Eventually, the ship docked in Reodone, and I eagerly disembarked. As I stepped onto the bustling dock, my eyes widened at the sight before me. The city of Reodone sprawled out with grandeur and architectural marvels that reached toward the sky. Tall spires and ornate buildings adorned the streets, showcasing the city's rich history and artistic prowess.
Colorful banners fluttered in the gentle breeze, displaying symbols of knowledge and wisdom. The streets were alive with a diverse array of people, each engrossed in their own pursuits. Scholars rushed by with stacks of books in hand, students huddled together discussing intellectual matters, and magical energy crackled in the air, hinting at the enchantments woven into the city's fabric.
Quaint bookshops and enchanting cafes lined the cobblestone streets, beckoning me with their allure. The aroma of freshly brewed potions mingled with the scent of parchment and ink, creating a unique olfactory experience that hinted at the knowledge waiting to be explored.
As I ventured deeper into the city, I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and anticipation. The Royal Library, my destination, stood tall and majestic at the heart of Reodone. Its grand facade showcased the wisdom and accumulated knowledge of countless generations.
The queen gracefully walked by my side, her regal presence commanding respect and admiration. As we strolled through the bustling streets, a hush fell over the crowd, and all eyes turned toward us. Whispers and murmurs filled the air, carrying both judgment and hope. I heard mummers about how the queen shouldn’t associate with someone like me, but at the same time, I also heard mummers about what a big step toward peace this was.
***
As we stepped into the library, my excitement reached overwhelming levels. The sight before me was a bibliophile's paradise, exactly as Aella had described. Countless shelves lined the expansive halls, stretching as far as the eye could see. Books of all shapes and sizes adorned the shelves, ranging from classic hardcovers to delicate scrolls. The atmosphere was filled with the scent of aged parchment and the promise of boundless knowledge.
Overwhelmed by the sheer magnitude of the collection, I couldn't contain my enthusiasm. Bursting with energy, I sprinted down the halls, my eyes darting from one book to another. With each book and scroll I encountered, I absorbed its contents into my Mind Sanctum, feeling a sense of fulfillment and joy.
Twirling and cheering, I couldn't help but express my unadulterated delight. It was as if I had been granted access to a treasure trove beyond my wildest dreams. The queen, sharing in my excitement, chuckled warmly, appreciating the unfiltered expression of my passion.
However, amidst our lighthearted laughter, my attention was drawn to a girl who seemed less amused. Balancing a towering stack of books in her arms, she scowled disapprovingly in my direction. Her presence exuded an air of scholarly nobility, accentuated by her carefully chosen attire. She wore an elegant gown in deep blue, adorned with intricate embroidery and accompanied by a matching velvet cloak. Her white hair cascaded down her back, accentuating her sharp features and cold, piercing purple eyes.
“Mother,” The girl said, “What is this filthy mongrel doing in OUR Royal Library?”
The queen's laughter was instantly gone, “Melanie please, that is no way to refer to our guest,”
“Since when was the Queen of the Elves consorting with the humans?” She scoffed, “A human has no right to be in our library,” She glared at me, “You disgust me,”
Despite her disdain, I stepped forward, wearing a calm smile, determined to rise above her hostility. "I apologize if my presence causes you such discomfort," I spoke with measured sincerity, bowing respectfully. "An elf as strikingly beautiful as you should never have to lay eyes upon someone as 'lowly' as myself."
As I rose from the bow, a smug smirk tugged at the corners of my lips, hinting at a subtle playfulness. "Rest assured, I have no intention of sharing the knowledge I acquire within this library with anyone," I assured her, my words carrying an undercurrent of intrigue.
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Melanie's haughty demeanor faltered for a brief moment, her head tilting upward in surprise. A faint blush graced her cheeks, caught off guard by my unexpected response. "Mother," she addressed the queen, her voice betraying a hint of confusion, "the... 'mongrel' is addressing me."
The queen's eyes sparkled with amusement as she observed the interaction between Melanie and me. Her voice exuded gentle authority as she spoke, acknowledging my way with words and quick wit. "Indeed, my dear," she responded, her tone carrying a hint of pride. "It appears that our guest possesses linguistic prowess as well as her sharp intellect."
Melanie, clearly unimpressed, huffed and turned to leave, but not before uttering something in a language unfamiliar to me. The words flowed from her lips like a melodic chant, ethereal and captivating, yet with a subtle British accent intertwined. Intrigued, I turned to the queen as Melanie exited the room.
Curiosity evident in my voice, I inquired, "What did she say?"
The queen sighed, a touch of regret evident in her expression. "I apologize, Quinn. I just realized that you don't understand Elvish," she confessed, her voice tinged with genuine concern.
It dawned on me then—the realization that all the books in this magnificent library were written in Elvish. A sudden surge of determination propelled me towards a nearby shelf, where I hastily plucked a book from its resting place. Opening it, I gazed at the elegant script, finding striking similarities to the Russian language I had once mastered in my previous life, one of my many aliases was Russian.
Pointing at a word on the page, I turned to the queen and asked, "What word is this?"
With her otherworldly yet enchanting voice, she pronounced the word before providing its translation in the human tongue. "It means 'continent'," she replied, her eyes filled with a mixture of curiosity and intrigue.
The significance of her response struck me deeply. The word's meaning aligned with my expectations, yet the ethereal sound that accompanied its pronunciation defied my assumptions. Elvish, it seemed, shared a close relationship with Russian, but with subtle tonal differences that gave it a mesmerizing quality.
In a moment of unabashed curiosity, I blurted out, "Can I examine your mouth?"
The queen's surprise was palpable, her eyebrows furrowing in confusion. "I beg your pardon?" she queried, clearly taken aback by my unexpected request.
Quickly regaining my composure, I explained, "Forgive my directness. As a linguist and one who dabbles in humanoid biology, I am fascinated by the relationship between languages and the physical structures of our vocal cords. Given my fluency in Elvish, it puzzles me why I struggle to comprehend your spoken words. I thought examining the structures of our vocal cords might offer valuable insights."
Although "dabble" was a modest description of my expertise. In my past life, I had a Ph.D. in Biological Anthropology, though technically that degree belonged to “Harley Holmes.” Of course, in my old dimension, Quinn Noir died long before I actually did. Harley Holmes was just one of many identities I used to hide my true self from the world.
The queen regarded me with a mixture of surprise and intrigue, her regal composure momentarily wavering under the weight of my request. After a brief pause, she nodded, recognizing the sincerity and curiosity behind my words.
"I must admit, Quinn Noir, your inquisitive nature is quite refreshing," she replied, her voice laced with a hint of fascination. "Very well, if it helps in unraveling the mysteries of language, I shall grant you permission."
With a composed yet cautious demeanor, the queen inclined her head slightly, permitting me to proceed. I approached her, my eyes focused on the subtle movements of her mouth and throat as she spoke. It was a delicate balance, as I needed to be respectful of her personal space while also gaining the necessary observations.
As I carefully observed the queen's vocal mechanisms, I couldn't help but marvel at the intricate precision and elegance of her elven physiology. The subtle movements of her lips, the placement of her tongue, and the vibrations resonating within her throat were all distinct from the human vocal apparatus I was familiar with.
I mentally made note of every detail, comparing and contrasting it with my knowledge of human anatomy and linguistics. The differences I observed would undoubtedly aid in deciphering the peculiarities of the Elvish language and its pronunciation.
After a few moments, I stepped back, giving the queen her space once again. "Thank you, Your Highness. Your willingness to indulge my curiosity is greatly appreciated," I expressed sincerely, my eyes gleaming with newfound determination. "I believe these observations will greatly contribute to my study of the Elvish language."
She smiled, “I am glad Quinn,”