Malachi walked close behind me as we traveled through the beautiful forest, the sunlight peeking through the dancing leaves. He stepped carefully over tree roots and passed through the fern covered forest floor. He seemed to be lost in thought, obviously distracted. I took notice of this and took in a deep breath of the amazing forest aroma, I walked straight toward a tree and at the last possible moment, stepped out of the way and stopped to watch the magic.

At the last second he looked up and with little time to react his face collided with the trunk of the tree. He jumped back, hissing in pain as he held his hands against his newly injured nose. As he tried to move away, his horns became tangled in some low-lying branches of smaller trees. He gave a low and obnoxious groan as he tried to tug away.

I tried hard to contain my laughter at first, only spurts of laughter coming between my lips, but as soon as he pulled back I couldn’t help but start laughing obnoxiously while holding my side and crying, occasionally breathing out the word “Cramp” between laughs.

Malachi leaned forward and gave a harsh tug, ripping the branches right from the tree. His arms fell to his side as he let out another groan. He reached up and started pulling the twigs from his horns and tangled hair. He briefly glared at me, “Yeah yeah laugh it up.”

“Sorry!” I called as I tried to breathe, wiping a tear from my eye.

As he pulled the final twig from his hair, he shook his head for any leaves or bark that possibly remained, “Well I’m glad you got a good laugh from that. I’ve learned my lesson for not paying attention, that's for sure.”

I shrugged with a stupid grin still plastered to my face, “Sorry.” I repeated, “What were you thinking about anyway?”

Malachi glanced back over his shoulder and the tree he hit, rubbing his nose from the lingering pain. “Well I was curious... Why team up with me? We’re obviously two very different people with two very different backgrounds. I know you’re a big-time bounty hunter... So, do you have a bounty on me or something?”

He’s on to you. Zagasihr whispers.

“Well, you interest me, which can be hard to do. Besides, you made me want to visit my uncle who happens to be in Atheria so why not continue traveling with you? But no, I’m not currently on a job which means I have down time to go on a road trip. I understand you don’t want me to travel with you, I can understand why you wouldn’t to a point. But you have been very fervent about it. Why is that?” I asked, trying to turn it around on him. I’m getting flustered, I need to be more professional. Come on! Off in the distance though, Nexxis was jumping through the forest having a grand old time. Lucky.

Malachi’s eyes gazed upward as he gave a quick thought about the topic. He gives me a mild shrug, “I just... really don’t want to team up with anybody right now. Besides, I’ll admit that there’s something suspicious about you.”

“But why though? And how?” I asked curiously.

“Well, I know this sounds weird but there’s just something off. I get this vibe that there is a lot of blood on your hands,” He says as he points to his nose, “I can smell it on ya.”

I shrugged, playing it off. No point in hiding it. “Before I became a bounty hunter I was an assassin... But my last job doing that I couldn’t finish so I became a bounty hunter.” I thought more about it, was there anything else I did that was major bloodshed? That wasn’t Zagashir. “And before that I was a pirate, but we didn’t really kill many people.”

Malachi tilted his head in curiosity, his eyebrows knitted together as he looked at me cautiously. “Sounds like you’ve been through a lot.”

“I mean, I am a hundred and twenty-four years old. So yeah I guess you could say that.” I said as I thought about it. I don’t feel like I’m really all that old.

Malachi gave me a quick laugh, “It always amazes me how long elves live. You probably have seen a lot in your life. I can only imagine living that long. Must be the closest thing to immortality.” He said as he slid his bag over so he could jump over a log in our path. “I still got my eye on you though. Kind of paranoid about the whole assassin, pirate, background.”

I shrugged, “Alright if it makes ya feel better, but you never answered me about why you don’t want to team up so badly?”

His eyes fell to the forest floor as he sighed in defeat, “I was a part of the Atharian military. I was off fighting in the civil war and now I’m on my way home, so yeah... not really looking for an adventuring team up right now.”

I nodded, “Well, we’re not really adventuring. We’re just traveling together. I also saw you’re not the best with a map so I can help you there too. Help ya get home quicker.” I said with a small smile.

He blushed from embarrassment and crossed his arms, mumbling under his breath, “Not my fault that maps have so many words.”

I looked at him funny before shaking my head, “So, what’s something you like to eat? Maybe we can have that soon.” I tried to change the subject.

“Fish. Fish is good. Or meat. I’m not picky.” He said with absolutely no hesitation.

“Fish it is.” I grinned, “Haven’t had that in a while.” I thought to myself.

I will catch some later. Nexxis commented as she continued to jump around. A small, quaint town was coming into view. Just a simple layout and probably easy on the jobs. Not an ideal place to make a lot of money unless you’re a passing thief.

A cheerful grin appeared on his face, bearing his fangs as his ears perked up with excitement, “I haven’t had it in a while either, but happy about it nonetheless.”

I rubbed my hands together as we approached the town, “But for now, it’s time for my favorite food. Pastries.” I said as I started looking around for a bakery.

Malachi snickered, “I'll be checking on the shops I guess.” He said as he ended up leaving me and wandering to the small nearby shopping plaza. He approached a stand selling magic and arcana supplies, asking about charms and anti-curse spells. Nexxis followed him, mostly to keep an eye on him for me, but also because she was attracted to his aura as a paladin and generally good person. I eventually joined him and looked curiously at what he was interested in.

A woman nearby approached who was very pleasing to the eye and got too close to Malachi as she looked at the supplies and started talking to him, “So what are you going to do with any of this stuff?” She asks playing a stupid innocent girl as she tried to make her boobs look inconspicuously bigger. I glared at the woman as I watched her intently.

Malachi looked at the supplies laid out with his chin resting in his hand, completely oblivious to the woman so far, “Oh just looking at the different arcana tools. Lots of dangerous demons and monsters out there so you can never be too careful.” He said before his nose scrunched up a bit, smelling something foul. He’s so cute when he does that. He turned, noticing the woman, and examined her with caution.

"Hmm well I have plenty of supplies... Maybe I could give ya some if you come back to my place?” She asked with a sexy grin and I scowled at her as I crossed my arms. Fucking bitch should lay off.

Malachi raised an eyebrow, “Uh huh, do you have a shop of your own?” He asked with his tail currently hanging low, swinging from side to side nervously.

That woman is not what she seems. Nexxis comments.

Yeah, I figured as much but I still want to cut her down. Kind of bold for going at a Paladin don’t ya think? I commented.

“No, but my home isn’t too far. Maybe I could cook you something nice?” She persisted. I got a bit closer to Malachi.

“What are you trying to pull, lady?” I asked rudely with my arms still tightly crossed over my chest. The woman glanced at me but paid me no mind. What a bitch.

Malachi leaned back a bit, “You know, as childish as this sounds, my master told me not to follow random strangers into their homes. It’s how you end up dead or sold on the black market. But if you have magic supplies, it wouldn’t hurt to start your own business. I’m sure you can make a profit.”

“We’re both adults here.” she says as she eyes him, “Don’t you want something to eat?” She asks with a smile on her face. “I’m not a very strong person as you can probably see.” She lifts one of her dainty arms, “I’m harmless to such a strong man like yourself.” She was using the classic trick of flattery to attempt to persuade him. My face scrunched into a snarl but I made no noise.

Malachi glanced at me and gave me a wink, he must have a plan. “I guess it couldn’t hurt. I can always go for a bite. I mean, it’s hard to say no to free food.”

“She can’t come with us though, I only have food for two people until I go shopping.” The woman says and I glare at her although I should have expected as much.

Malachi bows, giving the woman a kiss on her hand, “I appreciate your generosity. I don’t come across it very often,” he says sweetly. “She’ll be alright. I’m sure she won't mind getting her own lunch at a restaurant in town.” He comments.

The woman smiles and starts leading him back toward her home. I wait for a moment until they’re far enough away before I follow them. As they head out of town, I stick to the shadows and remain completely unnoticeable. The woman was leading Malachi to a little house surrounded by trees far away from the town. The house wasn’t a nice one either, looked to be sinking into the soil and the roof was sinking in, looking ready to collapse at any moment. Vines and moss took over the outside of it and the windows were barely visible as well as foggy.

Malachi looked around the scenery, his divine aura building up within him, “You enjoy living out here? It’s quite peaceful isn’t it?”

“Oh yes, I love to be able to get away from all the busyness of the town.” She smiles at him, trying to express her feminine features.

“I can agree with that. You can get a better view of the stars outside of town.” He continued to glance over his shoulder. Don’t worry Malachi, I’m here.

Don’t go inside, it’ll be harder for us to assist you, Nexxis mentally communicates with him. She appeared at the edge of the small yard behind the hag, ready to attack. Malachi heard her, no doubt, but seemed to have another plan in mind as he followed the woman into the house. The house was crowded with furniture and potion making ingredients along with potions themselves. I climbed a tree and found the perfect perch outside one of the small windows, readying my bow and watching intensely for an opening.

Malachi walked around the cabin, trying to seem impressed by the disaster, “Cute little place you got here. Seems rather lonesome.” He says, hoping the woman would approach him as he walked closer to the window I was positioned outside of, eyeing me.

The woman does get closer to him with a smile on her face, “Thank you, but I don’t get very lonely.” She says as she’s about to make a move on Malachi she gets within the perfect spot in front of the window and I take the shot, piercing the hag through the heart with the arrow coming out the other side. The woman looked at Malachi with angry shock and her façade drops to reveal her true, ugly form as she falls to her knees then to the floor with a thump to die.

Malachi crossed his arms and shook his head, “Called it... I wasn’t falling for that old trick again.” He says turning to the window to give me a thumbs up.

I quickly make my way to him and meet him just outside the cabin and cross my arms, “Fuck her.” I spat under my breath.

Malachi led me back inside and looked over the hag’s body before proceeding to study the room. “I wonder how many innocent victims she’s claimed. She must have been overly confident, seeing how close she was to town. We should probably inform the local guards.”

I shrugged as I quickly bent down to the body, glared at her as I stood again, and spoke “She’s dead now, does it matter if we tell them?” I asked while looking around and feeling disgusted. This place was a gross mess.

“If there are missing people notices, this might have been what happened to them. It’ll be very quick, but I think it’s best to let the town’s people know so they can better prepare themselves in case something like this happens again.” Malachi stepped outside, waving a hand in front of his face, “Even in disguise, that hag smelled like rotten flesh and bad goat milk.”

I walked out behind him and shrugged again, “Let’s just get out of here. This place is gross.” I said sticking my tongue out with a little shiver.

“I can definitely agree with that. Nice shot by the way. You got a real talent with a bow. Me, on the other hand, should never be allowed to touch a bow.” He says trying to be funny.

I smiled at him, “Well thanks. That’s okay, I’ll be the archer and you can wield the battleaxe which is something I am not very good at.” I laughed lightheartedly.

“I guess a team up with you couldn’t hurt... but it would be very temporary.” He finally said to which I grinned.

Once we made it back to town I looked up at Malachi, “You wanted to let the guards know?” I asked, raising an eyebrow.

Malachi gave a firm nod, “If the hag was living this close to town, she may have been preying on the people here. It's best to let the guards know in case missing people were reported.” I rolled my eyes as we headed up to one of the guards. He looked at us questioningly. Malachi straightened up his posture, “Good afternoon sir. My companion and I are but traveling adventurers that came across a green hag just on the outskirts of town. We took care of her, but we wanted to inform you in case she’s been a problem.”

“Well thank you for informing me. We have missing people searches that might be able to be traced to her.” The guard said with a slight bow of his head.

I looked between the two of them, no gold exchange? “Soo, was there a bounty on her? Because we killed her and I wanted to know if we could get paid.” I said as I raised the hags head from my bag.

The guard’s eyes widened slightly, “Uh well, there wasn’t but here’s a little gold for your trouble.” He said handing me two gold pieces. I looked at them with a raised eyebrow before shrugging and pocketing the coin. “I’ll dispose of that.” He says as he takes the head slightly disgusted with it.

Malachi tensed up, “When did you- Why did you take her head!?”

I shrugged as the guard had left, “Right before we left and in case she had a bounty and they wanted proof.” I said with a grin.

Malachi pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed before he threw his hands in the air, “But-- You know what. Never mind. Let’s just go.”

I shrugged again, “Alright let’s go, but I’m gonna hit up the market real fast.” I said and headed off. He gave me a quick thumbs up, his face still showing his disapproval of my actions. Oh well. He followed close behind me, eying the shops as we walked by them. I pretended to be oblivious to him as I bought some fish and put it in my bag. “Alright we can go.” I said as I gave him a huge grin.

Malachi looked at me and then at the newly purchased fish, “Uh yeah let’s hit the road.”

“So what are you gonna do after we meet back up with your master person?” I asked as we walked out of town.

He gave a quiet hum as he mentally debated with himself, “Maybe finish my training as a paladin? I have a few things I need to discuss with my master before I become a full-fledged paladin. But after that... Well I guess that’s something I gotta figure out.”

“Maybe I can be there for that...” I said to myself then shook my head and looked at the ground in confusion. Did I seriously just say that? What is wrong with me?

Malachi looked at me and tilted his head, “You okay?” He asked.

I looked up at him surprised, “Yeah, I’m fine!” I said quickly and smiled at him, feeling a bit embarrassed. Why am I embarrassed? Oh right, because I admitted some personal thoughts out loud.

“Are you sure?” Malachi asked, “Do you have plans once I get to my location?”

“Uh well. I suppose I’ll be visiting my uncle. He lives in Hugel.” I said scratching the back of my head and looking up at the passing clouds.

“Your uncle lives in Hugel?” Malachi asked, rather surprised. “Well isn’t that a fortunate coincidence. Who is your uncle? I know a lot of the people in town since they were almost my neighbors growing up.”

“Yeah. I haven’t been back in so long. I wonder if he’ll be pissed or relieved.” I snickered. “Uh well. I guarantee you know who he is...” I paused.

Don’t tell him who your uncle is. He’ll react negatively. He’ll think you’re lying. Zagasihr tried to seep his thoughts into mine.

I ignore him, “His name is Caderyn Belsorin. I lived with him from the age of fifteen to twenty-five.” I grinned.

Malachi’s eyes went wide as they flickered a few times, “My master is your uncle!? Why didn’t you say anything! I’ve been over here talking about him to his own niece.” He exclaimed, laughing and in complete shock, face palming. The slow gears started moving between his large ears, “Wait... You wouldn’t happen to be Ara, would you?” He asked.

I blushed a bit, “Yeah, that’s my childhood name...” I said with a small laugh. “I uh, wasn’t sure how to bring it up or what would happen if I did.” I said, avoiding eye contact. “If you know my childhood name, I’m to assume someone was talking about me.” I said, subtly eying his battleaxe.

“Oh right, elves have childhood names,” He said thinking out loud. He soon nodded at me, “Caderyn and Zelaphor talked about you all the time. I had no idea who ‘Little Ara’ was, but they seemed to worry and care about you,” He said, “Now I’m wondering why Z kept quietly lately though about you...” He mumbled to himself.

I fidget a bit, shifting my weight, “I’m not the same as I was back then... I’ve been gone for almost a hundred years. I was kidnapped at twenty-five and I’m a hundred and twenty-four now. I don’t blame her.” I said softly at the end with a shrug. “So... ready to eat?” I asked.

“I’m sorry you’ve been through all that.” Malachi said with his ears hanging low. “I’m sure she has her reasons—but she has been very quiet lately. I think she’s been recharging, but it’s been a long time...” He said and soon nodded his head, “Food sounds good. Though I do have another questions for you.” He points his thumb back at his weapon. “I’m guessing you know about Zelaphor being my battleaxe then, huh?”

“I do, yeah. I recognized her and that armor right away.” I said pointing at his chest piece. “I had to get a better feel for you before I said anything you know?” I said, a bit embarrassed.

“I suppose that makes sense. I may know your uncle, but I’m still a stranger.” He said and pulled out his weapon to look it over. He softly shook his head, “She is so quiet. Usually her little sprite form pops up and she starts cursing and being loud. These past few days have been weird... But maybe after all that’s happened, she needs the recharge.” He said and sighs, putting his weapon back on his back. “Would you like help prepping dinner?”

“Who knows, Z is pretty weird.” I said with a shrug, “Uh-- well if you wanna get a fire started I guess.”

“She is- different.” Malachi says smiling as he nods his head, “But uh sure! Let me get that going for you.” With the fire going, I cooked the food and we continued chatting idly about random things, like Hugel and how it changed, or about interesting encounters we’ve come across on the road. He complimented my cooking and we joked about my uncle's poor cooking skills. Once he went to bed for the night, after we stargazed for a moment, I couldn’t help but have a smile on my face. What a pure and sweet soul. I hope I never have to leave his side.