With two large huts, crops, and farm animals filling most of the area, it reminds Hiro of his home back in the countryside.

"Well, it isn't much, but you'll just have to deal with it for now. I'm not sure what you folks need, but we have water, food, and warm blankets. We have little space, so unfortunately, you'll have to share rooms."

"You have got to be kidding me. I don't want to sound rude." Not something Hiro was particularly good at. Everyone thought. "But can't you conjure some rooms or something? Or at least make the space bigger? I need my space."

"That would require more magic energy than we could produce. If we did, it would only be temporary. You wouldn't want to be woken up in the middle of the night outside, next to some cow poop, would you?"

"That might happen anyway." A tall older woman said as she walked towards them.

"That's true." Lemir chuckling.

"Seeing him chuckle makes this situation a lot worse for some reason." Kenji whispered to Ito.

She seems to float towards them instead of walking as she approaches them, giving a warm smile that only a mother could give. A large necklace dangled around her neck, a necklace that continuously shines brightly, even in the shade underneath the trees. Her clothes seemed at least a hundred years old, a dress that was covered in dirt and grass from the surrounding forest, but still seemed oddly elegant on her.

"Wow, Lemir wasn't exaggerating. It's quite unsettling." Valier said as she squints her eyes and tilts her head while looking at them.

"Folks, this is Valier. She runs this place, so treat her with respect."

"You're one of the most powerful elves in Noth Mildor and an elder in this kingdom. I thought your lair would be a bit more magical." Ito said.

Valier lets out a small laugh and smiles at Ito. "That was a long time ago. But this place has its charms. Here, let me show you all around."

Time passes slowly as Valier shows them their temporary home. "Instead of running water in the shower and toilet, we have a barrel and a hole. Girls and boys had their own, of course." Once those words left her mouth, Hiro passes out, falling straight onto the ground.

"I'm only kidding. We have running water here. We're not barbarians. Let him know once he wakes."

"Help yourself to food in the kitchen. We have plenty for everyone. Unless you have an appetite like Kalindil over here, then maybe try to ration yourself." Valier points to her son, a young male, wiping his mouth after barreling down five pounds of food.

"This is Kalindil, my son. If you need any help, he'll be happy to oblige. I've also washed and laid some extra clothes on the beds. Feel free to use them." They all look at one another, noticing the filth and sweat that layered their costumes, thankful that fresh clothes await them all.

Kalindil didn't seem as graceful and angelic as his mother. In all the fantasy books and movies Hiro has seen, he has never seen an elf as ungroomed as him. Hiro looks in disgust as Kalindil's hair points in all different directions, while he wears one sock with a hole on one foot, and no sock at all on the other. Hiro then looks down and notices a piece of bread with jam on it poking out of his pocket. He can only assume that it's a snack for later.

"Whoa, freaky. You guys look exactly the same, except less muscular and flabbier." Kalindil said as he stands inches away from Hiro, poking his midsection.

Hiro slaps his hand away as he scowls at Kalindil. "Hey back off. I'm going to start my diet next week."

Kalindil looks at them and thinks to himself, repeating this about a dozen times, looking like he has so many questions, his head was about to explode.

Valier stares at Kalindi with her arms crossed, not expecting for this introduction to last this long. "Kalindil, stop harassing our guests and please, show them to their rooms."

Kalindil stops mid thought and looks at his mother, not knowing how much time has passed. He turns to walk down the hall and waves his hand forward. "Follow me."

The men and women separate as Kalindil directs them to their rooms. As Kenji opens the door, Hiro shoves them to the side as chooses the only bed next to a window. Kenji takes a few deep breaths and heads to a bed in the corner. As their head touches the pillow, a room erupts with snoring as they all immediately fell asleep.

Valier, Kalindil, and Lemir prepare lunch, filling the table with enough food to feed at least two dozen people. Slowly, most of them make their way to the dining table, wearing the clothes Valier washed for them. The shirts were very soft and smooth, pairing nicely with the shorts that were breezy and light, perfect for the warm weather they were in. They gather around the table to sit down, most not knowing what food they will be eating.

To their pleasant surprise, they see similar food to what they would eat back home. Grilled fish, chicken and steak, tomato soup freshly made from the garden outside and lastly, Lemir's famous troll stew. Hiro smells the food and rushes to the table, pushing everyone, making himself comfortable at the head of the table. Lemir, with no hesitation, puts down his stew and pushes Hiro off the seat and onto the ground. "That's Valier's seat." As Lemir walks back to the kitchen, Hiro dusts himself off, trying not to make any eye contact with anyone, as they all slightly smirked.

As all of them didn't eat for almost a full day, they're starving and ready to eat. The room fills with the sound of utensils gliding and hitting the glass plates and bowls, munching of food, and moving of chairs as no one only ate one serving. To everyone's surprise, the troll stew was the meal's best dish. There wasn't even a spoonful left of it in the pot.

As the food rush slowed down and pants expanded to their limit, Mei couldn't wait any longer.

"So, when are we going to figure out a plan to save the rest?"

Lemir turns from the stove to face Mei, his face showing that the question confused him.

"This is the plan."