As soon as the three of them stepped inside the best tavern to be found, eyes immediately found their way towards them. Eyes just as sketchy as the surroundings, one of those most definitly in contact with the traders.
Even as they continued on, the livelihood of the place was kept on the same level the entire time they walked to the counter, a vice grip upon Aethelstan.
Unlike Valeriana, who's eyes kept straying, both Avery and Aethelstan kept themselves quarded.
Aethelstan hadn't muttered a word, there were the words Avery spouted before in warning but he mostly kept quiet ecause he was enjoying the silence.
On the other hand the person slightly aside him was tense, unlike his previous words, Avery didn't seem to enjoy it all that much.
Upon reaching the counter, he spoke with what could only be described as a no-nonsense voice.
''Two rooms.''
"Family?"
"Two rooms.''
At the counter the middle aged male stilled, eyes glazing as he watched over the trio, carefully evaluating what he saw before shifting into a blazing smile.
''You're in luck. Two rooms right down the hall, besides each other.
How long?''
"A week.''
"A we-''Whincing, Aethelstan immediately kept quiet. A glare in warning thrown in his direction, curtesy of Avery, one he would've returned if he wasn't the bigger person. .
"Services?
Cleaning, food brought to the rooms, anything else that the three of you need?"
"None, food will be eaten here.''
"That will be two silver per night for the room.
Twelve for one and twenty four for two.
Food shall be five coppers per meal but that needs to be payed when ordered.''
Silver clanged and dingeled upon being thrown on the table, Avery already pulling him forward, not caring wether he stumbled at the suddenness.
''Do not bother us.'' Avery's words hung in the silence that had descended in the room, the various types of customers keeping watchfull eyes upon them.
Intriqued, distrust, it could all be found within the room. It was only when Aethelstan and Avery entered their assigned room and consequently Valeriana hers, that conversation erupted towards it fullest glory.
"You should give me more info, more details.''
''Why, there is nothing you can do, you just have to stay and wait."
"What are you even planning? You don't believe that this is the only place that captures people right?
How could they pull it off?''
Avery was getting annoyed, he was more than aware of the circumstances yet he did not want to tell him anything.
"The only thing you need to do is stay your pretty elf self and do as I say.''
Scoffing in disbelief, Aethelstan kept a thight watch on Avery.
"And that would be?"
''Wait, we will begin tonight.''
"What about your friend?''
''You don't need to concern yourself with her.''
And that was that.
\--
As they descended, the sound of knifes and forks practically took over the room.
They had arrived pretty early in the morning and had observed the whole surroundings, even Valeriana went out to explore. So it had only been the two of them in annoyed silence, both minding their own tasks.
Not a new face had entered the tavern or town and not a single different race outside of humans had been seen.
Avery led their way towards a table in the middle, sitting down with an air of arrogance and confidence.
His expensive clothing matching his vibe, expensive.
Same for him, a darker blue outfit with silver detailing matching his eyes incredible so and even a warm wool like texture around the hood and neck area. Aethelstan had no idea when the clothes had been prepared, however they had been made with great care.
They even matched, slightly darker on Avery but with the same detailing except in light purple. Matching his eyes aswell as they now retained their lightish purple colour.
The both of them stood out like a sore thumb, drawing even more attention.
Avery had even braided his hair so it would stay put underneath his hood, despite Aethelstan's reluctance to entertain Avery with a voiced compliment, the other was good at braiding.
"What may I get you two?''
''Two meals, with greens and meat."
"Something to drink?''
"Water.''
The server nodded, unsure he glanced at Aethelstan, wondering wether he would say something.
When he didn't, the boy left and they where left waiting.
Surroundings feeling just how tense the silence was between the two, wether accidental or on purpose.
Aethelstan stared blankly ahead,while Avery fiddled with his knife. His precise control made it obvious that it was a clear warning to anyone who tought of disturbing them.
Avery loved his warnings.
While the town was poor, there where quite a few with visible experience walking around.
Others where just curious little buggers, wondering and fantasing about the circumstances.
In short sticking there nose where they don't belong.
"Eat.''
Fine and slender fingers appeared from underneath his coat, Aethelstan didn't notice when the food was brought but without a care he picked up the utensils and began cutting the greens in countless small pieces before doing the same with the meat.
''Eat your meat.''
The reminder was unwelcome at best, Avery's plate had been half eaten already, his face immaculate as he brought yet another piece to his mouth.
Gently Aethelstan laid the utensils back. ''What are we doing here?''
His voice as soft as velvet was still picked up by the noisy and quarded crowd, some even turning in surprise by the clearness of his voice.
But the one who the words where intended for did not speak, merely raising his eyebrow as he ate yet another large piece of meat.
Not bothering at all with the now straining ears around them.
The hint was clear, picking up his fork he neatly let a piece of greenery vanish underneath his hood.
''Why?''
''Eat some meat and you will know.''
Again with the insistence, grabbing a few more greens Aethel ate them silently, he wasn't good at gaining attention so he didn't know what else to say or do.
Staying in the shadows was easier, no doubt the traders knew that as well.
However he did refuse to touch the meat, his free hand silenty twirling his long braid that peeked out sideways from underneath his coat.
It should be enough right?
The hint of blue?
"Get up.'' Surprised at the coldness of the sudden words, Aethelstan felt himself flinch. It was said in such a harsh tone that even a few of the villagers became quarded.
Hands itching closer to their weapons every passing moment.
Not letting him be taken by surprise so easily, he calmly went and quenched the sudden rise of thirst inside him. As covered as he was, Aethel's slight slump in his shoulder was still visible, a slump that weighted on him heavily.
Not only that, he was even sluggish to the point where he didn't notice Avery moving beside him until his wrist was clasped and pulled up.
Pulling the both of them straight toward the stairs, uncaring as they went passed tables and chairs.
''It wasn't...the meat, was it?''
Chuckling, Avery finally spoke.''Not at all. I needed you to lower that annoying resilience of yours. What better way than you drugged?''
With gritted teeths, his eyes truly matched the detailing on his clothes, he glared before slipping, the silver glow ebbing away in shock.
Unintentially revealing to the whole tavern his light blue hair as his hood fell and Avery barely steadied him.
While the others studied him, eyes as wide as his as they watched in shock, fingers pointing to his hair, his pointed ears and all else they noted or thought of as important.
It wasn't on purpose and yet Avery glared at him like it was, pulled him up and practically dashed towards their assigned room.
With a heated sound the door closed behind Aethelstan, signifying they entered and the villagers stunned voices rose.
''Th-that was an elf...wasn't it?''
''They..they all have light blue hair no?''
''Most definitly.''
''Did you see his ears?''
"An elf...here...impossible.''