The Ironthorne Kingdom is struggling to fend off the massive chilopoda. Hundreds of elven knights and guards attempt to take down the elongated insectoid. They either block its sharp appendages or avoid the acidic fluid. Their heavy nets and ironwood snares are ineffective. Regina, while riding her war mount, fully charges at the chilopoda. At the moment of delivering a massive strike, the chilopoda stops its movements. It lies down and curls into a huge sphere. Regina halts her war mount and they stop charging. The rest of the knights and guards approach the pacified insectoid.
“Shall we slay the insectoid, captain?” An eager elven knight requests Regina.
“We no longer have to harm the chilopoda. The adventurers managed to end the insectoid queen. It no longer receives any commands from the queen. Besides, the chilopoda’s carapace is too thick for our weapons.” Regina asks the elven knights to take away the curled chilopoda.
Nightfall comes at the damaged kingdom. The adventurers, mercenaries, and elven knights arrive from the queen’s hive. Everybody is terribly exhausted. Randor leads the whole alliance despite his damaged shoulder. Averill’s magecraft is still working its job to recuperate his injury. The elven knights give their best effort to march with bravado. A group of elven herbalists reach out to the wounded and treat them.
It was a long day for the adventurers. Nia patched all Corbin’s wounds. Ayala is sleeping due to exhaustion. Calma volunteers to carry the little lady in his arms. Opening their barricaded doors, the villagers welcome the alliance with their glowing lamps. Their cheers gently wiped off their tired faces. Milas smiles and waves back at the elves. Fully healed from the insectoid’s pincer, Rez courteously bows at the villagers.
Released from the barracks, the freed prisoners meet the alliance and thank them. Without the alliance’s combined efforts, the queen might have devoured them. Along the way, the elven guards roll away the pacified chilopoda pacified like a ball.
“Looks like the invasion problem has been dealt with.”
“The collateral damage was high Prince Randor, it was laborious for all us as well.” An old elven guard chats with the prince.
The elven elders and their servant exits from their safe house. Their group approaches both Regina and the adventurers.
“Welcome back. How was the situation at the hive?”
“The deed has been completed. We ended the queen upon your request.” Randor proudly announces his success to the elven elders.
“How about the rest of the insectoids?”
“The exiled ones will take care of the colony with a new queen. The enemies become placid and allowed to live in the fungi forest.” Nia shares her experience.
“So, how Ayala managed her role as a negotiator?”
“My sister-at-arms fulfilled her job thoroughly. Without her, we would have failed to siege the throne chamber and replace the queen.”
Ayala sleeps peacefully in Calma’s arms, murmuring indiscernible words.
“At least her dream of clinging to a handsome lad came true.” Milas teases Calma who gets embarrassed by her banter.
“Shall I wake up Ayala, she might have more stories to share.” Calma cradles Ayala like a damsel in distress.
“No need to wake up Ayala, the whole ordeal takes its toll on her body.” Regina looks at Ayala and praises her hard work. She then checks the elven elders’ condition.
“Are any of you hurt from the evacuation? Do you need any medical attention?”
“We were safe and sound from the chilopoda invasion. No need to worry, Captain Regina.” A female elder thanks the captain’s concern.
Corbin and Nia observe the crowd. Rez enjoys the peaceful scene with his wounds disappearing.
“Regarding your monetary rewards, we will give them to you once everything is settled down. We are yet to establish peace in the kingdom.” A diminutive elven elder announces to the mercenaries waiting for their payment.
The adventurers, mercenaries, and elven knights’ group dispersed. Some attendees join the other groups for gossip. Others followed the elven knights back to their barracks for a hearty supper. While everybody is chatting, Averill approaches Corbin who is still regaining his strength.
“Would it be alright if you and your friends stay for a week or so? I would like to invite you over to my place.”
“Yes, we would love to.” Nia speaks on behalf of Corbin who seems to be uninterested.
“A stayover?” Milas zips back to Averill like an excited child.
“With pleasure.” Rez accepts Averill’s suggestion.
“We appreciate your offer. Besides, I'm getting a little weary.” Calma sighs while carrying Ayala.
“Carrying her isn’t necessary.” Corbin comments at Calma who profusely sweats.
“Aren’t you reporting back to the Church of Solne, Calma?” Nia wonders why Calma stays with them.
“Actually, the church sent me to follow you. You’re already got involved with The Visitors and it’s my duty to purify their evil influences.” Calma lets Averill carry Ayala at her back. Unlike the weary cleric, the elven knight takes Ayala like a sack of pillows.
“Unfortunately I can’t join you, I have to report back to my father. Then I have to lead the relief aid from Arche back here. My hands are quite busy right now.”
“But please don’t let the events go above your head. Let this experience teach you to be wiser.” Nia reminds Randor about the commotion he has done at the hive.
“I know, no need to stress it off. I’ll be more mindful.”
“You don’t have to sweat about it. We do have duties to fulfill in our own ways. Good luck, Prince Randor. May the spirits of the World Tree bestow its blessing upon you.” Averill lets Randor leave the group.
“I won’t be surprised if fate would bring us back together. Later!” Randor bids farewell and goes back to the equidae’s stables. His personal equidae can no longer wait to go home at Arche since their arrival.
“He does act as if nothing happened.” Rez sneers while relaxing.
“Hush it, Rez. If you have nothing good to say, keep it to yourself.” Milas pokes at Rez’s recovered ribs.
“Watch it, you might open another wound!”
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A week passed and the Ironthorne Kingdom rebuild its infrastructures. Led by Randor, Arche’s relief aid repaired the ruined streets. They even donate provisions to each of the kingdom’s rungs. With the help of dwarven masonry, the elven hall looks new as if no signs of invasion ever happened. The kingdom recovers its population as the former prisoners of war return to their homes.
At the break of dawn, an elven guard and his troops raise their flags. They blow a ceremonial horn which is heard across the kingdom. They marched in a procession toward the kingdom’s main plaza. Thousands of elders, knights, adventurers, mercenaries, and citizens attend a solemn ceremony.
“We are glad about your accomplishment. The invasion from the insectoids is halted. Thanks to all you. We give a moment of silence for those who suffered, for those who sacrificed themselves, and for those who are gone.”
Everybody bows down in silence to commemorate the fallen, even if it was the enemy insectoids. Corbin and the rest of the adventurers are required by Regina to wear the elves’ traditional toga.
“This toga is quite hot.” Milas cools herself by gently waving the top of her toga.
“Try to restrain yourself, we must be on our best behavior.” Calma advises Milas since she never attended any grand ceremony in her life.
“Milas is right, how are we supposed to wear this long gown?” Rez is sweating with the elven toga.
“Let’s do our best to divert our attention. This is a special day for our friends.” Nia hands out a paper fan to her companions.
Corbin focused his sights on the podium. He imagines that he’s attending an orcish ceremony where his former brothers at arms were alive. He wishes of having his orcish squad alive and well.
“We are here today to give honor to those who lead the alliance. Here we have 3 exceptional individuals. Without them, the corrupted insectoid would have overrun Ironthorne Kingdom. The neighboring countries would also get involved.”
Regina walks from the corner of the podium towards the center. She waits for Averill, Ayala, and Randor to come from the opposite side. Unlike the others, the 3 delegated heroes wear golden togas. Ayala’s oversized toga runs on the floor. The tailors had no time to resize her toga. Ayala carefully marches so that she doesn’t trip. Averill decides to assist her sister-in-arms. She lifts part of the golden toga so that Ayala won’t step on it. Randors slows down his march to allow the ladies to catch up.
“For slaying the threat of Ironthorne Kingdom. You, Prince Randor, shall become our ambassador for Arche. Your initiative is very invaluable. May our alliance be stronger as years pass.”
“I’m deeply honored, thank you very much.”
“For saving the prisoners and leading the alliance to the throne. You, Lady Averill, shall have the rank of Dame Captain. Your bravery should set an example for others. ”
“Thank you, I’m only fulfilling my duty as an elven knight.”
“For establishing a connection with the allied insectoids and restoring order in the insectoid hive. You, Lady Averill, shall be promoted from Squire into Dame. Your special talents are very exceptional for the trying times.”
“But, but, I haven’t graduated from the knight’s academy. I’m not yet ready!”
“Your achievements and exceptional skills show your competence and reliability. We believe in your potential, youngling.”
“Th-thanks, I’ll do my best!”
Hours after the ceremony, the adventurers, mercenaries, and knights have their last conversations. The elven elders call their servants to bring different kinds of refreshments for the alliance.
“The elven wine is stronger than the typical fermented wheat. Calma, can you use your purification magecraft on me?” Rez hiccups at the cleric. He tasted an elven wine from a servant.
“I will leave you to your own devices. You should have known your limits.” Calma reprimands Rez and lets him rest at a table.
Averill and Ayala have a private conversation at a nearby pond.
“Well, I think this is farewell, Ayala. The elders have decided to send me with Corbin on a quest. The Visitors must be hunted down to prevent more calamities.”
“You’re leaving? But you promised before.”
“Besides, the elders have entrusted you with the insectoids. Be proud of yourself and you’ll be the first elven pioneer in the insectoid colony.”
“I, I’ll miss you, Averill! I wish the celebration will never end. Once the gathering is over, we may not meet again.” Ayala begins to sob.
“There, there. We will still keep in touch. The elders gave us these runic tablets for both of us. We may not be physically present but we can still talk.” Averill pats Ayala’s head and wipes her tears.
“We may be separated but promise me. We will remain as sisters, right?”
“I will.” Averill gives her last embrace to Ayala.
Regina was observing the two elven knights having their last moment. After Averill leaves to meet Corbin, she approaches Ayala and consoles her.
“Would you let Averill down? She wouldn’t like to see you sad.”
“Y-yes captain?”
Regina lowers herself and taps Ayala’s left shoulder. She never showed her motherly side during the war.
“You have already proven yourself. You have grown stronger and wiser. It’s now time to depart from your tender childhood.”
“I, I’m not sure if I’m ready, captain.”
“The new queen you named Hope left an imprint on you. She now needs your attention and protection. The insectoids have gained your trust. You shall lead a group of squires and knights at the new elven base.”
“Will I be away from Ironthorne Kingdom then?”
“It won’t be that long. You and your subordinates will have the opportunity to go home every month. We know that your task will eventually burden you.”
“O-okay! If Averill and all of you believe in me, then I have to work harder!” Ayala steels herself and stands proud. Regina claps for the young elven knight.
Back at the main plaza, Averill visits Corbin and the rest. They are having a break after the ceremony..
“Excuse me, sir Corbin? Can I have a talk with you and your companions?”
“Sure.”
“Can we help you, Averill?” Milas approaches her. She just removes her toga and neatly folds it.
“I am assigned by the elders to join your group. You are quite familiar with the Visitors, right?”
“We might not be well versed with them, but we are glad to have an additional companion.” Nia appreciates Averill joining them.
“Yes, you can stay as long as you like.” Rez walks in a tipsy manner. The wine’s contents are still hammering his head.
“Watch out, stinky! You might throw up in front of her!” Milas carries Rez and drops him on a bench. He snores loudly and lies down.
“He might have drunk a lot of elven wine. The wine contains some of the World Tree's sap. It’s quite strong for non-elves. Even the proud dwarves can’t stand its alcoholic contents.” Averill touches Rez’s forehead and invokes life force.
“Just purify a part of his strength. If Rez receives immediate treatment, he might take another goblet of wine.” Calma reminds Averill.
“Welcome aboard.” Corbin accepts Averill’s request to join them.
Days later, the city regained peace. All of the kingdom's rungs received aid from Arche. It was not time for everyone to leave. The other adventurers decide to go home. The mercenaries have new assignments to complete. Corbin and his companions decide to move out for the next adventure.
“Can we just stay longer? I’m still enjoying the stay.” Rez yawns while carrying most of his personal belongings.
“It’s bad for your lazy body to rest for the whole day.” Milas forces Rez to catch up with them.
“We have a monumental quest to fulfill. Calma and I shall lead the way!” Averill wholeheartedly treads with the cleric. Calma agrees to carry most of her luggage as he only brought cooking utensils.
“Look what we have here, it’s the merry band of adventurers.” Randor rides his noble steed and trots slowly toward them.
“Yes?” Corbin looks unimpressed with the prince’s teasing.
“We’re on our way to find the Visitors. Fortunately, we have new companions who can detect their presence. Our quest will be very challenging.” Nia replies as Randor halts his personal equidae.
“I’m curious about your whereabouts, Prince Randor. We have barely seen you since the ceremony.”
“Well brother Calma, I had formal talks with the elders and captain Regina. Then I rode back to back at Arche and Ironthorne Kingdom. I completed my promise of aid for Ironthorne Kingdom.”
“Would you like to join us?” Milas insists on the prince.
“Sorry but I have to go, my father demands more reports about the foiled insectoid invasion. Besides, my hands are quite full right now.”
“Most commoners would envy your work. You get to visit places and do minimal labor.” Rez complains as he sluggishly comments.
“I do enjoy meeting you again, but duty calls. In the meantime, good luck adventurers!” Randor tugs the equidae’s strap and he leaves.
The adventurers are about to pass the kingdom’s southern gate. A large coccinellidae suddenly floats from above. It descends slowly and the young elven knight leaps from its back.
“Watch out!”
“Wait, the invasion is over right?” Milas leaps back from the winged insectoid.
“I just want to see Averill again.” Ayala runs towards Averill, leaps, and hugs her sister-at-arms.
“Ayala, we just met days ago, that was not that long!”
“I don’t know when will be the last time we see each other again!”
“Their sisterhood is quite endearing.” Nia feels warmhearted by the two’s closely-knitted expressions.
“We’ll keep her safe.” Corbin promises to the eager elven knight.
“If something wrong happens to Averill, you will have the taste of my spear!”
“No need to worry that much, Ayala. I can fend off myself when needed.”
“Just keep your hands away from my big sister, mister infernal!”
‘I’m not doing anything against her will!” Rez laughs at Ayala’s minor threat.
“Remember, we can still keep in touch with the runic tablet.”
“Well, see you again someday!” Ayala waves her hand. She orders the coccinellidae to fly her back to the insectoid colony. Upon reaching the skies, she can see Corbin and the group marching south. They travel fearlessly for their next adventure.