Ellie

Magic has long ceased to be something special. More than three centuries ago, people learned of the existence of other races, such as elves, werewolves, dryads, mages, witches, fairies, guardians of the steppes, forests, waters, lakes, and much more. There are thousands, if not millions, of these races. They have long since become part of everyday life. In some cities and villages, these "monsters" were revered, in others they were treated neutrally as people, and in others they were kept as slaves and beasts.

One warm spring day, the Wayfarer arrived in a city called Sternfelia. This city was notorious for its particularly cruel treatment of magical beings. They were mocked, tortured, treated like slaves, and kept in chains. Many magical beings tried to escape from here; those lucky enough not to be born there avoided the city for miles, just to avoid it.

Once there, the traveler began to explore everything around, horrified by the cruelty and heartlessness of these people.

So she entered the black market. She wandered among the stalls, among the cages where people were sitting, and suddenly someone grabbed her by the pant leg.

??? — P-p-please, take me... I-I beg you... I-I-I... I can cook, sew, knit... I can help around the house...

It was a young elf, about 20 years old by the look of it, her clothes all torn, a rusty collar around her neck, scars and wounds all over her body, and tears in her eyes. As soon as the salesman noticed this, he approached.

Salesman: — Are you interested? Would you like to buy it? Only 30 coins.

The traveler paused. On the one hand, she felt sorry for the elf, but on the other, 30 coins wasn't such a small sum...

Traveler:

• Okay... let's...

However, pity prevailed, and the Traveler bought it...

And so she let her bathe, gave her clothes, and is now combing her hair in the room she rented for a week.

Ellie:

• Thank you very much... I really can be useful... I hope...