"Why are the Terrasil Elves so strange?" Vera's little face was full of confusion. "Why weren't they surprised or shaken when the enemy they were facing changed? If they thought they couldn't handle that Lich... they weren't happy when he disappeared, either."
In the Undead's world, running from a boss they might not be able to beat was only natural. Leaving behind a smaller boss they could handle was just as natural... But Hill couldn't exactly say that aloud.
He merely smiled. "They visited several worlds before coming to Toril. They're very experienced in battle. A change like this wouldn't surprise or excite them."
Vera tilted her head. "But they screamed like mad when the Swan Fairy turned tiny. Phaella nearly fell out of the sky the first time she heard them. They're louder than Gnomes."
Hill gave Vera an odd look. What had the Flower Fairies done in the past to make her remember how loud Gnomes were? It couldn't have been their insults. Gnomes were no match for Leprechauns when it came to foul mouths. Those creatures were masters of vile lies and filthy abuse.
Generally, the simplest way to deal with them was to seal their mouths first.
Gnomes were easily excitable, but they didn't usually scream in anger... Well, never mind. He was better off not asking. When Vera occasionally spoke of the past, she mentioned that notorious Leprechaun god. A good child would never have dealings with a creature like that.
And Hill could tell that the Leprechaun god had once come off worse against Vera. That was why he had later helped Titania set her up.
He said softly, "In the world of the Terrasil Elves, being seasoned by battle and living a life full of surprises aren't mutually exclusive.
"If you can manage