"Excuse me, sir!"
Luca turned to the guard who'd shouted at them. Zander tensed beside him, looking down at the ground.
"How can I help you?"
The guard gasped. "I'm sorry, sir. But the elf is not allowed to leave the palace gates."
Luca grabbed Zander's wrist before he could turn and walk away. He flashed a smile at the man. "What's your name, kind sir?"
"C-Conor."
"Well, Conor, this elf has a name and serious injuries that require treatment."
Conor opened his mouth, but Luca held up a hand. "Unless you're offering to treat his wounds, I suggest you let us through."
Conor looked back at his friends who were whispering among themselves. Turning back toward them he sighed. "Alright. Please hurry."
"Yes sir." Luca tossed a bag of coins at the man. "Have a good day."
A carriage awaited them and Luca stepped aside allowing Zander to go first.
His gaze was full of wonder as he took in the object before him. He'd probably never been this close to anything this clean, and based on the rumors Luca had heard, Zander and the other elves all share a room that was once used to store trash.
When Luca climbed into the carriage it started moving and Zander folded his arms, pursing his lips.
When Luca saw Zander for the first time, he was stunned by the sheer physical presence of the man before him. Zander's towering stature and chiseled muscles commanded the room, drawing Luca's attention in a way that he couldn't ignore. However, it was Zander's piercing silver eyes that truly captured Luca's attention, seeming to look straight through him and into his very soul. Luca couldn't help but notice the way Zander's dark hair cascaded down his broad shoulders, the soft waves of it seeming to beg for Luca's touch. He imagined running his fingers through the silky strands, feeling their texture against his skin, and couldn't help but feel a sense of longing.
"Do you always manage to buy your way out of trouble?"
Luca averted his gaze and fingered the hem of his shirt. "That didn't sound like a thank you."
Zander furrowed his brows and Luca sighed. "Yes and no. It's not something I'm proud of, it's what my dad was trying to get me to stop doing before he-"
Luca stopped talking and bit his lip. His dad died a few months ago in their home from a sickness no healer could name. No amount of money or doctor's visits could heal him.
They got the same response from all who had come to see him: "There's nothing more we can do. I suggest getting his things prepared."
Luca would hear none of it. He joined the king's army like his dad wanted, and he stopped trying to avoid his problems, he did everything his dad asked of him thinking that that would fix everything. Fix him.
Nothing worked.
Zander leaned forward. "I'm sorry."
Luca quickly wiped his cheeks and smiled sadly. "He was a good guy."
They sat in silence the rest of the way. The carriage stopped in front of a small cottage on the edge of town.
A woman wearing a faded blue dress was standing out front with a little boy clutching her hand.
"This is my mom. I'm sure you've met her on many occasions." Luca said, opening the door. "Millie Elder."
Zander slid out after him and hung back staring at the duo. The little boy gawped up at Zander and scurried over.
"This is an elf?!" he squealed. "This is so cool!"
Zander blinked and looked over at Luca who laughed nervously. "This is my little brother, Foster."
"Nice to meet you." Zander swallowed, clearly uncomfortable with Foster's proximity.
Foster glowered at Luca folding his arms. "You didn't tell us you were bringing a friend over! There's no dinner."
"I won't be staying long," Zander muttered. "I don't want to bring unwanted attention."
Millie laughed. "Please do. It's been a while since we've had guests." she opened the door gesturing for them to follow her.
"Can you stay? Please?" Foster begged. "Can you teach me how to use a sword?"
Luca laughed and ruffled Foster's hair. "Don't you think you're a little young to be wielding a sword?"
Foster huffed swatting Luca's hand away. "I'm not!"
Zander made a sound in his throat. "Hm. I think a sword may be too heavy for you." he reached into his pocket, pulling out a silver dagger with a beautifully carved hilt. "This once belonged to my older brother, take care of it, yeah?"
Foster's eyes widened and he gingerly took the sheathed weapon before racing into the house.
Millie sighs. "I don't think that was the best idea."
"He'll be alright," Zander smirked, and Luca's heart wilted. "He's got a good teacher."
He cocked his head toward Luca and then moved toward the cottage. Luca blinked after him in surprise.
"I'm not a teacher." Luca mutteres.
Zander turned. "What makes you say that?"
"Well, I never was a good student myself. And I hardly paid attention when my father was trying to teach me."
Zander peered down at him and raised a brow. "Well, since you were kind enough to offer me treatment, the least I can do is teach you."
"Teach me?"
"Is that a problem?"
Luca shook his head. "No. Not at all."
"Good. See you tomorrow at sunrise."