"Yes, Kevlar and bulletproof glass were developed. And then guns got larger in caliber with armor piercing ammunition--" Amélie suddenly paused when Marjara leaned against her before she continued, the only reaction that she had been surprised. "Developed to render it moot. Luckily for most, that ammunition is rather expensive."

It was telling how Amélie made no move to separate herself from the elf. She did murmur in a low voice that wouldn't carry, "You are going to get cold." But she left it at that.

"You forget that children are young and stupid. They think they are invulnerable and should the worst happen, death is worth it for the adventure, the heroism, the idealism and justice. It is hope that they can make something of themselves. I do not know about elves, but no human child grows up wishing to be an accountant, a government official, or a basic programmer." Or an assassin. "They want to be crusaders, soldiers, doctors saving lives. They get that from these stories."