The dilapidated site Elisandra had found should at least hold one or two treasures Aica and Vesta would find useful in one way or another. Every few years, one of the villages that edges Angelmoss would once again gather the courage to enter the woods with a hunting party. Usually it was their desperation around the end of winter’s season that re kindled their bravery, and though the sprites understood the desperate need to appease hunger, they also understood the human tendency to take the easiest path. If they allowed them to hunt the forests during lean seasons, there would suddenly be humans littering the forest constantly, looking for an easy meal, instead of putting in the work to replenish their own stockpiles.<br/><br/>The remnants of a campfire was still visible, though overgrown with moss and vines. It would normally take a lot of work to dig down to the rotted dry wood but with a few whispers, the delicate curls and swirls along Elisa's skin lit up and the vegetation slowly started to creep back, creating a small cleared area around the pit.<br/><br/>“Perfect,” she muttered to herself as her markings faded and she was already moving on to her next task. She wouldn’t light the fire until everything else was ready. Looking around, her small hands resting on her hips, she let out a heavy breath. It was going to be a long day.<br/><br/>Flittering around, clearing the campsite and gathering a few odd and ends she felt might be useful, Eli was in truth enjoying herself. It was hard work, but she felt a sense of purpose that she hadn’t felt in a long time. It was an awful thought, but Eli was kind of thankful for the tragedy that had sent Aica and Vesta stumbling across her path.<br/><br/>“That is a terrible thought Elisandra!” she scolded herself, even going so far as to pinch herself, as a small punishment for the selfish thought. No, she wasn’t thankful for their trials, but she was grateful to have found the royals. Both of them were fascinating and she could spend days watching them, trying to figure out their behavior and moods.<br/><br/>Even at what she believed was their worst moments, both had a regal bearing and elegance she would never be able to mimic. Elisa knew this, because she had tried on several occasions and failed magnificently! She wanted to show with her posture and walk, the confidence Vesta projected without the slightest thought, but had to finally concede defeat. After a day of furred and feathered friends tittering with amusement at her every endeavor she decided to give it up entirely, what did a sprite need with elegance anyway, she could fly that was much better!<br/><br/>Grimacing a little at the memory of her failure, Elisa suddenly caught a movement from the corner of her eye. Turning, she spotted the sprite scout and returned his steady stare, waiting for some sort of reaction. She knew the resolution had been keeping an eye on her, but usually they were much more discreet. Every so often Eli would catch sight of a wing sparkling in the sunlight, or a leg disappearing in between the leaves but they never spoke to her, just observed her and reported back.<br/><br/>Eli knew the only reason the sprites had left the prince and princess alone so far was because they knew she was close and watching the couple already. She wasn’t sure what would happen once the scout reported back to her grandfather that she was taking her contact with them even further.<br/><br/>The male darted off once again, without even a nod of acknowledgement, and disappeared with a fluttering of wings into the tree canopy. Eli released the pent of breath she hadn’t even realized she was holding, and found a soft moss covered stone to relax on for a moment, dismissing the male sprite from her mind for now.<br/><br/>She was starving and looking forward to a dinner of her favorite treat. The wild raspberries she had found were perfect this time of year. Plump and full of juice, one berry filled her hand like a large apple would fill Vesta’s. She had flown back and forth to the berry loaded bush dozens of times to create a small pile of the bright red and dark blue fruit as a treat for the couple. Along with the berries a few wild onions and mushrooms added to the small heap of edibles.<br/><br/>Looking longingly at the lush berry in her hand for a few seconds, she sighed and put it away for the moment. Eating raspberries was messy for a sprite. She would end up covered in sticky berry juice and need to wash before accomplishing anything further. It was close to nightfall now and Elisa needed to get the fire going or her plan to lure the royals over to the new location would never work.<br/><br/>Elisandra would need to time everything perfectly. There wasn’t a lot of deadwood left in the firepit, and she had only been able to add twigs and small branches before her muscles had started trembling with overexertion. If she lit the fire too early and they didn’t notice it, it could burn out completely and she’d have to give up her plan for the night.<br/><br/>Lifting her feet and wiggling her toes in the cool moss, Elisa waited impatiently.