Chapter 25 - Meeting the King

Author's Note:
I tried darkening the tables some in this chapter. Like the look, and it is easier to read, so I'll be going back to fix it in the other chapters.

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I can honestly say that meeting the king of the elves was NOT something I was expecting to do anytime soon in this game. After all, you generally had to do some important quests to get a royal audience (or screw up REALLY badly). I’d saved the princesses, but that was about it. And I was still only level 14. So yeah.

The portal deposited us in the courtyard of what could only be a palace in an Elven kingdom. Given that it was literally grown into the middle of the largest tree I’d ever seen, with several other trees nearby serving as ‘towers’ connected to it. Bridges and stairways and balconies could be seen popping out or running along the trunk in several places.

I whistled softly as Haldir led us up through the main entrance in what I’m going to call the prime tree. “No matter what world I’m in, I never get tired of elven architecture.”

The Princesses chuckled as they walked in front of me, and Aravae turned to glance at me as we walked. “Been in many elven palaces, have you?”

I smiled at her, and said, “In another world, sure. Perhaps sometime I’ll tell you about the raid on the Midnight Palace of the Drow Queen we went on.”

Talk faded away to quiet work, however, as we began walking up a set of stairs spiraling about the prime tree. Of course the elf king would have his throne way up the tree. Makes perfect sense. And walking up fifty flights-worth of steps is no big, really. Ok, lying there. Even with virtual stamina, we had to pause a couple times (using convenient platforms) to rest on our way up the tree. I was certain that there was an easier way up, but it was probably tradition or something to have visitors walk.

FINALLY we made it to the top! And find ourselves in some kind of reception chamber. I noticed what looked for all the world like a fantasy-themed transporter pad from those old sci-fi shows. I was right, and there was a faster way up! All that useless walking!

Esyae must have noticed where I was looking, because she said, “That is a transport pad, which is linked to others throughout the palace, as well as at the foot of the tree. But you have to be linked to this one first before you can use any of them. It is a safety feature.”

Well, that made perfect sense. Most people would not get to use it, but it would provide a quick means of getting around the palace for those linked into the system. And keeping it locked so that one had to access the most secure one first before any of them worked for you meant that someone couldn’t just transport an army into the throne room. And long before someone could march their army up the stairs, the royal family would be able to prepare defenses, or scatter and run. Ah well, can’t argue with an efficient defense, I suppose.

Without further ado, we were led into the throne room, where a herald announced us in a booming voice.

“The Princess Aravae Liarora and the Princess Esyae Liarora, with Lord Haldir Morkas, Defender of the Realm, and their retinue!”

Well, yeah, expected as much. We haven’t been introduced to the court yet. Probably more ceremony crap. I followed the Princesses and Haldir until we were about ten feet from the king. The elves bowed, so I followed suit, and my pets followed my lead. We hadn’t been briefed on protocol, probably intentionally so they could get a read on us.

When I rose, I took a minute to observe the throne room. Set into the heart of the tree, the walls were painted white, and studded with glass that reflected light, and there were a series of orbs on the ceiling that glowed with an inner light, casting a soft light over the room. The throne for the King and Queen were made of wood, and looked as though they had been grown from the floor (and for all I knew they had been), with twisting branches that created a beautiful and unique chair, with cushions on it for comfort.

Avourel Liarora High Elf Male Level 200 Paladin (Lightbearer), Fighter (Weaponmaster) Titles: King of the Wyrmwood, Defender of the Realm, Lord of Light, Faithful of the Elf-Father, Protector of the Innocent, Undead Bane, Demonbane

Vanya Carcan Liarora Winged Elf Female Level 200 Sorceress (Mindbender), Rogue (Assassin) Titles: Queen of the Wyrmwood, Bane of Kilfall, Mystic Blade, Pleasant Death, Keeper of Secrets

The King and Queen sat on their thrones, and both were stunningly beautiful, as only elves can be, dressed in white robes with silver crowns up on their heads, the king’s blond hair contrasting nicely with his Queen’s black hair. What I did notice is that they were not ‘common’ elves, but had become more. I’d heard on the forums that there were racial advancement quests, but they were hard to find. The rewards, however, were clearly worth it. The King was far more stately than other elves, a little taller, more presence, more statuesque, that kind of thing. The Queen, on the other hand, and a pair of black feathered wings sprouting from her back like those of a raven. Very useful for someone who is both sorceress and assassin.

But I didn’t have time for in depth analysis, as the king began speaking in Elvish. “My daughters, Merethyl came and told me of what had befallen you, but I did not think it could be true. It saddens me that you had to endure such misfortune. We have communicated Our displeasure to the Kingdom of Ograin for allowing those terror cultists to establish themselves to such an extent. It is good to see that you have both returned home safely.”

He then looked at me, and said, “And who is this you have brought with you? I had heard that your savior was an Incubus but I did not expect that you would bring one bearing the taint of evil deeds before us.”

Aravae spoke up in my defense, fortunately, “Father, Zayn is a Traveler, and though his ways may prove evil at times, they have without doubt been effective. From my observations, he is not the kind to commit wanton acts of terror, but one for whom any action is acceptable, provided it advances his goals. I have personally seen him take those who attacked him as slaves, and yet release slaves who may have been a great boon to his works and ask for no reward in return, save perhaps a promise not to attack those under his protection.”

Esyae also chimed in, saying, “His ways are strange, but he had it in his power to enslave us and do whatever he wished, yet he did not, for the simple reason that he said he would bring us home. In Gepheart, a corrupt mayor put out a bounty upon a member of the Mage Guild in order to force her into marriage, and rather than simply comply with the request, he found a way to not only complete the quest, but also give the woman a chance to end the mayor’s threats once and for all.”

“And in battle, he is quick and efficient with his commands, and sends people where they need to be. His leadership and skill has allowed us to fight and defeat foes that were superior to us both in numbers and levels. His methods may be evil, but he is controlled in his actions, not losing himself as others might.”

Aravae cut in again, saying, “I believe that Zayn is a man who honors his word and his contracts above all else. If he says he will do something, he shall do it, by any means necessary, or fail in the attempt. If someone should prove false to him, either in the wording of a contract or by attempting to cheat him, then he shall do anything within the letter of that contract to ensure that they never do so again.”

The king considered for a moment, and then nodded his head. “Very well. As you have both spoken for him, and he has proven faithful in his dealings so far, I shall allow him and his to remain.” He paused, and then spoke in the Common tongue, “Zayn Darkmore, step forward.”

I moved forward, and bowed, before saying, in Elvish, “May the days of your reign be filled with peace, Your Majesty.”

The King looked surprised, but the Queen laughed, and said, “We thought you were following that conversation a little too closely.” Looking to her husband, she said, “Careful, dear, these Travelers are more than they appear to be. Their experiences from another world have taught them many things. Some for good and some for ill.”

The King laughed, and said, “So be it. Zayn Darkmore, you have done this kingdom a great service by saving the lives of Our daughters, and escorting them safely home. You have done this without any promise of status or reward, nor have you been charged to do so by a higher power. For this, We give Our thanks. We offer you a choice of a reward fitting your deeds in return. Choose wisely.”

I took a moment to consider, and then said, “Your Majesty, the only rewards I could ask of you is that you give me and those of my train permission to travel through your lands as I will, save for areas that a citizen of your lands may not enter, and for us to be able to practice our crafts and trades as any of your people might, and I ask for access to the royal libraries, so that I might learn all that this world has to offer.” On the face of it, it was a humble request. But being able to travel freely and having a license to conduct business were things that start small, but have unlimited potential. Same with the library. Think back in all those games. How many times are secret quests, hidden lore, and the location of ancient treasures locked away in the archives of the royal library? Not to mention potential recipes and more.

The King smiled, as he no doubt guessed my intentions. “A shrewd and honest answer. You seek little in the present for greater gains down the road. Too few have such wisdom. Very well, We shall grant your requested reward. Come forward and kneel.”

Oh, looks like being smart got me bonus points! I did as I was commanded, though, and knelt before the throne. The king drew his sword, and placed it upon my shoulder. “I, King Avourel Liarora of the Wyrmwood do grant thee, Zayn Darkmore, permission to travel the lands under my reign and conduct your business according to the laws of the land, and do name you a Knight of the Realm. Rise, Sir Darkmore.”

Status Upgrade! Your status has changed from ‘Traveler’ to ‘Knight’! As a Knight, you are allowed to freely carry weapons in most lands, and may receive priority quests. Your reputation with NPCs favorable to Wyrmwood increases. Your reputation with NPCs antagonistic to Wyrmwood decreases. You have the right to be called ‘Sir’, and are considered minor nobility. You are expected to be loyal to the Wyrmwood. +210 Fame (Raised from 200)

A moment after that, another couple window popped up, in front of every player logged in.

World First! Zayn Darkmore is the first Traveler to rise to the nobility. Sir Zayn Darkmore is now a Knight of the Wyrmwood, and a representative of that kingdom.

Guild War! Because they declared war upon the player Zayn Darkmore, the Scions of Torgan guild is now at war with the Wyrmwood, and considered kill on sight within their borders. All players who kill a member of the Scions of Torgan within the Wyrmwood gain 100 Fame, and do not gain Infamy for the deed.

Ha! Sucks to be them! With a smile, I rose, and bowed to the King. “My thanks to you, my Liege.” And then I stepped back with the others.

The Queen smiled, and said, “You all must be tired from your journey. There are chambers prepared for you, Sir Darkmore, where you and your companions may refresh yourselves, and We request your attendance at dinner tonight.”

“It would be my honor, Your Majesty.” And as that was a dismissal in all but name, I bowed again, and made my way out of the throne room.

In the receiving room, a page showed us to the pad, and I used my blood to link me into the system. It was a simple system, actually. A closed network of teleporters, and it didn’t work for any free person that didn’t have their blood in the system, even if they were in a party with someone who was. But since slaves were considered property, so long as I was linked in, my pets could come with me, as the slave magic linked us. Simple, but complex at the same time.

With that taken care of, we activated the teleporter, to go to the tree that housed guest residences.

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Adventurer Card:

Name	Zayn Darkmore	Rank	E
Race	Incubus	Status	Knight
Level	14	Class	Warlock
Profession	Slave Trainer	Subclass
Titles	The Executioner, The Sexecutioner, Corrupter, Master Chainmaker, Dragonfriend, Dragon Consort, Slave Trader

Status Sheet:

Name	Zayn Darkmore	Alignment	Chaotic Evil
Level	14	Race	Incubus
Class	Warlock	Sub-Class	None
Experience	91500/105000	Profession	Slave Trainer
HP	910/910	MP	1390/1490
HP Regen	9.1 per min	MP Regen	13.1 per min
Fame	1580	Infamy	620
271 PP	0 GP	2 SP	5 CP
Attributes
STR	77(87)	INT	91(121)
DEX	88(98)	WIS	77(87)
CON	81(91)	CHA	254(264)
Luck	71	Attack	+30
Defense	+48	???
Points Remaining: 0
Titles	The Executioner, The Sexecutioner, Corrupter, Master Chainmaker, Dragonfriend, Dragon Consort, Slave Trader
Resistances
Piercing	15%	Bludgeoning
Slashing	15%	Fire	5%
Ice	5%	Water	5%
Wind	5%	Lightning	5%
Earth	5%	Light	5%
Dark	35%	Charm	15%
-50% Charm Resistance vs. Females (-100% if CHA equal or lower than foe) +25% Stun resistance to attacks vs. crotch +30% Hellfire Resistance
Diety	Sharess
Proficiencies
Simple Weapons Exotic Weapon (Spit) Swords Dual Wielding Bows Exotic Weapon (Whips) Light Armor Hellfire
Qualities
Black Bible of Kitami Reika How to Serve Woman Infinite Blade Works Subs or Dubs? Strange Attraction Sucker for a Pretty Face The Usual Suspects Why Would You Post Something Like That?
Skills
Pheromones – Basic 1 (8%) Charming Gaze - Beginner 2 (30%) Dark Magic - Basic 8 (15%) Charm Magic - Basic 7 (8%) Cooking - Intermediate 1 (20%) Sword Mastery - Basic 3 (25%) Survival - Beginner 3 (56%) Skinning - Beginner 5 (1%) Mining - Beginner 1 (0%) Herbalist - Beginner 4 (2%) Alchemy - Beginner 3 (0%) Leatherworking - Beginner 5 (0%) Blacksmithing - Beginner 2 (0%) Tailoring - Beginner 3 (0%) Enchanting - Beginner 6 (10%) Architect - Beginner 1 (0%) Seduction - Basic 5 (0%) Negotiation – Basic 1 (0%) Gambling - Beginner 5 (0%) Disguise - Beginner 1 (0%) Lying - Beginner 9 (0%) Sneak - Beginner 3 (10%) Move Silently - Beginner 3 (10%) Identify - Beginner 6 (18%) Poisoner - Beginner 1 (0%) Observe - Beginner 7 (75%) Sleight of Hand - Beginner 3 (0%) Bow Mastery - Beginner 6 (20%) Throwing - Beginner 2 (0%) Unarmed Combat Mastery - Beginner 5 (0%) Intimidation - Beginner 4 (0%) Whip Mastery - Beginner 5 (0%) Training - Beginner 4 (0%) Dagger Mastery - Beginner 5 (10%) Hellfire Mastery - Beginner 3 (2%)
Class Benefits
Warlock +20% with Dark Spells +20 MP per Level Light Armor Proficiency Hellfire Skills and Spells added Level 10: Hellfire Blade
Sub-Class Benefits
Profession Benefits
Slave Trainer Gain skills, proficiencies, recipes. +10% to Training +15% to Whips Level 10: Obedience Training – Slaves under your command are more obedient, and better at following orders. Slaves are +5% to actions while following orders.
Perks
Able Learner Silver-Tongued Devil Artisan Soul Mercantile Strength Focus Dexterity Focus Constitution Focus Intelligence Focus Wisdom Focus Charisma Focus Luck Focus Soulforged Weapon (x2)