Quick edit: Some reason all of the paragraphs just... Stopped, tried fixing it, hopefully there are actually paragraphs now.

Another edit: What the hell have they done to the editing? I can't seem to work it properly...

Author Note: BAM! I TOLD YOU I WASN'T ABANDONING IT!

Hahaha, yeah, this chapter took a while, I don't blame anyone who unfollowed me as sad as that makes me feel.

Anyway, not my longest chapter, but certainly not my shortest, it reveals a few things hints at others and hopefully will at least make some people happy.

I don't really have any excuse for why this took so long, my currently small amount of free time factors in to that, what with my Job, my FMP (final major project) at college and the release of Dark Souls III I haven't had much time for other stuff. So chapter releases will not be often for the next few months, hopefully more often that this chapter though. Only got a few more months of college left then I can focus on this instead of college whilst I work, currently drawing a childrens comic called Gabrial Skull: Skeletal Detective for my final project, so there's that.

Won't be setting up patreon until after college as I can't guarantee chapter releases or anything and would feel like a jerk if I did.

Finally focusing on this won out in the end, but a lot of people seemed to be in to scavenger, so I might very slowly write Scavenger in my spare time (When college has finished obviously, I don't have much spare time at the moment) and release it on here when I'm several chapters in.

Anyway, seriously sorry about how long this took and I hope you enjoy, also someone told me that people don't like authors notes being at the top, so should I do them at the bottom from now on.?

Thanks for still reading and leave any questions or comments you want! Also wouldn't mind a review if you guys were up for it. :)

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~Day 61~

I'm worried. Quite worried.

I'm going to be meeting a Queen today.

I don't know why it took me so long to realise this, I've known I'm going to be meeting her for several days, but somehow the reality hadn't kicked in until now. I know I can stay calm during the meeting, but that doesn't mean I can't embarrass myself, which is what I'm expecting to happen.

I've never talked to royalty before after all, of course, I've seen the Lake Elves Queen, but I didn't talk to her. How do I talk to royalty without embarrassing myself? Being a farmer I was never taught the etiquette, which I'm guessing, is why Ellephwen wants me to learn by talking to royalty she trusts.

Let's review what little knowledge I have on the subject. First, I at least know how to be polite, I know to bow or curtsy and I know how to be polite. I did talk to the noble that owned our village a few times in my previous life. Although that's nothing compared to a queen.

"Is something wrong?" Ayla whispered to me whilst looking at my troubled expression.

Ah, of course! Why not just ask these three, they've had to talk to the Queen before, haven't they?

"I've never met royalty before, so I don't quite know how I should act." I explained my situation as we carried on walking.

Ayla scratched her chin. "Well, It would be nice to help you back for once, but honestly all I can say is that you should be polite, that's all. Treat her with respect, our Queen isn't on to the whole grovelling on the floor thing." She reassured me.

Just be polite? well then, I can do that at least, I mean I guess that wouldn't work with all royalty, they're all different people after all.

It won't do me any good to worry about it too deeply, that'll just make me mess up in some way when the time comes. No, for now I should just think about something else.

We had already been walking for a few hours by this point, as we got closer to the city we passed by a few small villages and farms. We even passed by a domesticated Mushman farm, which Ayla explained to me is something that had started around thirty years ago. She said that it was just more efficient, I can see why, we already do the same with farm Monsters like Cows or Sheep, so why not Mushmen? It does make me feel a little off seeing my people in pens, but they look happy enough, I suppose. Although, do Mushmen ever look unhappy?

I also decided that because we were so close to the city it wouldn't be a very good idea to send Alvir off to train, a blood-covered panting Wolf might not help with the looming 7 ft hooded figure creepy vibe I have going on. The cloak did it's job of hiding my face and body, but it does make me look like some villain from an old tale.  the three adventurers do help to offset that, I still get several varying looks whenever we pass mortals on road, though there's not much that can be done about that.

I could just take of my hood of course, what I've been told about this country is true, we passed a Treechild riding a wagon juggling a fresh bag of gold. I could tell he was a Treechild, however his appearance differed a surprising amount to Gedill's. This one was around a foot taller for one thing, he did give of a weaker feeling than Gedill, I can't place my hand on it, but you can just tell that the group I knew back home are... different... Well, except for maybe Samora.

Back on topic, I would take of my hood if it weren't for the fact I'm quite a 'unique' looking Dryad, so people would be able to tell in an instance that I'm a variant, and variants are worth a lot of money to the less well meaning nobles. I could contend with the average group of hunters without too much issue, however a noble wouldn't hire an average hunter to go after a variant since most average hunters wouldn't dare go against the Queens laws. So therefore it's just easier this way.

The city was further away than I thought, it wasn't until the sun had begun to fall behind the walls that we saw them. They were huge, at least 50ft high, I haven't seen such a tall man made object before, in the village the tallest building was the guard tower which was about 35ft. Above the gate and carved in to the stone stood a name 'Phoenix'Is that the name of the city? Makes sense really for the capital of a 'reborn country' if you think about, but how come this is the first time I've heard it? I mean I didn't ask anyone for it, and I've only just realised that I didn't know the name, but did everyone just think it wasn't important? Oh, well. It's not that important to be honest.

We approached the gate, since we had walked down a side road this gate was only a small one, used by the peasants and merchants that live in this direction. It's also often used by the Monsters that want to get in to the city discreetly as well, so the two bored looking guards standing at either side of the entrance didn't seem that surprised at my height.

Although they did choose to talk to my travelling companions first. "This fella and the Wolf with you three then?" One of the guards aimed a question at Iven, him being the oldest of the group. Being Iven he just slowly nodded in reply.

The guard looked confused. "I'm sorry he doesn't talk much, may I ask how did you know our friend is a Monster?" Ayla asked frowning.

"Well it's obvious innit? We've been gards for over a decade, the only other race that can get that big are Beastkin, and the Beastkin that can get that large are always too proud of their heritage to hide their faces, you know?" The second guard piped in.

The first guard waited patiently for his friend to finish then took over. "Yeah, anyway I'm afraid I'm gonna haveta ask your friend to take of their hood. We need to know what species they are before we can let them in."

I verbally groaned, so I'm going to be exposed anyway? "Do I really have to take of my hood?"

The guard seemed taken aback by my voice, as it clearly belonged to a woman. "I- I'm sorry ma'am, but you need to have a certain level of intelligence to be allowed in the capital." He scratched his scraggily beard.

With a sigh, I pulled my hood back. The two guards eyes widened. "Happy?"

The first guard opened his mouth and then shook his head. "uh- uhm. So, uh a Dryad huh? Yeah, uh yeah that qualifies." He scratched his beard again. "Uh, I understand why you're wearing a hood ma'am, you can pull it back up now."

I nodded pulling it back over my head. "Can we go in now?" Terrin sighed, he must have been getting impatient.

"Just one more thing lad, we have to ask you what your business in the capital is." The second guard held up him arm towards Terrin.

"Of course, how could we have forgotten." Ayla gave the guard an apologetic smile. "We're here to talk to the Queen." The guards paused and glanced at each other.

The first guard took of his helmet brushing his hair back. "Umm, young lady. you can't just 'talk' to the Queen. There has to be a reason to talk to her, you three just look like ordinary adventurers, what could you possibly need to talk to the Queen about?"

I stepped forward. "Actually it's me that needs to talk to her, I bring message from the Council of the Ents."

The first guard sighed whilst frowning. "It's not that I don't believe you, but you're going to need some evidence or something."

Evidence? Ah, I'm pretty sure Ellephwen gave me something like that. Reaching in to one of the packs wrapped around my belt I pulled out a neatly wrapped letter. "Here, I was given this." I handed it over to the closest guard.

He studied the seal with a thoughtful expression. After about a minute he nodded satisfied. "I can't be certain, but this seems genuine to me. I'll go get the captain."

I rolled my eyes, this is taking forever. Turning to face Ayla I noticed her cheeks were turning red. "Are you okay?" I placed my hand on her shoulder.

Ayla appeared to snap out of a trance. "What? Uh, yeah." I raised my right eyebrow, what's this?

*pfft* Turning my head I saw Terrin smirking. "It's because she has a crush on the captain of guard." Ayla desperately tried to cover Terrins mouth, but even Iven was cracking a smile.

I began to smile mischievously. "A crush, hmm?" Ayla turned around pleading me with her eyes.

"Pleease don't" She complained desperately.

Urgh, she's doing a cute face. I can't fight cute faces. "Alright, alright. I won't say anything." I replied with a defeated chuckle.

The guardsman that stayed behind pretended not to be listening to the conversation, but I saw a small smile spread across his lips too.

After waiting around for a few minutes and a small que of three or four groups formed behind us the first guard finally came back, with a very tall man.

He must have been over six and a half foot tall. He had long wavy black hair and full eyebrows. He had a well kept full beard that spread up past his ears meeting with his hairline. His eyes were dark brown, dark enough that they looked black. He must have been in his early thirties or late twenties. I can see why she fell for him, he was definitely good looking, rough but charming. His expression made him seem stern, although judging by the way the guard smiled and happily conversed with him I'm guessing he's quite laidback at the same time.

Ayla began to hide herself behind my back, by the time he reached us she was barely visible behind my back. The captain stuck out his hand. "You must be the messenger. I go by the name of Roland Abel, I'm the captain of the guard in Phoenix."

So Phoenix is the city name... I shook Rolands hand. "My name is Ellena, I bring word fr-"

"Did you say Ellena? Ellephwens daughter?" Captain Roland interrupted me, a smile growing on his face.

I was taken aback slightly, just how well known is Ellephwen? She said she lived secluded. "Yes, more of an adoptive daughter than anything, but yes."

He patted the back of my hand with his free hand. "Fantastic. Ellephwen spoke about you the last few times she visited the Queen. There are quite a few in the palace that want to meet you. Come, I'll take you."

He let go of my hand and motioned for us to follow. People in the palace want to meet me? Oh Gods, what did Ellephwen tell them? They're going to be disappointed regardless of what it was.

"Hu hum!" As we started walking behind me Terrin coughed. Hearing this Roland turned around.

He looked surprised. "Terrin, Iven? That must mean..." Roland looked behind my back. "Just as I thought, shy little Ayla." With a small grin on his face Roland wrapped his arms around Ayla hugging her.

Aylas face seemed to explode in embarrassment. "Wai- Rola- Ro stop! Let me go! Roland!"

"OOF!" With a thump to the stomach from Ayla, Roland finally let go of her. "I'm sorry Ayla, it's just been so long since I saw you guys!"

Terrin chuckled and Iven held back a smirk. Ayla however. "It's been a few weeks at most and you know it!" She hit him a few times with her staff.

From an outsiders perspective, it's obvious to tell they're old friends, I stood still and crossed my arms. "So how do you all know each other?"

"Hmm?" Roland turned around. "Oh, yes. Terrins my nephew, I'm the much younger brother of his father, so I've know these two since they were babies."

Hmm, I see. That would explain her crush then. The three of them carried on talking as we made our way through the city. I could clearly see the palace up ahead, or castle, whatever you want to call it. It was directly in the middle of the city. We seemed to be in the poorer part of the city, but even then we didn't pass any homeless. They all had smiles on their faces and healthy skin. This is what happens when you're willing to trade with any race or species I guess.

We eventually came to the noble estates. Mansions, beautiful gardens and perfectly crafted statues. A few nobles gave our group scornful looks, mainly due to the 7ft cloaked figure and it's dirty wolf I believe. As in me.

After only a few dozen more uncomfortable stares we finally reached the castle. Now that we're finally out of the public, I removed my hood. Unfortunately that drew even more attention from the palace servants and guards. I felt quite exhausted by the time we came to a pair of huge double doors.

Roland stopped us. "Just wait a minute." He said.

Obliging we stood by, and I tried to pull up my hood again surprisingly being stopped by Iven. Who proceeded to blush and hide behind Terrins much smaller frame. Sighing I kept my hood down. After the most painful 10 minutes in my life Roland finally returned.

He shook his head. "Bad news if you're in a rush I'm afraid. The Queen is swamped with official work tonight. She could make a few minutes for you, but she said she wants to spend a few hours with you. So I'm afraid you'll have to wait until tomorrow." He shrugged his shoulders.

I scratched the back of my neck. She is a Queen, was I really expecting this to just be an in and out affair. "I got it, what should we do in the mean time?"

Roland motioned for us to follow him again. "Well for now she insisted that you all get well fed, then you can just rest until tomorrow." I breathed a sigh of relief. "However tomorrow Ellena I'm afraid tomorrow you're going to be very busy. There are several Nobles and high ranks in the castle that want to meet you. So you'll be dealing with that before you meet the Queen." Roland apologised.

My arms slumped as Roland led us to a corner of the castle, he told us it was the guest wing. He led us to a private room, it had a large table set out with luxurious foods many of which I'd never seen before. Four bedrooms led off from the room. Although we really only need two, this is true luxury giving each of us our own individual rooms.

We sat down to the overwhelming meal, Alvir sat on the floor nex to me with his very own plate full of food. Druel fell from his mouth and his tail wagged wildly as he scoffed down the bounty in front of him.

I did the same. I don't know what I was eating, but it was even better than Samoras cooking, not quite on Ellephwens level, but to be honest that could just be because I'm biased. Everyone ate until they were full. Then we spent the rest of the evening talking, I couldn't really practise magic here, I didn't want to damage anything.

So we quickly headed to bed each in our own individual rooms. My bed was even bigger than the one I had at home, royalty, I guess? Alvir looked like he wanted to sleep on it with me, which I was all for, but I really didn't want to dirty the bed. So I washed all of the built up dirts and blood stains off his fur using the large bath they provided us. I also took a long soak, I felt all of my stress wash away, it was heaven.

Finally I slipped in to the giant bed, being such a different situation I expected it to take a while for me to fall asleep, but the bed was just so warm and comfortable that I fell asleep almost instantly, fearing what I would be doing tomorrow.

~Day 62~

I was rudely awakened by a bright light. "I'm sorry My lady, I was told to wake you." I heard an unknown voice. With a strain I opened my eyes. Resting his head on my lap was a still sleeping Alvir, to my left the curtains of the window has been drawn revealing a beautiful bright morning. By my bedside holding a tray full of food stood a maid, I've never seen one before, but I've seen pictures so I assume that's what she is. She wore a full plain black skirt and an apron. She looked to be around my age. "Good morning M'lady."

I groaned as I sat up.  "Don't call me 'M'lady'. I'm not anyone important." Although, looking aorund the room that might be a little difficult to believe...

The maid began to panic. "I'm sorry M'lady, the Queen ordered us to treat you with respect, does- does it offend you?"

She's just doing her job I suppose. With a sigh I replied. "No, no it's fine."

Composing herself, the maid smiled. "Excellent. My lady if you would like to follow me we have prepared breakfast for you." She bowed down motioning towards the door. I got out of my bed, but felt surprisingly cold. Looking down I realised I wasn't wearing anything... At all. Before she noticed I grabbed the bedsheets and wrapped them around myself.

"Uhh. I don't suppose you could leave whilst I get dressed could you?" I forced a smile.

"Get dressed?" The confused looking maid looked up, jumping from surprise. DId nobody tell her how tall I was? "Ohh.. Oh, you uh sleep naked. I'm- terribley sorry, M'lady. I'll just leave." The flustered maid wobbled out of the room and closed the door. Scratching my head, I could only feel sorry for her. As I put on my usual outfit I heard a yawn from my bed, my little Wolf had also begun to wake from his slumber.

I didn't bother putting on my pauldrons or leather armour, I just wore my clothes, well I wore my leather overcoat, but I wouldn't really call that armour even if it does work as it. Smelling the food, Alvir scratched at the door whining, "Alright, alright." I opened the door to reveal the maid gossiping to two other maids who also stood outside of my door.

"Good morning." I said wanting to be polite. Thee three jumped. The oldest of the three quickly recovered, the reaction of the experienced.

"Good morning, M'lady. We have prepared an energy boosting meal for you and your pet this morning, to help with the rest of the day." The eldest replied, then she proceeded to pull out the closest chair. I guess I'm supposed to sit there, this is making me feeling quite awkward though.

I sat down internally complaining. scanning the room I could see the other three doors still stood shut. "Are you not waking my companions?" I turned my head to ask.

The older maid shook her head. "No M'lady, they have no obligations this morning so they've been allowed to sleep for longer." Oh great, so they just need to be awake for the meeting with the Queen and that's it?

Anyway, how am I supposed to eat like this? They're all just staring at me. Is Alvir? Ah, of course he's happily chowing it all down. Alright, I'll eat it too. Unsurprisingly it was delicious, royal chefs clearly know what they're doing. I could have probably enjoyed it more without the attention though.

After I finished wiping my mouth I was immediately led out of the room, Alvir followed closely behind of course. I wasn't allowed to wear my hood in the castle either, so I spotted a few drueling faces along the way, mostly belonging to old men. It wasn't exactly a bad feeling,  however it was certainly embarrassing. It's not like I was unpopular as a human, but I was nowhere near as beautiful as I am now. Which sounds like bragging, but to be honest I'm not sure if I like it.

I was led to a large room which had the appearance of a study, two comfortable looking leather seats sat in front of a wall of books. I was told that I would be spending about half an hour with various nobles, officials and high ranking servants that want to meet me. It turns out that Ellephwen is quite well known around the castle, the older maid told me that many of the officials just want to get on the good side of Ellephwen so they can get on the good side of the Council of the Ents in general. It seems humans are very interested in the monsters politics, I don't know what they expect from me, I've never even met the council.

Well I was also told there are quite a few that just want to meet the 'Daughter' of 'The Great Dryad Ellephwen'  amongst them the majority seems to be the royal servants.

I sat down in one of the seats, the door opened and my first meeting began. Commander Tobi Legrimme, the middle aged Commander of the armies. He once dueled with Ellephwen as he believed that a monster shouldn't be allowed in the castle, let alone near the Queen. He lost and was humbled by Ellephwen, he allowed her to stay and came to rely upon her wisdom.

He joked about how their battle destroyed half of the west wing, whick took several months to repair. That was over twenty years ago, so I can't imagine how strong he is now. I was right not to get arrogant about my own strength.

He seemed to be very interested in my power though, asking for an arm wrestle. I put all of my power with both arms in to it, but he easily overpowered me with his single arm. The man was just under six foot and had a head full of greying hair. Surprisingly he chuckled and praised my strength, he also asked me to spar with some of his more arrogant soldiers at some point so just like my Mother I could knock them down a few pegs.

They day carried on with equally exhausting meetings, many underestimated just how muscular I was not believing Ellephwens description. I could tell that most of those are the ones that just want to get in good with Ellephwen by getting in her Daughters good books as it were.

The hours began to melt in to each other, by the time my last meeting was over I must have met dozens of them, there were even a few Dwarves and Beastkin in there. To be honest I couldn't remember most of them, especially the boring ones that just complimented me. Other than Commander Legrimme, only two other really stood out, the head chef, a dear Beastkin by the name of Etta, seems Ellephwen helped her out a lot with her cooking, which is how she got the job in the first place. She was dissapointed that I couldn't cook in the slightest, but she was quite kind, I remember her because she gave me a slice of cake that she recently made, the recipe came from Ellephwen and it was absolutely delicious.

The other I can remember was just a noble by the name of Osban Avalas, he wasn't particularly good looking, he was rather plain actually. From the way he acted it was clear he's in love with Ellephwen. He's also the leading noble in support of intelligent monsters, which he was even before he met Ellephwen. A very kind  and surprisingly intelligent old man, although his eyes did seem to drop to my chest area a rather large amount.

Still, with all of that over it was time, I was going to have lunch with the Queen, this time Roland came to meet me. He led me through the castle, then through the massive double doors we came to yesterday. He opened to doors revealing a giant room. I was expecting a throne room, but this looked more like an office, a huge desk sat on the other end of the room, it was covered in documents and books. On the left side the entire wall was a window with two doors that led out onto a long and wide balcony.

Sitting in a luxurious chair on the balcony and sipping tea was the person I assumed to be the Queen.

She wore a long regal blue dress, her hair sat on her head grey and curled and her face was wrinkled. She gazed over the city with quite a serious expression.

Roland walked to the balcony exchanged a few words with the Queen who looked over towards me, after a pause her serious expression turned to a small but warm smile, she nodded towards Roland who walked back towards me.

"good luck." He whispered with a wink as he walked past. With a quick deep breath I stiffly walked towards the queen. Urgh. I get so self conscious when I know someone important is watching me walk, what if I fall over. No, it's fine, I'm already in front of her.

I guess I should bow. Placing my hand across my heart I bowed, peaking up to see her reaction. She was smiling still resting her head on her upright arm. "You really aren't used to royalty are you?" The Queen mused.

I raised my head feeling slightly flustered. "Did I do something wrong?" I asked a little panicked.

She gave me a brief chuckle. "You didn't greet me, the royalty of our world require a greeting before anything else."

Oh god's. "uh, I'm very sorry my Lady. Uh, I mean your Highness?" Can you call Royalty my Lady?

Queen Melena motioned towards one of the other four chairs around the table. "your Highness will do, now sit, we gave much to discuss." I nodded and did as she asked. I'm guessing the other three chairs are for my travelling companions.

"When are the other three coming?" I asked.

Melena sipped her tea. "Roland has left to fetch them, they will be here shortly. Until then, let us talk. I have been waiting to meet you." she placed her cup on her saucer and looked me in the eyes.

I scratched my chin, didn't they say she was quite strict, I'm not seeing it. "I don't mean to be rude, uh your Highness, but you aren't exactly what... I was expecting."

The Queen smirked. "Hah! You have heard of my reputation I assume? Let's just say I've never been a big follower of keep your friends close and your enemies closer. I say be rid of your enemies before they can harm your friends." She chuckled taking a cake from from the small tray on the table.

Okay, don't make the old lady an enemy, got it, should be easy enough... Probably. "I thought that to defeat your enemies as nobles you had to be sneaky, use spies, that sort of thing?"

"Well, I do use spies, but that's just to find out who my enemies are. A ruler without spies and assassins wont last very long. When I find my enemies I crush them first, then find evidence to prove their guilt. Stops them doing any damage in the meantime." She explained.

That sounds... Dangerous, at the very least and what does she mean by crush? If she means kill then what if she find no evidence and kills someone innocent? Then again... Looking at her, looking at her city she certainly seems to be getting results, still.. "I've also heard you're ruthless regardless of social stature... What about the poor, the ones that often don't have any other choice?"The Queens smile disappeared, after a pause she sighed. "I can not spare those who have no other choice, even if I want to. If I let a man stealing bread to save his family go, but jail a nobleman who does the same for fun, then how do you think the similarly entitled 'nobles' would react?"

I shook my head. "Not well."

"Correct, they would act in outrage that I dared to spare a mere peasant. On top of that the criminals of the city would start to believe they can get away with more if I become lenient. It's... Unfortunately better this way." She paused taking a bite from her cake. "Being a Queen doesn't mean you can just do whatever you think is right, there are consequences, but it does mean you can get damn close."

I see. It's not like I don't understand that rulers are restricted, but having to arrest those that have no choice... Looking in her eyes, I feel as though Queen Melena is genuinely upset about the fact that she can't do anything for them. "You really are how Ellephwen described you." Melena said, back to smiling again.

Oh yeah, that reminds me. "There's something I've been meaning to ask. Why does it seem like everyone in this place know who I am? And want to meet me? I'm pretty sure Ellephwen has been here just a few times since I came in to her life, and neither were exactly for afternoon tea."

The Queen rubbed her chin. "You haven't even been to a palace before, have you? With all the ears and eyes around in the servants and such, news spreads fast, extremely fast. It only took a few days for most of the palace to know of you." She gave a slight shrug.

"Oh. It's still feels a little odd." I complained.

She chuckled. "You will have to get used to it eventually, this won't be the last time you're treated like this. Besides, it's not like you don't stand out on your own, especially now that you have that strangely well behaved Wolf following you about." Melena motioned behind me.

Wolf? Wait, Alvir! I completely forgot he's been following me all day. I turned  around on my chair and sure enough my first packmember sat behind my chair silently wagging his tail. He hasn't made a sound, maybe it's thanks to my Wolfmother skill making him more intelligent or something? Or is he just smart enough to know not to make a fuss in a place like this. Either way, he's behaving well. I leant down to give his head a stroke. His tails wagging speed increased whilst I did so.

"My Queen."

Where did that come from? I looked up towards the voice, it was Ayla, along with Terrin and Iven, behind them Roland leant against the wall. Extremely lax for someone who's meant to be the Captain of the Guard.

The three of them wore clean clothes similar to their adventuring outifts, but without the armour. They all bowed to the Queen.

"Ah, I suppose now that you're here we should get on with the main topic of the day. Come, sit." Melena Poured three new cups of tea.

"You-your highness we should be doing that!" Terrin raised his arms in protest.

"Are you going to deny your Queens generosity?" Melena said with a slight smirk.

Ayla thumped the back of Terrins head, who let out a groan in complaint. "No, your higness, I apologise for my companions rudeness." After that breif exchange the three of them sat in the remaining chairs, and with a painfully obvious wink Terrin let Iven sit next to me. I guess the two of them must have had some form of 'guy talk' when me and Ayla were having our talk. Although how any talk with Iven works I'll never know.

The Queen stretched out her arm towards me. "Now obviously I know why you're all here, and as I'm sure Ellephwen has already told you, my answer is yes. I just need to read through it when I have spare time to make  sure it's close enough to what we discussed."

...

Is that it? I just hand it over and we're done already? What was the point in all the waiting... I took the sealed document out of my coat pocket and placed it on her hand. "Now obviously I wouldn't have asked you here if I didn't want ot discuss  this a little" She took the letter placing it in a small pocket on her dress. I guess I spoke too soon, huh?

"First off, Ellena." Queen Melena focused her attention on to me.

I sat straight in my chair. "Yes?"

Melena cleared her throat. "I assume that total peace until the battle is still one of the proposals made by the council of the Ents?"

I nodded my head. "Yes, the Alliance wants as many warriors from every race as possible for the battle."

A puzzled expression grew on the Queens face. "Alliance?"

Hmm... Oh! Of course she wouldn't know. "The Great Rurrian Alliance. It's what the council and all other prominent members of the forest formed to ensure peace." I explained.

The Queen scratched her chin. "interesting, I am certain I will read more about that in this letter. However that's something else entirely." She paused for a moment. "Ellena, if I am to make peace, if I am to not waste my men, I need you to promise me something." I noddedy my head. "If in my countries peace we are attacked by another Kingdom, you must come to our defence, with whatever soldiers or warriors you have with you."

I see... That makes sense, she needs someone to defend her country against aggressors if she can't use her own soldiers. And, considering that it is Monsters that propose the peace, then it's only fair that Monsters moderate said peace. "I understand... I don't know what I could do, or if I'll gather enough companions, but I promise."

Melena smile. "Good I thought you would. Other than that I have no problems with the proposal, Monsters are already welcomed by most in my city." She took another bite of her cake, it looked like Terrin thought he had to wait for her to do so before he could have any as he quickly devoured his cake soon after. Ayla's face turning red from embarrassment.

Ignoring that, the Queen carried on. "Now, do you know if the Alliance has any actual plan to take down Lavias, the proposal is a good start, but even then we'll need an actual plan."

I shook my head. "I left before I heard of any plan, they have a year to think of one. I'm sure someone in the known world could think of a good one."

Melena rubbed her chin nodding her head. "I see..."

I- I have an idea." We all turned to look at the person who said those words.

Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.

Terrin sat in his chair, cake covering his mouth with his arm up. Ayla massaged her temple. "Terrin..."

"No, I was just thinking, Lavias is a God attribute monster right? So Why don't we just get the Demons to bring in that one they control?" He shrugged his shoulders.

"Boy, do you mean the Kraken? You can't be completely brainless, think about it. The Kraken took a gigantic chunk of the Demons Continent away with a single attack. Could you imagine the sort of damage a fight between the two of them would cause?"Queen Melena explained.

Terrin who looked quite hurt muttered "sorry" under his breath shrinking back in to his chair.

"Back on topic. There are a few other things I wish to discuss with you. Am I correct in thinking that the three of you are to deliver this message back to the Alliance?" She looked at Ayla.

"Uh.. Yes, My Queen. Lady Ellephwen told us to bring your reply back to her." Ayla managed to stammer out a sentence,  still red face in embarrassment.

The Queen clicked her fingers, a woman clouded completely in black leather suddenly appeared behind her, her face hidden behind a a blank mask. "Get me my seal, a parchment and three golden passes."

The mysterious woman bowed "Yes, my Heart." She said just before dissapearing in a black cloud.

...What was that though? Where did she come from? I did get a weird feeling that I was being watched when I came in the room, but I just assumed I was overly conscious because she was a Queen.  "Was that a member of the Heartguard?" The three adventurers sat with their mouths open in awe.

...The what? What kind of name is that, sounds like something out of a childrens book... "It was indeed." A few gasps escaped my companions lips. "You seem confused Ellena, it's not a surprise you haven't heard of the Heartguard. They're the Rootheart royal families private army. Mostly kept hidden very few have the chance to meet a member." The Queen bragged with a smirk on her face.

"So, they're all, like hidden shadow assassins or something?" I asked.

The Queen shook her head. "Not quite. The Heartguard is split up in to three separate groups. The assassins and spies are one part my actual guard, of which there are currently twenty watching us right now are another. Finally are the warriors, hidden amongst the soldiers are the exceptional warriors under my direct command who are not allowed to show their true strength unless I give permission. Even in actual combat they must hold themselves back unless I say otherwise."

I see. "To surprise your enemies when they think they've won." I guessed.

she nodded. "That's basically the reason, in it's simplest form. Of course whilst most people know of the other two section of the Heartguard, this third section is kept hidden, it's not very surprising if our enemy know of it. By the way Rolands one of the Heartguard warriors." She pointed towards the door which still had Roland standing by it who suddenly jumped startled by his own name being called out.

"Your higness! Is it really okay for you to be telling three low ranked adventurers this!?" Roland protested.

Melena laughed. "You don't trust your own friends Roland?" He shut his mouth and leant back against the wall with a sulking face.

Terrin shook his head standing up. He walked up to Roland and began poking his chest. "I don't believe it, you're saying that Uncle Roland was holding back most of his strength when ever we sparred together? That's so unfair! Fight me full strength next time!"

"Why do you care how strong I am? you've always been about speed anyway!" Roland put his hands up to block the incoming pokes. He looked over to the Queen pleading her with his eyes.

She waved her hand. "It's fine, to go out and fight if you want, but Roland still needs to hold himself back. I'll let him be a little tougher though." She winked at the pair.

With a dejected sigh Roland allowed himself to be dragged out of the room by his grinning nephew.

"Is that okay your highness? Did you not need him to wait here?" Ayla turned around with a worried look.

"Oh no. The two of you may leave too when I've given you your passes. It's almost time for my next appointment so I just have one more thing to ask of Ellena." Melena replied.

Aylas eyes widened. "That's right, are you really going to give us all a Golden pass?"

The Queen nodded chuckling slightly. "Considering the importance of your task, I believe a golden pass is the least I could do."

Just as she said it the same woman as before appeared with the items the Queen requested. "Thank you." The woman leant in and whispered something in to Melenas ear who paused to think. "I apologise, but an upset noble I was supposed to be meeting is getting... Well even more upset, I am going to have to leave a bit earlier than intended. You may all stay for as long as you desire. Ellena, I understand that you have places you need to go, but there's one more thing i must ask of you, so if you could I would ask you to stay for at least one more day."

"I understand, but I really can't stay for too long." I answered, she nodded her head and left the room leaving us on our own.

With the meeting over Iven and Ayla left to given Terrin his golden pass. I asked what it actually was, because I'd never heard of them. Apparently there are four passes, bronze, silver gold and diamond. Passes let you rent out rooms at taverns, in to government buildings and a few other privileges for free. You can do more with them the higher tiered they are, the golden pass being the highest tier that non nobility can possess. Whilst diamond tier is the rarest only being given to a very few select individuals in the kingdom, it gives access to country secrets and limited use of the Heartguard, with permission from the Queen.

With nothing else to do, I passed the time reading through the stuff Samora gave me to teach me the Goblin language. I would be training with Alvir, or training my magic, but using earth magic in castle grounds doesn't sound like a good idea... Which is another reason I have to carry on travelling as soon as possible, I need to keep training.

As dinner time came around my three companions returned looking exhausted. Roland let a bit more of his strength out, but even working together the three of them couldn't scratch his boot. To be honest though they aren't the strongest of adventurers, that why they're still so low ranked despite what's happened to them recently. That's not to say they're weak, all three of them are certainly above average adventurers for their age.

All three of them were rather excited about the idea of shopping tomorrow with their new passes, golden passes don't make things like weapons free, but they do give a massive discount in all shops based in the kingdom of Ashes. The Queen also gave the three of them a rather large reward, I don't really quite know how much, currency changed a surprising amount since my previous life, I should probably learn about it at some point.

After a dinner fit for a queen terrin and Iven immediately went to bed, exhausted. Ayla however sat in her room to practise magic. I decided to go to bed too, as I slipped in Alvir jumped on top lying next to me. Not a lot happened today, but I still feel as though a lot did?

I wonder if that's thanks to the strange meeting I had with a Queen, the first interaction I've had with royalty...

Need to leave soon though.

~Day 63~

When I woke up I found that the other three had already left somewhere, shopping would be my guess, they did ask me if I wanted to join them last night after all, but I have no desire to buy anything at the moment. I suppose I could buy some new armour, but with my size they would need to build custom made armour and I don't think I have the time to wait for that.

Outside my room there was a maid cleaning in the main room, I asked her why I wasn't woken like yesterday. She told me it was because I had no appointments today, I met everyone I needed to yesterday so the queen said to let me wake when I wanted to.

After explaining that the maid went to get breakfast for Alvir and I, I'm not sure if giving such luxurious food to Alvir is such a good idea, but he's not stupid he probably understands that this won't last much longer.

Since I had free time I decided to check out the royal library, I've never been a big book reader, but that's because I had many years to learn about my world. I don't really have the time to learn about everything that's changed the usual way, so maybe the royal library will have some helpful books in it, it is the largest one in the kingdom I've heard.

I asked the cleaning maid the directions, I don't understand how people find their way around palaces if they're all this size, it's ridiculous, who needs all this room?

After stumbling around for a while we arrived at the large double doors with the same pattern around the frame I was told to look for. Opening the doors revealed a gigantic room with every wall covered in book cases, each wall had doors in-between bookcases leading out onto a balcony surrounding the entire room. At least that's what it seems like from looking out the window dotted around. Also in the room was someone I wasn't exactly expecting to meet again, the hero boy that attacked Rugtug.

Well they did say that he was brought back to the castle to properly learn about the world he lives in, to prperly train him. A library is the best place to learn, so it makes sense that he would be here. I watched him put a book back in the bookcase, then turning around he spotting me, his eyes widening.

The 'hero' ran over to me, is he going to attack me again? Really? I clenched my first ready... but, he just fell to the ground bowing. "I'm sorry! I'm sorry! I'm sorry!". Sorry? He's apologising... So that means he's already been educated to the point that he knows he's wrong... Probably.

I leant down placing my hand on his shoulder, "It's fine, I've already forgot about it and Rugtug forgave you pretty quick." Honestly, I haven't exactly forgiven him, but he was making a scene and I really want to stand out as little as possible today.

He looked up relaxing his face. "Thank you, can we sit down, please?" He pointed towards a free table. I don't know why he thinks he has to ask my permission to sit down, but I nodded anyway.

When we were both sat down; after I found a chair that was big enough that is, he began to talk. "I really am sorry. I was just working on my parents farm up until a few months ago. Then the Queen came along and told me that because I was a reincarnated human I was destined to be a hero. There are stories of that sort of thing, but I wasn't expecting myself to be one."

"So, what you got carried away?" Is that his excuse? I was a farmer, but I knew better. If that's his excuse...

"No! No... I don't know, I wanted to impress the Queen I guess." He awkwardly scratched the back of his head. "It's just, I wanted to show her that I was worth trusting in by conquering what she considered a fairly high levelled dungeon. I.. I didn't think about the fact that I was attacking actual living creatures."

I clenched my fists. "How could you not realise you were attacking living creatures?" Is it a little hypocritical for me to be so angry about this? I've killed so many more living creatures than this boy.

"Well, I mean you know there are so many video games about this sort of thing that I didn't really think about it until after. Then... I just felt so guilty, I still do." He stared at his feet in shame.

I'm confused about something though. "What are 'video' games?" I cocked my head.

Okay, that seemed to make him confused. "You know, video games? I was told you're also reincarnated, how can you not know what video games?"

"Wait, is this something from Earth? I was reincarnated from this world, not that one..." I explained.

His eyes widened. "Wait what? You can be reincarnated from this world too, not just mine!?"

I let out an exasperated sigh. "This is common knowledge in my world, I knew when I was a child in my previous life and I was just a farmer. How do you know so little about a world you've lived in for fifteen years?"

He just shrugged. "I just didn't really listen I suppose." I massaged my brow.

"If you don't know that, then I suppose you also don't know that there are more world than ours?" I tried to hold back the frustration in my voice.

His eyes widened again. "There are!?"

*SLAM!*

I slammed my head against the table, almost destroying it. "uuuuuugh..."

"Oh God's... Then could it be?.." I looked up to see the hero muttering to himself  his eyes twisted in panic.

Okay, this is something different. "What's wrong?" I was a little worried now.

He stopped, looking like he forgot I was there. "Sorry, it's just that... You know that when reincarnated you often get a uniwue skill to help you?" I nodded in reply. "Well mine was to be able to understand any language, written or verbal, with a bit of leveling that is, it's not instant."

"Okay, that's a good skill, but what does it have to do with you panicking?"

"Wait a minute." He ran off to the back of the library. After about a minute he came running back with a large book.

Placing it on the desk he opened it up to a page with an elaborate drawing of a planet with what looked like a bubble around it. There was a crack in the bubble and a sea of black rushing through it. Next to it were some lines in a language I couldn't read. "What is it?" I asked. It looked foreboding what ever it was.

"It's in Gods tongue, I haven't quite mastered it yet, but I think I'm the only one in the city that can read it." He cleared his throat. "Anyway, the book is titled 'Prophecies of the Gods'. I thought maybe it's an ancient storybook or something, but now that I've learnt  there are more words, maybe it really is a book of prophecies..." He gulped.

I was getting anxious. "Well what does it say then?"

He cleared his throat again. "In a basic translation it sums up to: 'At the tragic Kings fall, shatters the wall. And the twelfth world shall rule'." He looked up to me, his eyebrows bent in worry.

I scratched my chin and furrowed my brow. "The tragic king must refer to Lavias, that's obvious, but the twelfth world? As far as I'm aware there are only five... Argh, Why do prophecies always have to be so complicated! Shatters the wall? What does that mean?" I scratched my scalp ruffling my hair as I did.

"What should we do?" He asked me.

What should we do? Does this mean that something terrible will happen if we destroy Lavias? "Just go tell the Queen, it's the only thing I can think off, she'll know what to do better than I will." He nodded and ran off out the library.

What should I do then? There isn't anything I can really do about this prophecy, it's not exactly my strong point, hitting things is. I'll leave it to those that know what they're doing, I have enough to worry about already.

For now, I'll do what I came here to do, find a book on how money works these days, that's what I'll really need in my travels.

...

...

"phew." I slammed the book closed. A book on the 'history of coin', it's exactly what I needed, it was a bit difficult to read as the written language has changed a surprising amount over the past 200 years, but I managed to get the information I needed. It's basically the same as it was 200 years ago, just a few new types of coins that equal something different, also all kingdoms now use the same coin which they didn't before, so it's quite useful to me.

Still, the suns starting to set and I still haven't seen the Queen, she said she would find me to talk about something else, royalty have to deal with a lot it would seem. Alvir wondered off at some point during my studying, if it were a different situation I would be worried that he would get in trouble with the guards or attack someone, but I trust Alvir not to be that stupid.

I guess I'll go see if Ayla and the others are still training with Roland. After searching around for a bit and talking to a few guards I found my way to their little hidden training ground. It was in one corner of the castle, huge walls all around and one small balcony overlooking it from inside the castle, the perfect place to hide your strength from prying eyes I believe.

They were still going at it as I thought, and with them was Alvir, he was also having a bit of trouble getting close to Roland. Maybe I should give it a go?

"I am certain they would not mind if you joined them." To the right of me I heard a familiar voice, the Queen had some how sneaked up right next to me.

"They're going to have to fight too." I blurted out.

She nodded her head. "Yes, even I will fight, we all will. Do you not want them to fight?" She asked me.

I chuckled. "I don't want anyone to fight Lavias." Melena placed her arm gently on my shoulder.

"At least Roland will be with those three, it doesn't matter if I ordered him to guard me or not, he would be with those three." Her wrinkled lips twisted in a faint smile.

We both paused watching the fight going on below, the wind filled with the sound sof shouting, laughter and the clang of weapons.

"Did the hero find you?" I broke the silence.

Queen Melena placed both of her hand on the rail of the balcony. "Yes, the prophecy is... Disconcerting to say the least. I am including it in my reply to the Alliance, they can make a better decision regarding this than I can."

Neither of us wanted to mention one of the possibilities of the prophecy, that from the way it was written it makes it seem as though killing Lavias will somehow release something worse, but what could be worse than a god attribute monster?

"Enough of those depressing thoughts. Do you remember that I wanted to talk to you about something?" Melena turned her head to look at me. I tilted my head in reply. "To start with, where are you planning on heading throughout the year, until the day you must return?"

"The Dead Isles are my first destination. Then the Demon territory, then to the Dwarven Cities, the Empire and finally the Monster Continent. Why?" I replied.

She scratched the tip of her nose. "I thought that might be the case. Could I ask you for a favour?"

"Of course, if I can do it." I shrugged.

She sighed. "There is a lot of tension between the Empire and Lummen, the Empire still wants to steadily increase its size and keeps attacking Lummen. Lummen has asked both us and the Kingdom of Ollena for help to stop the Empire from destroying all of us. I plan to refuse, but it is true that the Empire is a problem, if the Emperor keeps up his aggression it wont go well for any of us." With a slight pause she looked me in the eye. "I would ask you to visit the Emperor, explain to him what is happening, explain to him why he must stop his conquering."

I blinked a few times. "You want me, who has almost no experience with Royalty to talk to the leader of the most powerful country on the continent? There-there's a messenger going there whos an expert at this sort of thing!"

"I know, I know. But I want you to go too, that arrogant man won't listen to just a messenger, but he might listen to you, a reincarnated person who is at the centre of it all. Please." She pleaded me.

Arrgh! Why can't I refuse things like this. "Fine. I'll do it, but it won't be for a while and I probably wont succeed."

She scoffed. "I think differently." She turned back to watch the training session going on below. "So will you be leaving tomorrow then?"

"Mmhmm. I plan to anyway, straight south to the coast." I answered.

Queen Melena crossed her arms. "I can supply you a horse and some coin to keep you going."

I laughed. "A horse couldn't exactly carry me could?"

Melena looked startled, but then stifled a laugh. "I didn't think about that, you are a bit too big for a horse I suppose. What about two horses and a wagon full of supplies? It would mean you wouldn't have to carry around all of those supplies on your back."

Well it's not exactly like all the stuff I carry around with me bothers me, it doesn't tire me out or anything, still a wagon would help me make better time... "That would be incredibly helpful, to be honest, but I wouldn't fell right about accepting too much."

The Queen scoffed again. "I am a Queen, I can afford to give you enough money for one hundred years let alone one."

Hmm, fair point... "Alright then, thank you." I gave her the gentlest smile I could. She returned one to me.

The Queen stayed for a few more minutes to watch the fight going on until one of the Heartguard came to tell her that she had to get back to her duties. After she left I jumped of the balcony to join the other. Ayla and her companions jumped, but Roland didn't even flinch, I haven't known him for long, but I'm pretty sure he knew I was here the whole time.

Since it was dark we headed back to get dinner, I offered Roland to join us if he wanted, but he refused saying that he'd relaxed enough today already, he is the captain  of the guard, so he can't exactly just play around everyday.

When we reached our room, I explained to the others that I was leaving, both Ayla and Terrin slumped in their chairs, their expressions turning sour. It was hard to tell what Iven was feeling his, his expression barely ever changes... Oh.. A stream of tears came out of one of his eyes, how bizarre... His expression is still blank, that looks so odd.

That night when I went to bed I heard my door creak open and small feet shuffle up to my bed, without even asking Ayla crawled into my bed cuddling up with me and Alvir.

I guess this is what it's like having a younger sister?

~Day 64~

It was the morning, two lumps clung to my body. I sat up in bed stretching my arms.

"Waah!"

I looked down to the right on me, Ayla fell of my arm as I sat up. I think I woke her up. "Sorry about that." I apologised.

She rubbed her eyes. "S'fine." She grumbled.

I got out of bed and put on my clothing, Ayla turned around as I did so. It's not like I was completely naked, I guess she's just shy.

We walked out into the main room, food was on the table and the Queen was sitting at the end. The other two were also waiting. "You could have woken up us if you were here m'lady." I bowed.

"To be honest we were about to." She chuckled. "Now sit, have breakfast, you should at least be well fed before you leave." With no reason to refuse I sat down to eat.

When breakfast was over the Queen led us down to the castle entrance, waiting there was a wagon with a red roof, two large strong looking horses were on the carrying end. The seat at the front of the wagon was padded and even had arms to it, an out of place luxurious chair for a wagon. In the wagon lay a chest of gold and several crates of food, drink and other general supplies.

Alvir immediately jumped up into the back settling on a rather comfortable looking cushion in a basket, obviously meant for him, but how did he know that?

I gave Ayla a hug goodbye, she looked a bit sad, but didn't cry. Terrin just shook my hand, a bit too embarrassed to hug me.  Finally Iven, well Iven just hid behind Ayla, not very well I'll admit, but it was adorable in it's own way. Surprisingly the Hero also came to say goodbye, we didn't really know each other so he just said 'See ya'.

I climbed on to the out of place chair. "So if I head south how long will it take me to reach the coast?" I asked the Queen.

She rubbed her chin. "Hmm, if you manage to avoid most bandits and keep a steady pace, possibly a week, a maximum of two." Two weeks? I thought it would be two weeks if I walked, doesn't that mean that my prediction was totally off?

...Am I... Going to be okay on my own?..

Seeing my worried expression the Queen smiled. "Do not worry Ellena, I have left a map of my Kingdom in the back of the wagon. I understand that you have a map of the world, but that is hardly going to help you find the correct road is it?

"Thank you." I bowed my head towards her, and with one last look around I waved goodbye.

With my hood on I headed through the city, then out the southern gate, I asked Alvir to get me the map, and to my surprise he understood. I looked at the map to plan my route. For now I would head directly south and stock up in the closest village after a few days.

After a few hours of riding we reached past all the surrounding farms and small villages outside of the capital, I got quite a few stares unsurprisingly. I reached a long road stretching out past the horizon, almost no trees just plains and the occasional house for miles. All types of Monsters ran around the plains all around me, some more friendly ones coming to investigate my wagon.

Including a whole tribe of plains Mushmen, at least thirty I think. One of the was about 5 ft tall and had arms, it must have been the most evolved out of them and probably a lot more intelligent judging by how weary of me it was. I realised I still had my hood on so removed it. He seemed trusting now, which gave me mixed feelings.

I decided to camp with these guys for the night since it was already getting dark, we had plenty of food so I didn't have to worry about Alvir eating some of the Mushmen.

After cooking some meat on a bonfire; which I quite badly burnt, I decided to practise my Earth magic. I thought I would practise a different spell from the book this time, since I've basically mastered the last one. This time I'm going to try a spell called 'Earth spike' which is pretty self explanatory, it creates a spike that pops out of the ground.

Alvir was still whining from the meat I gave him, It would seem that the first thing I need to find is a cook. Since he was still hungry I told him to go hunt in the plains, as long as he only hunted predators. He happily bounded of somewhere leaving me in peace surrounded by soft squidgy Mushmen. I made sure to aim the spells away from them.

...

By the end of the session and after exhausting my magic several time I didn't level up, but I did manage to get the spell to the point where I can create a spike as strong as basic iron and up to 5 ft tall. Which would be useful in many cases, especially if I combine it with any hidden trap holes I might make.

Alvir returned from his hunt covered in blood but satisfied as usual. He had gone up from [lvl 77] to [lvl 84] and his health had been cut in half. What was he doing? Did he attack a Bear or something... I might need to start watching what he's doing.

I gave Alvir a quick wash then went to bed using one of the larger Mushmen as a pillow, Alvir lying next to me. I stared at the beautiful night sky, surrounded by nature and comfort, it didn't take me long to drift off to a pleasant slumber.

~day 65~

Today was just another day of travelling, after saying goodbye to the Mushmen we didn't stop for the rest of the day. 

Occasionally I decided to practise a bit of magic on the way and I also read some of Samoras notes of the Goblin language when it was a particularly straight road. Other than that I just sent Alvir off to hunt, slowing down so he could keep up. We passed a few travellers on the road, many seemed afraid thanks to my appearance, many probably thought I was a bandit.

My outfit probably doesn't help with that, I keep it maintained but it's still covered in dirt and battle damage. 

I surprisingly didn't have to deal with any actual bandits myself, I tensed up everytime we got close to a treeline or a small abandoned farm. I believe that I did go past a small group of bandits, but from what I saw there were only three and after seeing Skullcrusher they probably didn't think it was worth the effort.

By the time night fell we reached a cliff edge with a waterfall falling down it. I looked over the edge to see a rocky entrance to a cave under the waterfall, I aimed the horses down the path at the side of the cliff to reach the bottom leaving the wagon next to the lake at the base of the waterfall. It was a nice relaxing place to stop, but on top of that was the cave I saw earlier. Since I haven't fought anything for a while I decided to try and see if that caves leads to a dungeon, see if I can fight some high levelled monsters tonight. 

I left Alvir behind to rest, he managed to get from [lvl 84] to [lvl 87] and was quite tired from having to keep up with the wagon.

After making him some more mediocre cooked meat i headed in to the cave.

It was tall, the ceiling was about halfway up the cliff. With my amplified vision I could see that the cave finished not too far in.

Damn, so it's not a dungeon. However, there is something...

I sensed a giant figure ahead of me and my heart beat began to quicken, slowly I snuck closer to it.

*Crunch!*

Looking down towards the sound I found that I had stood of a bone, now that I look around this place is covered in them, some looking like they belong to high class adventurers judging by the gear. A wide grin crawled on to my face. No, no I'm getting excited again.

I calmed myself down until I reached the figure, a huge ball of hair, breathing in and out gently. Whatever it was, it's body was full of broken blades and arrows, scars littered it's giant back.

Well, looks like this guy kills humans, so it's not wrong of me to attack it right? I pulled out Skullcrusher ready and gulped in a large amount of air.

"HEEEEEELLLLLLLOOOO THEEERE!!" I yelled at the creature. With a jump it began to stir, turning around to face me. Oh wait, no he's... Standing... Up... Oh...

He was about 10 times my size, and looks distinctly like a bear... With eight arms... Oh god's, was this a good idea?

*RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAOOOORRR!!*

The gust from his roar was so powerful it knocked my of my footing sending me back several steps. "This should be fun" I laughed.

He swung down two of his arms, I jumped on top slamming down my weapon onto his colossal arm, just before I connected I was swiped by two of his other arms.

As I was crushed against the cave wall I wasted no time, activating my Earthen Armour I stood back up and charged at him, dodging two more swipes, I activated Mushroom Shield and blocked his other incoming arms finally crushing the bones in one of his giant arms.

He roared in pain giving me an opportunity, with I jumped up to his head swinging Skullcrusher directly in to his left eyes. With a disgusting squelch his eye burst and he tumbled over sideways.

He grasped his eye writhing in pain, recovering shockingly fast he shook of the pain and carried on his flurry of swings. Until one broke through my shield, I guess that's just how strong he is. His fist crunched my armour against my torso causing me to tumble backwards.

Coughing up blood I deactivated the armor, my left arm also appeared broken, but no matter.

I grimaced through the pain and ran at him again, as he swung his arm for another hit, I stopped where I was and used the momentum to swing Skullcrusher into his fist, smashing the bones inside, once again with him preoccupied I jumped at his head, swinging my mace directly in to the same spot. With a sickening crunch the skin and bone around his eyes came away revealing blood and brain, the colossal monster fell once again, but this time permanently...

I fell backwards to the ground wiping sweat from my brow.

"ha... Ha ha ha ha ha ha!" I swung my right arm in the air. My heart was beating like crazy, that battle was such a rush... I wonder how much health I have left though?

[Name: Ellena]

[Age: 64 Days]

[Species: Virga Ferrea, Dryad]

[Height: 7'-3"]

[Sex: Female]

[Title/s: Kin of Ellephwen, Wolfmother.]

{Level: 38] +3

[Health: 213/4056] + 318

[Mana: 621/958] +86

[Stamina: 892/3842] + 290

[Hunger: 3670/3842] + 290

[Attack: 3351] +271

[Defence: 5284] + 374

[Magic Attack: 1047] + 87[Magic Defence: 1955] + 171

[Skills: [Pain Resistance lvl 10 (Max)] [Poison Resistance lvl 8] [Mind Resistance lvl 2] [Venom Resistance lvl 7] [Night vision lvl 10 (max)] [Amplified Vision lvl 7] [{Mushroom Helmet lvl 51}] Up! [tough stomach lvl 7] [Unarmed Combat Expert lvl 3] [Polearm Journeyman lvl 4] [Kingsfoot lvl 9] [Warriors Heart lvl 32] Up! [Warriors Will lvl 23] Up! [Warriors Strength lvl 21] Up! [Greater Regeneration lvl 2] Up! [Guardian lvl 7] [Dryads Charm lvl 5] Up! [Skinning lvl 4] [Tanning lvl 3] [Leatherworking lvl 2] [Carving lvl 2] [Earth Magic lvl 4] [{Wolfmother lvl 4}]]

Wow, so some of my skills levelled up too?

Wait more importantly, I only have 213 health? I was really close to death. Thank the god's I won I suppose?

Also my Dryad's Charm levelled up at some point? Was that during all those meetings the other day I wonder?

Well not matter what I am now exhausted, satisfied but exhausted...

I slumbered back to the wagon and collapsed next to Alvir, my body was in pain, but it should be all fixed by tomorrow morning.

I fell asleep covered in blood, but satisfied.

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Author note: you may have noticed the last two days were less detailed and long. I'm trying to shorten the less important/ less dialogue/ less plot heavy days, it's just easier that way. What d'you think?