Annan looked up in delight at the figure outside the training hut.
"What are you doing here?"
"Are you happy to see me? Then give me a deep kiss—"
The Elf Mentor had barely appeared before she overwhelmed Annan with her enthusiasm. Before he could stand, Irilanze threw herself into his arms... or rather, pulled him into hers.
Elves never thought they had a scent, but anyone lucky enough to get close to one knew they smelled of freshness after rain and the fragrance of the forest.
"Let me ask a few questions first... I can't breathe..."
After finally getting the Elf Mentor to release him, Annan avoided her gaze, so ardent it seemed ready to melt him.
"I think I've been confined here... Did they give you any trouble when you came?"
"No. They know about us."
"Has something happened at the Elven Royal Court lately?" Annan finally voiced the question troubling him.
The celebration was still more than ten days away, yet he, one of its central figures, had been confined here. He couldn't help wondering why.
The Elf Mentor looked troubled. Just as she was about to speak, Annan stopped her. "Don't tell me. They must have a reason for keeping it from me. I don't want to drag you into this."
"You're so sweet..."
Deeply moved, Irilanze repaid his kindness by pulling his head against her chest until he couldn't breathe.
When Annan finally struggled free, he gulped down air, still shaken. He realized he couldn't say anything else the Elf Mentor might take the wrong way...
They were alone here. The nearest Treehouse was a hundred meters away. No one would come to save him, no matter how loudly he shouted.
"Do you know how the Royal Court feels about the alliance?"
The Elf Mentor