Mila's First Outing (Completed)

[Elára Vëa]

Artemis and Mila were recieved by the ever commanding (and ever 'not smiley') Elára Vae, who fixed them with a look, as if deciding what she should do. Her eyes lingered on Mila, taking in her pointed ears, too short for her to be a true elf. "You seem to be a regular guest, Salquë," she said, to Artemis, then looked back to Mila. "Greetings, Peredhel.." She used the Elvish for 'half-elf.

"I can send for her, but what is this 'desperate need'? We help all Elven kind ... including the peredhel,. Though you could have perhaps picked a better friend to accompany you here." Her eyes flicked to Artemis.

Despite her request for more information, she turned her imperious gaze to the tavern's main room. "Raen; bring Almá Katarya to me. Immediately."

Raen was sat waiting for his next time to perform, idly turning his lute, though he was watching the visitors with interest ... especially Artemis. The young Elf did not hold back his emotions: there was good, honest lust in the young bard's eyes. He got to his feet and gave a dramatic bow. "I live to serve, mighty Quimellë!". He winked to Artemis as he passed them, vanishing up the stairs.

Elára's eyes moved back to a stack of papers she was sorting through, as if they weren't standing right in front of her.

[Mila Glade]

Mila followed closely behind Artemis when they entered the elven inn. Her grey eyes flicked back and forth between the patrons, wondering how different the elves here would be from those of Ajteire. They certainly had a tougher life.

When Artemis mentioned not being allowed to enter without an escort, a lot of questions sprang to mind, but she was more concerned with getting help to her pa, and when they reached that senior woman, Mila felt rather intimidated. She had also called her "peredhel", a word she was familiar with. She understood the titles, but only their translation; Almá meaning flower. She had never heard of it being used as a rank before. Still she found herself nervous under Elára's gaze. Kerasoka elders tended to have that effect. When she asked 'why', Mila blurted out the answer immediately. "It's my pa. He's real sick. As in, he might even die! And none of the healers will help me. Artemis here is helping me. He's a, well, he's my friend."

Mila was grateful when Elára called for the other elf to get this Katarya woman. Maybe she would get some help after all. Also, the flirtatious look that the bard had thrown Artemis her way had been so blatant that she almost smiled, despite everything that was going on.

[Katarya Frost]

Elára nodded as Mila spoke. "I see. Then your friend asked for the right person. Almá Katarya has a keen interest in healing elven-folk. I am sure she will be of assistance."

At that moment, Katarya stepped down from the upper levels and into the bar area. She spied Artemis and a youngish girl beside him, looking a little worse for wear. She strode over, Nyx at her shoulder, warbling something into her ear, which made the witch nod. She gave them both a warm smile. "I am here, as requested." She nodded to Artemis. "Good to see you." She was wearing finer clothes than usual; still the same cloak that Artemis had bought her, but her laced shirt and dress were of considerably higher quality than she normally wore. Her movement up the ranks had come with some perks it seemed.

Then the witch turned to Mila. "How can I help? I hear your father is sick." She said, sympathetically.

[Mila Glade]

Mila felt a flood of relief. She was about to get the held she needed and pa would be saved! She could have hugged the woman and Artemis joyfully, but she retained her composure, mostly. "He just got sick miss, I mean Almá. Been like this since we cam to the city. I don't think the air is good for him."

"I don't have much, but the mister helped me get some coin." She referred to Artemis. "And I'll do whatever else I need to get some help."

[Katarya Frost]

Kat gave the girl a reassuring smile. "It's part of my role to help out sick Elves." Her eyes looked to Artemis. "You brought her to the right place; thank you, Artemis." She was also sporting the earring he gave her, and encircling her wrist was the charm bracelet too. It seemed she had not held any grudge, after all.

"Elves are a hardy folk, so I am sure we can get him up on his feet in no time. I'll just grab my bag, and we can be off." She once again looked to Artemis. "Will you be joining us?" She asked the question almost off-handidly, but her eyes told another story; she wanted him to come. "Just in case ... you never know!" It was a lame excuse, and she knew it, but said it anyway. They had spent so little time together, with her work and ... whatever it was he did with himself when they weren't together. Kat had learned not to pry too much into his work.

[Artemis Black]

Artemis was nervous as they waited for Katarya. He still wasn't entirely sure how thin the ice he stood on with the elves actually was. Despite this, he offered Raen's retreating form a soft warbling birdsong. {Friend. Moving. Behind.}

When the Witch appeared, his breath caught and he felt a warmth at his neck. He whistled a soft song for her as she approached. {Love. Keep. Protect.} Then he fell silent, letting Kat and Mila discuss their business, keeping himself contained to furtive glances. She was wearing the jewelry and the cloak. It was as if he'd armored her.

"I would be remiss to let a pair of ladies wander alone," Artemis said, giving Kat a wink and just barely avoiding taking her into a firm hug. "And I believe the father is more our kin. The trouble was Mila attempting to hire, not the rejection of the patient. As for funds, if what we have is insufficient, I can simply accept some credit for her and cover the difference."

[Katarya Frost]

Raen gave a bright smile as Artemis whistled. He gave the man a wink, and made a feeble attempt to return with his own call. {Come back/lover}

As they started moving, Kat glanced back at Raen and then to Artemis. She wanted to ask him about what Raen had told her, but not in front of the half-elf (who looked like she needed a good wash). But when he said 'our kind', she quickly steered them out of the Hart. "Our Kind?" She asked, then looked to Mila. "Your father is a Human?"

Mila nodded. "Yes, and he is very sick."

Kat was glad they were out of the door when that was said. "I'll have to ask you keep that to yourself. I'm supposed to treat only Elves through the Hart. I can do it on my own time, but best to keep it quiet."

Mila looked irritated, but since this healer was helping them, what did it matter? She'd do anything!

They walked for a while until they reached a very rundown shack. It was in a state, even for slum standards. Katarya was used to places like these, so she just pushed the door and went in. "Healer calling!" The Witch announced herself.

Before her, in a chair, was the body of a very old man. His face was pale and sunken, and he let out short raspy breaths.

Katarya moved to his side with a frown on her face. She pressed one hand to his forehead, and put the fingers of her other hand on his wrist. He hadn't even woken up. She closed her eyes for a moment, gathering her magic, and searching. When she had finished, she looked to Mila. "Do you have any clean water?" When Mila shook her head, Kat said. "Go to the home of Mistress Tílla, the one with thethe leaf painted on the front. Know it? Good."

When she left, Kat stood up and turned to Artemis. "This man isn't sick, not in any way I can cure. He's dying, because he's old. I'll have to tell her. She would have outlived him anyway, being mixed-race. I doubt she'll take this well.

[Artemis Black]

Artemis followed behind the women, keeping a half-step in their wake as they moved to discourage interruptions or pickpockets. 'Good we didn't come right out with the whole human bit, Kat doesn't deserve even more troubles,' he thought as they moved away from the inn.

His eyes darted around constantly, locking onto other's vision and glaring down several attempts, as they moved into the rougher part of town. When they arrived at the home, he kept near the door, leaning against the wall to let Katarya do her work. When she sent off Mila, he raised a brow.

The explanation that followed made him frown. "Well, that is certainly a particularly human affliction. I wonder how she'll take it," Artemis said, somewhat jaded to familial deaths but aware they could deeply scar others. "We've got enough to get right proper sloshed if that'll help."

He moved a hand to her cheek, gently stroking it. "I know now's not the time, but you look wonderfully lovely when you're working. Gives a man ideas," he finished with a quick kiss.

[Katarya Frost]

Katarya put her hand over his, letting out a deep sigh. "I'm glad you're here. This isn't going to be good."

Mila was hurrying towards them with a small jug. The way she jogged, it must have been full to the brim.

Honestly, Kat didn't need the water, and neither did Mila's father; it has just been a 'giving someone something to do' action to help. People liked to feel useful at times like this. She took it from her and gave it to Artemis. "Just stand by." She instructed.

"Mila, I have something to tell you."

The half-elf didn't like the sound of that at all. She felt herself holding her breath. "What?" She said, quietly.

Kat sighed. "Honey, I'm so sorry, but your father is dying, and there's nothing no one can do for him. It's not a disease, as such, it's just that he's an old man and it's his time. He has lived long for a Human."

Mila knew that Katarya was right, deep in her bones. But what happened now? "How long does he have?" She said outright.

Kat's eyes softened, and she patted the girl's hand. "No long now. The way he's breathing ... I think it'll happen very soon. Why don't you say goodbye. Me and Artemis will stay outside, but I won't leave. I'll stay with you until the end."

Mila nodded, her face blank. It wasn't shock, as such. but still, hearing it confirmed was something else.

Katarya took Artemis by the arm and the two stepped outside. When the shoddy door was closed, Kat looked to Artemis. "How did you find her? And thank you for bringing her to me. it's not pleasant doing this, but she's so young! She'll need to be cared for after this."

[Mila Glade]

When the two had stepped outside, Mila walked over to her father and knelt beside him, taking his hand in her own. It was cold and clammy, and he was barely awake, only a slight change in his rasping breaths when she touched him. "I'm sorry, pa." She said, as tears streamed down her face. "I'm so sorry."

He turned his head to her, much to Mila's surprise. Then he opened his eyes, and gave her a very soft, and very tired smile. His breathing seemed to slow, and he closed his eyes again.

An hour later, Mila's father was dead.

The half-elf stood up. What was she supposed to do now? They should never have left Ajteire, but the thought of going back made her feel sick. No, she would stay here, in this strange city, and she would survive, learn, grow.

And then one day, she would hunt down her mother and put a knife in her throat.

Mila wiped her face as best she could, and then called out to the two waiting outside. "You can come in now." She called. And then in a softer voice. "He's gone."