Elias dipped his head in approval, so Eryn turned to face the old man again, who was clearly trying to gain her favor. "We thank you for your hospitality," she said.
Master Bai stood there, baffled. "B- but-"
Master Xia shoved past him, the atmosphere around him blooming flowers and rainbows. "Excellent, excellent! We will be heading back soon, I will have the maids make arrangements!"
Chen and Changming faced their mother. "So are big sister and big brother staying with us?" they asked enthusiastically.
Madam Liu shook her head. "No, but you will get to visit them if you'd like."
"Oh, no," Elias muttered under his breath. It wasn't exactly how they planned things to happen, but it was a start. They couldn't just go back into the woods anymore, they needed to start getting involved with society.
"Ah, I almost forgot," Master Jing suddenly piped up. "We've been so into our conversations, but...what are your names, may I ask?"
The corner of Elias' mouth turned up. He spared another glance at Master Bai before he clasped his hands together in front. "Sir, my name is Elias," he said sharply.
He knew every word he said was a lethal strike to Alan Bai.
Eryn followed suit. "My name is Eryn."
"Such nice names," Madam Liu cooed. "But what of your family name?"
Master Bai blanched. "I-"
Eryn interrupted quickly. "We do not have one," she said. "Forgive us."
Madam Liu nodded in part-understanding. "It is completely fine," she said, waving her hand.
Suddenly, she looked as if she's just remembered something and whirled around to face the two who sat at the stone table. She hurried over, pulling the frail-looking woman and her daughter to their feet. "Come, come!" she ushered.
They did so reluctantly, and Madam Liu quickly introduced them cheerfully. "This is Madam Wen. She is also known famously as the 'Wise Lady'."
Elias wasn't sure, but Drachnai interrupted.
'It is a suitable name,' he said. 'This woman is indeed very wise. It is best to be on her good side.'
Elias straightened and bowed. "Madam Wen," he greeted.
Madam Wen snapped her fan closed and used it to raise his chin. "Hmph." She turned away.
Elias stared after her, confused.
'No worries,' said Drachnai.
The younger version of Madam Wen came up to them, her dark red eyes still flaming. Her jet-black hair waved against the breeze as she approached Eryn first, her back straight and chin high.
Eryn looked up at the woman who loomed before her. Everything about her was mysterious.
"I am Ying," she said. Her voice was mystical.
She glanced over at Elias.
Though he was tall, she was still taller.
She smiled strangely.
"It's a pleasure to meet," she said.
Then she leaned forward and whispered.
"...Dragons."