Elina

Maybe it's the way she talks. Or the way she walks. Something I couldn't define. Maybe it's her smile. Or those eyes. Or maybe the fact that she is the first human woman I've talked to in ages.

I glanced at Elina. She had promised not to stir up trouble here. And she sounded sincere too. And she was right: there's no profit for revealing her true identity to a lone female traveler.

So I relaxed a little. Which felt good.

Anja said that she had never been to Merkelborough. That she'd like to go there sometime. I wanted to say that perhaps we could travel together. In my mind it was a pleasant journey. We'd travel together, hide from the rain together, eat together. And then maybe, just maybe, we'll never be apart again. Settle down. Have a few children. Grow old together.

I stopped myself. Better not let those delusions grow too wild.

Elina stomped on my foot.

"What a shameful display. Is she really that pretty?"

"That's not the point here."

"Is she really that much prettier than me?"

When you don't know what to say, it's better to say nothing. It's a rule that worked for me in the past. But it doesn't really work with Elina.

Because there's something about her. Her eyes, her intuition. Something allowed her to see through me. She made swift work of my humiliation.

By the evening we reached the forest. Anja offered to take us to her village, where we could seek shelter for the night.

Elina shrugged. No smirk, no smile. Nothing. Like she didn't even care. Which I found suspicious.

I whispered, "I promise you'll get a warm meal at the village, alright? And a soft bed. Just don't cause trouble in the village."

Elina shrugged. She seemed perfectly happy with that deal.

So I accepted Anja's offer.

I gave Anja the reins. She lovingly stroked the mane of the horse.

She said, "You have such a spirited horse!"

Fascination in her eyes. She took a carrot out of her knapsack and fed it to him. The horse neighed. Maybe he liked Anja too. She giggled and patted his snout.

I glanced at Elina. She looked away. She didn't seem too happy. I ignored her.

This journey with Elina has had far too many nasty surprises. Starting with Elina herself. When something good finally happens, I've learned not to judge fate's kindness.

Elina let out a sigh.

"What is it?" I asked.

She glanced at me. For the first time I saw boredom in her eyes.

She said, "I wonder how you've managed to survive alone like this."

"What do you mean?"

She said nothing.

We were given a warm welcome. Anja introduced me to her father, the chief of the village, who thanked my wife and I for accompanying his precious daughter.

Elina said nothing. Not even a snicker. Or a suggestive comment.

The people in the village welcomed us by starting a bonfire and offering us a warm meal. Anja's father gave orders to prepare the best hut they had.

Someone pulled out drums and soon people were dancing around the fire.

So far Elina has said nothing. I looked at her. She sat on the cart, the fire reflected in her human looking eyes.

Anja called out to me. "Salem! Dance with me!"

I looked at Elina. She looked at me. Her eyes were filled with a kind of amusement. And pity. Like she was feeling sorry for me.

Elina said, "Go on, dance with her. Your wife doesn't object."

No mockery in her voice. Which was odd.

Then she said, "Don't drink too much. I still need to talk to you. Later."

I said, "Just say it now."

She smiled. No pity, no mockery. Just a smile.