When Ki-Ran returns home from his patrol, his father can tell something is wrong. His siblings are still too young and don't see beyond his genuine joy at being home. Their father decides not to ask immediately, but to give his eldest a chance to resettle and hopefully come to him with whatever is weighing on him.

During the next few day, the half-human readjusts to being home again. Sharing a room with his father takes no time, as he had been sleeping next to others during the entire patrol. He spends his time watching his youngest sibling, who is still to young to apprentice anywhere, while his father and other sibling are out at work. He keeps the home clean, an easy task as the family has only a small place. A tiny kitchen and two small bedrooms off the back, a basic washroom between them. He teaches the youngest some various needed skills, history and how to read, some more advanced math and even some of the most basic fighting moves.

Ki-Ran's father, Raeran, is almost impatient. While the elf waits for his son to speak his mind, he feels in his gut that something bad has happened. It is apparent that Ki-Ran got most of his looks from his father, with pointer ears than a human has and brown hair. Unlike his father's brown eyes, he has green eyes.

It is near the end of the first week that Ki-Ran finally speaks to his father. It is well after dinner and his younger siblings have long since gone to bed. Ki-Ran and is father are sitting at the small table in their home, candles flickering around them to break the darkness. Like removing the dressing from a wound, he decides it's best to simply speak his thoughts.

"I may have lost my job," Ki-Ran grimaces, finally giving voice to his fear.

"What happened?" his father inquires.

"I disobeyed orders. I've been suspended indefinitely, until a decision can be made."

"That's not great, but they can't kick you out, right?"

"I don't know. Our commander made it clear he wants us out."

"But for something like that, they can only demote you. I'm sure."

"I don't know," repeated Ki-Ran. "What if they do kick me out? You know I joined mostly for the pay for us, if we lose that..."

"Even if it happens, we'll find a way to make it work," Raeran promises. "We survived before, and you can pick up a trade."

"What trade? I never apprenticed anywhere, and who would take someone who got kicked out of our military?" the younger man wonders. His mind is filled with so many 'what-if's' and in his head all the paths seem darkened.

"Someone will. We can find something. But I don't think they can actually dismiss you, I think the worst is that you will get demoted."

"Do you understand how serious this was?" asked a black-haired elf, he is standing in front of a large desk. His outfit is similar to that of the palace guards.

Jace is sitting in one of the extra chairs in the office, and he winces but answers, "Yes, dad, I do know what could have happened. I know I failed."

"She could have been killed, or worse. And what if this wasn't a coincidence? You must always consider the worst possibilities," the elder elf continues.

"I made it right, I got her back. Safely."

"Look, as your father I want to tell you that everything worked out and it will be fine. But I would be doing you a disservice to lie to you."

Jace's father sits in his chair and sighs. "And as your superior officer, I need to impress upon you how truly serious this event was? Your job, your only job, is to protect her. And you failed. The consequences of this cannot be taken lightly. I may very well have to remove you to a lower position."

"You can't!" Jace interjects.

"I'm sorry, but in doing my job I would be remiss if I did not consider the options I now have. I have to consider how best to keep them safe from any threats, and I must weigh if you are still fit for this position."

The mans look softens somewhat as he looks at his son. "I will try to keep you in your spot, but this may not be possible. You have to understand, your job is so important and it is a lot to ask of one person."

Jace sits back and sighs as well, his upset is still clearly evident on his features but he doesn't argue further. Unable to find fault with his father for his logic and understanding the position he is now in, the younger elf can only worry about what will happen in the next few weeks.

Aria sitting at her desk, reading through various documents that are important for her to understand when her father walks into the room. With the room bathed in the light of the setting sun, it is hard to make out any distinct features.

"We need to have a discussion about adding another to your group," the older male starts.

"Dad, we've been fine so far," the younger elf half-whines. This is clearly a discussion they have had before.

"You have been fortunate so far, yes. But you know I have never liked it being just you and Jace, I have always felt you should have more people with you. I have allowed you to been alone until now," her father continues seriously.

"Is it really necessary?" complains Aria. "You know I can take care of myself, and Jace is always with me."

"And yet that may not be enough. I know you are aware of all the ways the recent situation could have gone wrong. The increased number of threats we have received has had me worried already. Lately there have been orc packs seen wandering around out of their homeland, some have even been so bold as to enter our country. There has also been an increase in the number of bandits roaming around, and now we have the addition of human mercenaries. All of this is very concerning."

"I know how serious this all is, but isn't that why I should be out there more? Trying to find out what is causing all this?" questioned Aria. "The more people I have with me, the harder that will be."

"This is not all on you to solve, we have many people who are trying to determine the causes of these events. As a father there are times I wish I could keep you safe here forever," admitted the elder. "I know this is not possible, nor would it be truly fair to you. But I still worry for your safety."

"I am safe. Jace is always with me, and I go out with units so I am not alone."

"I'm sorry, I won't argue this anymore," her father halted anymore conversation. "I will respect your wishes and add only one person, but this has been a long time coming."

"Fine," Aria sighed. "But they have to work with us. I don't want someone who will constantly be a downer."

"Perhaps you need someone to be the common sense for you two," her father teased, before becoming serious again. "I will try to find someone who can match you, although it may be difficult to find a person suitable enough."

"Come, dinner is ready. You can return to your work later," the male finished.

The young woman quickly cleaned her desk up a small amount, before following her father to their dining room for their meal.