Overlord: The Exiled
Holiday Omake for December 2019
Hey to all those followers of The Exiled! I apologize for the long time between updates these past few months. To make things abundantly clear.
I am not quiting the fic.
These past few weeks have seen a large change in my workplace not to mention my falling ill several times partially due to the changes in the workplace (several strings of sick employees coming into work, viruses don't care who anyone is). Needless to say, my opportunities to write cohesively has taken a serious hit this past month.
I have plenty to write down and lots of things to put together on my word processor, but the time has not been generous.
I can assure all of those out there reading I will be returning with several juicy chapters, several have snippets written already, just waiting for the rest of the meat to be slapped onto the bones so to speak. At the time of typing this note, I am recovering from a five day bout with a viral infection that has kept me from writing and work.
Of course there is also the holiday season this month as well.
When I do get the next chapter finished, it will follow up this Holiday Snippet. I am sorry for the hiatus, but this will be better for the time being.
I am aiming for mid February to return to form properly.
Thank you all for your patience in advance, have a Happy Holidays and see you in the New Year!
Reis Nailo.
All of that being said, here is a snippet for the Holidays. Have fun and enjoy. Until next chapter!
Christmas in YGGDRASIL
Avalon was covered in a blanket of white snow, falling from the [Control Weather] spell. Frosted evergreens and wreathes decorated the street posts and lamps glowed warmly in their enclosings. The people were about the town visiting friends and relatives before retiring to their homes for the cold night. While there was no Santa Claus, each of the Knights of the Round and Queen Artorias herself would personally delivery a gift to all the families of the queendom as thanks for another year of unified life as a people. For them this was a very busy time, though they made sure to have all of their helpers – essentially their personal NPCs and a handful of their personal elites – be on hand to assist them.
It was no different for The Lair at the entrance far above Pendragon Castle in the mountain to the east. There was a rather obvious pair of trees with will-o-wisps acting as lighting around the pair of coniferous plantlife. Something that was a courtesy of Draconis's strongest NPC as a bit of a joke as her favorite listed holiday normally got skipped. That did not stop things in The Lair from getting lively. They all agreed to meet after dinner real world time and celebrate the holiday season to spite the conditions of the world they lived in.
Yes . . . the NPCs of Avalon and The Lair remembered that time last year fondly indeed . . .
"Do you remember Lady Evelyn? Her Majesty was unusually worried about a few of the Knights of the Round missing the celebration for whatever other duties they had to see to." Lady Knight Claire pondered aloud to the retainer of the Queen of Knights.
The fae woman smiled as she recalled that night as well.
"I do indeed Lady Claire. They all acted a bit silly and so much more relaxed that they normally would." She could recall those events clearly.
Christmas Eve and Day . . .
12/24/XXXX Date.
Through the eyes of the NPCs.
"Ugh, where is he? He said he'd be ready for the Gifting of Blessings tonight!" Artorias muttered to herself as she incessantly tapped her fingernails on her desk. Across from her sipping mulled cider with apple cookies was Gareth who only laughed with a grin.
"You know Draconis is planning something for Avalon as its celebrated Guardian. Let him have his fun Artorias! He only gets this once a year as do we all."
She folded her arms across each other on her desk and huffed as she plopped her chin onto her forearms with a pout. It was such an unusual sight, Gareth choked a bit on her cider with a gagged laugh as the doors opened to the office to reveal Merlin the Grand Archsage. He strutted in with a mile wide smile and had the audacity to wear a spring of mistletoe from the tip of his mage's hat. Evelyn had shaken her head at the antics, but it was not her place to chide the master magic caster.
His usual garb of mage surcoat with longcloak and hood was dyed a garish green and red in equal halves like something out of a bad comicbook. His already snow white hair was frosted with a glamour of minor power. His magic cane was a pinewood with ribbons of multifaceted glowing fringe along with many different colors. The half incubus mage smelled like warm ale with cinnamon and bergamort.
"A Merry Christmas Eve to you both! Oh dear Your Majesty? You look like you could use some . . . cheering up?" He waggled his eyebrows a bit at her before shaking his hat just enough to jangle the bells wrapped to the mistletoe. Artorias groaned and childishly stuck her tongue out at him in disdain.
"Never, you lecherous mage. Go find an interesting maid of the citizenry and she had better not be either underage nor accounted for Merlin!"
He laughed and took a seat to the left of Gareth. "I'm only making fun Artorias. Let me guess . . . Draconis is in his Lair mulling over what he'll do this year for the people?"
The queen could only nod and sigh. He got like this whenever the Holidays rolled around. Perhaps due in part to his bloody past with precious few happy memories of the Holiday Season until after their wedding, but he became oddly generous with those he knew.
To answer the mage's question, a new voice met their ears to have Agravain materialize from the shadowed curtains. The Spymaster of the Knights of the Round smirked.
"Indeed it seems to be the case. The dragon has Akame and Kurome around his planning chambers on active guard. Even I can't get in to take a peek. I can see why his obsession irks you my Queen, but he does it for you as well."
Artorias sat upright in her chair and nodded with a smirk. She knew her annoyance would only pass and she'd be tickled to pieces at whatever scheme he surprised her with. Though she did wonder what the others were doing. Not everyone else had friends or other family that played YGGDRASIL, so not all of them could just get away to log in to have their Holiday celebration. Gaheris had already gifted his NPCs and purview of the people with their gifts, gift bags of assorted candies and sweets for all ages, a generous bonus of "pay" for those in the formal army. Exotic seeds for those farmers under his care to plant when the thaw happened. Things that could keep giving but where not so common to their queendom that they'd be normal crops by any means. The man would be with his ailing grandfather this year. The doctors had said that his grandfather would only be around so much longer and they all wished him the best.
Tristan was helping his younger sisters, all four of them with their Christmas recitals. He had promised to send videos if he could. He too had already celebrated with his assigned share of Avalon's NPCs as well. Percival was actually helping Tristan. The two men were brother-in-laws as Tristan had married into Percival's IRL family. Both men were kept very busy during the Holidays if work was not getting in the way.
All the others had responded that they would be present and when Artorias had checked, those that would be arriving, were present in the capital. Many of them were finishing their assigned tasks for their share of the people if the joyous sounds of celebrating from the city were any indication.
Von Houten Household
Cecilia and her husband Crozwell laughed as they enjoyed freshly brewed, hot tea gifted by Draconis earlier that day along with freedom of leave for Cecilia to spend with her husband. Gawain had also sent Crozwell away to spend time with his wife along with a rare cheese and stone milled crackers from the best culinarians in the queendom. The couple were grateful and had quickly settled in for the night, waving away their servants and letting them go for the special night with their own families.
Content with their fireplace crackling merrily and their shared spot on the sofa, they shared stories about the past year in service to their respective lords.
"Hahaha . . . oh dear . . . Lord Gawain did that? I find that hard to believe my love." Cecilia shook her head in disbelief. To which, Crozwell only nodded sagely as if having a revelation all over again.
"Indeed, my liege was trampled by the [Boar of Fortune] before being flipped off of the cliff side by its massive tusks! Lords Gaheris and Mordred merely watched the whole thing happen as if it was tea time."
Cecilia could only imagine the Knight of Day so un-knight like being thrown from a cliff by an oversized boar. She had heard tale of the creature . . . a rarity and as such, highly sought after by any who would hunt it, not just for its meat, but hide and tusks for their enchanted natures. They said it was a massive creature, yet still . . . to here of a wild animal besting a Knight of the Round . . .?
The reality of what had truly happened was actually far, FAR more embarrassing. They had been meeting up to take on the hunt as a team as the [Boar of Fortune] was a level 100 Field Raid Boss. Yet Gawain had not noticed that he had wandered within the monster's engagement range by himself, so when he got attacked, it had been from behind. Lord Gaheris and Mordred were the only two witnesses, but they had been testing the recording functions.
As a DPS class build with barely any Tank Defensive skills, he had fallen prey to the shoving effect and been close enough to the edge to get shunted into a free fall. The fall had killed him in a most embarrassing fashion and on his arrival; Archsage Merlin had found Mordred and Gaheris dying of laughter. When shown the recording from Mordred, he had dubbed the incident hilarious.
Gareth had needed to fly down into the cliff to retrieve Gawain's lost piece of equipment from his untimely, hilariously bad luck driven death. Fortunately, the killing of the beast by their party managed to level him one whole level, not that he was happy about the circumstances at the time.
Especially when a certain video recording of the incident got posted on Merlin's Vblog accounts a day later.
Not that any of the NPCs of Avalon or The Lair knew about that part.
All that Crozwell and Cecilia knew was that Lord Gawain had been bested by a boar in single combat and that the rest of the knights and the Queen herself had found it rather humorous. Ser Bors had found it endlessly amusing and had no qualms to poking at the younger Knight of the Round, calling himself, Ser Bors: The Boar during their spars. Ser Gawain always got riled up over it.
The couple shook their heads. As generous and powerful as their liege lords could be, well chronicled mishaps like that one reminded them that their lords were not immune to mistakes themselves.
It would be a while before they retired for the night, especially when Crozwell surprised his wife with a rare bottle of brandy and a box of sweets. Normally neither of them were hard drinkers, but tonight was special.
Church of Bahamut
Cathedral
Hymns of celebration and praise resonated throughout the whole sanctuary as priests and other clergy lead the attending masses in chorus. Hand bells rang through the cold air. From her own place among the clergy, Maribelle smiled as she helped a little girl up so she could see the grand proceedings from a better vantage. Though food and drink were not permitted within the church proper, all around the church were the people of Avalon enjoying the festivities with hot drinks and snacks. Sir Gawain had made his appearance to the gathered citizens and wished them all well before personally passing out gifts to families and the church members themselves. He had started far earlier that day and had only recently finished, but remained smiling all the while.
What orphans called the church home had each gotten a personal present from the Knight of Day. The little girl in her arms clutched the doll he had gifted her tightly in her hands. What they had not told her though was that her real present was the family waiting to adopt her in a few hours. The family could be seen from their location, but Maribelle remained quiet about it, not wanting to spoil the surprise.
The orphans were unfortunate refugees from around the world, saved during quests made by the Knights of the Round and Queen Artorias herself.
Little did any of them realize that this was not just something that their lords and ladies had written into the background on purpose. Seeing the devastation of the Arcology War and worse yet, the orphaned children it made had torn at every single one of them. Gawain the most out of them all, as he had been an orphan as well. For him, being chosen even though a couple could very well have their own child was an incredible choice on the part of the adopting family.
It was something all the members of Avalon as a guild agreed upon. So as an act of role play, they intentionally had written into the lore that they would bring those they could back to give them a fighting chance at life.
Many of those orphans, widowed, and widower with no place to go and call home or family now found it in either the church, or any family that wished to bring a new life into their homes.
Personally, Maribelle loathed the cold of the season, but the feelings and celebrations of the masses helped keep the chill away. Especially with the thought of granting the girl in her arms something she truly desired . . . a family and home.
That was enough for her.
Castle Pendragon
Pegasus and Griffon Stables and Barracks
Pegasus Knight Commander Claire chuckled at the various girls of her flight of knights as they poked fun at each other over who had a crush on what knight or lord. They were all on assignment tonight despite the festivities. While many were taking leave, no one who was a part of the military was so foolish as to fully leave Avalon unprepared.
Tales from the Knights of the Round and Queen Artorias as well as her husband, Lord Draconis, warned of a tragic surprise attack at the onset of the Holiday Month that would drag that nation into a war that would engulf the world a second time and last more than four years. Such a horrific event spurred many to willingly volunteer among all sections of the standing force of Avalon to safeguard the people during this sacred night. Ensuring that none defile such a time of celebration for the passing of the year.
Even then, Lady Gareth had visited them to gift them all hot enchanted casks of cider, hot chocolate, and exotic coffee from their allies abroad. The chefs of the castle had also brought them a plethora of hearty food to share throughout the night while they performed their duties so others could peacefully celebrate with family and friends.
This was no small feat given that it was enough to feed all of them with plenty to spare for seconds and even thirds if they were hungry enough. Lady Gareth had brought up two casks of each beverage with the help of Merlin's magic.
Far enough considering that each cask held 43 gallons of beverage each. 258 Gallons of beverages was no small amount, never mind the enchantments needed to keep it all hot throughout the night. As commanding officer on grounds, she had quickly set up a rotating shift of watch and relaxing.
Claire mentally thanked her liege that she had known better than to bring them alcohol . . .
Sighing in content, the Pegasus Knight commander sipped her coffee.
Even then, however, some minor celebrating among those on duty was not uncommon. She was serving tonight as her family was the collection of giggling young women also keeping the watch.
"C'mon Lady Claire! You must have some man you fancy as well!"
Claire did a double take to her subordinate as she had not been paying full attention to the conversation. She was keeping an eye out for Lord Draconis coming from the mountain. The Queen herself had asked her to send word when he was approaching. So far nothing had come from the mountain at all.
"E-excuse me?! Lieutenant, that is not a question I like the sound of . . ." Claire answered in mock anger. Lady Gareth already teased her about her love life as it was!
Oh, this was about to become a loooong watch . . .
The Lair
Entrance
Luserina allowed herself a good laugh as she spied Castle Pendragon and its crystal tower that shimmered quietly in the night. She was keeping watch as well, not as an order, but because she just enjoyed hearing the celebrating of Avalon in the distance. Her keen ears twitched slightly in the cold as sounds were carried to her on the winds.
"Seems like Lady Claire is being teased for her love life again. Poor woman."
Lord Agravain had visited earlier, but left rather quickly. Luserina presumed due to Akame and Kurome guarding whatever plan her liege Draconis was plotting for his wife this night. He was currently locked in the crafting rooms with Todd, the Alchemist insisting that he help as to avoid a catastrophic reaction to whatever the dragon knight was planning.
Nothing against their liege, but the knight could not craft things to save his life. Normally they all blew up or saw precious resources lost . . . never to be seen again.
The dwarf brothers of Biggs and Wedge also were helping, "Lest our generous Lord blast through our whole stock of ores for a single item." In their own words. Draconis had sighed but not refuted them.
The sound of many footsteps met her ears from The Lair and she turned to see Hazuki and The Bunny approaching alongside Todd and Samael. The Bunny had a small bell and ribbon around its neck as it perched atop Hazuki's head between her fox ears. The kitsune woman wore a winter yukata of white and gold with crimson sashes and golden bells. Her tails swayed and twitched happily.
"Luserina, our liege will be returning in a short while. Are you not prepared for the Gifting of Blessings tonight?" Samael asked with a slightly confused expression. This was the one night of the year the Shadow Dragon was without his armor, eschewing it for winter clothing fit to the festivities.
"Is it that time already?!" The group nodded as a single entity, making Luserina rush past them in a fit of panic. "Oh no! Why did no one tell me~~~?!"
Her voice trailed off into the distance as they shared a good laugh at her sudden flustered state. Todd recovered first before becoming rather serious.
"Despite her panic, should we truly be so relaxed? Our liege has gone to visit them."
Samael sighed and cracked his neck tiredly. They had their opinions about Draconis's decision, but their liege was determined to go.
"Do not worry Todd. I know we all have our reservations, but remember that one of ours is present there. He goes to check on her as well. Any of us would be grateful for such a considerate master."
The group grew solemn. Kurome and Akame let go of melancholy sighs, their breath turning to steam in the cold evening air. It was a reminder of the woman they called both a rival and friend.
"Esdeath . . ."
Great Tomb of Nazarick
"I did not expect you to visit of all people Draconis." Momonga said as they stood upon the 5th Floor Glacier of the Tomb. He was making a visit to Esdeath within her icy seal. As Draconis gazed up at the collaboration between him and White Lace, and Blue Planet, he set a sacred wreath at its base.
"I know Momonga, it's been a busy time. Here, I found this." The man opened the [Trade Function] and Momonga gave him a surprised gawk with his jaw clacking open. Draconis smirked and chuckled. "Don't give me that reaction. It's Christmas, and even if our world is in a horrible place, we have the wonders here. Now take it, I won't take no for an answer."
Momonga glanced over the item, reading over everything it did, even its background.
"That's pretty unique! I like the background information. But this is a pretty expensive Cash Shop item."
Draconis shook his head. "I'm still not taking no for an answer. I'm not expecting any favors in the future either. Is anyone else here tonight?"
As he asked the question, an ooze slugged along up to them. There was a mirth to her voice that hinted at annoyance, but still was greatly humored. "Brrr~~~! You two in t-tthis cc-c-c-cold, I'm going to freeze solid into an abstract sculpture here!"
"Hey to you too Bukubukuchagama. Merry Christmas."
The voice actress wriggled about and waved a stubby extension at him merrily as she answered. "You as well Draconis. Was that an item trade I just witnessed? Playing Santa tonight? What would Artorias say? Her husband giving out gifts to a rival guild leader?"
Draconis laughed heartily in response. As a fellow Tank Role player, the two were more in touch with each other than others. Another new voice meet their ears and they turned to see the mind flayer like visage of Tabula Smaragdina followed by the goat demon Ulbert Alain Odle.
"So, the knight arrives." Ulbert's voice was full of sarcasm and mentally Chagama and Momonga cringed.
Oh here he goes . . .
Draconis sighed audibly and faced Ulbert.
"Yes Ulbert, I'm here visiting." He brought up the trading function between them. "I'm not here to cause issues, just give out presents I thought would suit each of you. Whoever is not on tonight I can leave their gifts with Momonga so he can personally hand them out at a latter date. I just thought this would be nice for everyone."
Ulbert pantomimed Draconis's words sarcastically in silence until he finished. "Well whatever gift you have for Touch Me, you can [Trash] as he's no longer in the guild, much less the game. Good riddance."
That made Draconis freeze, as did the others. The others knew that Draconis had not logged on in some time this year, as he had many other obligations as did the man's wife. As such, they probably had not checked their Friend List and seen that Touch Me was no longer even on the list. Meaning his account was deleted.
"What . . .? Touch Me . . . quit? No reasons?"
Ulbert crossed his arms smugly. "He did and I don't care the reasons."
Draconis sighed heavily and nodded. "I see. That is a shame."
The depressed reaction surprised them, even Ulbert, who gawked openly. "Wait . . . that's it? No yelling? No anger at me?"
Draconis took a seat at the base of Esdeath's prison, using it as a backrest, he propped an arm on a raised knee and looked at them all in minor depression.
"No, I cannot be angry at you Ulbert. In fact I'm tired of being angry at you over something I cannot help you with. I'm not even all that surprised Touch Me isn't around anymore. Then let me present this not to him, but to you all as the guild of Ainz Ooal Gown."
A soft, velvet jewelry pillow popped into existence on the snowy ground. Upon it was a bracelet with forty-one charms, each representing a different creature.
"Somehow, I should not be surprised that many of us are not playing these days. Many of Avalon's own members are leaving the game for all kinds of reasons. The core Knights of the Round are all still there, but many of their lesser members are retiring."
Draconis looked at them with a sad smile. "I know we've all had our differences, but it's Christmas."
Esdeath would remember the scene from her prison. The talk about others fading from the world, of the sad, depressed resignation that she could feel from within her seal. The gifts he gave them before smiling quietly at her before leaving. She would keep this from her peers, and understand the complexity that was her master's relationship with the guild of Ainz Ooal Gown.
With the giving of gifts and exchanging of Holiday wishes, even Ulbert softened his tone and though he did not outright apologize, he did wish everyone good Holiday wishes as well. Though no one had gifts to give in return for none of them had expected this development, they did wish each other Merry Christmas.
As he left, Bukubukuchagama, Tabula, Momonga, and Ulbert saw that several others had logged in.
"Well, shall we go greet our friends?" Chagama asked with a bubbly tone. "It IS a special night. Come on!"
The others voiced their agreements and began to head towards the grand meeting chamber. Only about half of them were still playing, but they'd enjoy tonight for what it was. After all, even "evil" needed a break every now and then.
Bakumatsu Genpei
Shin Yoshitsune Kai sat before a crystalline orb so massive and wrapped within the serpentine form of a flying dragon that many called it the [Eye of Shinryu]. He and his Seven Shogun, the members of the guild all waved at the assembled members of Avalon including Artorias.
"Merry Christmas sister. To all of you as well."
"Merry Christmas to you too brother. How are things with you all tonight?"
The far eastern katana master laughed lightly as a few of them poked him in the ribs.
"I . . . I popped the question on her tonight."
A rancorous explosion of surprised yelling and wolf calls resounded from Avalon's side of the communication crystal. Artorias was stunned silent at her brother's actions.
"I take it she said yes?"
As he nodded, a flood of questions began to pour out from his sister's friends.
The other members of Bakumatsu Genpei laughed at the scarlet face their leader began to show even as Artorias just smiled in happiness for her brother.
The Lair
Draconis warped back into his base with a stoic expression. Breathing deeply to settle his emotions, he wandered over to the halls that held many old screenshots and photos taken of past adventures and moments in YGGDRASIL. He found the one of him, and the original nine of Nine's Own Goal and a few others with the World Item [Atlas] at all their feet. His eyes fell on Touch Me.
"You're really gone from this world. Damn it I was such a bull headed fool! What would have happened if I hadn't been so hard headed? But what is done is done. For whatever reasons you are gone. I hope you're still alright."
Checking the time, he chuckled, he was going to be late if he took any longer. Artorias would skin him alive for not making The Gifting of Blessings for the people.
"Well. Time to go." His eyes lingered on the old photo before it went to another one. This one of his posing with Avalon. Another one of his wedding with Artorias. Her brother was Best Man and Touch Me was also present. "Take care old friend. I'll keep the watch in your stead."
As he made his way towards his final chambers of The Lair, he switched out his clothing to something more festive. After all, he'd been planning this for the past two months.
Avalon
Pendragon Castle
Evelyn remembered that Christmas Night very well. Standing upon the office veranda of Queen Artorias's open office, she watched as Draconis flew with all of The Lair's Guardians. All of them guiding a great host of his flight capable men and women. As they flew thought the starlit skies, they all began trailing different colored lines of bright colors. The whole host began tracing designs in the skies.
All those on the ground around the castle watched the host as they began to paint the with the skies as their canvas.
"How beautiful."
The traced designs were of the coat of arms of both Pendragon Castle and The Lair beside each other, but decorated with festive symbols and other colors. Beside her, Artorias walked up to the railing with a mischievous smile.
"So this was what all his poor doodles on his desk were for. And I made such fun of him for it. I feel a little ashamed of myself right now." Evelyn wondered what her liege could mean by that.
Reality was that Draconis had been doodling emblems and planning out things at his desk at their home in real life. His drawing skills were sub par at best, but he had only laughed and smiled when she had poked fun at him. Especially when he had told her she would love the end result.
One by one, each of fliers peeled off from their groups. Hundreds of them, the drawing in the skies took up the vast majority of the skies above Avalon. They descended to the city below and excited cheers rang out among the people as each of his people began handing out gifts and merry wishes to the people they helped guard year long.
Yet only one kept her real interest. Her husband.
His line. A bright golden glow dove through the center of their symbols at straight at her place within the castle. "What is he . . . Ah!"
Evelyn grew wide eyed and backed away from the veranda several paces as Draconis dove on the veranda, the glow of transformation into his full dragon form engulfed him.
Artorias squinted as the light faded and he was hovering just outside her office. His massive form took up the majority of her view. "Dear?"
"Merry Christmas love. Come fly with me tonight. My people are giving out the Gift of Blessings. But my gift to you is the view that only the skies can gift."
Artorias did not have any flying items at the time. The thought of having her husband literally fly her around on his back was actually rather exciting. Smirking at his little stunt, she nodded before leaping to his shoulder.
Securing her place, she gave him a hard pat on the neck and he began to ascend with mighty wing beats. Evelyn watched her go with her husband sighed happily for them. Yet as he turned to leave, he flicked his tail, sending a wrapped box with a ribbon her direction, the gift sliding gently to her feet.
"Enjoy the tonight and tomorrow away from your duties Evelyn. My thanks. Merry Christmas."
Draconis's voice rumbled as he began to fly away. Kneeling down to pickup the package, she could smell cinnamon and cedarwood. Her favorite scents among perfumes. Her Majesty must have told him about her preferences. Cradling the gift to her chest with a content smile, the faye woman wished happiness and blessings back on her liege lady and her husband.
"A Merry Christmas to you both as well. Enjoy your night together."
Avalon's Streets
Gareth walked down the cold, frosty streets of Avalon with her eyes tracking her sworn sword sister and Draconis as he flew her around in the skies to enjoy the view of Avalon wreathed in Holiday lights and snow at night. Her breath was a soft white with the cold. She was alone in the real world this Holiday night, so spending it in Avalon was much preferred. Yet many of them were getting ready to log off for the night.
A tap on her shoulder made her turn to nothing before turning back to see a gift wrapped present taking up all her field of vision.
"Uwaah! What?" The wrapped box drew back to reveal Mordred holding the present with a knowing smile. Like the others, he too skipped the armor and instead wore the dress uniform of the Knights of the Round.
"Gareth. I got this for you. Please take it." She stood there for a moment, stunned. He had given out presents to everyone before, including a very nice spear that she had been hunting for and never quite had the luck she needed. But this one did not seem like a weapon.
Taking from his hands gently, she gave he a thankful smile. "This is a bit of a surprise for me Mordred. You already gave me a present during the meet up."
The Fell Knight nodded before offering his arm to her. Recognizing the invitation to walk with him, she sighed and allowed him to guide her along for a bit. Her arm cradled in his as they strolled.
Down the less crowded side streets and open roads did the two wander, eventually arriving at the musical open air pavilions on the western side of the city. Up above, Draconis had long since departed from up above with his wife to The Lair for some private getaway time. Mordred chuckled at the antics.
"I swear, even with them married both in-game and in real life, they're going to push the adults only ban rule to the edge tonight if their role play is any indication."
Gareth swatted his arm hard, but laughed right along with him.
"Hahaha! Mordred! That's so rude! Artorias is our Queen and he's our stalwart ally!" She cut off a laughing snort before trying, and failing to be more serious. "Though you do have a point."
Mordred took a seat at a table she had somehow failed to notice as they approached. He offered her the seat across from him. Set out was a meal for two of fine culinary art with wine to match. A classic vinyl record player played soft music. Crossing her arms over her chest in mock scorn, she quirked an eyebrow at her peer. A grin ruined her angry face.
"Ser Mordred . . . do mine eyes deceive me or are you attempting to woo me?"
The man sat back in his seat and gave her a lopsided grin. "May I Lady Gareth? The others all have plans tonight but us."
Sitting down at the only other chair at the table, she glanced over the assorted table set. Candles were even lit.
"It seems you lie to me Ser Mordred. You yourself planned this . . . for me. Thank you."
Mordred did not bother to try and explain himself, merely taking up the bottle and popping the cork. Gareth took the hint and held her glass out for him to pour. She had a feeling she knew why he was doing this, and she did not mind in the least. Personally, she did not hold any grudge toward the man ever since Draconis and Artorias had helped them both reconcile and move on from the tragedies of the Arcology War.
Mordred had caused her fiancé's death during the final year of the war. Her discovery that he was her lover's killer had blinded her to the terrible circumstances that lead up to it. A tragic case of friendly fire. Lancelot had witnessed the event firsthand . . . even worse, he had ordered the action in the fog of war. However, Mordred had been the one to pull the trigger. It was an act that he never forgave himself for.
He had even gone so far as to physically arrive at her home to offer his life in return. The act shocked her to the core, the guilt and utter devastated look in his eyes when she had opened the door still haunted her. If it had not been for the information that Draconis and Artorias had somehow found and sent to her concerning that incident, she may very well have killed him in her rage filled grief. Something that they all were moving on from together.
The two souls said nothing, merely enjoying each other's company this sacred night. Two wounded souls healing from each other's suffering, tied together by fate's red string.
Avalon Defensive Wall
Upon the outer most defensive walls of Avalon, Lancelot stood with a solemn expression, unlike the others, he had changed back into his armor. He was preparing to log out for the night after helping with the night's celebrations. He truly did appreciate this effort by everyone. But tonight, he had to work.
"Take care everyone."
The Knight of the Lake and Ninth World Champion remained on his vigil, even after logging out for the night.
Happy Holidays and have a safe bringing in of the New Year of 2020.
I know I did not feature all of the other knights of Avalon, but they are not in The Exiled. Nor did I wish for this to get overly long.
No reviewer response tonight. That will be next chapter. See you all next year!