The Fallen Argonaut
Rated; M (Blood/Gore)
Disclaimer; I do not own Danmachi or anything created by the author Fujino Ōmori, all rights go to him
Authors: Eli-er01 & ViceroyChalister
Summary: The will of a hero is strong, yet unwavering but all good things must come to an end, even at the cost of one's Heroic Will. Imprisoned and blamed for a crime he hadn't committed, Bell seeks a way out of his predicament so that he can live without fear of being hunted by the people he once looked up to.
33: Truths and Revelations
=Anfesera=
*Clang*
Bell's and Rethusas blades collided as sweat dripped down the redhead's forehead. Rethusa frowned in concentration as Bell casually swiped her feet from under her.
"Hey! That's cheating!" she complained as Bell gave his hand to her.
"In a real battle, there are no rules. Your opponent won't care about what they have to do to win. They will pull at your hair, throw sand in your eyes and commit any dirty move to gain the advantage. Just don't get killed because you expected otherwise" Bell said as she nodded, contemplating his words.
"Also, you might want to think about snapping your wrist after your swing. The wrist gives no extra power or advantage to an attack, but it does allow you to recover faster after your attack has passed it's mark, finishing your attack quicker and allowing for another, though it only saves a split second. But-" He advised as Rethusa nodded.
"But a split second can be the difference, you've said" She said, as she sighed out, pushing herself up on her feet. Bell gave her a stern look as she couldn't help a smile to form on her face.
"But yeah, I'll work on it" That got him to nod before positioning himself to continue. The two would have if a voice hadn't interrupted it.
"Orion, how is my child doing?" he turned his head, seeing Artemis approaching him before shaking his head at the name.
"Artemis… how many times have I said, please call me by my given name. It feels weird to be called a different one than my given one by you" He told her as Artemis just glanced at his back where the spear was safely waiting to be used.
"And don't go on about anyone who wields the spear of Orion. Please" He practically begged as Artemis chuckled.
"Alright then, Bell, How is my child doing?" She repeated her question as a smile spread across his face as he turned to Rethusa who seemed oblivious to the new arrival.
"Well, she has come a long way in the last six weeks. Of course, there are still things to improve but… her skills are much more solid now" Bell's words brought a smile to the goddess' face as she looked upon her child practicing.
"That she has… so… is Elora packing?" Bell sighed out as he nodded.
"Yes, she is. This time it's more than just my desire… no, need to clear my name. I'm also doing this for her… so that she can put her past behind her, or at least come to terms with it" Bell tried to explain without giving it away. Artemis nodded as she turned towards Bell.
"I understand. Just make sure to be careful. They aren't exactly… friendly to humans" Bell scoffed at her warning.
"I'd like to see them stop us. They have no blessing, only the world's highest authority on stubbornness, prejudice and traditions. They can't see past their own noses and I agree with what Elora says sometimes. Their inability to change will be their downfall, whether it takes a year, decade or a millennium"
"True. Just remain on your guard" Artemis stated. "They may not be able to do anything to you directly, but they have their ways to undermine someone if they want" She finished with a smile on her face.
It was one of concern, but a type of love. Bell noticed this and understood what she was saying.
"But" She clasped her hands together "We mustn't dilly dally, I've interrupted Rethusa's training session, and I would very much like it if she could gain more knowledge from you" Her smile still had not faded from before.
"Understood" Bell's response was accompanied by a profound "UGH!" from Ruthesa. Artemis walked away giggling from her child's response as the two began training once again.
=2 hours later=
"Alright, that's enough for the day. Good job, you're definitely improving" Bell smiled as he lent her his hand.
She took it with a smile as Bell pulled her back onto her feet for the hundredth time that day.
"Thanks, even if the training feels more like a viking pounding me seven ways to sunday" She joked as Bell chuckled.
"You don't say. It's important though, this type of training is the best way for blessed people to improve. It allows them to get used to pain, which will most likely be a constant as well as sharpening their skills. As a bonus, their stats will continue to rise without a threat to their lives" Bell said. Rethusa nodded in understanding. It had taken her nearly a decade to reach level 2. The only reason she ever got to level 3 was because of an escaped ex-adventurer turned criminal that had been a high level 2. As in high level stats while she only had one in D.
Somehow she had managed to defeat him, almost at the cost of her life and right arm, which had pushed her over the edge to the next level.
"Yeah, you do have a point" Bell nodded at her response before turning towards the house, his expression turning somber.
"You're leaving today, aren't you? At what time?" She asked as Bell turned to her.
"As soon as Elora is ready. I already have everything I need in my pouch. I'd guess she's coming down any moment now. After all, she wanted to leave before the sun went down" Bell answered as Rethusa nodded and pondered upon his words.
"Hey… Bell?"
"Hm?"
"I've been meaning to ask and not to be rude… why do you care so much about the people that threw you away so readily?" The question threw Bell off for a split second before he recovered.
"I… I don't know what to say. I…" He began, hesitating for a moment as he pondered the reason. His goal was simply to clear his name but… did he really still care for them anymore? Apart from his familia that is and a select few.
"Alright… this is going to sound cheesy but… I care because not caring would make me just as bad as them. Just because the people turned on me at the first chance they got doesn't give me the right to do the same" Bell answered truthfully as Rethusa frowned.
"So… you care, simply because it's right. That's what you're saying? I guess that's noble" Bell nodded as he pondered what to do now.
"Then tell me, what is right? What is wrong?" The two turned towards the house where Erebus learned by the wall, looking at Bell with a serious expression.
"What?" Bell breathed out, confused upon his question.
"What is right? What is wrong? It's a simple question" The two adventurers fell quiet as Erebus sighed out.
"As I've said to you before, Bell. Justice differs from person to person, as I and Astraea perfectly exemplify. Astraea believed that justice was the act of kindness. I believed it was the act of playing their part. What does that tell you?" Bell nearly scoffed as memories of them having this conversation popped up in his head.
"You've said it multiple times already. It's subjective" Bell answered as Erebus smiled before shrugging.
"That's what I said and it's correct, but wrong at the same time. The true answer is that it's an ideal, something we strive towards. Astraea's justice was to create a world where one didn't have to fear going out onto the streets, or watch their backs whenever they moved through any alley. For me, it is to spread my chaos to create good in the world, to help heroes grow into something more. I wonder, what… is justice… what is right, to you?" The area fell into silence as Bell was both pondering the question but also surprised at the sudden turn of events.
"Erebus, Why do you always have to confuse my husband's brain with your philosophical talks?" The deadpan voice of Elora came as she had a large pack on her back.
"Simply working his brain. No need to make a fuss your high 'elf'ness" Erebus bowed as he left with a small snicker as he felt the hard glare boring into his back.
"God, that god sometimes just makes me want to strangle him!" Elora emphasized her words with a rough grabbing motion towards Erebus.
Bell chuckled as he put a hand on her shoulder.
"It's alright, you know how he is" Bell smiled as Elora sighed out before turning towards Bell, a small smile taking its place on her lips.
"Yeah, but it doesn't make it any less annoying" Bell chuckled as Rethusa grinned.
"Are you ready?" The question made Elora look down, conflicted upon her answer.
"I don't know…" She answered truthfully, her voice quiet as Bell nodded.
"I understand Elora. You have every right to be hesitant but…"
"It needs to be done" Elora closed her eyes before taking a deep breath. The moment the air left her lungs, she stood taller as she nodded at Bell.
"I'm ready" Bell smiled at her before nodding.
"Okay… now where are the kids?" As if the world heard his question, the door opened as a grinning Adrienne walked out with the twins sandwiching her.
"Yeah, it really happened!" Aralaya exclaimed as Adrienne shook her head.
"No way! There is no way that he was blushing that hard!" Adrienne tried to hold in her laughter, only letting out giggles and snorts when it became too much.
"I still don't understand what the big deal is! He was just embarrassed. What does that have to do with Aralaya?" Jannor asked as The two just threw him a deadpan look.
"Seriously Jannor?" Adrienne said as Aralaya sighed in exasperation. Why did her brother have to be so dense? He's so dense that he can't even see when other people have affections.
"I'm this close to losing hope on you"
"Hey! That's just mean! Maybe I'll just ask da-" Jannor stopped mid sentence as his red eyes turned towards the smiling face of his parents… and his mother was wearing a backpack…
"Wait… you're leaving? Already!?" Aralaya asked, bouncing back from her exasperated mood instantly at the sight of the backpack.
"Yeah, remember what we told you?" Bell began with a smile as he got down to one knee, patting Aralaya's head, making her eye squint.
"That once you're back, you're staying for a long time" She repeated as Bell nodded.
"Yes. Me and your mother are going to… resolve some issues of the past. Not on my side… at least not completely, but on your mothers side" Bell explained as best as he could, peeking at the elf looking uncomfortable hearing him avoid the true reason.
"Dad…" Bell turned to the side at Jannor's voice where Adrienne and said half-elf looked at him.
"Yeah?"
"What is that 'issue'?" Adrienne finished as Bell sighed.
"I would tell you if I could… but it isn't for me to say. Elora…" Bell turned towards his wife as she looked at him with a half pleading look.
"Will you tell everyone now?" He asked as she threw him the biggest puppy dog eyes she could.
"No, that's not gonna make me drop it. You've avoided it for nearly a decade. You have to tell them eventually" He reasoned as Elora frowned, biting her lip.
"I know…" She whispered, her jaws and fists clenched.
"Then tell them. I know this is most likely not the time, so let's say when we return? Does that sound better?" It took her a second before she nodded.
"About damn time, I've been waiting years!" Elora's head snapped up to the roof where Bache was leaning against.
"Bache? How long have you been there?" Elora asked as the amazon shrugged.
"The entire time. Bell knew I was there, I'm honestly baffled how you didn't notice me" Bell chuckled as Elora pouted.
"Anyway, I've just had enough of seeing you so quiet whenever your past family is brought up. You may not realize it, but this family is extremely important to me. I grew up with my only blood relative being a blood crazed psychopath who tried to kill me every other week. Having a family that actually cares… has been amazing and whenever I see any of you hurt, it hurts me too" Elora looked sheepish as she looked down at the ground like a child found guilty of stealing cookies.
"Whenever I see you, retreat into yourself as if you want to crawl into a hole and die, I just want to grab and pull you out of that hole with all my might. Bell is the only reason I haven't knocked some sense into you, but I do have my limits" Elora nodded as she felt as if her voice would only fail her.
"So… please, resolve this issue and then tell us" Elora closed her eyes before nodding her head.
"Okay…" She finally got out as Bache smiled at her.
"Good, I don't have to keep any secrets anymore after that. It just keeps everyone at arm's length" Bell smiled as Elora nodded, unable to resist a tiny smile.
"Now, enough of the mushy stuff. You know that has never been my style" Bache grinned as she lightly punched Elora's shoulder.
Said elf scoffed as the thick atmosphere was sliced in half and everyone around laughed.
"Well, the sun is going to set soon. I already said bye to Artemis and Erebus this morning. How about you, Elora?" Bell asked as Elora nodded.
"Same, all that leaves…" the two turned to everyone… The two gods standing in the background by the house, talking to each other as they watched them all.
'This family has really grown' Bell thought as his vision was filled with the people he had grown to love over the years.
'With these people believing in me… nothing will stop me from coming back to them' He finished as everyone began saying their goodbyes.
Shortly after, the duo headed down the roads, waving at everyone before turning away, heading towards their destination.
'One more piece… After that, I'll be ready… I'll finally see my old friends again. This time, a new family by my side'
=Orario, Hostess of Fertility=
"Chloe, Roasted rooster with fries and one beer ready to be served!" May's assistant called out as Chloe swiftly picked up the food and headed out into the crowded pub.
Things were really lively this night. The reason? The goddess festival was in full swing. It was one of the most intense days of the year as basically everyone in Orario took a break from their usual business, and to top it all off, it was basically tradition to eat out on the day.
It made it so that every restaurant, food joint, stall or pub was filled to the brim with customers to serve on that day.
For most that was good news… for the staff of said places… not so much. It meant more work… waaaay too much work.
Chloe looked like she wanted to collapse on the floor. May was running around with her fur completely wild and bags under her eyes. The only one who seemed to be doing fine was Mia (let's be honest, she's inhuman) and Ryuu. The elf had her usual stoic face as she served customers left and right.
One thing every staff member at the pub all knew was her close relation to a certain group of adventurers who so happened to be sitting at a table the elf often passed, throwing in her own statement in whatever conversation they were having.
"Ryuu! Get back to work!" Mia boomed out as the elf straightened and nodded.
"Sorry, I have to go" Ryuu said as the redhead, known as Ignis of Hephaestus familia grinned at her.
"Don't worry, we know you have to work, alright so don't sweat it!" He said as Lili nodded in agreement. Ryuu smiled and threw a quick nodd of her head before leaving.
Chloe sometimes wished she had a regular group like that at the pub. Some people she could just sit down with and talk about things… like shotas.
"Chloe! Stop drooling on my customers!"
"NYA!" Chloe exclaimed as she got a move on and cleaned up any drool left on her chin.
Ryuu just shook her head at the former assassin before turning back towards her customers.
How long had it been now? How long since she had grown so close to that party… to Bell's party?
'It's been a long time' she summarized as she took another order.
She was 21 years old when Bell had been sent to prison. She was now 32 years old, still basically a teen in elven terms, but for her it's been a very long time.
Her mother had used to tell her that time was a fickle thing. The older one gets, the faster it passes. When one is young, a single year feels like eternity, but once someone gathers a few decades, it feels like no time at all.
'What does it feel like for the gods then?' Ryuu shook her head as she realized how pointless it was. They had described it many times before. The lifetime of a mortal is a mere blink of an eye to them.
"Gosh… are things finally calming down?" Lunoire asked as some parties were leaving. Ryuu was about to nodd in conformation before Mia's grin interrupted her.
"Don't get comfortable girls, don't forget that the main party ain't arrived just yet" Right… how could she forget.
Ryuu turned to the door as they opened. The first thing she saw was the most famous prum in the entirety of the world.
'Loki Familia' Ryuu thought as the rest of the familia walked in.
"Mia! Is our table ready?" The captain asked as Mia grinned and motioned towards a large area completely unoccupied.
Finn simply nodded before heading towards the table and taking a seat, the rest of his familia following shortly behind.
Ryuu stood there and took them in, noticing the slight markers of the past 12 years showing on them. Some had become more mature in appearance and others were newer. The next upcoming star was Fiona.
The Prum and Amazon girl was a force to be reckoned with by her own rights. Being an employee of the Hostess of Fertility, Ryuu was accustomed to hearing rumors and one of the more popular things to talk about when it came to her is that at the age of 7 she's reached high level 1. Fiona is now being called the "Midnight Princess" even before a level up.
It was something that was unprecedented as it was basically an unspoken rule that an alias can only be gained after a level up. Even someone as well known as Finn Demine didn't get his before after he leveled up.
"Ryuu, why don't you take their orders?" Mia asked
"Oh… um, yeah I will" Ryuu responded, her thoughts interrupted. She quickly recovered, taking a notepad and heading off towards the group.
"Kwahahaha! Did you seriously do that!?" Bete's voice exploded as Ryuu's ears twitched in discomfort.
"Yes, I didn't know what to do at the time! It was my first time facing an orc!" Fiona huffed with her arms over her chest and a pout on her face, glaring at Bete.
"But seriously!? Was your first instinct to cut off the only clothing covering their junk!?" Bete wheezed out as he slammed his fist onto his legs over again, laughing out hysterically as most of the Loki Familia were laughing alongside him. Loki among them.
"I can already see it! Haahahaha! You were probably so surprised getting a close inspection of that disgusting sight!" Bete continued, ignoring the glare from his captain and practically every other executive member of the familia.
"Bete, stop being rude! Everyone makes mistakes and learns from them. It's not like you never made any" Riveria scolded as Bete just grinned at the high elf.
"Oh please you old hag, I never intentionally released an orc's junk for the whole world to see!" Bete laughed out as Riveria's glare hardened.
"Bete! You're just being mean… and I don't know if I can hold my sister back much longer" Tiona tried to get him to stop as Tione was practically fuming, veins popping clearly on her skull.
"Oh please, I can handle one amazon! It's you all that can't handle a joke. I mean, it's comical that the brat froze when it happened. She didn't even jump back or turn around. She stared at it! I mean, who stares at an orc's d-"
"Bete! For the love of god! SHUT UP!" The entire familia instantly shut up and turned towards the source of the scream with wide eyes.
"Ais?" Riveria asked after a moment. The Sword Princess paid the elf no mind as she glared towards Bete. Her hand clenched into a fist on the table.
"Why do you always have to be like this? You're always such a jerk! It's just like that time when you ridiculed Bell!" Bete instantly went wide eyed as he was reminded of the memory. It wasn't his finest moment and honestly something she deeply regretted. Sure, the kid was a weakling back then… but he knew he had gone too far.
It became clear that Ais hadn't realized what she had said until after the words had left her mouth.
Her face lost it's glare as her eyes fell down to the ground, a sadness taking over her expression.
"My bad…" was all Bete said as his eyes shifted towards Fiona "Sorry brat… didn't mean to hurt your feelings" Fiona nodded as she looked across the faces of the familia. All whom seemed to look anywhere but at Ais or each other.
"Ey! Let's not let the mood stay like this! Today is meant to be a party! We finally reached floor 65!" Gareth boomed as the familia began nodding, agreeing to not let the mood sour any more.
"Can't believe I'd be thankful for that damn drunkard" Riveria muttered as Finn grinned.
"Sometimes, people surprise us" Finn smiled as Riveria nodded.
"That they do…"
"Excuse me" Everyone turned towards the voice. Ryuu walked up to them with her notepad as she looked at everyone seriously.
"Could I take your order?" She asked as Finn nodded.
"Of course. I'd like your Psari Plaki fish" Finn answered as Ryuu noted it before turning towards Riveria.
"What may I get you, Riveria-sama" She asked as the high elf thought about it for a second. Soon, Riveria answered as Ryuu took the orders of the entire familia.
Once the food had been finished and delivered, Ryuu had finished her shift for the day and decided to sit with Welf and the others for the rest of the night.
During the entire time, her mind was on one thing. What was the relationship between Ais and Bell for her to react like that. A mystery that would plague her for a long time to come.
=Open Roads=
"Nooo, please don't!" Elora wheezed out as giggled escaped her mouth as Bell laughed while trying to finish his story.
"Yeah! The bandit tried to punch me after his blade broke against my skin! I mean come on! If the blade doesn't work, why would a punch do the trick?" Bell got out as Elora broke out into laughter as they basically pulled each other forward.
"God, why are people so dumb sometimes?" Elora laughed as she wiped her eyes.
"I don't know, maybe stupidity is just infinite?" Bell reasoned as Elora shrugged.
"You have a point. I've seen some stupid things too. Like some high elves we are going to meet soon" Elora muttered the last part as Bell subconsciously eyed the forest in the distance. They had been on the roads for two days, and the forest of the elves was in view.
"Do you think they have noticed us?" Elora asked as Bell frowned.
"Yes. I can feel their gazes" Bell whispered back as she nodded.
"How you do that I will never understand"
"It's a talent I picked up in Orario after Freya kept watching me wherever I went" Elora nodded as the two fell into silence, the forest growing closer and closer.
The two were waiting for it.
"Any moment now…" Elora whispered as the two were on high alert, the forest practically a couple dozen steps away.
Elora and Bell instantly stopped as two arrows lodged themselves into the ground in front of them.
Bell looked down at the arrow, then raised his head and caught the eye of an elf in a tree as he looked up.
"Leave now, impure filth!" The voice echoed across the forest around them. The moment their feet had taken a single step into the larger part of the forest, where the taller trees were at, the elves had made their move.
"And what if we don't?" Bell tested the waters as he heard the vibrations of an arrow being lodged and pulled back.
"You will be put down like the filth you are" Bell turned to Elora who was glaring at the path in front of them, clearly restraining her anger. He frowned before taking another step forward, as his senses warned him of a massive volley of arrows. Bell then took a breath and raised an arm and calmly opened his mouth.
Making sure to not over do the power of the spell. "Firebolt" He said out with exasperations as fire and lightning enveloped his hand before bursting out towards the arrows. The fire, now hurtling towards, consumed the arrows. Wrath in his eyes and mind made manifest by the show of ashen remains left in the wake of his ever growing impatience.
Screams could be heard as the elves thought that the fire would reach the trees, and the force of the torrential flames even knocked some of the elves out of the trees or onto their backs.
"Seems like you need more arrows" Bell said, his scourge activated just to add a little "pazaz" to his show. He could hear Elora snickering a bit behind him.
"Now that I've made it clear that you can't get me at-" Bell stopped mid sentence as a plethora of spells shot out of the forest.
"Dude…" Bell sighed. Unmoving, he took the spells head on.
Elora knew that he'd be fine but still yelled out 'Apollyon'. More so out of her still adjusting sight from the explosions.
Smoke still in the air and laughs mixing with cheers soon faded into concern. "Hey, are you guys done yet? Or do I need to take a few of you out? Also, this doesn't help with my allergies…" Bell asked from the still billowing smoke. His armor looked unharmed, almost as if it was alive and took the hits, glowing and shifting slightly.
Elora, now about to lose her composure, walked up to Bell with a stern look.
"You need to stop being funny, before I can't be mad anymore" Elora said as Bell smiled slightly
"Yes Ma'am" Bell nodded, turning towards the elf before swiftly pulling out his longsword and swinging so fast it was invisible to everyone's eyes.
The next second, the branches where all the elves stood stoon on cut off as a mass chorus of screams of surprise as they all fell to the ground.
"What! What did you do, filthy human!" One elf called out after dusting himself off.
"Gosh, do you all have such a lack of vocabulary that 'filth' and 'impure' are your only insults?" Bell groaned out as Elora smiled at him.
"What did I say…" Bell nodded at her.
"Anyway, I've made it clear that you can't stop us, so why don't you make yourselves useful and actually warn the royal family that 'Intruders' are arriving" Bell told them with a glare, his red eye gleaming through the mask as the elves quickly got up and scurried away.
Once Bell was sure they were all gone, he sighed out.
"I now understand why you dislike them so much…" Bell muttered as Elora nodded.
"They sure are narrowminded" Elora muttered as Bell just nodded.
"Now, how about we get this over with…" Bell said, beginning to move forward as Elora nodded, following him.
It didn't take them long to reach the large village in the forest, much like it didn't take long for the stares to fall upon their backs… that and the snide remarks aimed towards Bell.
Elora did meld into the crowds more easily, but even she got some looks, which Bell figured was because she was accompanying him.
"Where are the guards?"
"Who let impurities into this holy forest?"
"Gosh, this place reeks now…"
Every comment made Bell frown harder as his mood soured. Things were way worse than he had imagined. He never really wanted to believe what others had said, but seeing it first hand… it was honestly disheartening seeing living breathing beings treating someone like this simply because they are different.
"Just stay quiet. Don't give them fuel for their arrogance and pride" Elora muttered as if reading his thoughts.
"Alright… I just want to get this over with. Who was it we were going to deal with?" Bell asked as Elora's eyes shifted towards the center of the forest, where a massive tree that towered over the rest reached into the sky.
"The royals… the Alf's" She answered as Bell nodded.
"Alright… though it feels weird. We both know of an Alf, and she isn't this bad. In fact, she is usually pleasant to talk to" Bell commented as Elora nodded.
"Riveria is different. Somehow, the arrogant nature of her bloodline never took hold of her. She somehow resisted it. It gives me hope that we don't have to be like this… but, it also means that being that way isn't naturally born into them. It's a choice" Bell let that sink in for a minute.
These elves… they chose to be this way. To be sad excuses of living beings that do nothing but sit on their ass and scowl upon other races simply because they believe themselves superior.
"I know… you wouldn't be this way if it wasn't a choice" Bell muttered as Elora nodded.
"I know… all too well. The Alf's are going to get what's coming to them… at least the ones responsible" She hissed as Bell looked at her sadly.
"Okay, but you better prepare yourself, we are almost there" Elora nodded as they approached the entrance to the Alf's main hall, the doorway at the base of the sacred tree.
The alf's over centuries had created a home inside the tree, carefully making their home in natural holes within the tree, eventually expanding into the massive elven mansion it was today.
Consequently, at the entrance, practically an army of elves were waiting, alongside a greenhaired young man… or at least he looked young.
Bell figured he was most likely at least 50 years old but from his features. Sharp eyes, elongated ears beyond what elves typically has and bright green hair and green eyes.
And Alf.
"What is the meaning of this!? Human Filth! Do you typically barge into other people's homes and threaten their people!?" The man bellowed out as Bell's eyebrow twitched in annoyance. How many times was he going to be called filth today? Too much was the answer, too much.
"Do you usually welcome guests by trying to kill them?" Bell threw back, a smile spreading on Bell's face as he could see the vein pop on the elves head.
"You vermin! I demand you leave right now before I put you down like the dog you are!" Elora shook her head as she looked at Bell.
"Well, at least it's a different insult…" Bell shrugged before shaking his head.
"Well, what if I don't? Your arrows can't pierce my armor or my skin. Your magic only tickles and your swords are probably equal to a back scratcher. So tell me, Alf, what can you do?" He asked as the Alf shook from barely withheld anger.
"Grrr… How dare you undermine Luvon Ilican Alf! I'll have yo-"
"Can you just shut up!" Elora exploded as the area fell silent. Bell looked at her before he turned back to the man.
"Excuse me!?" Luvon exclaimed before Elora stomped forward.
"You were always such a pain in the ass Luvon! The only time I ever met you, you just glared down at me as if I was filth underneath your boots!" Elora hissed as Luvon just lookd baffled at what she was talking about.
"What!? I have never met you in my entire- No… it, it can't. You-" His eyes widened as Elora began grinning.
"Finally recognize me?" Elora teased as Bell couldn't help but smile at Luvon's face paling.
"Elora!?" He exclaimed as Bell grinned. He finally realized.
"That's right. Long time no see… cousin" The area fell silent as practically all the guards looked around confused as murmurs began spreading.
"Oh, right, no one knows that I have Alf blood flowing through my veins, now do they? After all… you made sure to bury it deep enough to never be found again… only that you missed a piece" Elora instantly glared hard as her eyes burned with fury.
Bell stood behind her, arms folded. His armor has always given him a threatening demeanor. But with the wrath of a decade's worth of anger extruding from the Elven female and the ginormous size of Bell in comparison to most people here.
Bell's presence alone made the guards and the "Noble Elf" take a step back now that Bell's eyes practically glowed through his mask. And the possible threat of a wrathful woman that could quite literally tear a normal person apart limb from limb. Though that part is unknown to them at the moment, they will soon find out. The Alf still tried to keep his composure, failing miserably.
"I-I…How…" he got out as Elora's glare only intensified.
"Simple. You buried everything… but me. I was the only one left after what you all did!" She hissed as Luvon took a step back out of instinct.
"Now, I apologize for interrupting, but I'd recommend we take this inside… where we can talk… privately" Bell said, his eyes still glowing at Luvon who nodded after a minute, realizing the repercussions of having everything revealed to the entire forest.
"Okay…" The moment he said that, the guards practically gawked at him. No one except for the Alf's personal guards had ever stepped inside the Alf Estate. It was practically holy ground.
Luvon turned around and opened the door before ordering the guards to step aside. Bell nodded towards Elora who took a deep breath before giving Bell a wavering smile.
"Hey, it's alright…" Bell said as he put one arm around her and squeezed her lightly. She smiled, accepting the embrace, ignoring the judging gazes they were receiving.
The two headed inside the tree through the door as Bell could practically feel the energy from the tree. It wasn't 'the sacred tree' for nothing. It really held a massive amount of power. No wonder the essence of the tree would be perfect for a medium. It has to act as one for all this energy.
Bell quickly shook his head as he turned forward, ignoring the feeling he got from around him.
The moment they got into what Bell could only describe as 'the main hall' where the rest of the alf family was he wanted to sigh in exasperation.
"What! Why have you let these… filthy mogrels into this sacred home Luvon" Bell's eyes shifted towards an elderly elven man, sitting at the back on a… throne? Ego much?
"Grandfather… it was of utmost importance. This… filth's companion… is of our blood" He said as all eyes in the room shifted towards Elora who had grabbed Bell's wrist, squeezing with all her might.
"Explain" The grandfather, or what Bell could gather was the king of the high elves basically demanded.
"You might recognize her name… 'Elora Myrrh Alf'" He said, waiting for the name to process in everyone's minds.
"BLASPHEMY! THAT BLOODLINE WAS WIPED OUT! SHE'S ONLY A BLASPHEMER TRYING TO CLAIM HERITAGE!" One of the Alf's called out
Bell practically snapped his neck at the direction of the man, only pushing scourge onto the elf making the Alf fall on the ground, whimpering before passing out, pissing their pants. The others witnessed this, connecting two and two realized that he literally stared a person to unconsciousness.
"The King of the high elfs does not have to heed your words! If that family did indeed survive, I doubt that they would even return" Another member of the family shouted.
"Grandfather" Luvon started "I know how everyone here feels, I understand, but we mustn't enrage them" Luvon trying to calm everyone down barely finishing before another exploded.
"LUVON YOU WOULD SIDE WITH THESE-" The younger elf woman didn't finish before a cold air filled the room. Everyone froze in place, but the feeling didn't come from the Obsidian clad warrior or the supposed Alf, but the King was the cause.
"Silence," The Alf spoke, not even turning his head, just his eyes alone.
"Let me redo this" the king of the elves said "Everyone out… Luvon, Myself and our guests will be the only ones allowed in here for now. Also, I will introduce myself. I am 'Larfal Ljos Alf' king of the high elves and elder of the Alf family" Cooly and elegantly he rose from the throne.
Many bagan to protest the king, but his only response was a deathly glare.
The Elder turned to a servant, "Also…" the servant jumped, still freaked out by the passing out of one of the nobles. "Bring Elmyra, I want her here as well" he returned his gaze to his guests.
"Y-y-yes my lord!" The servant responded as she hurried away.
"Follow me" Larfal said. As he walked to a door at the side of the room.
Bell and Elora followed the king into the room where two parallel sofas were placed with a table in between.
"Go ahead, sit. Pour yourself a cup of herbal tea while we wait for my wife" Bell and Elora obliged, sitting down after nodding at each other. The three fell silent as they waited.
After a minute or so, the door opened, revealing an elven woman, head held high as she entered and scanned the room.
This elf looked at Elora and for a moment, Elora could've swore she saw a slight smile come across her lips.
At this point Bell had thought that Elora was one of the most beautiful elfs, but any question in Bell's mind was thrown away. Even he was unable to deny that this elf was easy to look at.
As the queen strode in, her robes flowed as she walked, a brown fleece belt insinuated her slim figure, strewn across her attire was the visage of a tree that was obviously the Tree of Life. Green and gold accents ran up and down the lengths of her sleeves as she held her hands folded in front of her, you could see an emerald ring on her finger.
Her jade eyes only looked down on everyone because she was the only one standing. Her hair was tied up on her head yet was still so long it came down to her waist in decorative braids with leaf like ornaments and ribbons woven throughout her long emerald hair.
"Husband, Who might these people be? I recognize one of them but… not this young human?" Elmyra queried.
"I myself haven't gathered his name yet, it is this young elf that is the true topic of discussion" Elora frowned at that, unknowing of the likened frown on Elmyra's face.
"Young elf? This is my niece, whom I believed to have perished in a fire caused by bandit scum" The moment the words left the elf's mouth, Elora's eyes widened in shock.
"You don't know?" Elora asked out as Elmyra turned to her confused as the king sighed.
"I… I never intended for you to know, and for that I apologize… but the fire wasn't accidental" The king began, half glaring at Elora as if cursing her very existence.
"What do you mean?" Elmyra glared. Her eyes narrowed.
"He means that the fire that killed Elora's parents… or at least distracted most from what truly went down was caused by elves… high elves" Elmyra processed the information before frowning, her eyes showing clear fury in them.
"And who might you be?" She asked as Bell politely stood up and bowed.
"My name is Apollyon, Rakian champion, Adventurer and Royal Executioner, but you can consider me as Elora's bodyguard" The mention of Rakia caused the two Alf's to frown even harder.
"Rakia's champion? What would such a man do here?" Elmyra asked, clearly agitated
"The answer is simple" Still bowing at this point, Bell looked up, "Just making sure my wife stays safe…" Bell finished.
The glares morphed into surprise as Bell smiled underneath his mask.
"Is this true, Elora?" Elmyra asked as she turned to her. Elora nodded with a smile.
"It is, he is my husband" She answered curtly as Elmyra sighed out.
"You dare marry an emissary of the Rakian empire? The ones that burned down thousands of elven homes in their 'conquests'!?" The king bellowed out, clearly furious now.
"If I may interrupt, I may be a Rakian Champion, but I am no emissary and I took no part in these 'Conquests'. In fact, I'd describe my relationship with Rakia more as… a Savior" Bell reasoned out as the two frowned but dropped it.
"Alright… now back on subject, Husband…" Elmyra turned towards the king who looked back at his wife stoically "What did he mean by the death of my daughter being committed by high elves?" She asked, as the king's expression faltered at the practical death glare sent his way.
"Ehm… well…" He tried to get out as Bell once again stood up.
"What he means to say is that because your daughter married 'filth', he had them ethnically purged from his bloodline. In other words, killed and removed from history" The moment the words had left his mouth, all color drained from the king's face while Elmyra's face became pale from shock and disbelief, before quickly becoming beet red with rage.
"What…" She hissed as she turned to Elora "Is what he says true?" She asked as Elora hesitated for a moment, tears in her eyes before steeling her nerves and looking back at her grandmother before nodding.
"It was a normal day… I was out playing with some of the other children in the village. The only difference is that we got lost in the forest and it took us until midnight to find our way back again. By then, I found my house burning and witnessed a high elf holding a knife to my sister's throat" Elora's voice became more strained by the second and emotions became blurring her eyes with tears.
"I wanted to scream out but my friend's father managed to grab me and cover my mouth before I revealed myself. I watched as my sister's throat was slit, as the assassins who bore the Alf insignia on their clothes slat on their corpses… I don't know how long I stared at their bodies for until I broke down… seconds… minutes… hours. I have no idea. All I know is that I lost everything that night, the next day, I left for O-"
*Crack*
All eyes turned towards Elmyra who's cup had cracked in her hand as she had squeezed it too hard.
"Larfal…" Her voice was stone cold as Larfal looked at his wife with fear "How dare you" She hissed as she stood up before slapping him across the face with all she had.
"DO YOU REALIZE WHAT YOU HAVE DONE!" She screeched out as Larfal decided to stay quiet "OUR DAUGHTER! YOU MURDERED OUR DAUGHTER!" Tears fell down the high elf's face as Bell saw her entire body shaking.
"Grandmother…" Elora and Luvon said in unison. Both wanting to reach out to her.
"It had to be done! She had impurified our bloodline! It was blasphemy!" That… turned out to be the wrong thing to say as Elmyra abruptly stood up, walking backwards, looking at Larfal as if he was a stranger.
"No… we're done" She whispered as Larfal froze.
"What…" He responded in shock as tears fell down even faster on Elmyra's face.
"I want an annulment of our marriage by sundown. The man I married… would never be capable of what you've done" She said before turning heel, exiting the room and slamming the door in her wake, leaving Larfal reaching out towards her in disbelief.
It took all but a second before the shock morphed into anger as he turned towards Elora and lunged towards her.
Bell reacted before he even got a single step forward and slammed him onto the table.
"OOOOF! RELEASE ME NOW! THIS IS ALL YOUR FAULT!" He screamed out, thrashing against Bell's hold who remained unbudged.
"You can stop struggling. I'm not even trying" Bell muttered as Larfal only glared back in response.
"My fault?" Elora asked out as she shook "I'm not the one who ordered the execution of their own children. I could never do that to them. I love my children more than I love life itself. The fact that you could even fathom to do something like that is just… unthinkable" Elora glared at him
"Luvon… would you mind checking on your grandmother?" Bell asked as Luvon for a split moment was about to retort back but refrained.
"Of course… and… for what it's worth. I'm sorry" He said before leaving. Bell stared at his retreating form before turning back to Elora who was glaring at the man under his hold.
"Now… Larfal, will you do anything if I let you go?" Bell asked as the elf glared back up at him before shifting his gaze to the side, knowing that he was outmatched.
"No…" He muttered, deciding that it wasn't worth it. Bell kept his gaze on the man for a second, judging him before letting go.
The elven king stood up, dusting himself off before turning heel and walking out of the room, but not before sending a death glare that promised pain towards Elora before finally disappearing.
"Well… that was just peachy" Bell sarcastically said as Elora glared at him.
"Sorry, force of habit" Bell sheepishly grinned at Elora.
"It's fine, I'm just a little wound up" She muttered as Bell nodded.
"I understand. It's almost already dark by the way" He added, causing Elora to shift her gaze to the outside, seeing the darkness illuminated by lights on the streets and homes.
"Huh… I didn't notice" She muttered as Bell nodded.
"Ehm… excuse me" The two turned to the maid peeking inside the room
"Yes?" Bell answered as the maid walked inside.
"I was wondering if there was anything I could do for you" Elora nodded as the maid stood up straighter and at attention.
"We were wondering if there was anywhere we could rest. It's night after all" She asked as the maid's features brightened.
"Of course, I'll lead you to two guest rooms" She said as Elora shook her head.
"Oh, I'd prefer if it was only one. We are husband and wife after all" The maid tilted her head before frowning.
"I apologize, but the guest rooms are single beds only" Elora sighed out as she understood the situation.
"Oh… I understand" The maid led them through the mansion before Elora and Bell entered adjacent rooms, saying goodnight to each other.
Once inside her guest room, Elora looked around the room, scanning everything before nodding in approval. It seemed like a regular guest room so she got in front of the mirror before leaning forward and letting the tension from her shoulders fall through her body.
"Gosh… that was not easy" She muttered as she looked up only to be met with her own cold gaze. Her hazel eyes were sad, clearly an effect of reliving the events of the past.
Her gaze turned to the simple braid on the left side of her face. She gently grabbed it and let it rest in her palm, smiling down at it. It was something her sister used to do to her every morning. She always undid her braid and redid it to make sure she looked 'marriage ready'.
It was such a childish concept but… it held a sentimental value that is practically irreplaceable to her.
It was the last reminder she had of her sister, and she'd be damned if she ever got rid of it. She even passed the tradition to Adrienne
She closed her eyes as she thought back to those days, the days she would look forward to seeing her sister in the morning. When she would be mad at her because of something childish they did. She missed those days… but at the same time, she didn't. Those days didn't have Bell… they didn't have Bache or her kids. Heck, even Erebus had become important to her as well as Artemis and Rethusa squeezing their way into her heart.
She opened her eyes, and instead of being met with a cold visage of herself, she was met with a warm, content smile. The smile of a person who was truly happy.
'I truly am grateful for what I hav-' Elora's entire world slowed down as her eyes widened.
*CLANG*
Elora had pulled up a metal nail file, blocking a dagger sent straight towards her throat. In front of her, her eyes met pale blue that were glaring back at her.
'Assassin' Elora hissed in her head as she quickly parried the blow while she had the advantage and spun around, kicking the assassin into the wall.
"Guh!" She coughed out as Elora twisted her waist to avoid a dagger before wrapping her arm around the wrist, snapping her entire body weight to the side as a sickening crack was heard and the hand was snapped around in an unnatural way.
The split moment that bought Elora, she had jumped back into the corner, observing her entire environment.
'14 assassins, 2 neutralized… alright, that's doable' She summarized as two more rushed her as she dodged the blows that were like snails in her eyes. Her fist violently caved one's chest in, launching them into another one before she diverted a blow to the side, grabbing the neck before napping her arm in one direction, breaking the neck.
Elora quickly used the body to take an arrow before grabbing the dagger on its waist, casting the body aside before twirling the dagger into a reverse grip.
'Let's see how much Bell's dagger technique lessons have yielded me' She thought as she deflected on blow, using her fist to quickly jap the wrist of one assasing before jumping into the air, weaving her way between two arrows, grabbing one of them before throwing it back towards one of the attackers.
It pierced through their chest as blood gurgled out of their mouth, staining the cloth covering it.
'They're sloppy… or was Bell just that much better than them?' Elora pondered as she almost lazily deflected two blows before kicking one away and vaulting over one before drop kicking the second one behind them into the far off wall.
'That's 5 down… 7 more to go' Elora mentally counted, preparing herself for the rest. She was about to deflect another blow before Bell appeared out of nowhere with only his mask and pants on, no armor, grabbing one of their wrists and lifting them into the air.
"What is going on here?" He asked, looking straight at the Assassin who seemed to cower in fear at seeing Bell.
"It's the human! Kill him!" One of the assassins called out before thrusting their knife into Bell's unarmored side. The blade shattered into tiny pieces as Bell simply looked down before throwing the assassin he held into her side.
"Alright, that's enough" Bell muttered as he disappeared and reappeared, all assassins being either thrown into the wall or pummeled into the ground.
'It's like watching Ottar fight people…' Elora sweatdropped. Bell turned towards Elora, his eyes speaking volumes about how concerned he was.
"Are you alright?" He asked as Elora nodded.
"Yeah, they didn't manage to hit me" She answered as Bell nodded with a smile.
"Good… but the fact that these assassins are here in the first place… That king… He's crossed a line. I was prepared to stay on the sidelines and only assist you… but this. No, he's attacked my family now, and there will be hell to pay" Bell"s voice was hoarse, cold, as this nearly scared Elora.
"Hmm, seems one's holding onto life here" Bell turned and saw one trying to crawl away.
"Woah, woah, woah there buddy. You try to kill someone and have the audacity to run away? Seems like you need to learn some combat manners" Bell said this, Elora had no idea what that meant, and the assassin had turned around, though in immense pain, was clearly confounded by this statement.
"What?" Elora said.
Bell at this point had already walked over to the assassin, a dark demeanor had begun to come from him, scourge spilling from his body. "This…" Bell said.
Bell had removed the face covering of the assassin, it was a woman, and she was clearly terrified.
"Talk…" Bell nearly growled, as Elora was unsure what to do, she knew that Bell wouldn't take things too far, but this was new; she's never seen Bell like this. She could only come to the conclusion that if they came after her at the Alf mansion, even with the chance of having to face Bell, that they would even go after their children because of the clear showing that her grandfather would stoop that low.
=King's Security Chamber=
"Does anyone have a report yet" The Guard Captain asked.
"Negative Sir!"
The Captain sighed at this. 'It's been about 3 hours now since we had them go, they should be back by now…'
"SIR! I have a report, and it's not favorable" An adjutant came into the room.
"Well what is it? I wanted a report so spit it-" Before the Captain could even respond the door imploded.
"Wha- How?" Someone cried out.
"Beans were spilled" Elora said. Followed by an Obsidian giant that was wielding a spear that had runes etched and glowing along its shaft. "We know he's here" Bell said "Tell him to make it easy or the forest burns…" red mist flowing into the room, filling those who stayed conscious with dread.
Moments later, a clearly upset king rounded the corner.
"Ah, so the culprit reveals himself" Bell muttered as he glared at him.
"So… you survived" Larfal hissed out as Bell's glare intensified.
"Clearly, but your assassins didn't fare so well. Guess you didn't know Elora here is a level 6, right?" Bell sarcastically asked as the high elf went pale.
"Now… I will only say this once. Peacefully surrender and we will be lenient… but please don't. I'll so enjoy the optional route" Bell smiled almost sadistically as Elora stared at him in confusion.
"Tsk. How dare you threaten me in the presence of my guard captain and his entourage!? I'll make sure you, your wife are disposed of… Then finally…" His face morphed into a grin at the thought in his head.
"Your children" The moment the words left his mouth, Bell's scourge exploded and he instantly appeared in front of the king, grabbing his throat, lifting him into the air as the elf gasped for air.
"Don't you DARE!" Bell screamed out as the guards reacted, thrusting their spears at Bell, the weapons either snapping or stopping, dead in their tracks against his armor with no damage at all on him.
"How idiotic can you be? I said this before to your grandson. Your weapons and spells can't hurt me. Anything you throw at me will do nothing. I alone can burn this entire forest to the ground, and you have the gall to threaten my children!? As kings go, you are the most foolish one I've ever met" Bell glared hard, not realizing that the entire family of Alf's were watching the exchange.
"That's enough" Bell's gaze shifted to the side, seeing the terrified expression on everyone's faces as well as the conflicted one of Elmyra's.
He was about to squeeze even harder before his eyes landed on Elora, who looked terrified at what he was doing. Bell turned back to the king before deeply contemplating his actions.
'Is it really worth it?' He pondered
'Is this… who I want to be…' The question made his hand loosen before he dropped the king on the ground before taking a step backwards.
"The difference between you and me, King Larfal, is that I am capable of empathy. I am capable of change. You threatened my family simply because you wanted them purged as well as your own justification of losing your wife, but you should know better than anyone. This" Bell motioned around him, at the look on everyone's faces as before pointing at Elmyra.
"And your annulment was caused by your own twisted and narrow minded beliefs" Bell said before turning back and walking towards Elora who now looked relieved.
"What… are you babbling about" Bell stopped before looking over his shoulder.
"You couldn't look past your supposed 'Purity' because you seem to believe you're superior. That caused you to murder your own daughter and her children, which ended in the annulment of your marriage. All of this because of your pride. You have to accept that simply because you're born a high elf, doesn't make you better than others. If that is how you see yourself, then you're no king at all. A true king bows down to his people, and leads them as one of them. Not someone that stands above them as a sort of superior being" Bell finished.
"So you're trying to say you're better than us!?" Bell laughed at the statement.
"What part of that did you get that notion from? I'm simply saying that we all were created by the gods. No one is less than the other. We all originate from the same groundwork, so in theory, we all are equal to each other. No one is better than another" He said as the king frowned.
"I can't believe that. Our traditions sa-"
"Oh, go to hell with your traditions. People have to learn to change. Without change, civilizations perish. If a people becomes stagnant, they are doomed to end, just like Lakrios of old. They got so stagnant in their usage of spirit steel that they failed to see the consequence of its abundant usage and reliance. It ended in their downfall, just like the elves are slowly falling due to their pride and refusal to interact with other species" The king froze at that before his gaze hardened and was about to retort again, but Bell beat him to it.
"Need I remind you that at one point and time all races would cower under the same roof when monsters ran amuck…" Bell stated, freezing all arguments.
"Do you not remember the time when Celdia, the queen of the elves fought alongside the mercenary hero to push back the black dragon? Times when elves and other races fought as one, as equals? The way you're acting, is like tarnishing her memory and sacrifice" Bell's word cut through the king like butter.
There was nothing to retort back against that. Celdia was an elven legend, hero and myth. To tarnish her memory was to become a blasphemer.
"Gh…." Larfal shut his mouth as the entire room fell into silence.
"I think I got my point across. Celdia was a believer in equality among the races, which was showcased by her willingness to fight alongside someone with the name 'Mercenary hero'. Not doing the same is like tarnishing her legacy" Bell finished before taking one step forward before he remembered something.
"Oh right, Elmyra?" Bell asked as the elf nodded to him.
"Where is the essence of the tree?" He asked as she blinked.
"You mean the essence that travels through the main hall? All of it goes through a central point which is just behind the throne" She responded as Bell nodded in thanks.
He left everyone but Elora confused, heading towards the main hall.
"I hope you all learned something and improve upon yourselves… and grandmother… thanks. I didn't think anyone here was on my side" Elora smiled as Elmyra smiled back.
"Any time" She responded before Elora took her leave, leaving the king on the ground and the family to ponder Bell's words.
She quickly caught up with Bell. She entered the main hall when Bell was standing behind the throne. The next moment he punched through the tree wall before pulling out an almost transparent branch.
"So this is the essence of the sacred tree" Bell whispered.
"It's beautiful" Elora commented as she saw its sparkling glow. "And that's all you needed to finish the mask?
"Indeed it is. The spirit metal has a kind of "Will" of its own, hence the name. This essence will help to amplify the effects" Bell began to turn and walk away, Elora followed but suddenly stopped when someone called out for them.
"Luvon, what is it?" Elora asked.
"I just wanted to say thank you. Grandmother and I knew the king was hiding things from us, and the only reason that we saw things the same way is that I spent more time with grandmother than anyone else" He looked sheepish as he said this. Not being used to talking this way.
"Well if it means anything to you, I would like to extend an invitation to you and grandmother" Elora walked over to him and whispered something in his ear. A slight smile strewn across his face. "Grandmother will most certainly be delighted!" His smile now beaming.
"Another time Luvon" Bell said "Indeed" Luvon responded. "Hopefully on better terms as well" Bell nodded to his response and began to walk, with Elora catching up waving goodbye. As they began to exit the building Luvon saw Elora smiling as she placed her arm into the masked man's elbow.
'Indeed, grandmother and aunt Riveria were right' Luvon thought to himself, seeing the joyus beams radiating from Elora.
=King's Security Chamber=
At this point everyone had been told to leave by Elmyra. When she used some magic to fix the door enough to give some privacy she began to hear small whimpers… 'Crying?' she thought, turning to see the king on his knees, with his face on the ground covered by his hands.
She couldn't hear what he was saying, she could tell he was saying something, but it wasn't until she was almost standing over him that she realized what he was saying.
Names and apologies…
Their daughter's name, Tirianna, the first born granddaughter's Halaema, the first born grandson's Vaimir, and Elora's younger sister, Thessalia.
He seemingly stayed in this self loathing state, Elmyra never saying a word, simply letting the king's new state run its course as she sat in the room keeping a silent vigil over the door with burning eyes from un-ending tears.
Not many would know of the events that transpired, but those who did, would know that it played a big part in changing the future. One, that would need the knowledge and wisdom of the elves.
The seemingly unchanging high elves, their king especially, now after so long, finally changed…
That's chapter 33! I hope you all enjoyed it. There isn't really much new going on so I won't keep you! Hope to see you next time and thanks for reading!