It's the morning of our trip to the Elven Kingdom, about half an hour before sunrise. Nina is sleeping peacefully on my chest. Turns out, she was looking forward to flying me in her dragon form. So, she was disappointed to hear that I took Ilina on a joyride all the way to Avalon, and that I snagged some teleportation sites for us that made her flying unnecessary.
Fortunately, her and Zara did an orc hunting job yesterday at the guild and had a really good time, so she wasn't too mad at me. Still, I was forced to make it up to her. She seemed to forget about why she was mad after that, and quickly fell asleep on me like this.
I told Ilina and Alto to collect everyone and meet at our room shortly after sunrise, and that I would teleport us all to our first stop from here. So, Nina still has a little bit of time to sleep in.
No sooner do I think this, than she begins to stir from her sleep. After a minute, she blinks groggily and focuses her eyes on me. When she comes to her senses, she directs a blissful smile at me.
"Fufufu…good morning, Nina, did you sleep well?" (Mizuki)
"Hmm…yes, I think I did. I was quite active yesterday, so that helped." (Nina)
"I know, I wasn't expecting you to like Zara's company so much. I'm glad you two are getting along." (Mizuki)
"Yes, I've started to appreciate creatures, even weaker ones, for their company more since we met. It's made my life more fun. My favorite times are still with you, though." (Nina)
As she says the last part, she slides forward and kisses me briefly, then pulls away. With a deep sigh and a smile, she slides out of the bed and starts getting dressed. I watch her for a while, then I follow suit.
Sometime later, I hear a knock on the door and welcome in all the elves and Zara. Once they're all inside, I shut the door and address them.
"Okay everyone! As Ilina or Alto may have mentioned, there has been a slight change of plans! We will now be taking you directly to the eastern entrance to the Elven Kingdom. There, Ilina will let the guards know about her plans, and then we will take you directly to Avalon. From there, we will probably part ways, and you can find safe passage back to wherever you wish within the Elven Kingdom. Are there any questions?" (Mizuki)
I look out over the elves' faces, and everyone seems to be shaking their heads. Then, one elf steps forward with a polite smile. She has dark black hair, pale skin, and blue eyes, and she's about Nina's height.
"I don't have a question, I just wanted to tell you that we appreciate everything you and Lady Nedonera have done for us. I know some of us weren't very friendly towards you, since you're human, but please know that we feel bad about that now. We hope we can repay your kindness eventually."
Wow…that's very touching. I smile back at her appreciatively.
"I appreciate your kind words, and don't worry, you don't owe me anything. If you just move on with your lives happily, then I'll consider it worth it. Alright! If there are no other questions, then everyone please gather around for transport!" (Mizuki)
Nina and Ilina grab onto me from either side, then the rest of the group squeezes in tightly. I apply a concealment spell, and then teleport us to the eastern entrance of the Elven Kingdom.
When we arrive, I confirm that we're not being watched and drop the concealment spells.
"Alright, Princess Ilina and Lady Nedonera, we'll all follow you. I'll stay at my Lady's side in case she needs anything form me. Everyone else, please stay behind us and don't do anything hostile for any reason." (Mizuki)
[Fufufu…I do love you in this role, Mizuki.] (Nina)
That dragon is way too amused right now. We make our way over to the entrance, and an elven guard notices our approach on the ground level. He calls out to us.
"Halt! You find yourself at the border to the Elven Kingdom. Only elves, demi-humans with special permits, and royal guests are permitted! Please state your business!" (elf guard 1)
Ilina removes the hood of her cloak, and the other elves do the same.
"I am Second Princess of the Elven Kingdom, Ilina Ophelle, and this is my royal guard, Klaus. The elven women with me were rescued from slavers, and they seek only to return home. This woman with me…" (Ilina)
Ilina gestures at Nina.
"…is Lady Nedonera, the Elder Dragon of earth. The other two are her escorts. They are responsible for freeing these elves, and may aid us against the impending demon invasion, so I have invited them here as royal guests. I demand safe passage for myself, the elves, and my guests." (Ilina)
Upon hearing Ilina's name, the guard immediately goes into a kneel. However, he also looks confused by the statement that Nina is a dragon.
"Princess Ilina, we are humbled by your visit to our station! I apologize, we were not aware that you'd be coming. Of course, all the elves in your party are no issue, and a wolf-kin as a royal guest does not require further concern. However, the other two appear human. If the woman were truly an Elder Dragon, th-" (elf guard 1)
Before he can comment further, Nina interjects.
"Very well elven guard, do you require proof?" (Nina)
Without waiting for an answer, Nina walks out away from the group and is enveloped in a ray of blinding light. After, her dragon form in its immense size can be seen towering as high as the wall. She leans her face over to the guard, and then uses thought communication.
[Will this suffice for your proof elf? If not, I could cause a small earthquake.] (Nina)