Page 26 of Kingdom of Lies

"You are playing with fire, my friend. Marriages last eternities among our kind – you would be chained to this human girl until death."

“I am very much aware, thank you. But at least it’s my decision. My woman. I will not become a puppet.”

He finishes the rest of his drink, and I pour him another. "Think carefully, the risks are immense if your ruse is exposed,” he finally continues.

"I am prepared to pay the price, whatever it may be. My only prospect now is securing freedom on my own terms."

“Come now, an eligible officer like yourself could have your pick of brides. Why bind yourself to this unknown girl?"

"I never aspired to marry at all. I trust no one but myself,” I grunt. “You should know this better than anyone.

"And yet you would yoke yourself to a human you barely know?"

"Kathleen has willingly bound her life to mine. That vulnerability and sacrifice make her trustworthy in a way no elf could be. With her, I take a chance on something real."

He considers this for a moment, as if trying on the words. "Your logic is dubious, but I cannot fault your determination. So be it, the die is cast,” he finally replies, with a snort of laughter.

"Thank you, my friend. With you as witness, I fear no risk."

“Well well, let’s not be so dramatic. I’ll do what I can, but please don't put me in a bind. I have a family to care for as well, you know.”

“I know,” I say, taking his rough, calloused hand in mine and clasping it tightly.

“I promise to stand by your side, through both good times and bad.” His deep voice carries a sense of loyalty and determination that fills my heart with gratitude.

"I know this seems madness," I say, taking Captain Hayes' rough, calloused hand in mine and clasping it tightly.

His deep voice carries a sense of steadfast loyalty and determination that fills my heart with gratitude. This stalwart soldier has been like a father to me since I was a fresh recruit. I would be lost without his wisdom and support.

Captain Hayes nods slowly, his dark eyes glistening. "You have grown into a fine officer and honorable elf. I am proud to call you friend."

We sit in contemplative silence for a moment, hands still joined. Then the captain gestures to the pipe on my desk with a wry smile.

"Come now, let's light up and sit awhile, as we used to when you were but a brash youth."

I chuckle and pass him the pipe, then light my own. We puff contentedly, reminiscing about days gone by and musing over where the years have gone.

We puff on our pipes in comfortable silence for a while. Then Captain Hayes speaks up reminiscently and gets a mischievous glint in his eye.

"Remember that wild celebration after we crushed the orc invasion in the east? You drank so much spirits that night you jumped atop a table and bellowed you were the 'scourge of all orcdom.'"

I flush with embarrassment. "Gods, I hoped you had forgotten that display."

Hayes guffaws. "The sight of you, pissed as a whelp, challenging imaginary orcs to come fight you stays seared in my mind."

We share a hearty laugh. It feels good to recall simpler times before duty and destiny weighed so heavy.

The captain's expression turns thoughtful. "You have truly grown into a formidable leader since those early antics. I suppose we all must leave such follies behind someday." Hayes chuckles, shaking his head. "Yet some follies are worth repeating. Like that bonnie barmaid who caught your eye at the celebration."

I cough, having forgotten that ill-advised romantic tryst in a drunken haze.

"You were so keen on charming her that you fell straight off the stool while propositioning the poor girl!" Hayes says.

I cover my face, groaning. "Clearly, I was not at my most graceful."

We laugh again, but then Hayes grows serious once more. "Jests aside, be cautious, my friend. The heart often wants what reason would reject. Guard yours closely."

Memories of our past adventures flood back as we sit in the dimly lit room, surrounded by the sweet scent of smoke. Across from me, Hayes looks wistful as he remembers our days as mentor and mentee. "I never could have gotten here without your guidance," I say earnestly, grateful for his presence. "You were the mentor I needed."

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