Page 51 of Plaything of the Dark Elf

But it’s just the way it is, I guess.

Etheron left before I woke up this morning, so I’ve had the entire day to myself. I haven’t done much. I woke up a little sad because Etheron wasn’t beside me, but he left me a note saying he’d return as soon as possible.

I know he had some military business, so I’m not expecting him to be back for a while. I decided it might be nice to have a small surprise waiting for him.

There isn’t much I can get for him, but something I can do is get fresh flowers for his study. It can get pretty stuffy in there, especially when Etheron is in a bad mood. I feel like the flowers help.

At least that is what he tells me.

I go to the garden with some scissors and begin choosing some flowers that I think will look nice.

I tie my hair back and kneel down. I start cutting flowers, picking the prettiest ones.

As I set them aside, I think about Etheron and his return. He hasn’t been gone long, but I already miss him.

I find ways to keep myself occupied when Etheron is away. His home is full of all kinds of interesting things. His tour – which was much better than Meru’s – showed me that there was a lot to do.

I started looking at some of the books Etheron had in his library. Some of them were in languages I did not understand, though as Etheron taught me more about the runes, I began recognizing some of the symbols.

Others were readable and kept me entertained.

The grounds were also gorgeous. I would take walks or eat outside. I had been trapped in dungeons for so long, having the freedom to step outside and smell the fresh air whenever I wanted to was something I planned on taking full advantage of.

Often, Etheron and I would come out here together. Sometimes we’d talk, sometimes we’d just enjoy the feel of the air and he’d hold me, sometimes we’d…

I blush as I think about it. Etheron and I have mixed bodies on numerous occasions, and I still feel shy at times. I think it’s because of all the new feelings I am feeling.

Regardless, it’s a good life.

I continue cutting flowers, when I suddenly hear a commotion. That’s strange. Sometimes, there are loud noises when Etheron is training with the other elves, but he’s been gone all day.

I stand up and wait to see if I’ll hear the sound again. I do, and this time it is accompanied by shouts. Something is definitely happening, and it doesn’t sound good.

I’m sure Etheron would want to go in the other direction, but the noises I am hearing are worrisome. It sounds like something might be wrong, and I have to know what it is.

I rush in the direction of the noise, and what I see nearly brings me to my knees.

It’s Etheron, and he’s badly hurt. I panic as I try to reach him, needing to know if he’s okay.

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