Chương 48: Blessings and Debts

Three months later. Ethan was skinning a rabbit near the camp when a sharp whistle caught his attention. He looked up and recognized the elderly elf. With a nod, he handed the rabbit to another elf and walked over to him.

"May I speak with you, Ethan?" the elder asked.

"Of course, wise elf".

"Oh, stop with the formality", he said with a faint smile.

"I'm just Elrohir". Ethan nodded.

"What did you want to speak to me about, Elrohir?"

"Sit down". Ethan obeyed.

"The others and I have noticed that you and Renlin have been spending a lot of time together lately. Some suspect there's something going on between you". Ethan did not look away.

"I can't lie. It's true. There is something between us". Elrohir studied him in silence for a few moments, then slowly nodded. The author's tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

"I thought as much".

"Listen, I don't want to cause any trouble. If my presence-".

"You have my blessing, Ethan". Ethan blinked in surprise.

"What? Really?"

"Yes". Elrohir folded his hands over his knees.

"I consider every elf in this tribe a child of mine. And as you can plainly see, I've lived long enough to learn how to read people. You have a good heart…perhaps too good for a world that rewards cruelty and selfishness". He paused briefly.

"It's true that relationships between elves and humans are rare and complicated. But I believe my daughter should think first and foremost about her own happiness. And you, Ethan, are hers. Just as she is yours". Ethan swallowed.

"Yes, that's true. Renlin makes me happy".

"Then stop hiding". Elrohir smiled.

"You're free to love each other here. No one will judge you. And anyone who does…I'll slap some sense into them, like any good father would". Ethan chuckled softly and shook his hand.

"Thank you, Elrohir. Truly". The elf nodded, satisfied. Deep beneath the goblin lands, Xarath walked slowly through the underground halls, still pale but visibly more stable. The magical particles that had been consuming him had largely been neutralized, at the cost of hundreds of goblin lives. The goblin chief approached and knelt before him.

"My lord, you summoned me?"

"Yes". Xarath looked down at him.

"You have been surprisingly useful. You saved my life and I intend to repay that debt".

"That isn't necessary, my lord. It is enough for us that-".

"I wasn't finished speaking". The goblin stiffened.

"My apologies".

"Because of me, your people have grown weaker. You sacrificed too much". Xarath coughed lightly before continuing.

"That is why I will remain with you. I will help you in your conflicts. I will make you stronger". The goblin looked up, stunned.

"It would be…a tremendous honor, my lord". Xarath made a dismissive gesture with one hand.

"Now disappear". The goblin hurried away. Xarath remained alone.