The morning sun filtered through the dense canopy as I led Aerin back to the village. Her elven features, delicate and graceful, showed a mix of curiosity and trepidation. My heart pounded with a mix of excitement and apprehension. I was eager to help her, but I was also aware of the challenges ahead. Papa had always taught me to be cautious of strangers, and Aerin, despite being my new friend, was still a stranger to my family.
As we approached the village, I squeezed Aerin's hand reassuringly. "Don't worry, Aerin. My parents are kind. They'll understand.
"She nodded, her eyes scanning the surroundings warily. The village was just beginning to stir, with villagers going about their morning routines. We reached the front door of my cottage, and I took a deep breath before opening it.
"Mama! Papa! I'm home!" I called out, stepping inside with Aerin close behind.
Mama appeared from the kitchen, wiping her hands on her apron. Her eyes widened in surprise when she saw Aerin. "Keyn, who is this?"
"This is Aerin. She's an elf and she ran away from her home. I found her in the forest near the healing lake," I explained, hoping to convey the urgency of the situation.
Before Mama could respond, Papa entered the room, his expression stern. "Keyn, we need to talk."
* * *
Papa led us to the living room, his face growing darker with each step. Aerin stood nervously beside me, her hands clasped tightly in front of her."
Keyn, you know we can't just take in strangers," Papa said, his voice low and serious. "Aerin, where are your parents?
"Aerin's eyes filled with tears as she tried to explain. "My parents are far away in Selren Serin. I don't want to go back there. Please, let me stay."
Papa's frown deepened. "Selren Serin? That's a long way from here. We need to find your parents and return you home. You can't stay here."
"No! Please, I don't want to go back," Aerin cried, her voice breaking with desperation.
Without warning, she turned and bolted out the door. I hesitated for a moment, then ran after her, my heart pounding. The forest closed in around me as I chased her, her sobs guiding me through the trees.
"Aerin, wait!" I shouted, trying to catch up.
I found her by the healing lake, her small frame shaking with sobs. She turned to me, her eyes filled with a mix of fear and defiance. "I can't go back, Keyn. They'll never let me explore or be free."
I knelt beside her, my heart aching for my friend. "I understand, Aerin. I don't want you to be unhappy. I know a place where you can stay and hide. It's an old hermit's house, but it needs some tidying up."
Aerin's eyes widened with hope. "Really? Show me."
* * *
We made our way to the abandoned house deep in the forest. It was covered in vines, with moss and plants growing wild around it. The roof sagged, and the windows were broken. It was clear the place had been neglected for years.
"This is it," I said, gesturing to the dilapidated structure. "It's not much, but it could be a safe place for you."
Aerin stepped forward, her eyes scanning the house. She began to murmur softly, her words flowing in a language I didn't understand. I watched in awe as the vines began to retreat, the moss and plants disappearing. The rubble of the house started to move, the walls and roof repairing themselves as if by magic.
Within moments, the house stood before us, not just in good condition but looking like a safe and cozy home. Aerin turned to me, her eyes sparkling with a mix of relief and excitement.
"It's perfect," she said, her voice filled with wonder.
We spent the rest of the day making the place comfortable for her. Aerin used her magic to bring in furniture and create a warm, inviting atmosphere. By evening, the house felt like a true home.