Chapter 3: Father hears us - Fathers blessings]
Authours Note: (This chapter focuses solely on the journey to and from the north and thus it will be from the POV of the northern Elves and the Eldest sent by Satoru.)
After having travelled for 2 whole weeks nonstop, the "City of Wealth" was finally visible. Despite its name, this place is known to be the Capital of Eryndral. It's called that because that's the place with the most shopping districts. Here, people visiting would usually come to buy things like weapons and armour, clothes, etc. It's also called that way because of the fact that in the very center of it stands a large statue made of magically enchanted Gold. It's a statue of the Demon Lord who rules over the nation and it's the most visited place in the entire nation. People from all walks of life come here or dream of coming here just to catch a glimpse of the statue. The demon Lord is an attractive person in many respects, but most attractive physically. Because despite his age being estimated to be around 3,000+, he appears to be a beautiful man no older than his early 20's. Long golden hair and sharp eyes with long pretty blonde eyelashes and purple irises. A lightly chiseled face with a tall narrow nose. Not to mention that he's tall and has a broad build. No one knows how accurate the statue is compared to the real deal because none of the citizens currently alive have seen him for themselves, they only have the statue and the stories from their ancestors to go off of.
That wasn't my purpose for coming however. Immediately when I arrived at the capital I could tell that it wouldn't be easy to get in, because there was a long line of visitors and merchants.
' To be honest, it's quite smart having a gate and a system in place like this. I should tell father about it when I return. '
A.N (If you've ever seen in anime where there would be a huge wall/gate and in order to get past you'd have to have your identity as well as the identity of anyone travelling with you verified and so on, that's what's happening now. Hence the long line of people.)
{ Can you hear me? }
To my surprise, while waiting for my turn, father had suddenly decided to speak to me. Honestly, hearing his voice again after such a long and hard journey to the north, it was truly a blessing in and of itself.
' Yes father, is something the matter? '
I decided to respond telepathically instead of verbally like before. If I speak, people around may think that I'm using some kind of spell to hide another person, or even worse, this horse may begin acting out because father reached out to me instead of him. Though.. I wish I could have rubbed it in, now isn't the right time for childish behaviour.
{ No, I just thought it over and decided that I would give you your reward early. After some thinking.. it would make things easier for you if I did it now. }
' Easier? What reward is it, should I look out for something? Why would it make things easier? '
The thought of suddenly receiving a reward way earlier than previously planned made me excited but I was also worried, depending on what or where the reward would be, I'd have to plan a way to get it before it was stolen away.
Or so I thought.
{ It's nothing like that, you don't have to look out for anything, and no one can steal it. Because the gift I'm giving you, is a name. }
' ….. '
After hearing what father had said, my mind went completely blank and for a moment I almost bumped into the carriage in front of me. Having to steer the horse away from it, hearing it huff in annoyance at my absentminded handling.
I had to take a deep breath and calm down, I could feel my heart pounding and hear it beating loudly in my ears.
' Father… you wish to name me? I- is that right? '
I asked, despite hearing him, it felt as if I had heard incorrectly. I wanted to ask again just to hear him confirm it with his own words.
{ That's right. I wanted to name you. Originally.. you were supposed to be the first to get a name… but, well- you'll be the name I came up with after much thought. }
My heart jumped in my chest. A bit sad that I wasn't the first, but those feelings were minuscule compared to the overwhelming joy and excitement I felt at having heard the news.
{ From now on, your name will be Lanceil, Lanceil Verdanthel. I hope that you will use the name from now on everywhere you go. }
Tak , Tak
I wiped my face after feeling a warm water falling down from my cheeks. Having been named, I felt immense joy. Being named is an honour on its own, but being named by father after just recently having been graced with hearing his voice for the first time, it felt as though all of those years of love and loyalty were being rewarded. Not that I had ever dared to believe that it deserved to be, but anyone would feel happy about being rewarded regardless.
' Thank you father, from this moment on, I am Lanceil Verdanthel, the first son of The Tree of Life, and the Eldest elder of the elves. I will forever be grateful and proud to bear this name given to me by you. '
{ I'm happy that you're pleased with the name. Now that I know that we can communicate just fine even from this distance, please keep me updated if anything important happens, Lanceil. }
' Yes Father, I will do just that. '
After speaking to father, I received a telepathy message from an almost feminine sounding voice.
[ Notice]
[ New skill: Authority ]
[ New Title: Elder Of Elves ]
"Hm?"
Before I got to even look at the skills or what they were, I felt as if the world had tilted and swayed, I managed to hold onto my consciousness and steadied myself but not without having to hear yet another dissatisfied snort from the Hellspawn Horse.
"What the hell do you mean we can't enter?! Didn't I show you my adventurer's permit?"
Suddenly, my attention is turned towards the loud bickering of a middle aged looking man, and a young male ogre standing in the booth.
"And we're telling you, that you can't pass, if you want to continue causing a disturbance, we'll have to have you arrested. Please leave."
The ogre speaks with a professional tone despite being very clearly annoyed at the entitled tone of the adventurer.
" Tsk- This is why I hate you stupid ogres, why do we even allow monsters like you to have jobs instead of just killing you? "
The adventurer spoke with a venomous tone as he glared at the ogre while grabbing them by the collar of their shirt and reaching for their sword on their hip in a threatening manner.
" How about I just get rid of you right here, I'd be doing everyone a favour by removing such disgusting dirty creatures from this world. "
' Tsk- how disgusting. Is that how all adventurers are taught to behave? Or is it simply that this one is particularly ugly, both physically and mentally. '
" Fine, sir. Since you've resorted to threats instead of leaving of your own accord then we will have no choice but to detain you. "
Immediately after the ogre said those words two two tall reptilian men approached and quickly apprehended the man who didn't go down without a fight, he cursed and continued spouting threats until he was knocked unconscious by one of the officers who took him away. The driver of the carriage apologized and quickly left and then it was my turn. Once I approached, I could see the ogre much better. He was young and had red eyes and the usual green skin that ogres have similar to their unevolved counterparts(goblins), however they were different, taller and closer to humans in intelligence. This young ogre was a runt, quite small and weak looking, also quite pretty for their species. The ogre upon seeing my approach stiffened up. It took me a moment to realize why but once I did, everything made sense.
' Ah.. no wonder why all of the people behind me decided to stay so far away.. it's my fault for not noticing until now. I had forgotten since it's been so long. '
" Please don't be wary, he is tamed. "
Motioning towards the Hellspawn horse as I spoke, gently patting his head, the ogre sighed lightly and then ran a hand through his short brown hair as he moved closer and spoke.
"I see, if that's the case.. please remove your hood, and also, may I see your verification? "
Confused, I decided to question the ogre. While I had no intention of undermining the ogre or threatening him like the previous guy, I couldn't help but wonder what form of verification one needed. Still, I took off my hood and spoke.
" Pardon my asking but.. what verification do you require? It's my first time visiting and since I'm not an adventurer I cannot give you a permit. "
However, to my surprise, as soon as my hood fell and the ogre saw me, they immediately went wide-eyed and shook their heads soon after hearing my question.
"I'm sorry, I didn't realise that you were an elf. It's quite rare to see a rogue elf. Ah- my apologies."
' Rogue elf, huh? Is that what we're being called? No matter, I'm here on business and nothing else.. I'll have to remember that for next time though. '
Seeing my glare, the ogre broke into a slight cold sweat and then spoke again.
" E-Ehem, well anyways sir.. please place your hand over the small disk here. "
Looking towards the corner of the desk where the ogre gestures I saw a small black dip where a metallic card-shaped plate sat. Above it was a small thin disk that hovered over the plate. I moved my hand and the moment my hand hovered over the disk, a large white sheet appeared. On the sheet was my information.
[ Verification Sheet ]
[ Name: Lanceil Verdanthel
Age: 300+
Sex: Male
Height: 191 cm
Hair colour: Black
Eye colour: Gold
Species: Elf
Records: None
Visits: 0
Title(s): Elder of Elves
Abilities: Authority (SS), Holy Light (S), Shepherd (S), Healing Hand (A) , Telepathy (A+), Teleportation(B) ]
I didn't like how much of my information was revealed on the sheet but there was nothing I could do about it. This was the procedure one had to follow to get into the capital. I've never visited before but I had heard that getting in is quite difficult because of the process and now I can understand why. Essentially, unless you had a permit or some other form of identification, you'd have to go this route. I have nothing to hide but there have been cases where many criminals have been caught and arrested after having their information revealed. It's quite handy in that respect.
"Oh my! Sir, who exactly are you to have such amazing skills??! Not to mention that you're named!"
Sigh
' I wish you wouldn't have done that.. '
Because the ogre had spoken so loudly out of shock, it had caused unwanted attention, now many of the visitors and passerby's were staring at me with an almost lewd unpleasant gaze… as if being an elf didn't garner enough attention, he's just revealed that I'm named and have good skill. I seriously wished to reprimand the young ogre but decided against it.
"Well, if everything is verified, may I pass? I'm quite busy."
I spoke with a tone as polite as I could manage, I don't know if it was very polite though, I was quite annoyed and so was the Hellspawn, it began huffing and stomping it's hooves down impatiently.
Probably after seeing that and hearing the annoyance in my voice, the ogre caught the hint and after clearing his throat and fumbling with the paper, he nodded and spoke as he put a stamp on the paper and it withered away, after that a small thin card slowly generated over the metal plate and he handed it to me.
" A-anyways.. you may pass. Welcome to Eryndral and may your visit be one worth remembering. Hope to see you here again! "
With that, I took the card and pocketed it, hurrying through the gate.
"We've already wasted enough time because of that human.."
Sigh
Huff, Huff
' hmm..? '
The Hellspawn had walked slightly past the entrance and right after, he stopped moving and hit its hoof angrily into the ground, a small piece of stone breaking under its stomp. Noticing the Hellspawn, many of the people who passed decided to quickly get away rather than trying to stay and observe after seeing its temperament didn't seem very good. All the better for me honestly.
" What are you doing? Now is not the time for you to be throwing a tantrum. What are you even angry about? "
The horse had only huffed in response and proceeded to try and throw me off, behaving like an angry wild bull. That's when I suddenly realized, there's only one reason this guy would suddenly start misbehaving.
' Ah.. so that must be it. '
" Don't tell me, you're not throwing such an unseemly fit because you're jealous, are you? "
At my words the horse let out a loud neigh as its fiery mane flared and the flames got hotter and it stood on its hind-legs and threw me off of it. I landed on my rear with a loud thud and it snorted and let out a satisfied puff of hot air.
" Heh, how childish, maybe father didn't name you because he knew you were too immature. You'd rather throw a tantrum than to obey his one order he gave to you, how… predictable. I suppose a horse as foolish and immature as you wouldn't be able to help it that you have a nasty temper and can't even follow a single order. "
As I spoke, I stood up and gracefully dusted myself off and began walking away from the horse. However, bothered by my remarks, the horse quickly blocks my path and huffs as if demanding me to apologize. I simply shrug and that only makes the horse even more angry.
***
Cough , cough
I'm woken up by the sound of my daughter, coughing violently. The heavy smell of iron.
' my baby.. '
My daughter, a cute small child with black hair and pink eyes like a small baby bunny. She used to have beautiful fair skin and plump rosy cheeks but now her skin is always ghostly pale and she's so skinny that she's practically bones. Unable to eat and barely able to sleep. Coughing up blood and always in pain. My daughter, just like many people here, has gotten the plague.
Getting out of bed I made my way towards my daughter's room, I heard footsteps outside. This in itself wasn't expected. Because we elves live in the slums behind the "City Of Gold" shopping district. On the outside, the houses may look decent. But those who live here know better. The walls are paper thin, there's no heat and the owners of the houses are all in poor condition, in bad health and barely getting paid enough to be able to afford food and clothes. It's rare for anyone to come back here because of the fact that it's hidden behind the capital and no one is ever out of their homes. Basically, only people who come back here are the ones that know absolutely nothing about this place or pervert nobles coming to bother the elven men and women when they have nothing better to do.
' Ugh, who is it this time? How's a horrible time to be coming here, don't they know about the plague spreading around here. '
The plague, there's word that the plague was originally spread throughout the capital but it was later discovered that the plague was only spread to the elves. It doesn't affect anyone but us. It's likely the work of some hateful human or angry noble who got rejected. It's times like these that we wished we could return home to the forest but we all know that's impossible.
** ~~ Flashback to 6 years ago ~~ **
"Did you really think that just because you aren't in chains that you were any different from those slaves in the East?"
A human soldier spoke scornfully as he and his companions laughed while ridiculing the elves. The truth of the matter is, we northern elves are no different from our siblings in the East and the west. In fact, we are the same, the only thing separating us is our appearances.
"Don't rough them up too hard, they won't be able to work if you mess up their pretty bodies."
The captain of the knights spoke with a sneer as he rode on horseback to the front of the line.
To them, we elves are and always will be only useful for our beauty and anything else is a pleasant bonus.
"What do we do with these?"
A gruff-looking soldier asked with a sleazy voice as he roughly grabbed the arm of one of the children.
"Hm.. they can't exactly be put to work.. who knows. We'll take the children to Lord Vaelzith
and see what he says."
Those words caused all of the elves to feel fear unlike anything they've ever experienced. Regardless of whatever he decides, they all instinctively knew that it wouldn't be a good outcome for them or their children.
***
"We should go bac—"
Slap
"Enough with your foolishness, do you really think we can leave?"
The eldest of our group and one of the leaders of the "Great Division" as it's been named. A Woman with medium length brown hair and chocolate coloured eyes to match. She's the 6th child and the one with the worst temper and personality out of all of the elves. The only reason we followed her is because at the time she and the other leaders truly did sound convincing. However, just like the young elf who had tried to speak up, most of us wanted to go back home.
"She's right, we can't go back. Elder brother has most likely already heard of what happened by now and if we go back our faith will be left to his wrath."
One of our elder sisters spoke with a trembling voice and pale face. The truth is, we all instinctively knew. What we had done was wrong, something unforgivable. If we had only left then we may be forgiven but in exchange for the ability to live in this land "freely" we had the choice of selling out our other fleeing siblings or meeting the same fate that they would inevitably face. To us, the obvious choice was the one we made, selling our siblings out and allowing the humans and other races to enslave them. However, it was a trap, they only wanted to know where the rest of us were, they had no intention of letting us go free and treating us as equals. By the time we had figured it out it was too late. Those of us who tried to fight and leave were killed or tortured. Yet still, it's better than going back home. Because…
'If we go back to our elder brother, our fates will be worse than any punishment given by humans. At least here we have a chance to live as long as we behave.'
Those were the thoughts that everyone had. And thus, that's how we have been living since we left our home in the forest. Obedience and feigned loyalty to a foreign nation.
"Why… Why did we leave.. I wanna go home."
The children that were old enough to slightly understand the weight of the situation could do nothing but cry in fear and the parents and adults could do nothing but bear the burden of the responsibility and guilt for having put them in the situation.
Throughout the years that followed we had somewhat grown accustomed to our new lives as chainless slaves.
The most beautiful of us are used as toys for the nobles and the prettiest children are sometimes used as well, the blood of elves when consumed can have healing and "anti-aging" effects on the body, the blood of the young elves in particular has the best effects because they are still young and have the most potency.
The rest of the elves are often used for their knowledge and abilities to communicate better with spirits and animals, sometimes even being used as support or guides for adventurers.
***
"Just who is it, I've already told you—"
I opened the door to give a good scolding to whoever was outside but instead I was greeted face to face with the very incarnation of Recompense. The eldest was standing outside of my door looking down at me with an intense gaze and an unreadable expression.
"! "
"B-big br-"
***
Before she even got to speak a word, her husband pulled her away from the door and held her close while they looked at their oldest brother with wary eyes who in return looked at them both with an unamused expression.
" Come out."
His voice was deep and unwavering even after seeing his siblings after so long. That only made them more afraid. They had no choice but to listen. Not just because he was their eldest but because if they feared him before, they were more afraid now. At a single glance they could immediately tell, he is different, stronger, a lot stronger.
The elves left their house and followed behind their eldest and the large Hellspawn creature walking beside him, every click of their hooves sounded like a tick of a clock counting down to their ends. That's how they felt at least.
"Mum… Dad… where are we going.. and who is this? We're scared.."
The two children clung tightly to one another as they walked at their parents' sides in fear of the strange man in front of them.
"Shhh.. it's okay sweetie.. you don't need to be afraid, we're here."
The two children knew that their mother was afraid and unsure but didn't bother speaking again. The fact that she had wanted to protect them and tried to remain strong and calm was enough for them to understand that now wasn't the time to make a scene. Just trusting their parents, they followed the man until they got into the middle of the slum where just like them, every family stood outside of their homes and all seemed just as tense and quiet. Once the man saw that everyone was together, he frowned slightly at the sight and then stood in the center where he could clearly see and be seen by everyone.
"Now then."
He began to speak, his voice wasn't loud and yet every word sounded heavy and made the elves already pounding hearts beat faster.
"It would seem that the contents of the letter weren't completely wrong. There are less of you, and regardless of whether or not that's due to the plague…"
His voice trailed off and his gaze sharpened, the elves wanted to run away from his gaze but they were unable to move as if just his gaze was enough to increase the gravity on each person by thousands of times.
"I've come with good and bad news. However, before revealing those to you I suppose I should introduce myself. Seeing as there are a few new faces."
He looked over the faces in the crowd seeing the older children that were infants when the elves had left, as well as new faces of younger children that were more recently born and then he spoke in a louder voice with a small charismatic smile.
" I am Lanceil Verdanthel, the Eldest of the Elves, the first son of our father… and the answer to your prayers. Father's salvation. "
At his words, the hell spawn chuffed and stood beside him with a menacing aura as if to tell them to bow and that's exactly what the elves did. They all fell down and bowed their faces to the ground, even the children instinctively followed suit and did the same.
" The good news is that father has heard your prayers and decided to answer them. The bad news is that not all of you will obtain the salvation that you desire. That, is why I am here today. To deliver fathers exact words to you. Now raise your heads. "
All of the elves looked up, some with teary eyes and others were shaking and trembling so much that they almost couldn't lift their heads properly.
" No need to be so terror stricken, we are family and for better or worse.. that means that I won't be… punishing you for any of your sins. "
Once he said those words many of the elves broke into silent cries. Just being allowed to live was enough of a salvation for them.
" I'll be quick because the longer spent here.. we'll, the closer each of you get to your own unsavoury ends. I am here to save the children. Father has decided that at least they should be allowed to live rather than dying because of the sins of their parents. So, those of you with children. You and your child may decide. Will you stay here as a family and die together, or will you abandon your family and live. "
He said this with a smile that was as soft and beautiful as it was laced with a dark irony. The older elves all knew that he had said it like that on purpose, a subtle reminder of the very choice that they had made when they decided to leave the forest and sold their siblings to "live" just a few years prior. Now, faced with the plague of death, their children must make the same choice that they had made. After about 30 minutes things had been decided. Unlike their parents, most of the children surprisingly didn't have the heart to leave and live without their parents. This was both heartbreaking and tragic for the parents who wanted their children to live even if it meant having to say goodby, and yet they couldn't help being happy even just briefly, that their children loved them even more than their own life. That left only 10 children, half of which were older children, around the ages of 12-20. The rest of which were 10 at the very oldest and two of which belonged to the last family gathered, two beautiful twins with navy blue hair and pale lilac coloured eyes and lashes. They were so young and frail looking that it seemed as if they wouldn't last a journey to the forest.
"P-please, elder brother.. take our children and protect them… that's all that we dare to ask."
The father of the two young boys spoke up as he walked beside his two children urging them to join Lanceil. In response to his sincere plea he speaks up with a slight nod.
" That goes without saying. No harm will come to these children. As for the rest of you… you have made your choice for the third time. You will not be saved. From this moment onwards, do not even think of praying for forgiveness or salvation, you will not be answered even until death. That is the price you must all pay for your sins up until this point. Goodbye. "
With that, the elves could do nothing but sob bitterly as they watched their elder turn his back on them and walk away, accompanied by the 10 children that were saved. Once he was out of their sight and at the border of the slums he turned towards everyone scanning their faces and then spoke.
"Because the journey from here back to the forest would be long and arduous… I will spare you the trouble and use a skill to teleport us to the forest. So please stand still and close your eyes."
His voice was softer now and had more emotion, though his face was still as still as ice, they could almost sense a strong feeling of sadness behind his intense golden gaze. Following his words all of the children closed their eyes and some of them even held hands with others and stood close together. Then, Lanceil extended his hand and a huge magic circle formed around everyone underneath their feet. Moments later a large light could be seen forming and a column of light enveloped them.. once the light disappeared everyone had been teleported to the middle of the forest.
" It is finished and we have returned, father. "
Lanceil spoke with an elegant and confident voice as he bowed on one knee in front of a huge thick white tree with countless green and white leaves surrounded by a tremendous amount of mana. Behind him were the 10 children, dizzy and exhausted from teleporting for the first time and then immediately being faced with a sudden huge amount of energy. They couldn't even move and could barely breathe in front of this tree. Only the twins were even able to think.
'S-so this is'
'Our Father??'
The twins both thought the same thing at once. Since they were both young they were taught, like all of the other children, that even though they had a mother and father, that they had another mother and father. A being that was both and yet neither, the being that created the elves and the one that can create or destroy life as they please without repercussions. They had thought that such a being must be a god and thus all of them had prayed to this unknown parent, yet after a certain age they all believed that it was just a myth told to the children to make them feel better and not be afraid of their life and the situation they were in. However, now that they were being presented, face to face with that creature. Their parents, their real parents, their creator. They all instinctively had one thought.
"This is God."
Further solidifying that belief in their souls was the fact that the huge terrifying creature that had been walking beside the eldest laid down next to the tree and held its intense gaze on the children.
'I-if a monster like that is bowing down next to the tree… then.. Just how strong is our father to have tamed this creature so easily?'
{ Please, don't be afraid. No harm will come to you children. }
They all froze when they suddenly heard a voice in their heads. Looking towards the eldest and seeing that he has a relaxed, knowing look on his face made them slowly calm down and they all sat in seiza while listening.
{ Firstly, I would like to offer my deepest condolences to each and every one of you who had to not only live in poor conditions but also had to abandon your families to come into a strange place. I also would like to say that I will do my very best to give you all a proper life from now on. Lately, since you are now home, I wish to give you all a gift. }
His words were kind and his voice was gentle, his presence no longer seemed scary and was now so warm and comforting, so intensely full of love that it made all of the children feel like they would cry at any moment and melt into him.
After they children calmed down from crying, they listened to their father and ended their day after getting named. Each of them waiting patiently and once receiving their name felt immensely happy, proud, and grateful.
Their names were as such:
The eldest of the children was Nilon, a young elf with hair like fine gold, and sharp golden eyes that perfectly matched his sharp calm demeanor. Then, there was Tsuki, a small girl with lavender coloured short hair and big green eyes, and then after her came her friend Lucy, who had blonde hair and pink eyes like strawberries. Til was a boy with blue hair like the ocean, Daigon was a elf with half white hair and half black with two burning bright green eyes with flecks of gold surrounded by sharp almost draconic pupils, making him one of the more unique looking elves, followed by Rui, Lenny and Luise, the blue haired twins, Eos, and lastly, Eden was the youngest boy with white hair and ruby-like red eyes, and a small pale frame. After receiving names, the children who had now gotten a new home and names to boot were brought away to be fed and washed and because they had no homes to stay in, getting them settled was the priority. After naming so many children, all of which had different responsibilities and fates, Satoru felt tired for the third time. The first being his first hibernation, the second being after he named everyone in the village(during Lanceil's absence, after he received his name.), and now for the third time he would have to rest.
' Azeroth, please watch over the forest once again until I wake up. '
[ Notice ]
[ There's nothing to be concerned about, when you wake up I will tell you everything that's happened in your absence. ]
' Ah.. Right, I almost forgot… '
Satoru then spoke to the Hellspawn laying down against his roots.
{ From now on.. You're going to be named Nyx. }
After finally saying what he had almost forgotten, Satoru felt content. He could now comfortably feel at ease. With that, Satoru slept for the third time in a short period of time. His leaves blew softly in the cool winds as he quickly drifted off. He was happy, and yet sad and angry, and also proud. Happy that he had saved some of his children, sad and angry that he couldn't save all of them, that he had taken such a long hibernation that more than half of his children were gone when he woke up, he hadn't even gotten to meet them and had to discover their cruel fates. He especially grieved the deaths of the elves that were tracked down and killed by their relentless pursuers. He also found himself to be quite proud of the fact that he had accomplished so much since he woke up. Acquiring new skills, learning about the world he lives in now, meeting and naming his children after growing closer, even saving and naming 10 new additions to his family. His mind was racing with thoughts of what to do and say when he woke up. First, he would apologize for not answering or saying anything after naming them, he didn't know if he would have to explain why or not but regardless, he still wanted to apologize.That was when she woke up though, and right now, he could feel his body shutting down.