Chapter 11

♪ From Our Family to Yours ♪

Still dressed in the elven garb, I followed Sanev along so many hallways that I couldn't remember how to get back to the room I woke up in. Thank God I have actual shoes now. Eventually, a skyway connecting two towers of their mansion atop the [Red Eryn] tree entered our view. “How big is this place?” I ask Sanev. “We just came from the guest tower. The guest tower may accommodate up to 65 guests,” he informed. “Dang, that's a lot. Do the Avacyns ever have that many guests over?” I ask, interested in the social customs of elven nobility. Sanev politely declined to answer, but gave me a pseudo answer anyway, “I can not give information about the guests who have stayed here without the master's permission, but there are semi-annual meetings among all the monarchs of each elven region, and the family selected to be the host rotates.” Hahaha, didn't he just disobey his masters then? “Don't worry, I won't say anything to anyone about it,” I reassure. He had a flushed face, as though he just realized he messed up and said, “*Ahem* I would appreciate that, Sir Coon.”

The skyway connected to a tower at the other side and spun up the outer wall. A handrail was the only barrier between me and a long drop that would undoubtedly end with a splat. We are so high up that the beginning of sunrise can be seen over the rest of the forest.

“We're nearly there, Sir Coon,” my attendant encouraged, unaffected by the thinning air. I, on the other hand, am out of breath just trying to keep up! Preceding our arrival at the top of the tower, I needed a couple of short breaks to catch my breath. However, what laid before me now, was a long corridor ending with extravagant double doors. As we passed the centermost length of the hall, the doors slowly opened on their own. The hinges created deep clacking sounds reverberating through the hall as though they bore a considerable burden. These doors are either mechanical or magical, I briefly thought before focusing my vision on the figures sitting atop two thrones. From what I could tell, the thrones were trees that happened to grow into the shape of large chairs. Both had an aura around them like a haze. It's like I'm looking at a mirage or something.

What I can only describe as an intercom voice resounded as we walked through the doors, comparable to what you'd hear in an airport, “Presenting, Sir Truck Coon of America to his lordship, Zinogr Avacyn and her ladyship, Lyrieth Avacyn, the Lord's of Kulkne.” Sanev stopped, giving me the queue to stay right in the middle of the throne room. I thought there was no royalty here?! This seems pretty 'royal' to me! Sanev continued by making a b-line for the sideline of the long red carpet I found myself on, turning graciously as he fell in line with the other servants.

“Sir Coon,” an elven woman, who looked surprisingly like Lyra, started, “Firstly, my husband has something to say.” Okay, so she is def the one wearing the pants in the relationship.

A tall, brawny elf, brought a fist to his mouth and cleared his throat before saying, in a somewhat closemouthed tone, “*Ahem* I beg your forgiveness for my hasty conclusion from before.” He nodded his head and paused, assuming that was enough until the one with the pants loudly cleared her throat with a cough. Flustered, he introduced himself and offered reparations, “Uuh I am [Lord Avacyn], the Lycanthrope who assaulted your personage. As recompense for such an atrocity, ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.”

Haven't I heard that somewhere before?

Seemingly content with his offering, the 'queen' introduced each of them after nodding to the man, “Firstly, we are the Avacyn family. I am [Lady Lyrieth], the matriarch of Kulkne forest and, regrettably, this is my husband.” Lord Avacyn lowered his head further after hearing those words. Lady Lyrieth continued, “You have saved our daughter's life, and though we are eternally grateful to you, we threatened your esteemed person upon safely delivering Lyra back to us. How might we repay you for the strife you've endured on our behalf?”

I decided to play it cool, “It's an honor to meet the young miss' parents. Something I read long ago that stuck with me is the quote, 'Blessed are those who have regard for the weak; for the LORD will deliver them in times of trouble.' Isn't it common courtesy to protect those weaker than yourself?”

With wide eyes, lady Lyrieth says, “I am shocked to hear such ancient words recited. Do you study the Abascan teachings? Surely you recognize the citation [Lord Avacyn] spoke then.”

I thought for a moment about how to respond but decided to say, “I dabble, but that is neither here nor there. His words did sound familiar though... Please tell me how miss Malady is doing? She certainly endured the most from the ordeal.”

Nodding her head several times in approval, [Lady Avacyn] praised me, “It is inexorably impressive that a human would research the Abascan College. Their passing from your species' history is a tragedy to be sure. On the other hand, you are correct, that is beside the point. Malady is being tended to, though it will take time for her to mentally recover.”

I respond with concern, “I pray she has a speedy recovery. Please let me know if I can be of assistance.”

“Certainly and on her behalf, we thank you for the consideration. My dearest Lyra gave her recount of the disaster befalling her caravan and It may be presumptuous of me to inquire, however, would you describe it from your vantage?”

These people like to sound sophisticated. Kinda makes me nervous, but it's not like I'm totally uncultured or anything. Did she say passing from history? Sounds like what the Nazis tried with the book burning. Collecting my scattered thoughts, I tell them what happened and how I came across Lyra's group.

_______________

My version of the story earned Masada impressed glances from all in the room. It's actually a relief that he's taking the attention. I am not a fan of popularity. I described everything that happened from my point of view, up until I entered their throne room, in as much detail as possible. Zinogr gently admonished Lyra for letting the robe fall to uncover the collar, which I just noticed is no longer on her neck. I wonder how Malady is holding up after all that. Though I could tell she was doing her best to hide her feelings, she seemed quite a bit more affected by the events.

After speaking to Lyra, Zinogr looked over at me with his sharp eyes and disclosed part of his ability that affected me, “[Fury] is a submission type skill. It removes the target's ability to harm or withstand mineself. The downfall of my class is the negative status effect called [Ferocity]. It sends mineself into an animalistic rage. My love has the perfect class in combination with mine. She can heal any status effect. [Fury] can be deactivated. After Lyrieth healed the effect, I could deactivate it.”

He kinda sounds like his speech is a bit more limited compared to the others. But I think I understand. Lyrieth can neutralize [Ferocity] which lets Zinogr disable [Fury]. And there it is again, mineself. I was confused about why I needed to be healed and asked, “How did I get hurt then?”

“Ah, your stamina is too low. My initiating howl caused your ears to bleed. You were paralyzed half a day when Feno broke my [Formed Lightning]. The flash burns your eyes. Masada is impressive. He teleported you as the lightning went off,” he replied while looking over at Feno and back to Masada. The elevator butler placed his fist across his chest and nodded in response while Masada grinned with his eye and hummed, “Kujuru ♪~”

Lady Lyrieth continued after Zinogr, “Lyriath. Did you have something to say?”

Lyra held her dress up slightly as she went to her knees. She then placed her palms on the floor and her forehead between her hands, and said, “Sir Tru, not only did you save mineself from death, but also from a fate I would deem even worse so, being a slave to the kobolds. If I had not already dedicated my life to the people of Kulkne, my life would be the least I could give to such as yourself. Even what the kobolds would have assuredly taken from me may be yours.”

Thinking I may have misunderstood the meaning of that offer thanks to my manhood, I tilt my head and question, “Huh?”

At those words, Zinogr stood up towards Lyra with anger plastered on his face. Taking an aggressive stance, he slammed his fist on the chair's armrest while chiding his only daughter in some other language.

I wanted to stop her once I saw that she was going to her knees, let alone let her give me something. I could only respond after Zinogr let up his rant. “*sigh* I accept your genuine thanks, but please stand. We're friends, no? Let's see if you know your Abascan teachings like [Lady Avacyn] then; 'There is no greater love than this, that a person would lay down his life for his friends.' Do you know it?” I ask, thinking of another passage I learned at church as a kid, assuming it's the same as the Abascan teachings at this point.

Lyra stood up and responded with a wry smile, then told me, “I don't have much experience with the Abascans, as I am only 43 human years old and their time passed before I was born.”

I knew it! She is older than me!

Her mother interrupted, “Do you not see why I've encouraged you to study such instruction now my daughter? They lead the likes of men, such as he, into magnanimity.”

“Yes, mother,” Lyra dejectedly responded while lowering her head.

“You know what, that! That's what I want you to do for me as thanks. Study the Abascan College's teaching,” I blurt out before Lyrieth could get her response out. “I respect your determination. But I would prefer you better your life than give me something. It'll help teach you about how to live in favor of Yahweh and since I was sent here by him in the first place, that would be the best repayment I could ask for.”

'bling'

Dang, all those Sunday school lessons are really paying off now!

I heard the notification go off, indicating that I made the right choice here, but after a small grin, I ignored it. At least for now anyway.

_____________

From the perspective of Lyrieth Avacyn, [Lady Avacyn]:

I am speechless. Long have I intellectually studied the ancient texts and wanted my daughter to do the same, but I never imagined her getting to follow its teachings on the request of one sent by their god.

Surely, we live in great times to be visited by a messenger of the great I Am.

It is a shame he won't be accepting Lyra's dedication. Our family's rule would doubtlessly be blessed to have a suitor such as he. However, Zino may be more than tolerably overprotective... I suppose it can't be helped.

_______________

From the perspective of Zinogr Avacyn, [Lord Avacyn], as translated from the elven tongue:

Good man, good man. What an excellent answer! My baby, Lyra, isn't ready to give herself yet. She is only 43! But to refuse her offer, how should I say... It makes me angry at the same time. How can any man refuse such a beauty as my Lyra..? Ah, this just hurts my head.

________________

From the perspective of Lyra, Lyriath Avacyn:

I let out a sigh of relief, hopefully without notice. How do I let my intentions get the better of me so often... let alone at a time like this!? I should be ashamed of myself, but why do I feel disappointed with his answer? Be thankful to him for showing such mercy for my indecent offer... Yes, yes. Thank you, Sir Tru.

_________________

From the perspective of Tru:

Despite his wife's open-mouthed speechlessness, Zinogr just sat back on his throne and crossed his arms, nodding in approval as though I had just earned some major brownie points with him, but his eyes are still pretty frightening.

...

This silence just got awkward.

Lyra skillfully ended the stillness saying, “I shall do as you say,” then briefly bowed her head, continuing after raising her head again, “As a separate gift in thanks, I sent a party out to fetch the horses once the gates opened. They're currently in the blacksmith's stable.”

“Thank you! I was hoping to sell them to have some money for my journey,” I thanked. Lyrieth responded before her daughter, “Surely, you shan't leave our territory lacking in funds!” That's a relief to hear, but would I get SP for declining? I'd be sacrificing funds so that they can keep them, right? Hmm, but it would be rude to refuse. Would refusing them be the selfish thing to do here, trying to get more SP?

“Thank you for your kindness,” I say, deciding not to be rude, thinking that I'm passing up SP when a pleasant electronic notice sound can be heard.

'bling'

*clack* Noice, I think to myself at the sound of yet another notification.

Hoping to stay on the right track, I remembered the items stored in my ring, “On the topic of horses, I still have your carriage and all the luggage from your trip.”

Lyrieth and Zinogr looked at Lyra with questioning glances when Lyra responded thoughtfully, “Ah, yes! Thank you for transporting all of it. I wasn't positive whether you wanted others to know of your special item or not.”

Jeepers! I guess it's pretty dang special if it justifies not telling royalty. I mean, a lord and lady... How would I even refer to them? Well, whatever. “That's fine. I probably shouldn't take the carriage out here though,” I consider.

Lyrieth looks at me sternly with squinted eyes and says, “How do you mean, 'take the carriage out here'?”

Me: “Ah, would you like me to show you then?”

Lyrieth: “Yes.”

“Right here should be enough space,” I say after walking back 10 paces. My palm was held out with the ring facing the wall, not wanting to show any possible hostility amid the dark elves [Analyze] dubbed [Elite Sentinel]s and one called [Adamantine Bulwark], not to mention [Lord Avacyn]. The empty space located where the [Ring of Space] had previously been exposed to was replaced with a large green and gold vehicle with naturalistic accents able to seat four people on each of two rows. There was no yoke or luggage since I had stored them separately, but the carriage sat against the palm of my hand.

Lyrieth looked puzzled. She rubbed her eyes like she thought there was something wrong with her vision and questioned, “How did you teleport the carriage in here on its own?”

At which I chuckled and said, “Not so much teleported as un-stored. I used my [Ring of Space] to put it in a personal storage universe, along with many other items, and just removed it. Lyra also wanted the deceased soldiers to be stored in it on the journey. I'd like to return them soon if that's alright.”

Shaking her head in disbelief, she waved me off, “I don't think I can bear any further precipitousness. Feno, please reward 50 light gold coins to the esteemed Sir Coon along with his belongings and escort him to the [Red Guard Captain].”

Huh? But what about the luggage? And what is light gold? I thought while being moved out of the throne room by Feno and another maid. When the doors closed behind us, an outburst filled with excitement could be heard in elvish coming from Lyra's parents while my [Robe of the Scholar] and jacket were returned to me. I promptly stored them into my ring as I thought to myself,

Eeeeeh? So, they couldn't hold back their reaction, but didn't want to act unsightly in front of me? Meh, I could be overthinking.

Feno spoke up after I stowed the clothes, “This way Sir Coon, Sir Masada.” With Masada hoisted on my shoulder as per the usual, we follow Feno and the maid through the castle and down to a pair of golden doors. “Please wait here, Sir Coon,” Feno requested with a bow. He returned through the doors shortly with a heavy, jingling pouch. “Please, check the amount within,” he directed to avoid a conflict regarding the amount given. I just take a glance in the bag and see quite a few coins that look white with a pearl-like shimmer. “Looks good to me, Sir Feno,” I replied respectfully, at least in my own opinion. “I have no surname, nor have I been granted knighthood, Sir Coon. I request that you not refer to me with such a honorous title as Sir.” “Oh. Um, alright,” I reply after having my thoughtlessly respectful reference shot down. Status is a big deal around here. Noted.

We continued through the estate until we reached the elevator. Feno dismissed the maid after we stepped onto the platform, at which time she curtsied and sent us off with a smile, not unlike Malady's. They could be sisters, I consider.

Silently, Feno whisked away at a pace akin to the pace we used to reach the estate. Shortly thereafter we stopped in front of a stone building near the gate. There weren't any other buildings that I could see on our way to the barracks, but it was curiously different than any other residence in Kulkne. We entered the front door and were faced with a counter secured by an elf in the same uniform as the sentries guarding the gate yesterday.

[name: Red Guard]

With a salute, the guard gave his morning greeting to Feno, who appeared to be his superior, “Good morning, sir! There is nothing unusual to report this morning, sir!” Feno saluted back in response to which the guard lowered his hand. “I have been given the task of escorting Sir Coon to the [Red Guard Captain]. Where is he currently?” Fenno asked, straight and to the point.

The [Red Guard Captain] entered the room without letting the guard respond and said, “I thought I would be called on. Here I am.”

Feno: “Ah yes, to cut to the chase, Sir Coon rescued lady Lyra and miss Malady. Their caravan, which left from Kulkne a fortnight ago, was attacked and none survived except the young lady and young maid. Sir Truck Coon also happened to bring the guard details remains as well as their equipment with him to be returned.”

Tru: “Actually, I was only able to get the guards who fell in the second attack. I was told of a first attack that happened long before I arrived.”

[Red Guard Captain]: “I see. Has a body collection unit been approved yet?”

Feno: “We were under the impression that Sir Coon collected all the bodies. I suppose it can't be helped. I grant you permission to send out the collection unit at once. Thereafter, graciously receive the deceased from Sir Coon.”

[Red Guard Captain]: “Yes, sir!”

I only had to wait roughly 20 minutes before the captain returned. I guess they have a well-prepared force to make a plan and deploy so quickly. I followed the captain to a room with the largest table I've ever seen. From what I could tell, there were nearly 100x6 feet of real estate on the thing. Bringing in four other guards, the captain said, “Please go and retrieve the bodies from where you left them with these young elves.”

“That won't be necessary,” I retort. Stretching my hand out while I walked alongside the table, each guard appeared in the same form I stored them, with their hands on their chests holding the guard's swords that I found lying nearby. All five of the dark elves who witnessed the item in action were awed, one of the younger guards asking excitedly, “Is... is that a storage item from the stories of old?!”

'bling'

'You have returned the dead to their people.'

'+10 SP is granted to Spirit and +30 SP is granted to Strength.'

+30 to strength? I guess without the ring I would have had to carry them. It must be giving me credit for that. He-he-he I could get my strength up pretty dang fast as a shipping container, I muse to myself.

“Sir Coon?” the [Red Guard Captain] asked, while my mind was paused from the conversation. “Ah, yes it is,” I answer. The [Red Guard Captain] had a look of shock for only a second at my answer before discipline returned to him and he held a somber look at the elves and man who had been in his charge not long ago. I offer my condolences, “I'm sorry for your loss. If I can be of any further help, please just ask.”

Once all of the things were returned with the fallen guards, the captain sent me with the excited guy to see the city. “Where would you like to go, Sir Coon?”

“Please, just call me Tru.” Should I just not bother anymore? It's kinda annoying to always ask to be called Tru... “There wouldn't happen to be a library I could make use of?” I ask, sorta desperately wanting to learn more about the world. “Yes, sir!” I received in reply. His enthusiasm brings me a feeling of excitement like we're going on a mission to gather information. It's just a trip to the library. We ain't scout snipers here or anything! I think to myself while we take our first step onto the moss brick road outside the barracks.