{Plentiful Woods; Monday, January 23rd.}

I stare out from the canopy of trees we're currently hiding in, watching as a troop of creatures I've only ever witnessed in movies march along the dirt road we've been traveling along before we were so rudely interrupted.

There's a pang of some unknown emotion that hits my heart as I take in the bedraggled group of men, woman, teenagers, and even young children they have corralled in the middle like a herd of cattle. Every face has a look of worn exhaustion across them as they practically drag themselves along, a few weaker individuals being helped by some of the more steady and sturdy people.

Dirt smudges their faces and their worn tunics that personally appear much too thin for wearing in the middle of winter. A rattling noise fills the air as the chains attached to everyone's wrists move with each step, accompanying the sound of dozens of feet marching over the hard, cold ground.

I look down as something soft and warm brushes up against my left leg, the sight of Ron's curious eyes meeting me. I look back up at the passing group, placing my left hand on Ron's furry neck as he takes a seat next to me.

My hand tightens in his mane as I spot a certain similarity between each of the slaves; pointed ears.

I tear my gaze away from the sight, releasing a tight breath from my lungs as my free hand tightens into a fist at my side.

This must be what Grim was talking about the other day at The Purple Pony. How what's-his-name enslaved every Wood Elf, using them to mine for those glowing rocks and whatnot.

Jerk.

I close my eyes as a strange strong pull towards them starts up somewhere in my gut, shame and guilt bubbling up from some recess deep within me.

It's not your problem. It's not your problem.

Yet no matter how many times I tell myself those four simple words, they seem to grow less demanding and more transparent. Almost like I'm....making excuses up.

Because I am.

No more than five minutes goes by before the troop of orcs and enslaved elves disappear up the road, the noise fading. I stand up from my crouching position, releasing my hold on Ron before I take a step forward, but not before I cast him a grateful look.

I step back up on the road, staring down the way where they disappeared. I hear a soft padding noise as Ron trots up to me. Pausing, he stands next to me, gazing down the same way I am.

"Get it OFF!!"

My eyes close at the sudden yell, my lower jaw moving in a grinding movement as a spark of irritation hits me.

"Arahaelil above! It's just a small spider." Dare's amused voice drifts out from the side of the road, followed by another small shout before there's the sound of branches being frantically pushed aside.

I turn around just as Roxie comes barreling out from the canopy of trees and bushes, comically looking like she literally has ants in her pants. She runs to the middle of the path before frantically scratching at her back while simultaneously twisting herself around in a vain attempt to look at her own back.

"Oh god," she makes a sound akin to a whimper. "please tell me it's gone!?" Her wide eyes search her clothes, inspecting every inch carefully as her hands repeatedly comb through her hair.

There's a chuckle off to the side before Dare walks up out from the same hiding place Roxie appeared from, stopping at the side of the road.

"Geez, Rox. It's gone." She says in a duh tone, crossing her arms as she stares over at the still freaking out Roxie, amusement shining in her blue eyes.

"If you two don't be quiet, we won't need to hide because they'll be able to find us with no problem."

I shake my head as Old Grim appears out from the woods, Arveldis, loaded with packs and provisions, close on his heals. I turn back around, the small smile that'd been growing across my lips disappearing as my attention returns back to that group.

"I'm sorry, but it was so freaking huge." I can imagine Roxie shuddering at the memory.

"It was not." Dare intervenes. "It was like the size of my thumb. It wasn't even poisonous."

I get the urge to roll my eyes at their bickering, a flash of annoyance hitting me from the connection between Ron and I as his own patience grows to a boiling point.

I turn around. "Look, girls." I get their attention, keeping my face expressionless. "You're both pretty." I deadpan. "So can you be quiet now and get moving?"

Roxie's face immediately flames while Dare simply rolls her eyes at me with a sudden bored expression on her face. Grim gives me a look, one that I ignore, walking forward towards the way we're meant to be traveling.

"Thank you, Callon." Grim gives me another pointed look, motioning us forward. "Lets get moving." He instructs, already picking up speed despite his frail appearance.

Though if I've learned anything these past few weeks, it's not to judge Grim on how old he may appear.

How old is he anyway?

Dare and Roxie shoot each other a glare before falling in line next to Grim. I stroke Ron's head while blowing another long breath out, staring up the opposite road a second longer before turning to follow them.

It's been two days now since that day we were ambushed at the mountain base, the memory of what followed still fresh in my mind. Thankfully Roxie hasn't attempted anymore disappearances, though her and Dare's constant arguing are starting to make me wonder if I should've left her.

I glance down at Ron as he follows in step beside me, only a slight limp left for evidence of what transpired there.

All thanks to Dare.

"You never know what you can do until you try."

Her voice echoes unbidden through my head, those words haunting me more than the actual bloody event.

Why do they bother me?

I really don't know.

"Were those the Wood Elves you were telling us about that the king enslaved to mine for him?"

My attention snaps up to the front with Roxie's question, and I notice both Grim and Dare develop some sort of forlorn gloom about them. I almost don't think anyone will answer before I'm once again proved wrong.

"Yes. They're the unfortunate souls that maggot who calls himself king forces to mine Opa - the glowing stones." Grim solemnly answers, keeping his eyes downcast as if he were at a funeral.

"They're traveling up to the Bare Mountains where the mines are."

I can't hold back the sudden flood of anger that rushes through my veins with his words, hands clinching at my sides.

Silence fills the air as we continue on our way, only the sound of our feet scuffing the ground evident. The sun sits halfway across the sky, the air warm despite it being the middle of winter.

"We should be at the entrance in a couple of hours." Grim abruptly informs us, eyes searching ahead.

That silence stretches out again.

Dare suddenly misses a step, falling back so she walks next to me. She places her hands behind her back, and I don't miss the cautious look in Grim's eyes as he glances back at us.

Ron looks up at her as she continues to walk next to me, slightly baring his teeth as her. She swings her arms in time with her steps, ignoring Ron while looking up at the passing trees like she's simply admiring the scenery.

Yeah right.

"What?"

She fakes surprise, holding a hand up to her heart. "What do you mean?" I give her a look. "Can't I walk beside you just for old times sake?" She raises an eyebrow, and I catch a flash of movement up ahead as Roxie quickly redirects her attention back to up front.

"Not really." Her face falls, and I turn my head to face her slightly. "Not with you at least."

At least ever since she found out about my little secret that is. Now she's constantly watching me with every little thing I do. Burning me with her accusing eyes. Always trying to guilt trip me on something.

She huffs a breath out, flipping some of her platinum blonde hair over her shoulder. "Whatever. I was just wondering what you were going to do once we made it to the camp?" She peers up at me.

I look away, furrowing my forehead in confusion.

"What do you mean?"

She rolls her eyes again, glancing up at Grim before settling back on me. "Seriously?" She looks between us, and I spot a hint of alarm in Grim's eyes as he glances back at us.

"Dare, there's no ne-"

She cuts him off, eyes glinting like she just discovered something malicious. "What did you expect when you got there? That you'd simply be able to waltz right in and pass through the portal undetected without anyone knowing about who you are?" Her eyes stare deep into mine.

Grim winces, everyone pausing as Dare and I face each other.

I shrug, honestly thinking just that. "Yeah. Sorta." My eyes flick over towards Grim, questioning. He looks away, a guilty expression splattered across his features.

A sudden sinking feeling washes over me.

Dare laughs. "Well you're wrong." She deadpans. "The refugee camp is the most secure base in Orelon. No ones allowed in without them knowing who exactly they're letting in." She says each word slowly, our eyes locked.

Realization dawns in my face, and she nods. "They're going to know who you are regardless of what you do." She looks over at Grim. "And I guess someone here neglected to tell you this small piece of information." She snidely implies.

I direct a glare over at Grim, feeling a sizzle of betrayal and anger.

Dare's face turns to one of confusion. "Though I don't understand why you think you can use the portal." She turns to Grim, obviously speaking more to him than me. "It's only open once every month, and that was three weeks ago......" She trails off, looking genuinely confused.

Her right eyebrow abruptly shoots up, face clearing of confusion. "Of course." She breathes, eyes snapping back to me.

"You have the stone. Which would mean you can open it at will. Whenever you want." Her eyes spark with wonder.

I spot Grim nodding in agreement.

"Though," She starts back up, eyes turning pensive. "that doesn't change the fact your identity will be revealed before tomorrow morning."

I turn towards Grim, anger and hurt more than likely on my face. "You knew this and didn't think to tell me?" I almost shout at him, forcing myself to clamp down on my temper as a flash of heat runs throughout me.

"Well, I-uh, well you see..." Grim for once seems completely out of his territory, stumbling over his words. "I didn't want to scare you off, Callon." He timidly replies.

I squeeze my eyes shut for a second. "So what she said is true? And there's no other way to get back to Earth?" I inquire, trying to sort my thoughts out.

Grim slowly nods. "She speaks the truth." He confirms, making a weight settle on my chest. "And indeed, there is no other way back to Earth except in the Orelon castle." His eyes dig into mine, begging for some form of redemption.

"The discovery of your identity is unavoidable if you wish to return to Earth. You'll be recognized the second you remove your hood." He shakes his head, his voice quiet.

"It's what you choose to do about it that's the real question."

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A/N

I'm so sorry for not updating in like, forever! I've honestly just been in a stump about it. Writers block of you prefer the term. I'll try for another update next week, but I'm not sure.

Questions:

1.) What's Callon going to do about the whole 'identity' problem he'll be facing in a couple hours?

2.) Is the secret going to come out?

VOTE!! I need at least 6 votes before I update!!! COMMENT!!

Teaser; They finish their road trip to the refugee camp!!