Alf: Another? Hss.
He stood up and walked toward her step by step.
Alf: So… what are you trying to imply?
Alf bent over her face, his hands braced on the table behind the maiden, trapping her between his arms. Some half-drunk elves gasped at the posture of their "Elvÿ" and the unknown commoner.
Alf: (continues) That you are not satisfied with the last bet?
They waited for the red-haired maiden's response.
An Elf: I'll just push that elf to her face and—
His fellow: And Elvÿ will kill you.
Another Elf: Actually, she won't kill you. She'll just rob you dry.
His fellow: True talk.
Elva: (sneered) Mm, that's if you're not afraid to play another?
Alf glanced away and scoffed quietly. He swept his gaze from her eyes to her shoulders twice.
Alf: (moving away) Okay. [Besides, Balin needs more time.] So what do you want to bet on?
He sat down coolly.
Elva: I have something in mind, although it's too dangerous for your face. So—(points at a fidgety dartboard)—we'll go with that. Ten gemstone coins.
Bob: [Elva.]
Elva: Those are the darts. Choose two from the others.
An elf presented four dim-colored darts to Alf. He chose two with Energy: one gray, one black.
Elva: Hmph, a mage.
Alf eyed the board with dissatisfaction, as if the challenge were nothing more than a cup of tea.
Elva: What? Too easy? If so, let's add something. (Points at a fruit.) If you can hit the center of that fruit, you'll earn another ten gemstones. But—you'll do it blindfolded.
An Elf: Now she's gone crazy.
Alf was given a strip of black fabric, which he used to cover his eyes.
Elva: (whispering to a tavern server) Make the fruit dance.
The fruit began sliding diagonally across the air, unknown to Alf.
Elva: Now—aim.
The darts hovered above his palm. Alf closed his hand, waited in absolute silence—then released them. The gray dart hit the bullseye, cracking the board. The black dart pinned the moving fruit against the wall.
Few Elves: (gasp)
Alf: (removing blindfold, smirking as he stands) So, Reddie…
Elva rose as he approached.
Alf: It seems I have won.
Elva: (arms folded) You did indeed.
The jingling of coins inside an animal-skin pouch sounded clearly.
Elva: Here's your gain. Spend it wisely, Darling.
The mischievous Crown Prince looked from her face, to the pouch, then back again.
Alf: What if I don't want that as my reward?
An Elf: (To his mates) Hmm? Who doesn't want such a bounty?
Few Elves: (Shrug).
Elva: Then what possibly do you want?
Alf stepped closer.
Alf: Something else. More benefitting. Something more… (he drew his face closer to hers) mouthful.
Elva: (Holding her stance) And what might that be?
The elves waited eagerly for her answer. But Alf only glanced at her lips, then her eyes. Just as he was about to respond—
Balin burst into the room. All eyes shifted.
Duke Balin: He wants to see you.
With a silent nod, Alf followed Balin. The elves returned to their chatter, leaving Elva behind, her narrowed gaze fixed on the exit the commoners had taken.
---
55 minutes later
Crown Prince Alf and Duke Balin slipped out of a room, only to stop at the sight of the red-haired ælfen waiting for them.
Elva: (Grinning) Aye, so you two are actually thieves.
Duke Balin: Listen, Red-haired Girl, just act as if you didn't notice us.
Elva: (Snaps) Who do you think you're calling a girl?! (Calms, smirks) Anyway, advise you return whatever you took and turn yourselves in to the Guarding Officials.
Duke Balin: (Exhales) Dummy. If so, then we apologize for being rude.
Alf suddenly attacked. Grabbing her shoulder from behind—only for Elva to twist his arm and shove him against the wall. She pressed a pouch of powder under his nose. At once, Alf's body stiffened.
The famous Hostage Powder—known to be used only by the most notorious criminals.
Duke Balin: (Shocked) [He's stiff. That powder is…] (eyes on Elva) The Masked Thief.
Elva: (Cunning giggle).
Balin hurled an Energy strike at her. She bent backward, throwing a dagger at the same time. Each dodged the other's attack.
Her sharp eyes noticed an official token dangling from Balin's waist.
Elva: (Tilts head) Hmm?
She pulled back his hood just enough to reveal the pedal of higher order.
Duke Balin: What do you—?
Elva: Whoa! Oh Booooob! You've got some official thieves! (Steps toward him) Anyway, I've no time for play.
Balin fired again. She flipped upside down, leaping over his head, and bunked through the window.
Elva: See ya!
---
Back to the present.
Elva hurled sharp words at Princess Raina.
Elva: (Smirking) Talking about me? Don't forget—you're also a Draga Vessel without a Dragon Spirit. And let's not even talk about a completed family.
Alf pressed his face into his palm, silent pain in his eyes. Raina tried to lunge at Elva, but Balin held her back.
Princess Raina: You…!
Elva: (Grinning) Now you're angry!
Alf: (Joining them) Don't talk too much, Darling.
They turned to him.
Alf: Remember—you, yourself, don't know how to harness your Dragon Powers.
Elva: I…
Alf: (Presses his index finger to his lips) And soon, you'll be considered a very… very weak… weak, worthless Dragon Successor.
---