Chapter 541 When We Settle Down
Confusion marked their expressions when the two elves looked at the town, but they were not bothered and pressed forward.
Hemera thought to herself. 'There's something dark about this place, but I must study it to learn more.'
When entering the town, she observed the surroundings and remarked, "The streets aren't overgrown, which is peculiar."
The mixed elf nodded and got her bow ready as they walked further into the town. The buildings looked abandoned as the windows were blacked out.
Hemera's keen eyes swept across the abandoned town, and a sense of dread settled in her chest.
As they strolled through the once-bustling marketplace, she couldn't help but notice the remains of life that had withered away.
Stalls that once showcased all types of goods now stood covered in dust, the wares they once held long forgotten.
The air, thick with the ghosts of commerce, whispered tales of a time when laughter and barter filled the streets.
Her gaze shifted to a row of wooden planters that had once cradled lively greenery. Now, they stood rotten as silent witnesses to the passage of time.
Once bursting with life, the plants had succumbed to neglect, their leaves now brittle and brown.
Hemera reached out to touch one, which crumbled to dust at her fingertips. Unable to spot a single soul, the two ladies took a break.
After doing that, the two continued walking until they found a relatively intact bench and settled down, exchanging glances that mirrored their confusion.
Talila, with her bow resting beside her, couldn't shake off the feeling that they were being watched, which creeped them out.
The stillness was creepy, broken only by the creaking of old timbers and the distant rustle of leaves in the wind.
A chill ran down their spines as they tried to ignore the uneasy feeling. The old, rundown houses that looked empty now revealed people coming out.
Figures appeared, their thin faces showing a mix of surprise and curiosity as they cautiously walked into the open.
Talila's eyes widened, and she exchanged a stunned glance with Hemera. The town, once seemingly abandoned, now teemed with life.
The mixed elf thought to herself. 'What is happening? Why is there people all of a sudden.'
A moment ago, they were alone in a ghost town; now, it came alive with activity. Talila's usually composed expression twisted into bewilderment.
She fumbled for words, unable to speak due to the shock of witnessing a deserted town coming alive with hidden people.
Hemera, too, couldn't hide her surprise. The aunt and niece exchanged glances again, silently agreeing they had stumbled upon something weird.
The two walked into the town square, and the people cleared out. Confusion lingered as the two elves strolled along.
As they were walking, they saw a wild red blur heading straight for them, catching Talila's attention.
She squinted, ready to unleash an arrow, only to spot pointed ears and fiery red hair. She recognized the incoming menace and braced herself.
Before they knew it, Sera crashed into them like a happy comet. Wrapping herself around Hemera, the red-haired whirlwind gave the sun elf a bear hug, lifting her off the ground.
While laughing, the mixed elf watched, catching Sera's attention. She put Hemera down and focused on the giggling Talila, with a mischievous glint in her ruby-red eyes.
Anticipating the oncoming hug, Talila swiftly sidestepped to avoid it. Much to her surprise, she found herself ensnared in the unexpectedly strong grip of the dragon girl.
Sera, not one to let go of an opportunity for a good hug, tightened her embrace with a mischievous grin.
"Gotcha!" she exclaimed, squeezing Talila in a bear hug. In acknowledgment of the futility of escape, Talila surrendered to her fate with a dramatic sigh.
She declared in mock defeat, "Alright, you win. Hug away, mighty dragon girl."
Taking full advantage of the green light, Sera went all out. She spun Talila around, lifted her off the ground, and threw a few twirls.
The dragon girl's laughter filled the air as she enjoyed the impromptu hugging carnival. Talila, despite her initial resistance, couldn't help but join in the laughter.
Both elves thought it was easier to accept the dragon girl's hugs and enjoy the ride. Once Sera was done, she put the dizzy elf down.
Talila wobbled as she held her head and groaned, causing Hemera to giggle. While that was happening, Sera started firing nonstop questions at them.
Following that, Hemera spotted Nefertiti, Hecate, and Teuila approaching them. When the two elves spotted them, warm smiles appeared on their faces.
Hemera hugged everyone, even getting a surprise hug from Nefertiti. Teuila was the first to speak, saying, ''Hemi and Sera, it's really good to see you both. Let's go back to the house and meet Kelia.''
After the greeting was done, Teuila led the five girls to Kelia's house, and as they walked through the town, Hemera noticed the townspeople staring at them.
When seeing this, Sera rolled her eyes, couldn't hold back her annoyance, and let out a threatening growl.
The unsuspecting people hastily scattered like leaves in the wind, startled by the unexpected sound.
Once she did that, a smile appeared, but Teuila quickly pinched her side, causing the dragon girl to jump.
Sera turned to her, giving a dramatic rub to her side. "Why are you doing that, Teu? It's mean."
"Don't call me Teu. Also don't scare the people until Archer, Nala, and Llyniel make their way here. Somethings off with them." Teuila answered while watching their surroundings.
The six girls arrived at a house on the town's edge. The structure appeared somewhat isolated, causing Talila to look around with curiosity etched across her face.
She raised an inquisitive eyebrow and asked, "Why is this lone house here?"
Before anyone could respond, a voice emerged from nearby, "They believe I'm cursed and that I brought them here. It doesn't make sense because I can barely use magic, let alone transport a town."
The aunt and niece turned to see a white-haired older woman smiling at them before introducing herself. ''I'm Kelia. Before this happened, I was one of the town's hunters, but the light will go soon, so come inside.''
''It's a fake sun!'' Sera exclaimed, catching everyone but Hemera off guard.
Hemera shook her head before explaining. ''She means that whoever controls this place has somehow created a day and night cycle. I can only guess that the light allows the creatures to rest while they hunt at night.''
The four girls and older woman looked at the Hemera and Talila, and Sera spoke excitedly. ''I flew above the forest and saw it. I bet it was a powerful mage who created it.''
Nefertiti said in a playful tone, "So they're day-haters and night-lovers? Are we dealing with vampires here or what?"
Everyone giggled when they heard the succubus. Kelia quickly rushed them inside so they could talk while drinking some tea.
After entering the house, she told them to sit down while she made them some tea. Hemera felt a sense of satisfaction at its cleanliness.
The sun elf turned to Nefertiti and asked, "Why is it so clean here? I assume the other townspeople don't bother with cleaning."
Nefertiti nodded, "She loves to clean. I even thought about asking her to be a maid when Archer finally settles into a home."
"That's a good idea, considering I don't sense any malice or deceit from her." Teuila said.
All six girls nodded in agreement and wanted to ask the older woman to join them when they left this cursed place.
Once agreed on, Kelia returned to the living room carrying a tray with a worn metal teapot and seven cups.
She put it on the table between the sofas and poured the tea. Hemera stood up and started to help as she introduced herself. ''I'm Hemera Wyldheart. It's nice to meet you, Kelia.''
The older woman smiled warmly, her gaze sweeping over each girl. "Nice to meet you, Hemera. I must admit, all you ladies are truly beautiful. Your husband is a fortunate man."
Upon hearing this, everyone smiled. Sera said, "Thank you, and no luck is involved. We were meant to be together. It's fate's decision, and she spoke by bringing us together."
Kelia nodded and had a look of sadness that caught everyone's attention. No one wanted to speak, but Sera broke the silence. ''Why are you sad?''
In response, the older woman summoned a smile, though it carried the weight of memories too painful to hide fully.
With a voice etched in sorrow, Kelia began to share the tragic chapter of her life. "I was married just a year before the incident. When the town first appeared here, my husband and I remained here and not move into town. However, when the creatures descended, he was among the first to be taken. Yet, every night since then, his mutated form returns to me, a haunting presence that refuses to be forgotten."
When the woman's heartbreaking story was told, sympathy welled up among the girls.
Teuila looked at Kelia and asked, "If our husband says it's okay, would you want to be our head maid when we settle down?"
[If there are any mistakes, point them out, and I'll edit it. Thanks]
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