Arthur's Point of View

Middle Rung

Lucia and I walked through the middle rung where the highest-ranking nobles resided. Above them, the Temple where the Priestesses resided and a constant reminder that they would never be at the top. This entire mountain was a poet’s wet dream.

Clean streets lined with white cobblestone that almost shined in the sunlight made me thankful I didn’t live here. No matter how beautiful it looked, it was more like a giant target than anything else. Large buildings towered over the streets, with Elves all looking at me in surprise. Mostly because I was there with Lucia, who was the newly revealed High Elf. Rumors had it that many nobles were rather irked at that.

“Why do you need to speak to Aydalia and Alien?” Lucia questioned as she walked beside me.

“Personal reasons. There are a few questions I would like answered, and I believe they would be best suited to.” I replied nonchalantly.

Augustus was very forthcoming. He asked me if my story was true and then proceeded to inquire about a few more details. Obviously, I couldn’t answer everything, but enough to convince him I was telling the truth. He promised to keep our talk to himself and even helped me with Kine and Floyd.

Kine was an Orphan, while no one knows much about Floyd. His uniqueness apparently garnered the eyes of both Priestesses, but something about both of their situations felt off. I assumed that’s just what most people knew, but if you rule a kingdom, you have access to more information than everyone else. That’s what makes it so easy to write history. Especially when you live so long.

“Well, perhaps the Priestesses could help?” Lucia pointed out.

I stopped and looked at her for a moment before she just chuckled nervously. “If you’re to rule one day, you need to learn how to read people.” Her eyes widened at my statement before I started walking again.

“Rule!?” She hissed in a hushed tone. “Are you crazy?! I am not meant to rule!”

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If things had been different… “What if something were to happen to Arceana and Elincia?” I questioned her, and she studied me. “Demons have been coming and going along with assassins. Do you expect me to take over as the highest-ranking official?” I scoffed and then gestured to her. “You might not know it, but it’s obviously in your blood.”

She seemed stumped at that. “I…”

“Lucia!” An unfamiliar voice called out, and we turned towards a beautiful home with a female Elf in the front yard.

To her credit, Lucia quickly recovered. “Aydalia!” She said cheerfully, albeit a bit forced.

They hugged, and I studied Momma Farro. Much like Ayda, she had green hair, gold eyes, a green aura, and was short. A dress adorned her petite body as she looked to be around the same age as Ayda too. It was almost scary how similar they looked, but there was an air of maturity about her that her daughter did not have.

The two women looked at me as I approached. “And you must be Sir Arthur.”

“Unfortunately.” Was my dry response before I smiled. “You must be Momma Farro.”

“Arthur!” Lucia chastised me.

Aydalia waved Lucia’s concerns away, and she giggled. “I’ve certainly never been called that before, but it is fitting.”

The High Elf sighed. “There is no reason to be so informal.”

Playfully nudging Lucia with her hip, Aydalia looked back up at me. “It is a title I possess, so no harm done. If anything, it is somewhat flattering.”

“Good, because I plan on addressing your husband in a similar manner.”

“I would love to see that!” Momma Farro replied. “I can imagine it now! He won’t be able to say anything because of your rank! It will be glorious!”

Quirking a brow and gesturing to her as I looked to Lucia, I spoke. “Are you sure this is Ayda’s and Alwin’s mom?”

Lucia narrowed her eyes. “Yes.” She replied cautiously. “Why do you ask?”

“Cause she’s awesome.” Turning back to the mom, I continued. “Tell me everything that irks your husband, and I will do my best to make it happen.”

Aydalia swatted my chest. “Behave yourself!” She replied playfully. “I would never betray my husband in such a way!” Then she stepped in closer. “However, he is not fond of snakes.”

I chuckled lightly at that. “Well, then he has no need to fear. As much as I wish I transported them around with me, I must admit that I have none on my person.”

“Maybe next time.” Aydalia offered.

“Perhaps.”

With a smile, she held out her hand to me. “It’s a pleasure to finally meet you. My name is Aydalia Farro.”

Taking it, I gave the back of her hand a light kiss with a bow. “Arthur Pendragon. At your service.”

Letting her hand go, I could feel Lucia just staring at me in shock, but I ignored her. “So, I hear you’ve been taking care of my children.”

“In a manner of speaking.” I placed my hands on my hips. “They’re a bit of a handful, but nothing I can’t handle. Right, Lucia?”

“Wha-“ The High Elf sputtered out.

“Exactly.” I confirmed.

Aydalia smiled at that before she gave me a more worried look. “I heard about what Ayda did.”

I was silent at that, and Lucia gestured to me slowly. “Arthur forgave Ayda for that.”

I shrugged at her answer. “Kind of. It wasn’t really her fault anyway.” Crossing my arms, I continued. “It never should’ve happened in the first place, and I’ve learned my lesson with your kids. They act rashly and without logic.”

“Arthur.”

“You know, fool me once and all that. Your son also has a stick up his ass, but I’m tolerating that as well.”

“Arthur!” Lucia said more firmly.

To my surprise, Aydalia just nodded. “Then I’m thankful to have you around looking out for them.” Momma Farro replied before gesturing for us to follow her inside. “Please come in and make yourself at home.”

Lucia and I stayed behind for a moment before I whispered. “I like her.”