At the vast beach, it was just the two of them. The wind flowed gently between them, one hesitant, the other confused and speechless. The silence stretched, almost sacred.
The girl opened her mouth to speak, but they both froze at the sound of distant voices.
"Road is clear. Move the truck."
Elven looks at the girl sharply. "We need to go."
He picked up his jacket from the sand, brushing it off before holding it out to her.
"Wear this."
"What's this?" She asked curiously, tilting her head.
"Oh, never mind." Elven sighed, irritated with the mess he'd gotten himself into. He zipped the jacket up around her and grabbed her arm.
"Where are you taking me?"
He didn't answer, only led her silently.
Eventually, they reached a small bustling village, lanterns flickering against the night.
"Why won't you answer any of my questions?"
"You're so annoying," he muttered. "Could you just shut up for once?"
Finally, Elven stopped in front of a small hut.
Knock knock.
The door creaked open. An old woman stood there, eyes lighting up. "Elven! Love, where were you?" She pulled him into a hug. "What are these bruises?" Her gaze narrowed. "You went to see your father, didn't you?"
"Mom, that doesn't matter right now."
"How many times have I told you not to go near him?" She scolded. "Just because we don't have money doesn't mean you have to -"
"Mom. Please." He sighed, cutting her off.
His mother paused, then noticed something behind him. Her expression shifted into a grin.
"Elven.. do you have a girlfriend?"
"What are you talking about?"
He turned to look. The flappy ears were gone, replaced by ordinary human ones. The ling jacket covered her knees, her black hair now tucked neatly behind her ears, deep blue eyes shining like gemstones. Elven blinked. She looked... unreal.
"What's a girlfriend?" She asked innocently.
His mother blinked, then scanned her from head to toe.
"You should be the one knowing that." She said, glancing pointedly at Elven.
"Mom! I only gave her my jacket because she had nothing to wear!"
"What?" His mom's expression grew more curious.
"I mean... she's homeless " he coughed.
"Oh! But... she doesn't look like one. She looks like she was born into royalty."
"How can you tell?" The girl asked, intrigued.
Elven's mom stared at her for a moment, then laughed nervously. "Yeah, honey. You sure are a comic!"
"Comic?"
"Can you give her some food?" Elven interjected.
"Oh, right! You two must be starving. I'll be right back!"
Now, it was just the two of them on the front porch.
"Honey, guide her to my room!" His mom called from the kitchen.
"Right, Mom. Uh... follow me."
She nodded, following him.
The room was small but cozy, filled with soft blankets and old books. The girl stood there, eyes wide, watching Elven rummage through the closet.
"Are all these yours?" She asked, sparkling with wonder.
"My mom's," he said, pulling out a dress. "Here. Wear this. I'll be in the other room."
"But, how do I wear this?"
"You sure are something." Elven scoffed, shaking his head.
He began demonstrating how to wear the dress, then blinked, realizing he'd accidentally put it on himself.
"Wow! You look amazing!" The girl clapped, delighted.
Flustered, Elven yanked the dress off. "You can wear it now, right?"
"Yes!" She beamed.
"Good. I'll be downstairs." Elven said, closing the door behind him. He exhaled, finally alone for a moment.
He headed to the bathroom to clean himself up, wincing as he dabbed water on the cuts and bruises left by the guitar.
"Why can't my father just accept my decisions?" He thought bitterly. "He never even looked at me before.And now suddenly, he wants me to be his heir? What a joke."
"Elven! Dinner's ready!" His mother's voice called from the kitchen.
"Coming," he muttered, rinsing his hands.
The memory of his fathet still weighed heavily on him as he dried off and made his way to the dining table.
He was the first to arrive, pulling out a chair and sitting down just as footsteps echoed from the stairs.
His mother appeared, gently guiding the girl to the table like she was a special guest.
Elven's gaze softened at the sight of his mother's geniune smile, It had been so long since he'd seen her this happy.
Then his attention shifted to the girl walking beside her.
Her long, wavy hair was tied into a simple ponytail, and the soft pink dress flowed naturally with each step.
Her face seemed to glow under the warm lights, and before he realized it, Elven found himself staring.
His mother caught him and gave him a sly look, making him glance away quickly, pretending to be busy with his fork.
The girl sat beside his mother, eyeing the strange dark fish on the plate in front of her.
"What happened to the fish?" She asked, frowning slightly.
"Oh, poor girl, this is grilled fish." His mother said kindly.
"Oh! A fried fish!" The girl said, eyes lighting up.
Elven's mother chuckled and nodded.
"So, Sienna, would you like some salad with your fish?" She offered warmly.
Elven froze, his fork halfway to his mouth.
"Sienna?" He repeated, confused.
"Yes?" Sienna answered innocently.
"No, I mean, is that your name?" Elven asked.
"She told me while I was combing her hair," his mother said with a big smile. "Isn't it a beautiful name?"
Elven nodded slightly, the name echoing in his mind.
The dinner went on quietly for a few minutes until Sienna spoke again, her voice soft and hesitant.
"I... have a favour to ask."