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"Not even Garen?" Aldrec said, raising an eyebrow "Well, he's different," Mericlou said quickly

"Different how?"

"Well, he's like you, you know? He's unusual … different He doesn't mind androids, and he treats us with respect He's always paid us well for our work, and, well, he even fell in love with my sister and married her You understand, don't you?"

"Far better than you realize," Aldrec said "I don't deny that I' me," Mericlou said, both annoyed and a in a tavern anyway? Last tio there all the time," Aldrec replied matter-of-factly "The atmosphere is friendly -usually-, and I like the ale"

"An elf that drinks ale?" Mericlou said, a wry grin appearing on her face "That's … a little strange"

"An android who likes flowers and plants is … a little strange too," Aldrec said in an unusual, mildly standoffish manner

Mericlou quickly sat beside Aldrec on the railing Afraid that she ht have offended hiuess what I said was more than just a little uncalled for, so I deserved that But what I' to say is that you're really unusual, Aldrec I mean it's not just the tavern or the ale, but it's your personality as well I've known you for a year now, and I've never seen an elf like you You're so … straightforward, so down-to-earth, and so lively It's just strange toI know of your kind into the air"

"I can explain that," Aldrec said,He picked up a few displaced pebbles that lay scattered upon the bridge's wooden planks, and began to lazily throw the ti it to boast; it's just the si as I have, by the traditions and precepts of your people, you either live that way until you die, or you begin thinking for yourself If that happens, then you one day wake up, and realize so secretive, dour, and aloof You also discover that there's ht, or what race you are That's why one day, I decided to do what I wanted to do, to behave like I wanted to behave, and not be like every other elf 'There's an entire world out there,' I said to myself 'You've only scratched the surface, so what are you doing just sitting around in your gilded cage? Go and see the world, and experience all that life has to offer!' And so I did just that And to this day, I have never regretted it"