“How to start…”

Kiana kept her hand on John’s arm, but he wasn’t tense even though he could feel her worry. “I am able to see your names because of my powers, but we’re also from the forest.”

Brown eyes narrowed at him and Kace spoke, emphasizing each word. “We. Do not. Know you.”

“I know.” The gamer tried to calm the taller man, well aware how easily this could get dangerous. “I’m not asking you to trust me, but we just left the woods and I sensed we were being followed.” Aoife leaned around her partner to look at the two lycans and John looked into her more understanding eyes. “A few days ago, we came across a Cabalist out there and I wasn’t sure if you were aware they were out in this area.” Kiana’s grip tightened, but he put his hand over hers reassuringly.

Aoife walked around her protective partner. “We’ve seen signs of broken barriers out there, but haven’t come across any traces of Cabal.” She looked calmly from John’s face to that of the woman behind him, then nodded. “If you’re sure. Kace, could you do a quick check?”

The four just stood there as Kace hesitated. “I don’t like this.”

“Please?” Though the word sounded like a request, the tone was more an order and, with a sigh and one last glare at the lycans, Kace walked off. “So,” Aoife smiled at them, “are you Hunters? I believe Artemis has a group in the woods.”

“No, actually,” John started, but an alarmed cry of no from Kiana made him pause. “It’s okay. They’re.. Well, my system called you nymphs, but I’m not sure what exactly that means.”

“Sys-” Aoife started, but the gamer raised a hand to stop her.

“It’s a long story,” he explained. “One probably saved for a better time, but it is how I knew I could trust you. It said the woods were important to you…” John trailed off, looking out at the treeline where he could barely make out the shape of Kace going through the brush.

“He can handle himself, don’t worry,” the small woman said brightly. “And I believe your people tend to call us fairies or elves.” She shrugged, smiling at the pair. “If you’re not Hunters, may I assume you’re part of the wolves?”

John’s eyes snapped back at the tan elf. “How did…” his voice trailed off.

“We’ve seen signs of wolves in the area, but you don’t hunt like true wolves. I figured it was best left alone unless there was trouble. Your people are very private.” Her voice had a slight echo in the gamer’s ears as he processed the danger in his mind and nodded. “Aha! So I’m right?”

“Yes,” Kiana said from beside him. “We would rather nobody know we are here, however.”

Aoife winked at her. “Don’t worry. We’ll never tell anyone. I believe only three of our clan know you’re out there. Most don’t leave our village.”

John could hear Kace grumbling under his breath as he walked back out of the trees, picking a twig out of his hair. “Some traces of broken barriers, but no sign of any Cabal.” The taller man sighed and ran a hand through his messy hair, ridding it of a bit more dust and pieces of leaves. “I can understand your concern and I thank you for the warning.”

Looking at Kiana, the gamer’s worry grew. “I can walk you back to the barrier. You shouldn’t be out here alone.”

“Don’t be silly!” Aoife said cheerily. “We can all go together that way neither of you are alone in the woods. It can be dangerous out there.” Her smile was so naturally unworried that John laughed.

“Alright, thank you. I’ll just have to catch a later bus,” he said, offering his girlfriend’s mother his arm.

She took it with a frown, still watching the two strangers as Kace sighed again, obviously annoyed. “Look, kid, you can go get your ride, we’ll take her back to the woods. That way we don’t have to walk you back out again.”

“He’s right, you know,” the kindly lycan said softly.

Placing his hand over hers to keep it on his arm, John started walking towards the trees again. “Much as I trust you guys, and I do, really, I’d feel better making sure she got home safe myself. If you’re that bothered by it, I can walk myself back out.” Smirking at the taller man, John knew Aoife wouldn’t mind walking with him. ’And it seems that he answers to her a little.’

As if on cue, a lilting voice came from beside him. “We don’t mind walking with you. Right, love?” Again, it didn’t sound like a request and the gamer had to bite back a chuckle at the frown he saw in the corner of his eye.

“Right.” His answer was short, clipped, and obviously annoyed.

John couldn’t hold his laughter back this time and he snorted, making Aoife giggle, and breaking the tension between the four.

Still laughing, Aoife moved to her partner’s side and she nudged him. “Sorry. We’re usually as reserved as you guys are. Probably for similar reasons. I know you guys are hunted by some of the humans too,” she said, walking next to Kiana, the two men acting like bodyguards. “But to be honest, even if you two were normal humans asking us for help, we’d happily give it. Everyone should feel safe in these woods. That’s why we’re here. Kace just lost his mount last week so he’s touchy.”

“Mount?” John asked, glad to make conversation on the short hike. “What do you ride?”

“Elk,” Kace growled, frowning deep.

“Usually. Though a few of us ride caribou or even moose.” Aoife shrugged. “Whatever fits our size and area. The kids actually tend to learn on whitetail because they’re more docile.”

Used to elves riding various creatures from video games, John nodded, impressed but not overly surprised. “Sorry for your loss, though. Never fun, losing a mount.”

That seemed to catch Kace off guard and he looked at the gamer curiously. “Thank you… Do you ride?”

“Uh,” John paused, trying to think how to explain the relevance of his video game experience. “No. Not really. Though I’ve had friends that did.” ’Close enough, I guess. I have ridden in games, and I’m sure some of my clanmates did in real life too…’ He was thinking quietly to himself as they continued their hike.

With a squeeze to his arm, Kiana let go. “I can go the last few yards myself. Thanks for coming with me, John.” She looked at the two strangers with a little more hesitation. “And it was very nice to meet you both. Hopefully this doesn’t become any kind of problem.”

“Don’t worry, we’re discreet,” Aoife said with a smile. “Stay safe.”

The three were about to turn back when Kiana grabbed John’s hand. “Wait, John.” The nervous look was marring her face again. “Why don’t you stay the night? I’d worry less and I know Tala would love it…”

Thinking of all the promises he’d made for the day, the gamer smiled sadly, lifting her hand to kiss the back of it. “Next time. I’ll be okay.” He hated to disappoint her, she was so much like Brenda.