As much as Davina tried not to think about it, she wondered what could've worried Kira to the point that she sobbed in her arms last night. Her behavior the past few days were already a mystery to her. Quinn and Arlo would've known what to do and how to help her. But then she remembered that for the past two days, Kira has spent them with her and hasn't gone over to Quinn or Arlo—at least as far as she knew about it.
It was then Davina noticed that even she doesn't know where they are and hasn't seen them around. She didn't give them much thought since they were at a new place. She also thought they were out there exploring or recovering. But now that she remembered the last time she saw Quinn, he didn't look too well.
Was that the reason why Kira was crying last night?
Was it also the reason why we haven't left yet?
How badly was he truly hurt?
The Elven King mentioned that there will be a celebration for them because they killed the ogre. But he mentioned that they'll only hold it when everyone is well. The dots are all connecting in Davina's head and she doesn't like what she's seeing.
Through her window, Davina saw the sun was starting to rise. When Kira said that she was fine and went back to her room, Davina went back to hers but she wasn't able to sleep. So when she saw the first sign of light, she knew that Eva would already be awake. She changed out of the nightgown that was provided for her and changed into pants, boots, and a dress that were also given by the elves.
The dark green dress had long sleeves that covered the scars and cuts on her arms. The length of it reached her knees. She liked how comfortable it was to move in. It was both good for fashion and function. There were elves who wore the same thing as her like Eva, but there were some who wore elegant and long clothing that seemed difficult to move in. Davina then took her sword and placed in its sheath that was also provided by the elves.
When Davina saw Eva, she asked her if she knew where Quinn and Arlo were staying.
"Master Quinn and Master Arlo? I'm not certain." She said apologetically. Eva had the habit of calling Davina and Kira "mistress" when they first met, but they said that she could call them by their names. "I heard they were still with the Healers."
Hearing that furthered Davina's suspicions. "Could you take me there?"
Eva beamed at the prospect of doing something for her. Davina wondered if she'd ever get over it since it's been three days now since they got there.
Davina followed Eva as they were heading to the Healers. Some of the houses they passed were still dark. Since it was too early in the morning, there were only a few elves around. Those they passed smiled and waved at Davina to which she stiffly responded. She couldn't help but compare their actions towards her from the actions of the people from the Kingdom of Eris. They used to act this welcoming around her too.
The two of them eventually ended up in front of a large house. There was a sign by the door made up of symbols that meant 'Healers.' Davina saw that they were quite similar to the symbols in the book Quinn was always carrying in his person. The book that Felix used to have.
Eva knocked and a male elf with long raven hair opened the door. He had brown skin and dark blue eyes. When he saw Davina, his eyes widened and he bowed to her.
"Welcome Mistress Davina," he stopped bowing, "is there anything you need? Are you injured?"
"I'm well. I just want to know where Quinn and Arlo are. I heard they were here."
The elf looked confused. "Master Quinn and Master Arlo left the Healers last night. I heard they were staying with the King."
Both Davina and Eva were surprised with this information. After they bid their farewells, Eva and Davina were headed to the castle. But Davina stopped Eva.
"I need you to go back to Kira." With what happened last night, it might not sit well with her if she's the only one in the house.
"You don't need me to take you to the castle?"
"I can find it on my own." She remembered passing by it from one of hers and Kira's walks the other day. "I just need you to go back with Kira and if she asks where I am, say that I wanted to go for a walk."
"I won't mention Master Quinn or Master Arlo to her?"
"No. Can you do that?" Eva nodded. "Thank you."
Davina and Eva parted ways. The castle wasn't that difficult to find. The castle is composed of three towers all connected with each other. According to Eva, the middle tower belonged to the King while the others were for his guests and personal use. If Quinn and Arlo were staying there, they must be in one of those towers.
Soft wind ran through her uneven hair. She liked being able to explore this early in the morning where there were only a few people around. She took her time going to the castle. She listened to the songs of the birds. She admired the structure of the other houses around her. Sometimes, Davina couldn't believe that she was here.
This was a good place to stay and live until she died. In this Kingdom, she wasn't a criminal. A murderer. Here, she would be able to live peacefully and quietly.
"Why don't you stay?" Felix asked. "You're right. We can live here until we—I mean, you die."
She was tempted. However, she knew the reason why she couldn't stay. The reason why she wouldn't be content if she does. Davina enjoyed her time with the Woodland Elves, but she wanted to continue on with her quest with the Inarians.
When she reached the entrance of the castle, she was surprised that there were no guards around. Eva did say that they weren't fighters unlike other Elven groups. But it still irked Davina that they would leave the home of their King unprotected. But she was proven wrong when vines grabbed her arms and legs when she stepped foot in the entrance.
There wasn't enough time for her to grab her sword. The next thing she knew was that she was hanging upside down at the castle entrance. She was high enough for anyone who's awake to see. She tried to wrestle free from the vines, but they were tighter than the ropes that held her on the night she was going to be burnt at the stake.
While she tried to break free from the vines, she felt herself being lifted higher and higher from the ground. It only stopped when she was by the balcony of one of the towers. She found herself face to face with the Elven King who had one raised hand and an expression of surprise and amusement on his face.
"Your Highness," she tried to conceal her embarrassment. "If you would be so kind to help me from this, it would be most appreciated."
The Elven King lowered his hand. The vines then turned her upright and gently let her on the balcony.
"I apologize Miss Dana," he was trying so hard to control his laughter, "I had no idea you were coming to visit today. I wished you informed me through the crystal I gave you."
That said crystal was in her room.
"My visit here wasn't part of my plans today, Your Highness. I'm sorry for not sending you any notice." She steadied herself on the Elven King's arm. "I see why you don't have any guards around the castle."
"I placed an enchantment around the castle to capture anyone who tries to break in. I wasn't expecting you to come so I wasn't able to place a charm on you so you can enter safely." Davina though it must've been nice to rely on magic to protect yourself. Definitely seemed more convenient. "I suspect you're here to visit Sir Quinn and Sir Arlo?"
Davina's head shot up. "So, they're here?"
"Yes, they're staying at the West Tower. I'll have someone send you there." He started to walk away and gather some pink flowers that were growing around the castle.
"Is Quinn…"
She couldn't bear to ask. She was so close. There was a part of her that wanted to know right away so that she would stop thinking about it. But she wanted to be able to see it through her own eyes. She isn't sure that she would truly believe it unless she saw it.
The Elven King either didn't hear her or ignored her. He came back to her side with the pink petals on his hands. He covered them and when he let them go, the petals started to fly around when there wasn't even wind inside. It spiraled around Davina and stayed in front of her.
"Please take Miss Dana to the room of Sir Quinn and Sir Arlo."
The pink petals started to fly away. The Elven King motioned for Davina to follow them. For fear of losing sight of the petals, she didn't bother to ask any questions and just followed them. She ignored the curious looks the other elves in the castle gave her and kept her eyes on the petals.
There was an uneasy feeling in her stomach as she took each step.
What was she going to see?
What was she going to find out once she got there?
There didn't seem to be any ounce of worry on the Elven King's face when he mentioned Quinn or Arlo. But his face is always so calm and serene that she couldn't really tell with him.
She followed it through the bridge that connected the three towers. Then the pink petals finally landed in front of a room with big white doors. When she reached it, the pink petals stopped flying and dropped on the ground.
If Quinn is unwell then that means that Arlo would be the one who'll open the door. He'll probably shut the door at her face. She readied herself to barge inside and force him to give her the answers she needed. She knocked on the door and prepared herself for the worst. But the Inarians always knew how to surprise her.
"Dana?"
She took a step back, in disbelief of the person in front of her.
"Quinn?"