Heirot

Carnthir laughed. "It wasn't that quick." he argued. "Anyway, we must be on our way. My parents are rather eager to meet you." Carnthir felt pleased that he had defeated his opponent, though Thomas proved to be a worthy competition.

Thomas nodded, "Alright. Though I lost, I must say it was a pleasure shooting with you Carnthir." He bowed and waited for Carnthir to take him wherever they needed to go.

Carnthir returned a bow. Thomas was earning his trust and respect rather quickly. He didn't think his parents would be so easily impressed. They would want to watch and study him before releasing him again.

"Aye," he turned back towards the direction in which he came. "It was. Maybe we can do it again soon." He walked down the street to the palace.

Thomas smiled. It would be a nice change of pace from running from town to town. That got worse and worse every time he had to do so.

They didn't have far to walk before they stood in front of an enormous white palace. The emerald roof glistened under the moon. "Well here we are," Carnthir led Thomas up the marble steps.

Thomas took in everything around him. "This place is amazing. I've been in castles before, but that's usually at the debt of night. And I usually don't stay very long."

Carnthir stopped and thought a moment about what the human had just said. "Why is that?" he finally asked, not understanding his meaning.

Thomas was about to say, take a look at me. But then he realized that he looked more of some sort of priest or mage than a thief. "Ah, I guess I haven't told you my profession. I specialize in infiltration and thievery, but usually only when I must, usually when I'm hired to. This is certainly not a place I'd steal from, especially since everyone's been kind to me. I may be a thief, but I'm not evil enough to stoop down to that." He hoped Carnthir would believe him. He was telling the truth.

Carnthir pondered the words a moment then nodded. "Be sure to mention that to my parents," he said opening the doors into a long hallway. "Though they may figure it out, unlike myself. They are much wiser."

The hall was well lit and elves passed through it in both directions. It was lined with many doors on both sides.

Thomas nodded. He continued to be held in awe about the place. The elves were truly masters of their craft. The dwarves were masters of weapons and armor, smelting and mining. But that was small compared to the true arts, and the elves were masters of these arts. Their fine dexterous hands had lovingly put glorious touches into the architecture of the castle.

Carnthir stepped into the main hall where his parents sat and chatted. He bowed and then introduced them all, "Mother and father," he gestured at the human. "This is Thomas." His parents inclined their heads.

"Thomas these are my parents, Estela and Dol, and rulers of Camthalion." Carnthir stepped back presenting Thomas.

"It is good to meet you, Thomas," said Estela. Her voice was soft and full of grace.

Dol just stared at him observantly.

Thomas bowed to the pair, "Greatings Estla and Dol. It's an honor to be here."

"What was your purpose in the forest?" asked Dol wasting no time to get to the bottom of the situation. His blue eyes still fixed hard on Thomas.

Thomas looked to them, "To be honest, I have no business here. I was traveling from town to town looking for work. I'm a thief, but I assure you that I have no intention of stealing anything within this place. I may be a thief, but I'm not evil."

Dol nodded. "That is a wise choice, as you would not make it far." He had no reason not to trust Thomas, but still wanted him here for further studying.

"Though you seem to speak the truth, by our law you must be further investigated and watched." Dol said. His gaze not so harsh now. "You will be taken care of and you will have a room to stay in." A quiet pause filled the room. "I'd suggest you not try anything tricky as you will not live long to enjoy it." With that he bowed and sent them on their way.

Carnthir returned the bow and escorted Thomas from the chamber.