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2024-10-29 19:42:56[Outskirts of Azidora]
Loud chatter swirled in a crowded space, accompanied by the stagnant smell of freshly baked bread, soup, and meat. A hint of fragrances built solid notes of moss, bark, and woody oils. The tavern was centuries-old but well-kept. It was a fancy place, sort of like a time capsule made to worship a single female statue - a hand-carved figure with realistic features. The full-length sculpture of a stunning young woman stood tall in the middle of the tavern.
Countless scrolls and hand-painted images decorated the walls. Each paper glued to the wood created the perfect image of Elidy’s accomplishments. How she stopped the 5,000-year war. How she brought forth a new era of peace and prosperity. How she revamped the elven kingdom in her image.
There was also a dedicated space at the end of the tavern for storing historical specimens. These relics proved her glory. Most stood in glass display cases specifically made for them. There was a map of the old world, scorched, and barely readable. There were also fragments of some of the garments the goddess wore when she walked the land. Even the bow and quiver she once used stood there for all to see, while powerful magic kept all these artifacts in perfect shape.
The tavern was swarming with knights. Their muscular and toned bodies were covered with polished armor, designed to hide every inch of their soft skin. Only the two young women who sat at the bar stood out like a sore thumb. Their sequinned outfits, colorful accessories, and bright hair were hard to miss. But, the girls were already used to it. In fact, they loved the stares and unbridled attention.
When a knight passed them by, one of the girls leaned on the bar. Gentle hair strands brushed against her cheeks. Her wavy hair shined with strands of gold and light brown copper. Her simple frame, radiant eyes, and charming smile made her a stunning autumn beauty.
- “Oh my…” – she giggled. “Mind flexing those muscles for me?”
The woman’s mind was packed with crazy thoughts. Most of them were horny, ridiculous desires. Her cheeks and ears flushed red at the thought of rubbing her hands against his beefy upper body.
- “Wretched woman. Keep your foul thoughts away from this holy place.”
- “Come on! I can show you a world you’ve been missing.”
- “I will cleanse myself with the power of the burning light before I let those filthy hands touch me.”
- “Stingy…”
The woman puffed her cheeks in annoyance. So far, no one could resist her puppy eyes. People would easily get seeped into her happy-go-lucky persona. Except for the warriors here, of course. These knights kept to their code. The man held onto his firm belief; without letting himself be swayed by her devil tongue. His glorious stubbornness stood up for what he thought was right. So, he took the bread he just ordered and went on his way.
- “Ah… Tyra, he is a paladin. A knight of Elidy’s Temple. They swear a life of celibacy. I thought I made that clear.”
The other woman, a couple of inches shorter than the brown-haired lady, let out a sigh. There was a steadiness to her, a completely different aura than that of the flirtatious woman. Her hair was a stunning piece. It was half-black and half-green; with the kind of green that spoke to the soul of the forest. It was bold and beautiful. She also had two different-colored eyes. A perfect replica of her crisp half-and-half hair color.
- “Pffft…hee-hee-hee! You should have seen the look on his face!!!” – Tyra burst out laughing.
- “You can’t see anything. His face is covered.”
- “Exactly! But, I can feel it! Deep down, he was fighting his instincts!”
- “I don’t think so.”
- “Oh, I know so!”
- “I still don’t get what’s so funny.”
- “Hehe, you will. They are so ADORABLE!” – the woman let out a nervous sniff. “Once I get my hands on one of these cherry boys, they will leave their temple in a flash. And, I will get myself a nice treat. A harem of fine men! I can picture it already!!!”
- “Don’t tell me…you forgot what we came here for?”
- “Ehm, excuse me, ladies?”
Unbeknownst to the women, a tall priest had made his way to the bar. He heard the guests had arrived, so he went to introduce himself. But, amidst the babble, his warm smile and gentle voice went unnoticed.
- “Who cares?!”
- “You do…”
- “Like I give a crap who ascends first. It doesn’t matter who will rule this world. They are all the same. Stuck-up overpowered shitfaces pretending to be goody-goody two shoes.”
Suddenly, a loud thump came from the tables behind them. All the knights in the establishment stood up and slammed their fists against their full plate armor. The moment their hands touched the breastplate, the chatter stopped, startling the young women.
*Cough, cough.*
- “Tyra…”
The short girl appeared to be worried about her. Well, appeared to be. Deep down, she was desperately trying to hold her smile in.
- “Lady Tyra Woods. It is a pleasure to have you in our midst. But please. You must refrain from using such language in our establishment. You are merely a couple of feet away from Elidy’s Temple. Our savior. We would like to keep this place as pure and humble as possible, just like her spirit and soul.”
- “Yeah…sorry about that. Didn’t see you there.” – she forced out a laugh.
- “We immolate those tainted who swear or succumb to the temptations of the physical world.”
- “Eeeeeh???”
- “But, since you are now a welcomed guest, I believe this experience will serve as a useful notice.”
- “Woah…”
She heaved a sigh of relief. When the priest finished scolding Tyra, he turned to face the woman next to her. He then pushed his golden traditional chimere, adorned with ancient elven runes, and casually bowed. His pointy ears sticking out of the lavish elven crown.
- “Elf priest?! Really?!”
- “Tyra!” - the girl whispered while giving her a nudge.
- “Dude… He swore an oath of celibacy. He is immortal.”
- “Shh…”
- “Fairies haven’t walked Azidora since the 5,000-year war. It’s the first time that I ever lay eyes on your holy race. Many thought your kind went extinct. Please, there is no need to hide your divine form with human flesh. Here, you are welcome to be yourself.”
*Cough*
- “You need to get out more.” – Tyra murmured.
- “By the spirits…” – the girl face-palmed her forehead so hard it turned red. “Don’t mind Tyra. And, don’t worry.” – she giggled. “It’s not like I’m hiding or anything. It’s just more convenient like this and less draining.”
- “Ah yes…” – the priest raised his head. “I heard that mana in Azidora is insufficient for a comfortable fairy life. You need it to feed and survive. Back then, mana used to flow in abundance. But, the war destroyed countless ley lines, leaving only a fraction of our kingdom’s former power.”
- “That’s correct.”
- “Do we really need a history lesson?” – Tyra bent over to the woman and whispered in her ear.
- “Anyway…” – but the girl immediately ignored those words. “I’m Karma Elmcup, former headmistress of the Institute of Arcane Magics, and a candidate for the throne. Prince Folwin sent a royal invitation for me to join your ranks. As a representative of my people, I’m here to leave a mark and gain the favor of Azidora.”
- “Forgive me for asking, lady Elmcup. I know that you’ve been tasked with eliminating the chosen ones. But, what is it that you hope to achieve in these lands?”
- “I thought your prince briefed you by now. Never mind.” – Karma’s smile turned into a serious glare. She continued. “Support. Once we succeed, the humans and elves are to swear allegiance to the fairies and help us regain our fallen Middlemist Red Empire.”
- “I see. Our majesty has already planned everything well ahead. I assume the Empire will help us bring down Vernon.”
- “That’s just the tip of the iceberg. Well, I would first need to do my deed and then you will have to fulfill your end of the bargain. But, I’m afraid you will have to take it up with your leader if you want to find out more.”
- “Finally, our highness has found a way for us to redeem ourselves and change the mistakes of the past. Together, we will forge a new future. In Elidy’s image. For the sake of our world.”
- “That’s exactly why we are here.” – Karma smiled.
- “Hey…no one told me what’s in it for me. I just got the invitation the same time she did.”
- “As the first Emerald of Elidy, your skills are unmatched, lady Woods. The goddess has blessed you with immortality, power, and magic that rivals that of the elves. I believe your respect and love for the goddess will persuade you to do what’s right.”
- “I’m not some charity case.”
- “Tyra!!!” – the girl barked.
- “I see. What is it that you desire?”
- “Hmm…”
- “Gold?”
- “Nah…I already got more than I can spend.”
- “Slaves?”
- “What am I gonna do with those?!”
- “Then, what about our men?”
- “Priest!” – the knights nearby were mortified.
- “Wow! That’s a tempting offer.” – Tyra’s face formed a lustful grin.
- “These men will do anything for the sake of our goddess. Wouldn’t you?”
- “Yes, priest!!!” – they swallowed their pride and yelled in unison.
- “But…Nah! I’m here for something else.” – Tyra winked, as the men exhaled in relief.
- “Then, how can we help?”
- “I want you to find the Core.”
- “The Core?”
- “Yes. Time magic. Only your goddess can wield it. As dedicated followers, I’m sure you have direct access to it.”
- “I haven’t heard anything about it in centuries. What do you plan to do with it?”
- “Let’s just say…something that will help this world. Inside and out.”
- “I see. I will send my best warriors to search for it. You have my word.”
- “One more thing.”
- “Do tell.”
- “I heard each Temple of Elidy holds an ancient artifact, capable of changing one’s race. It is a forbidden piece, never to be used on a living breathing thing. It was crafted back then, in the old world.”
- “That’s true. We do keep a part of it here.”
- “When we take care of the chosen ones, I want you to collect that artifact. Piece it together, and make me a fairy.”
- “What?!” – all the men in the room stood there, shocked.
- “Why?” – added the priest.
- “S.e.c.r.e.t.” – Tyra giggled and shushed.
- “You cannot just become a fairy. Fairies don’t procreate the same way other races do. They don’t have our reproductive system. Making you a fairy would interfere with nature. I cannot let that happen. Unless…”
- “Unless a fairy queen permits it.” – Karma added.
- “That’s right.” – the priest nodded.
- “You don’t have to worry about that. Tyra saved my life. She gave us a new home. We are indebted to her and once I become queen, I will allow her to join our ranks. Even if it means breaking the ancient traditions.”
- “I see. In that case, lady Elmcup and lady Tyra, the Storm Oath Guild is at your service.”
- “I’m looking forward to it.”– Karma returned the gesture with a classic bow.
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