Alas, what do you think they want? They seem focused on the women, or am I reading their gazes the wrong way?
Sophia warned Ethan that there were three men further down the road. They had the same symbol on their clothing. Ethan sighed.
"Alas, Sophia, what is wrong with this realm? Another group of thugs targeting one of the ladies."
Ethan caught up with the women and decided to stay quiet for now. He would deal with them as the opportunity presented itself. The symbol on their coats bothered him. He had seen it somewhere, but he could not place it. The leather boot shop had a display window to which Lucy had attached herself. She marvelled at all the boots on display. Wendy danced as Grace and the others laughed at the silly high elf. He pulled Lucy away from the window, her facial features smeared on the pristine window. Two girl's ears moved with vigour as the party entered the store. Grace stopped Ethan just inside the store.
"We can go and secure a ride to our destination."
Ethan placed his hands on her shoulders, pushing her deeper into the store.
"Alas, everyone, try on boots and no arguments."
Maple held up her hand shyly.
"I-I-I, I cannot afford boots right now."
Ethan places his hand on her shoulder.
"Alas, it has been settled already. Choose a sturdy pair and make sure it compliments your beautiful eyes."
Maple blushed. She wanted to say something else. Ethan pulled her onto a seat.
"Alas, if you want to make out instead."
Three women sprang into action. Maple rocketed off the seat as Ethan touched her leg. The store owner approached Ethan.
"Bucktooth's the name. How can I help your women, sir."
The older man stood upright, and his bold head shone with sweat. Ethan pulled the letter out of his robe and handed it to the man. Thick grey eyebrows furrowed as Bucktooth took out a monocle to read the letter.
"Alas, good to meet you. Make sure the boots fit well."
The man nodded his head as he walked to Grace to help her. Ethan felt good at that moment, having seen the state of their old shoes. He received glances as the women tried on boots. Wendy had her boots in minutes, parading for Ethan. Lucy also finished up, placing her foot on Ethan's knee.
"Squee, look at how pretty they are."
Ethan could have guessed. Lucy chose a pink pair of boots. Lara followed, thanking Ethan as she sat down and waited for them to finish. Old shoes were left behind as they exited the store. They had made sensible purchases, although Lucy could be spotted a mile away. The women had opted for soft brown leather thigh-high boots. It made sense with knee-length dresses it would protect them from the cold.
Ethan asked Sophia about Wendy and Lucy's choices, their skin covered in leather. Sophia assured him that ample skin was open under their dresses for their ability to work effectively. Lucy had pink leather thigh-high boots, setting her apart and making her an easy target. Lucy loved pink. That was a fact. Grace led the way towards the city area, where vehicles leaving the city gathered. Grace placed her hand on Ethan's chest, stopping him.
"Leave the negotiations to me. I have dealt with them before."
Ethan waited behind the women as Grace started her bartering with a group of drivers. They were a mixed bunch of demi-humans and humans. After ten minutes of shouting insults at each other, Grace gave up. She stood before them, hands on her hips, her foot tapping.
"Highway robbery, how crooked can you be."
The bear-kin woman who shouted the loudest gave Grace the finger, and Grace mirrored her. Ethan took Grace by the shoulders, holding her steady. Ethan gazed into her blue eyes, and he could see tears of anger forming.
"Alas, look around. There are many other options. Let us look around a bit."
Grace mumbled something under her breath and reluctantly let Ethan lead her by hand to the next group of drivers. Grace and Wendy were hoarse an hour later because they shouted insults at the people. Maple and Lucy were flustered. Words they never knew existed were used without restraining the vocabulary like ammunition. Ethan had moments when he tried to make himself look small to avoid being noticed. Wendy had a wide range of many unsavoury things to say and call people. Lara seemed calm and collected. She hid behind Ethan, holding his hand.
"Alas, we need to eat."
Wendy and Lucy's mood changed from night into day. Ethan should have known that food would distract the two. Grace mumbled as they walked, searching for a decent-looking stall to eat with benches and cover from the sun. They found a small eatery that served meat inside buns with a tomato relish. The owner made them a big plate of fried potato chips and placed it in the middle of the table. The beef melted in the mouth—the relish on the meat packed with flavour and spices. The ladies did not hide their hunger, throwing table manners and dignity aside.
Ethan ate in silence as he watched the five devour their food. They were still upset, he noticed. Two crafts of stout lasted only a short time as Ethan collected three more for the table. The man cooked his heart out as the women ordered more food. A second plate of chips and more stout arrived at the table. Words became slurred as the stout went down too well.
Lucy attempted to mount Ethan twice, cheered on by Lara. Wendy drooled on his arm after she passed out, smearing her sauce-covered mouth on his sleeve. Maple hugged Ethan from the back, kissing his cheek. She sat and fell forward, snoring followed. Lara and Grace held each other as they slept, heads on the table.
Ethan could see a big pickup truck swerving into the area, stopping next to the eatery. Women in overalls stepped out, and an elf woman as well. He could see their gold plate adventure badges. The eatery owner, Draga, placed his apron on the counter, hugging the two women, then pointed at Ethan as he explained something to them. The two seated themselves next to their table. The elf woman spoke, her hand on her sword hilt.
"Giant man, Draga tells us you need passage to Clover Dark Village."
Ethan could see that these women were battle-hardened, their scars telling a tale of hard-won battles. He nodded, but he did not want to say anything yet.
The woman spoke, her cleavage incredible. Ethan focused on her face, preferring not to die young.
"We could take you there. Are you sure about this? It is a dark and terrible place with many criminal elements. You know what they do to elves, right? They use them for breeding."
The two looked at Wendy, her drool running down Ethan's arm as she softly snored.
"Alas, I am aware we need to go."