Arthion peered through the bushes and watched the children play. It was a boy and a girl running around and tapping each other. It seemed fun how they were playing and so carefree. Arthion caught up in the moment of play was caught off guard when the boy stumbled and fell in front of him.

Their eyes locked and the boy motion for his sister. She came running and extended her hand to Arthion. Not sure what to do Arthion hesitantly reached out his hand. Both children grabbed it and said in unison “Tag you are it, you have to catch us now.”

Arthion chased them both and tagged them both and they all took turns running from each other and playing. The play was interrupted by a woman calling out to the children. “Mother is calling” said the girl.

Both children grabbed Arthion arm and skipped to the woman called Mother.

“Mother can our new friend have lunch with us?”

“Yes he can.” Mother replied, “What is your name young one?”

“Arthion” said as he eyed the woman. She seem pretty as far as humans goes.

“Nice to meet you Arthion”, mother said “Would you like to have lunch with us?”

“Yes” Arthion replied.

“Children show Arthion how to wash up and prepare for lunch.”

“Yes mother” the children said in unison.

They took Arthion to a wash bowl and began washing their hands and face. They then enter the little home and sat at the table. Mother entered the home and went to a pot sitting on a oven stove. She stirred the pot and dips the stew into a bowl and handing each of them a bowl. She then went to the table and tore of a piece of bread.

“Thank you mother” the children said in unison.

“Thank you” Arthion said.

Arthion slowly took a bit of the stew. It had meat in it which he was not use to but he wanted to be polite. He was actually surprised that it tasted good. He used the bread to dip in the stew and was enjoying the lunch.

“Arthion do you live in the trees?” the girl asked.

“Do you mean in the forest?” Arthion replied.

“Yes.”

“Yes I live in the forest.”

The door open and a Burlery muscular man entered.

“Father” the children said in unison.

“Hello children” the father said with a smile on his face, “And who do we have here?”

“Our new friend Arthion” the children said in unison.

“A pleasure to meet you Arthion.”

“A pleasure to meet you as well.”

“Did you all have fun today?”

“Yes” Arthion and the children said in unison.

Arthion study the family and could not help to think what is happening.

“I have a treat for you all” Father said reaching inside his side pocket. He pulled out a stick wrapped in a white cloth. He broke the stick in three evenly pieces then opened the cloth giving each child a piece.

Arthion broke his piece again and put it in his mouth. The sensation was like nothing he had ever tasted. It was sweet and minty with a cool taste.

Father looked up and looked in the distance, “You children go outside and play some more.”

All the children Arthion including left the table and went outside to play. They played hide and seek and more tag. Arthion could not ever remember having so much fun. His fun was interrupted when he saw the hunting party.

The band of elves had been looking for their youngling. They spotted him playing in a field with human children. They marched in his direction heading straight to the children parents.

“Who are they?” the girl asked Arthion.

“They are many things but I guess scouts would be the best term”.

“Are you in trouble?” the boy asked.

“I might be, but it was worth it. I cannot wait to tell my cousin about hide and seek.” Arthion saw the patrol talking to mother and father “We better get back.” He said as he started running to the scouting party.

A scream stopped everyone.