Ireth nodded.
"Our talents when we're young are the talents that are the strongest. So we'll see if you've still got any of yor skill with animals when we get into elven terrritory." He knew they'd be approched by something on elven territory they'd be able to see if there was anything special about Kaira and her connection animals.

She smiled despite herself glad that she had said something about her childhood fancies. It made her nervous that perhaps over the time of not using such skills that she may have lost the ability, she greatly hoped she didn't. Her nervousness waned away to curiosity as she thought about what these possible talents could be and how would she use them? Then it occurred to her that she had never asked why it was important to have a skill. What would she do if she didn't have one.

"Ireth… is it important that i have a skill?"

He shrugged.
"Most elves have a skill their born with. Though skills can be learned. The ones like magic and enchantments are usually passed down through mother to daughter or father to son. Half elves tend to have a skill but it isn't a strong as a full elf's skill. An example would be if your were skilled with enchantment you might not be able to enchant some things the a full blooded elf would." He explained. Standing there wasn't doiing them any good so he continued to walk in the direction of home. The sooner they got onto elven lands the better, and safer, it would be for both of them.

"Oh" she said still not quite sure about the whole thing, but if it was important she would adhere to it. When he started waking again she ran to catch up to him. She was about to ask another question when she heard leafs and branches breaking which caused her to stop walking and turn in the direction that it was coming from. Fear spiked as she heard a man's shout and the chorus of howls from hunting dogs fill the air. It would seem that the humans had tracked them down though she wasn't sure how they had moved so quickly. They must be on horses.

Ireth froze and turned. He ran and picked Kaira up around the waist. He was up a tree in moments. His boots chipped away at the bark as he climbed. He pulled himself up onto a branch. His arm kept it's grip tight around Kaira's waist. His other arm kept its grip on the branch above them. His feet brushed the branch just slightly. He held Kaira up against his chest and looked at her. But a crack below made him look down. He held Kaira closer in an attempt to make them less visible.

She made a surprised gasp as she found herself once again in Ireth's arms. She flung her arms up and wrapped them around his neck fearing he might drop her as he made his way up the tree. She was about to protest that it would be easier for them to climb separately but her voice died on her tongue when he looked at her. It was then that she realized she felt safer when he held her. Though that moment was short lived as the sound of the men charging into their clearing made her body jump slightly. She tightened her grip around his neck as she tried to get as close as possible to him.

The men slowed to a stop as there dogs stopped to sniff the ground. Kaira dared a glance down and her gaze met one of the dogs. The dog moved forward quickly then stopped and backed up as if confused. She forward her eye brows in confusion as her eyes remained locked with the animals.

"Hey" One of them men shouted seeming to notice the animals behavior.

"Please go away" She pleaded in a whisper, she wasn't really expecting much but she was hoping that the dong would at least stop staring at her. She was however surprised and stunned as the dog turned tail and sounded a howl as he ran in another direction causing the other dogs to follow and them men with them.

Ireth's chin had found a spot resting on Kaira's headas he tightened his grip on both the branch and Kaira's waist when the men burst into the clearing. He let out his breath when they left. He wispered to Kaira after he was sure they were out of ear shot.
"We should stay up here for awhile until we're sure they've left." He said into her ear. He loosened his grip on her waist to give her enough room to turn and look away from him. He looked down to see if he could get an idea of how far away the knights were.

A nod and a nervous "okay" was her only response though when he loosened his grip she tightened hers seeking a little comfort. She was confused and adrenalin was still pumping through her veins. Had the dog listened to her? Or had he simply heard something in the forest making him turn to chase it? Whatever the case was she was thankful that they had not been noticed. After she calmed herself she felt awkward for clinging to Ireth so she loosened her grip and looked for a branch that she could grab onto so she wouldn't be burdening him anymore.

While she look she asked. "Ireth... if i did have a power with animals..." She paused as she finally found one that was close that she could pull herself onto. She reached out to it as she continued speaking. "could I communicate with them?"

Ireth nodded. Most animal realated powers were used to communicate between person and beast. A bark made him look down. Something of a silvery blue color was crouched below them. It had a navy blue scruff much like a lion's mane. I barked, copying the sounds of the dogs. Ireth looked over at Kaira and nodded to her question. He looked back down and what ever it had been was gone. Though tracks in the dirt showed it had headed in the direction of the humans.

She paused in her reach when she head a bark. Fearing the worst she looked down to see the creature below them then just as fast as it had come it was gone. She didn't know what to make of the situation. "What-?" she asked then after a moments pause she changed her question. "Perhaps we should get moving in case they come back." As she said this she wiggled herself out of Ireth's arms and climbed onto the branch she had been reaching for, from there she began to make her way down the tree.

Ireth nodded and worked his way down the tree. His ears twitched as he tuned in on the clattering the humans made as they wlked away. It was soft to human ears but to him it was like they were right below them. He swung down from a branch and looked back at Kaira. He looked in the other direction when a soft growl came to his ears. He whipped around and motioned for Kaira to stay in the tree.

The beast from below the tree stepped into view. It's furry mane flecked with human blood. It was crouched low and Ireth took a step back. It looked up at Ireth and rose from it's crouch. The beast reached Ireth's waist at it's own shoulders. Blinking Ireth crouched and held a palm out. The beast crouched for a moment and stopped another growl before realizing Ireth had no weapon with him.

It approched and sniffed his palm. Ireth turned his hand over slowly to give the beast a good scent of his hand. He looked back up at Kaira, a soft smile had crossed his face.
"It's okay." He said and motioned for her to come down. To beast had scented up his jacket and had a paw resting on his chest, nose against his shirt. The beast sniffed his neck from their and licked Ireth's cheek before putting both from paws on the elf's chest.

She worked her way down quickly though it would not seem quickly enough as Ireth beat her to the ground. Just as she was about to touch the ground Ireth motioned for her to stop. instantly she froze hoping that the humans weren't on their way back. Her thoughts were scattered when the creature came into view. It was covered in blood which made Kaira worry about Ireth and worried even more when he crouched down.

She readied herself in the branch above ready to come to his aid should he need it. She wasn't sure what she would do... but she try to help. Though it would appear that her fear had been misplaced as the animal sniffed his hand and remained docile. Relieved she followed his encouragement and dropped herself onto the ground landing gracefully.

She smiled at the beasts antics. "What is it?" she ask Ireth naver taking her eyes off the animal.

Ireth rubbed the fuzz on the underside of the beast's head.
"We call them Plains Wolves. They learn to get up into the citys and stay there." Ireth said. They had one living up with Ireth and his brothers at the moment. The wolf licked his face once more and looked at Kaira before walking over and nuzzeling her wrist.
"That's how they greet eachother, nuzzeling their wrists and a lick or two on the face for those close to them." Ireth explained as the Plains Wolf greeted Kaira.

Sheer joy spread across her face as she bent down to properly greet the Plains wolf. She rubbed the wolfs soft fur, making sure to avoid the blood. "Your fur is beautiful" she said in a soft voice to the Plains wolf. She wasn't sure what to say to the wolf but she guessed it really didn't matter because there was nothing really to say.

She stood back up as a sense of urgency hit her. "We should get moving before they come back." Anxiously she edged toward the direction they had been headed in.

Ireth nodded and stood. The wolf stood as Kaira did. Ireth smiled softly at that.
"I guess you've got yourself an accomplace Kaira." He said. The wolf pawed at her foot and Ireth smiled wider. He motioned for Kaira to follow him as he began to walk again. His strides went around the foliage, only rusteling a leaf every few steps. Besides that there was no sound from Ireth,

Kaira looked down at the wolf as he said that and smiled. It made her feel good that she had a new friend. Carefully and silently she followed Ireth being sure to pick her way around dried up leaves and twigs. It wasn't until they were at a safer distance from the humans that she began to walk normally. they had to be near the elven border by not. she thought as she studied the position of the sun in the sky.

The wolf followed Kaira's steps exactly. Ireth's chin lifted as the walked. It gave him an almost regal apperance. He looked back at Kaira with a soft smile.
"Come on, there's a great view up ahead." He said before dissipearing into the bushes.

she watched as Ireth's posture change and she even felt a little intimidated by it. Though the company of the wolf beside her gave her comfort, one she would never have expected, though greatly appreciated. she paused then blinked twice in confusion before it finally hit her that they must be in elven territory. She hurriedly moved to catch up to him.

Once she was on the other side of the bushes she was awed by the view. They were standing on a low hill and below them lay an open field with tall grass and wild flowers scattered here and there. Running threw the field was a small river. Following the clear water with her eyes, it flowed from a waterfall though she was not close enough to it to fully admire its beauty she was still able to appreciate it. Beyond the field was another cluster of trees but these trees looked older and much more majestic then any tree she had ever seen. Just the sight of them took her breath away.

Anyone untrained in the eye wouldn't notice it but the shadows cast by clouds had sections that rippled softly.Ireth tracked a pair of there as they dissipeared into the grass. He lost them for a moment but quickly noticed how aflower dissipeared for a second. A smile spread across his lips. Their presance had been noticed and the villages had dispached Wardens to make sure they wern't humans.

Ireth watched the pair of what he knew were enchanted cloaks with their hoods drawn to cover their elven wearer's haid. He scanned once more, counting a total of five ripplis all working their ways into the forest, except the pair he knew would be his siblings. He remobed his left hand from his pocket with intent to block his brother's death hugs when they came. One of the ripples dissapeared without Ireth noticing.

It was the second eldest, Byron, that dissapeared into the trees. The cloak went icy cold against his leather armor before changing to the dark brows and greens of the forest he now strided through. His longbow was tucked against his back, quiver at his him. His stride became a run as he attempted to keep up with his younger brother who was still on the grassy plains. He could see how the grass was pushed aside like water around a boat as he ran past with hiss cloak treading on the grass's soft yellowish green tips.

Kaira could have sworn she saw something move out of the corner of her eye but when she turned her head to look there was nothing there. Shrugging off the feeling of being watched she took a steep forward and turned to Ireth.

"Should we get going" she said smiling. She turned back around and her heart leaped in her throughout as she saw the grass parting of its own accord. Instinctively she jumped back but thankfully kept enough of her nerve to stand next to Ireth instead of hiding behind him, which had been her first intention.

Ireth looked at Kaira with a raised eyebrow.
"Is someth-" Ireth was tackeled from behind. Byron's hood fell back at that moment. Ireth started laughing at that point.
"You got me good Byron." He said sitting up. His brother in his lap. The younger elf's silvery hair was pulled into a sloppy ponytail. Byron raised an eyebrow and Ireth shok his head.
"Dos tahta uns'aa Byron." (You scared me Byron) The younger elf nodded before speaking.
"Astermal'zhah aluin ulu xo'al l' toha klez." (Astermal's going to try the same thing) Ireth smiled and wrapped his younger brother in a hug. Byron stiffened for a moment before hugging him back.
"Dalninuk!"(Brother) A third voice chimed in as the youngest of the three sprinted up and pulled his hood back and joined the hug. Ireth smiled wider and hugged them both tighter for a moment before standing. Byron and Astermal let go and stood. Byron raised a snowy eyebrow when he looked at Kaira.
"Il telanthen english"(She speaks english) The two nodded and Byron held out a gloved hand.
"The name's Byron." He said with a soft smile. He looked at Astermal with his hazel-flecked-green-eyes. The youngest dd the name.
"I'm Astermal. Aster if you wish." Ireth smiled as Astermal held out a hand. The youngest's hand was also gloved but the finger's had been removed. The thumb was still covered, the finger was laced in exotic stichings that their mother must have done while he was away.

She made startled yelp before jumping sideways as Ireth was talked though her need to protect Ireth quickly gave way to relief when he started to laugh. She let out a puff of air as she shifted her hair awkwardly as she watched the brothers reunion.

A frown graced her features as she watched them. She wondered what it would have been like to have siblings but quickly discarded the idea when a touch of loneliness began to seep through her.

She stiffened when they looked at her, she let completely out of her element and nervous as hell, she was hoping she could make a good impression… but she didn't even know their language!!!

Thankfully luck was on her side as she was greeted with her own language. She smiled gratefully as she first took Byron's hand in greeting then Astermal's.

"Is nice to meet you both, I'm Kaira" She was rather at a lose for what to say so she looked at Ireth for help.

Ireth nodded and his brothers who took their hand back after their shakes.
"Usstan ssinssrin dos draa belbau ilta l' alurl mala. Il xunus xxizz uns'aa ssuth."(I want you two to give her the utmost respect. She did help me escape.) Ireth said to his brothers. He continued when the two nodded.
"Plynn l' i'dol, Usstan xuat ssinssrin ulu inbal jala malarin pholor l' i'dol rath." (Lead the way, I don't want to have any fighting on the way back.) The two nodded once more and began a quick walk. Ireth looked over at Kaira and motioned for her to follow.
"Come on, we're almost home." Ireth said to her, he was clearly excited about being so close to home. He was expecting Kaira to ask him about what he'd said to his brothers. If he'd been in Kaira's shoes he would be asking about what had been said.

She fidgeted as they talked in their native language unsure if they were talking about her. She was almost certain that they were but she was hoping that they weren't. She was releaved when they continued walking. She moved quickly to keep pace with Ireth not wanting to leave his side. They were all technically strangers to her at the moment but as far as she was concerned she knew Ireth and there for he was safe.

"So… what were you guys saying" She felt like she was prying but she was sure she would have to ask him this a lot in the up coming months. Well at least she would finally be able to learn the language.

"I told them to treat you with respect since you helped me escape,and not to argure on the way back sine there's a split in the path pne we get in the woods. Both ways lead to the city, but at different points." Ireth explained, he slowed his pace a little so Kaira wouldn't waste all her energy trying to keep up with him. It was only mid day and there would still be hours of time to explore the city when they got there.
Byron turned and began to walk backwards so he could look at his older brother.
"Ireth?" He began. Ireth turned from Kaira to his younger brother.
"Yes?" Byron put his hands in the pockets on the underside of his cloak.
"Where's your longbow and Luthk knife?" Ireth sighed and hung his head. Astermal looked back at this point.
"The humans took them didn't they?" Astermal said, Ireth nodded. Byron hugged Ireth causing the two to stop. Ireth smiled at Byron as he let go.
"Thanks By." He whispered and ruffled the younger's hair.

((Since Kaira might end up actually speaking elf I figured I should give you the link to the Translator I've been using.))