“[i]But you know that, don’t you, Mycah[/i]?”

Taris stopped in his tracks and looked at her. “So you do remember me from back then. I had wondered, to be honest.” He chuckled and began walking once more, “And you’ve kept it secret from everybody? How interesting you are.” His face became serious after a moment, likely the most serious she had seen him, “Don’t call me Mycah, though, not anymore. That person is dead, and needs to stay that way, for both our sakes. You know how the underworld works.

“I may be the only Shadow Elf of my clan left in this region, my brothers and sisters you might have seen back then are all dead. If certain people knew that I was Mycah, there would be trouble. And if my master found out that you remember me, he’d demand your life.” Aera, who had been nodding in understanding, paused at this, and Taris continued, “Exactly. Like I said, both our sakes.”

Aera looked forward again, “So, why are you here now, Taris? You have a job, don’t you?”

Taris nodded keeping his eyes ahead and carefully neutral, “I do, several in fact. It’s a big job, and I may need access to the castle for it. Hence, why I sought you out.” A grin pulled at the corner of his mouth, “Well, I can’t say it’s the ONLY reason I sought you…” She pushed at him a little and they both had a small laugh.

They crossed out of the castle into the fading light of the evening when a thought crossed his mind, “If you do need someone to talk to, for any reason, I’m available to you, Aera. I have a couple months before the job needs to be finished, I can take my time. People like me have contacts, not friends, it is nice to have someone to just talk to.”

Aera looked at him for a moment, “Thank you, Taris, I’ll keep that in mind.”

They arrived at the tourney grounds, and Taris excused himself from the Princess, heading towards the area where a stand was being erected in the field. The ceremony was short, and the cheer from the elves in their section was so loud it drowned out the jeers from the rest of the crowd, making Taris smile. The banquet passed without incident, a stark contrast to the rest of the day. Being a champion afforded Taris the honor of a seat at the High Table, where he mostly talked with Aera and dodged thinly-veiled jabs from Risa.

That night, in his room at the inn, he made his report to his master. “Everything is proceeding well,” he spoke to the man in the mirror. [i]At least, as far as you need to know.[/i]

His master merely stared at him, “There is a small change in plan, Taris. I’ve received information about one of your targets, Duke Bronson. He is leaving his estate in three days, you must kill him before then. Do not fail Taris.” And with that he was gone, leaving the elf alone. [i]Arrogant old man[/i]…