Bellona eyed the boy, then quickly hid her calculating gaze and forced herself to tear up. "Please. Help us. He might be injured but we're not sure. We were running from some Tauli guards that found my family camping out on their border. We've been traveling for two days without food or water."

Gale saw Ace run and raised an eyebrow. She sprinted to catch up with him, her eyes wide as she realized that he was walking to the two strangers.

Alex nodded weakly. He coughed weakly as well.

Ace eyed them, debating.

Bellona forced a tear to slip from her watery eyes, then rubbed at it and gave Ace another pleading look. "We have nowhere to stay."

Gale frowned. "Who are you people?"

"My name is Bell, and this is my brother Seth. We're twins and our parents reunited us a while back. We grew up in opposite kingdoms."

"Tauli and Tanere kids." Gale whispered to Ace. "What to we do?"

Alex tried to talk, but only a hoarse whisper came out. "Please..."

Ace whispered back, "Let's give them a chance. We could use a few more allies. But one wrong move and we kick them out."

Bell watched the two whisper to each other, her blue grey eyes narrowed.

Gale nodded in agreement. "Alright."

"Come. Bell and Seth, right? We will get you two some food, water, and shelter."

"Thank you." She said, wiping away her forced tear. "Let's go Seth."

"I can show you guys around later." Gale said. "But you have to meet the Chief first."

Seth used his sword as a walking stick

Ace nodded in agreement. "While you guys go to the Chief I will get you some food and water."

"Thanks Ace," said Gale. "Alright, let's go. It's the biggest tent up there. I'm Gale by the way."

Ace walked with confidence, but never on purpose. It was just...natural.

Alex just coughed once