As we pass through the gate, Avalon comes into view. A beautiful, paved road leads endlessly off into the city, and well-kept shops and other buildings line the side of the road. Dozens of elves can be seen moving back and forth across the city with a carefree attitude.
We begin following Ilina through the city, and we appear to be making our way towards the massive white building I saw yesterday. I can't help but be reminded of Princess Peach's castle when I see it. I also notice a marble statue of an elven woman, seemingly built to scale.
"Princess Ilina, may I ask who is depicted in that statue?" (Mizuki)
Ilina glances towards the statue where I'm gesturing, then she nods solemnly.
"That is First Princess Rennalia Ophelle, the first Azura-born elven royal. She died dozens of millennia ago, at a relatively young age – around three thousand years old." (Ilina)
That's strange…from what Ilina has told me, that virtually never happens, even to common elves. Elves' basic needs are almost ubiquitously met, their physiology and healing magic keep them extremely healthy, and violent crime between elves is exceedingly rare. So…
"I'm very sorry to hear that…how did she die?" (Mizuki)
Some of the freed elves with us give me a sidelong glance, like they're annoyed that I asked. Ilina answers hesitantly.
"Elves were the only sentient race on our original planet, so our early ancestors on Azura assumed that humans would be as nonaggressive as elves. Princess Rennalia led the first diplomatic envoy across Gelrod's Pass to contact the human countries Azazel told the first elves about. Unfortunately, humans considered themselves the rightful owners of all land on Azura. Princess Rennalia and her escorts were slaughtered on their diplomatic mission when they refused to swear fealty to a human ruler." (Ilina)
Shit…that explains some of their long-standing hate towards humans. To elven royalty, a dozen millennia is barely more than a lifespan, so I bet her murder doesn't even seem that long ago to them.
"That's…tragic…I'm sorry. Your people's feelings towards humans makes more sense now. How did the Elven Kingdom respond to such an egregious act of violence? I'm not aware of any prior wars between elves and humans." (Mizuki)
"Elves had settled on Azura only a few short millennia earlier, and we reproduce much less quickly than humans. So, the elves' numbers were small, and the development of this kingdom still limited. Since humans had yet to discover their exact location, and they had the protection of Gelrod's Pass, early elves thought it best not to retaliate. Instead, Princess Rennalia was mourned in isolation and that statue was erected." (Ilina)
That makes sense…from what Ilina told me yesterday, elves still fear an all-out war with humans due to their excessive numbers.
Our group falls into a morbid silence as we continue through the streets of Avalon.
Over the course of our walk to the palace, Nina and I get several surprised, fearful, or hateful looks. By contrast, Ilina is a point of interest for her people – several elves come running up to say 'hi' and give their respects. From what I can see, she's extremely popular.
"Princess Ilina, you seem to be quite beloved by your people." (Mizuki)
Ilina smiles back at me, embarrassed, but Alto responds for her.
"Oh yes, she's very loved. She also has a reputation for hating when she's treated like royalty, but that just makes our people love her more. Fufufu…quite the dilemma for her!" (Alto)
Ilina rolls her eyes at Alto and stays silent.
Eventually, we arrive at the palace in the center of the city, and I annoyedly notice even more guards. There are two of them, both young, friendly looking elven men.
"Oh, Klaus, you're back man!" (palace guard 1)
"Yeah, look, it's Princess Ilina, too!" (palace guard 2)
"Hello, Ren and Tor, it's good to see you. Could one of you please let my mother know that I've returned from my travels, and that I've brought guests. I'm sure she'll want to question me soon." (Ilina)
"Ohhh, yeah, I bet you're in for it, Princess! I'll let the Queen know you've arrived, and you can follow me inside. Tor, I'll be back in a bit." (Ren)
We follow Ren inside, and he looks at me curiously.
"So, are you human? You at least look human. I've never actually met one of you before, but I bet you had a real rough time coming through this country. Did anyone try to kill you?" (Ren)
I can't help but like Ren. I give him a friendly smile.
"Fufufu…yes, I am. Fortunately, nobody has tried to kill me yet. I'm hoping you aren't the first, because you look capable. Also, you've been the nicest to me so far, so it would be a little depressing if you tried to kill me after such a good start." (Mizuki)
Ren looks surprised, then laughs heartily.
"Hahahaha…you're funny, man! No, you don't have to worry about me. Klaus isn't even trying to keep an eye on you right now, which tells me everything that I need to know. Alright, we're here! Just wait, and I'll notify them." (Ren)
We've arrived at a large domed room with several seats around it. On the other side, there is a long ornate hallway leading up to two massive doors. Guards are positioned in front of them. I'm guessing that's the throne room, and this is a waiting area.
Ren takes off down the hallway and seems to converse with the guards for a minute. Then, one of them slips through the doors, and Ren heads back to us.
"Alright, I've let them know you're here! They should be out to get you soon. I made sure to warn them that there was at least one person who looked human, so some of the less friendly royal guards aren't surprised into stabbing you. Best of luck!" (Ren)
With that, he takes off back the way we came, presumably to his post.
"Fufufu…Klaus, I quite like your friend there. Any chance the rest of my elven interactions will be that relaxing?" (Mizuki)
Klaus's usual joking demeanor is replaced by a solemn expression, and he shakes his head.
"No. Sorry, Mizuki. Just hang in there, okay?" (Klaus)
Well, that was so frank that I can't help but smile at it. Ilina is glancing back at me nervously.
[Don't worry, Ilina, even if they try to stab me or someone else, I'll make sure nobody gets hurt. For this first time, at least, I won't even retaliate until you've had a chance to intervene. I promise.] (Mizuki)
Ilina's eyes go wide in surprise, then she smiles at me gratefully. At that moment, we hear a bustle of activity from the long hallway. A guard quickly makes his way towards us.
"You've been granted an audience with Her Royal Highness, Queen Elira Ophelle! Please follow me at once!" (guard)