Chapter 60: Dilaras Goodbye

POV Eliza

We were in a secret hiding place inside Tyros. We hid here while fleeing. We were the five former prisoners and me. One of the people who had already taken the lead spoke up.

“Then let’s turn to our savior. First I would like to thank you. But I would like to know who you are.” <Man1>

“My name is Eliza. As I said, I found out about you through Dilara and was looking for you.” <Eliza>

"How is she doing? Is she okay?” <Woman1>

“Yeah, calm down, she’s fine. She is in a safe place, at least as long as she doesn't move away. She should be sleeping at the moment.” <Eliza>

“It’s all well and good to help, but why did you help us? What do you hope to achieve from it? Why does a human help us beastkin?” <Man2>

“You don’t trust me? Understandable. We are in the Empire and you are being hunted by the soldiers. I could tell you what I want, but that's not proof. Can any of you Appraisal high enough to analyze others?” <Eliza>

"Yes why? What’s the point of that?” <Man2>

“I am not human myself and if you appraise me you will realize that.” <Eliza>

“I’ve already appraise you. You are a human. What do you think I am? And what do you think to achieve zo lie?” <Man2>

“I have concealed my status to such an extent that my true race cannot be seen. Do it again.” <Eliza>

I was taking a risk in revealing my true race to others. But I felt like I couldn't gain their trust otherwise. The man seemed very skeptical, but then concentrated. Then his eyes widened in amazement.

"An elf? What is an elf doing here and why do you look like a human?” <Man2>

“The first is not important now. Secondly, I can adapt my appearance to that of a human. This allows me to move freely around the empire. But I would like to answer your question beforehand. Because I am not human and grew up in the Empire, I know the status of any non-human. Therefore, I did not hesitate to help Dilara and hide her from her pursuers.” <Eliza>

“You grew up in the Empire? How is that possible?” <Woman2>

“I found out from Dilara, you lived in a small hidden settlement. It was similar for me. My foster mother in the camp, as we called our settlement before it was destroyed by the Empire, is a beastkin. I'm still here in the Empire because I want to find her and the others again. Luckily, I can disguise myself enough to pass as a human being, even visually. Is that enough of an explanation?” <Eliza>

“It sounds unbelievable, but we should be grateful that it is what it is and that you freed us.” <Man1>

“What about Dilara now? Can I see her?” <Woman1>

“You care about her a lot, don’t you?” <Eliza>

"She is my niece. Please, where is she?” <Woman1>

“I can get her. She's in my inn room. You should stay in hiding for now. There are probably a lot of people walking around outside looking for you.” <Eliza>

"Then I’ll come with you. Since I am human, I am in little danger of being hunted.” Man2

"Alright. Shall we go? We should get her while it's still night.” <Eliza>

“Go ahead, I’ll take care of the mechanics. The rest stays here.” <Man2>

We left the hiding place and went back through the basement and the stairwell into the inner courtyard. We moved carefully but quickly through the streets. The man had no trouble keeping up with me. Nobody was out during the night and there was no sign of the attackers either. Then I stopped.

“My inn is up there. I'll quickly go in and get Dilara. It's better for you to stay here, it looks strange at this time if I bring visitors with me." <Eliza>

The man didn't seem happy, but finally hesitantly accepted. I couldn't prevent him from finding out my inn, but at least he didn't know my room. I approached the side door and entered the red deer. I reached my room easily and approached Dilara. She slept peacefully. I put one hand on her shoulder and one over her mouth to stop her from screaming in shock. She jumped at my touch and a strangled cry came from her mouth.

“Psst, it’s me, Eliza. I found your people. Your aunt is there too. I'm taking you to her now, so please be quiet." <Eliza>

Dilara's eyes sparkled. Then she nodded and fell silent. We hurried to get dressed and I put the hooded cloak on her. Then we quietly went down the stairs and left the inn. Thanks to Sense Presence, I knew we wouldn't meet anyone. We sneak along the street to where the man was waiting. He immediately hugged Dilara, tears in his eyes. Then he turned to me.

“Thank you, you helped us a lot. I will show my gratitude. Waiting for a message from me. I will drop them off at your inn.” <Man2>

“Aren’t you coming with us, Eliza?” <Dilara>

“No, you’re better off with your people.” Eliza Dilara started sniffling and sobbing while tugging on my sleeve. I wondered why. She had only been in my care for a few days and now she had found her friends and family again. I was never good with children and would never understand them.

“Come on, Dilara, don’t cry. We will definitely see each other again. Be a brave girl. Now go, your aunt is worried about you and is waiting.” <Eliza>

Dilara nodded and hesitantly went with the man, but not without giving me a big hug. Then we went to a small alley. The man looked around again and the two quickly disappeared into the shadows of the night. Only thanks to my night vision could I follow them with my eyes. I was amazed, the man was good and very capable at what he did. Then I returned to my room and fell exhausted on my bed. I had spent the last few nights mainly observing the shelter and had slept very little.