Chapter 344: Another Attack!
Brian led Samantha into the cottage, whilst the air around them carried a subtle resonance of lingering magic. The cottage was lit with an enchanted glow, exposing the faces of the weary elf members.
Some sat on makeshift stools, discussing the intricacies of their situation, while others reclined on bedrolls, nursing wounds both visible and concealed. Samantha’s fist balled tightly at her side upon noticing the condition of those who had done nothing wrong but help her, and a tense silence occupied the space the moment her presence was noticed.
Some stared at her with pure resentment, which was normal. She had brought this upon them, so it was only natural for them to pin their present situation on her, even if they tried to stay silent about it. Samantha looked hesitantly at Brian, but he gave her a nod of assurance before leading her into another room where the elder chief was tending to the ones who incurred more wounds.
The injuries varied– some bore bruises and abrasion from magical confrontation, cuts from evil creatures and signs of exhaustion from prolonged spellcasting. Carmela’s guards certainly didn’t show up here to play, they meant business, but thankfully, there was no death record or little children who had been seriously harmed from the invasion.
"Chief." Samantha lowered her head in a polite bow before the elder elf. His hand was presently seasoned with healing arts, whilst he applied herbal salves on one of the young elf’s back to soothe his inflammation. She could spot Elera at a corner, crafting potions to mend the magical strains on some of the elves.
She felt terrible having to interrupt them when they were clearly busy.
The elder chief said nothing to her greetings, instead, he called for an elf lady to continue from where he stopped before they moved outside to have a proper discussion. He led them towards an art shop, and it was the perfect place for privacy.
Ivan and Samantha sat together while Brian sat beside the elder chief opposite them.
"We’re... sorry to have shown up like this." Samantha didn’t hesitate to apologize to the two of them. "I’m still trying to understand what is happening so, I would really appreciate it if you could tolerate our presence for the time being."