I smile at Alto as warmly as I can, then respond.
"I'm human, if that's what you mean. I haven't lied to you once tonight, and I won't start. As for what I want from you…I would like you all to feel safe tonight. Then, I'll want each of you to tell me how to return you to your homes. After that, I'd like you all to move on and forget this terrible experience. Most importantly, I want you all to know that you owe me nothing." (Mizuki)
She stares at me in confusion and fear, and she seems deeply conflicted.
"I find that hard to believe." (Alto)
I sigh deeply. Trust issues are tough. At this point Nina notices kids being too close to the bonfire again and leaves Alto and me alone to go address it.
"Well, I get it, that's fine. I hope I earn your trust eventually. In the meantime, I want you to know that no matter how scary I may seem, I'm not your enemy. I'd even be your friend, but I know you don't like humans and that's okay. If there's anything I can do to put your mind at ease about me, just ask." (Mizuki)
Alto's expression softens quite a bit as she looks at me. She stares at me for several moments, like she's trying to read my true nature on my face. I just smile at her patiently.
After a moment, she smiles back the tiniest bit. Then, she looks like she remembers something.
"Well, now that you mention it, you said that you were friends with Princess Ilina and could even take me to her. Could you do that now, by chance?" (Alto)
Hmm…I do need to get information from them about how they were captured, and about whether other slaves have already been moved from their location. As I think that over, I can see Alto looking at me hopefully.
"Yeah, or very soon, at least. I need to ask you some questions first. Would that be okay with you? I know asking right now makes this seem like I'm holding your visit to Ilina hostage, but the questions are time sensitive, and I'm just worried about others like you."
Ilina raises her eyebrows at me. She's not exactly eyeing me suspiciously, but it's not a look of trust, either. She responds with a skeptical tone.
"So, you're not insisting that I submit to an interrogation?" (Alto)
I make a show of sighing deeply.
"No, if you really insist, then I'll take you to Ilina now. As I said before, earning your trust is important to me. However, if you insist on that, I ask that you don't hold it against me if others die or become slaves because I didn't get information from you quickly enough." (Mizuki)
Her eyes go wide, presumably at the implication that her actions would be to blame for something like that.
"N-No, I don't mind answering a few questions first if it may help others." (Alto)
Good choice. That was a little manipulative of me, I admit, but this is important.
"Great, I appreciate it. First, are there any other elves that were originally captured along with you and later separated from your group? In other words, are you missing anybody that I need to go try saving before it's too late? Second, how did they abduct and transport you?" (MIzuki)
This question seems to go a long way with Alto, and I even see the beginnings of a smile on her face.
"No, I apologize for not considering that. If anyone was missing or separated recently, I would have told you immediately. We don't all know each other previously, and we weren't all abducted at the same time. However, we were all in the demi-human country when abducted, and I think they probably abducted us in two or three groups. I was in the first group of captures, and I haven't seen anyone go missing, elven or otherwise, since they took us." (Alto)
In the demi-human country, why? I'm glad I don't need to do another black op tonight, though.
"That's a relief to hear, thank you. Why were you in the demi-human country? I thought elves preferred to say in your country borders away from humans, where it's safer?" (Mizuki)
"You're correct, but we also sympathize with the demi-humans. A very small number of us will occasionally make quiet trips to the demi-human villages here to lend aid. Education, medicine, sanitation, carpentry, defensive measures, and other things like that are common areas we want to help them with." (Alto)
So, a bunch of kindhearted elves doing charity in a less developed country. In that case…
"So, there were probably other elves of different ages and genders with you all when you were abducted, but they were either ignored or killed because they didn't fit the…uses…the slavers had in mind. The children may have just been opportunistic captures from areas you were trying to help. Is that correct?" (Mizuki)
Alto nods solemnly.
"I see, I'm sorry. I won't ask about what happened to you while you were under their care. However, before I take you to Ilina, I have one last question. Do you, or any of the others, need anything? Healing, a warm bath, food, water, clothes, or anything else like that? We can get you water using magic, and I was going to try and get food from Ilina or a nearby tavern tonight if I could." (Mizuki)
In response to this, I'm surprised to see Alto chuckle. What's funny about that?
"Fufu…you're an odd human, Mizuki. You rescued us from slavers, took us out of the dangerous human country, gave us shelter and warmth. You are mentioning food, water, and even getting to see the princess. On top of all that, you're willing to arrange something as frivolous as…new clothes and a bath?" (Alto)
She's nearly in a full laugh by the end. I really don't think that's crazy, but I guess that Azura and Earth have different standards.
"Well, if that's a no, I can take you to Ilina now." (Mizuki)
Nina chooses this moment to finish building an earth railing around the bonfire to keep kids out. Thus, she hears this comment about going to see Ilina as she walks up.
"Fufufufu…I'm sorry what was that, Mizuki? I know I didn't hear you suggest sneaking off to see that elf alone and leaving me here?" (Nina)
That's…not good.