No, they pass right by

You were frozen solid, trying your hardest to not make a single noise. You felt a ringing in your ears as you felt everything building up to the moment you were waiting for. The image of them smashing open the rotting log and pulling you back to the cage was too real in your mind. But, instead of the brutal hands of your attackers, you felt a caring and gentle movement from Blue, as she slowly wrapped her arms around you, calming you down when you felt that it was all over. It was kind of awkward due to the limited space, but it was a nice gesture nonetheless.

Just like that, as you felt the kind touch of a friend, the footsteps began again, except this time they turned away from you, washing away your fears. After a short while, you felt that it was safe, and so slowly you crawled back out. Once you were free from your confined prison, you and Blue finally stood back up, stretching your arms and legs from the cramped few minutes.

As you stretched, you realized that the sun had completely set, as you started to see stars in the sky. It seemed Blue also noticed, and apparently the beauty of the sky was too much, as you saw them attempt to speak words once again, but instead of a causal remark regarding the sky, the only sound that came out was a strange sigh-like noise, as wordless air escaped their lips.

Almost like a child, you saw them look to you, as if making sure you were happy with their attempts at talking, at which you couldn’t help but laugh at, and after assuring them that their attempt was great, you both continued sneaking back to town, but not before you gave Blue plenty of gentle pats.

The rest of the journey was fairly eventless, and after making it back to your usual training grounds, you stumbled across the dead body of the wolf. You immediately noticed it as Blue went up to it, kneeling down as if she was remorseful for what happened to it. Seeing Blue act in such a way reminded you of how you were when Pochi died, your mournful display before Blue came across you. It had only been a day, but Blue had turned out to be a great companion, and if Pochi was still alive, you were certain they would also approve of her.

Letting Blue to her mourning, you looked around for your broken bow, but you soon were surprised to find it gone. Maybe your father HAD come to find you? Is he currently in town recruiting adventurers to look for you? Or has he gone on his own to find you? You hoped not, because if he was out here, one of the patrols might find him, and if they did, then you wouldn’t know what they’d do to him.

As Blue stood up, the two of you continued back to town. Seeing that they still looked a little upset, you patted their head before assuring them that we’re almost home. You were certain that there wouldn’t be trouble from now on, as you’d taken this trail many times before, and were on the shortest trek of the trip.

But you were concerned about how to proceed when reaching the gate. Was it a good idea to bring Blue's new body? As a dark elf, it would draw a lot of attention, and the fact that Blue couldn’t talk would be suspicious. But, what would you do with the body after Blue left? Would having them wake up so close to town be an issue itself? Though, how could you possibly explain this to your parents? If your father was captured by the dark elves while looking for you, would this body be useful in saving him?

This almost seemed like too much to consider, but as your journey reached its end, and the towns gate came into view, you had to come to a decision.