Forums » Fantasy Roleplay » Elves of All Kinds (1x1)

Saelhil scowled slightly, and called for Raeliel to join them as they sat down at the table. He sighed heavily and looked at his daughter. "Belle, what exactly were you thinking when you ran away?" he asked.

Belle shook her head slightly, looking down at her lap. "...I don't know. I'm sorry, Father," she said softly.

Arthur looked at her and sighed softly. "...it's okay, Belle. Tell the truth. Maybe the truth will change things." he said softly. He went quiet then, and just let them talk. He was just being the mediator right now. He also hoped that Valenthion would come around soon and find out that Belle was returned and safe.

Belle...explained herself. She wanted to help the humans, to bring peace between the elves and humans. Her father listened in silence. It seemed the chieftain wasn't enjoying where Belle's thoughts were, but he didn't reply the entire time, and when she was finished talking, he looked ready to just get up and leave. Daddy wasn't happy, it seemed.

Arthur didn't say anything, he just let himself blend into the background so that they could have a heart-to-heart. If Saelhil tried to leave, though, Arthur would immediately stand up and block his way. Otherwise, Arthur was just another piece of furniture in the room, silent and observing.

Saelhil would stay seated, thankfully. But after a long while of silence, he shook his head. "...no, Belle. I can't let you fratenize with humans any more than you already have. You've seen them at their worst. What would make you want to befriend them?" he practically growled.

Belle looked at her lap. "Because they aren't all like that—"

"Yes, Belle, I understand, but what of the rest? The ones that are? What are we to do when they come galavanting through the villages and becoming thieves or destroying our homes?" Saelhil demanded.

"There are elves that would do the same in human cities, Father."

There was silence for a long time once more, before Saelhil stood. "Give me time to think, Belle. But for now, I don't want you going off on another adventure like that alone." And with that, he left the room.

Arthur stayed still and quiet, until Saelhil left. Then he looked at her. "...that went pretty well, considering. Because I don't want you going off alone like that again, either." He put his hand on her shoulder gently. "You had us all very scared, Belle. I thought you might have been taken by another slaver. Your family was all really worried about you." He heard a horse and lifted his head, taking his hand away. It was probably Valenthion. He smiled and stood up. "Speaking of, I think there's someone here that wants to know you're okay."

Belle nodded slightly, still looking at her lap. She didn't reply, though, and just looked up when Valenthion burst in.

"Belle? Belle, you're home!" He rushed towards her, going to his knees and immediately pulling Belle into his arms. "Oh my gods I'm so glad you're home." He pulled away and put his hands on her cheeks, searching her face. "You aren't hurt, are you?"

"I'm fine, Valen," she said softly, watching his eyes before looking down again.

Arthur smiled gently. "I found her out in the woods. She's alright." He touched Belle's head. "...you should tell him, Belle. You owe him honesty. He's probably the one that cares the most and understands the most, out of your family. He might have some words of advice or support." He pulled away and smiled at Valenthion. "You know where I am if you need me. I'm glad Belle's back home."

"Mm, thank you very much, Arthur." Valenthion nodded to him, and went back to focusing on his sister as Arthur left, speaking gently to her. The guy obviously cared for her very much.

Arthur left, hurrying off with his horse to let Mary know that Belle was okay. For now. He just wanted Belle to have a happy life with her family. He didn't realize that she would take this hatred so hard.

It wouldn't be long before Arthur would get a visitor. Valenthion was back just about a week later, knocking on the man's door. "Arthur!" he called. Though he seemed impatient, he didn't seem as worried as his last visit.

Arthur came to the door himself again as he heard Valenthion. "What is it? She's not gone again, is she?" He would have to have a serious talk with the woman if so. Again, Mary hovered in the background, watching worriedly. She hoped Belle was okay.

"No, no, she's fine." Valen hesitated. "Well, physically. Yes, she's still at home. In fact, she hasn't left the house since she got home." He sighed. "I need to talk with you."

Arthur was concerned. Physically she was okay? Did that mean something else was wrong? He stepped back and let Valen in, guiding him to the sitting room where he took a seat on the couch with the elfman. "What is it?" He didn't understand how he would be brought into this again.

Valenthion sat down and sighed, rubbing his face. "Belle has been miserable. She barely speaks and just... Cleans. Sometimes she'll help cook. She hasn't spoken to Father about humans since you brought her home, and whenever our parents are around she puts on this weird mask... And that's coming from a blind man. She isn't herself. I tried talking to her but she won't tell me that anything's wrong. Heck, I even offered to bring her here with me to talk with you, but she refused."

Arthur frowned a bit and he rubbed his face. "By all things above and below...what will it take to make that girl happy?" He stood up. "...I'll come talk to her. I might be the only one to shove some sense into her..." Even if it meant that what he said might make her not like him. He was going to use some tough love. "Take me there, Valenthion." He walked out and got his horse, following Valenthion to the village, and to Belle.

Valenthion sighed and nodded. He rode with Arthur back to the village. Thankfully Saelhil was out with the scouts, so Arthur was free to come in as he pleased. Valen led the man up to a room, where he knocked on the door. "Belle, hey. Arthur's here to see you."

"It's alright. Tell him I'm fine." She sounded cheerful enough.

Arthur sighed slightly and let himself in. "Thank you, Valen." he said softly. He closed the door behind him. "Belle, don't make me use my authoritative voice. You're not my servant so I don't want to use that voice with you. But I want you to be honest with me. Don't use the mask with me that you use with your parents."

Belle glanced up at him, pausing her polishing of a bow, likely her father's or one of the scouts'. "Pardon?" She watched him for a few moments, before going back to her work. "No, really. I'm fine. I think I'm just trying to adjust to how little meat we eat here, or perhaps the different water. I have plenty to do here to keep myself busy. I'm perfect."

Arthur lifted a brow. "Well then, let's take a break and take a walk. I'd love to just relax in some of the woods. It's so enjoyable." He was being sneaky, admittedly. He was trying to sneak her out of the place to see if she really was fine.