Reincarnated at Level Two Million - Chapter 101
“I thought you were an elf?” Zell questioned Samantha about her appearance to him.
“I am a half elf!” She defended herself. “I just never said what kind…”
“Wait, the lass isn’t part high elf?” Kilgon asked. “She looks the part.”
“No, I am afraid what you see is a spell cast on me by my mother.” Samantha explained. “She did not want anyone to know my true identity as my kind is considered cursed to bring misfortune. I am a dark moon elf. My mother is one as well, although my father still has no idea. It is not a secret my mother has shared with him.”
“I care not what type of elf you are lass.” Kilgon said. “It is stupid to assume things about you simply based on your race. You are a fine young girl, dark moon elf or not. I am just sad you thought you had to hide that from me.”
“I am sorry.” Samantha said with a bow to Kilgon. “I just never had a chance to tell you all, nor did I really want to risk our friendship.”
“I am fine with it.” Kaitlyn said. “I have no problem with a girl keeping some secrets. We all have things we wouldn’t want the world to know. I am more upset at Zell for outing you like that.”
“Yes, I am sorry for that.” Zell said. “I didn’t think before I spoke, your appearance just took me by complete surprise. I must say though you are quite stunning in your true appearance.”
Samantha blushed and started to stutter. “Y-You r-really think so?!”
“I do.” Zell replied. “It is unique and is truly a thing of beauty, I am sad you feel like you have to hide it.”
“She has to because of human fears.” Kaitlyn said.
“Aye.” Kilgon agreed. “Of all the elves of this land the dark moon elves are the only ones who remained independent of humanity’s control. They are the only ones who were able to not become subjected years ago. Because of that, humans began to fear them and deemed them a bad omen. It is said when a man sees a dark moon elf, that day is the day of his death.”
“Mother says that happened because they would kill any who found their village.” Samantha explained. “They have a hidden village atop a tall mountain. They like it there because they say it brings them closer to the moon.”
“So how did your mother and father meet?” Zell asked, clearly curious. “If your mother lived in an isolated village and your father was a human prince, it seems unlikely the two would meet.”
“Mother said it was fate.” Samantha said. “One day she was in the woods below the mountains scouting and hunting for game. While she was there, she saw a human man riding a horse through the woods doing the same, only he had a large group of guards shadowing him. That man was my father.
It was customary practice in Kermonth to send the prince out on quests to build his reputation as a warrior and leader. They were supposed to be solo quests, but my father was never much of a warrior, so his parents always sent a group of knights with him secretly. They would shadow him from a distance and would rush to his aid if something happened.”
“Sounds rough.” Zell said. “So that’s how they met?”
“Well, I was getting to that.” Samantha said. “My father was the first human she had ever seen. She was intrigued and wanted to know more about the man that she saw. My mother knew that if she showed her true form to him, he would run in panic, if he did, he was likely to ascertain the location of her village and that would bring ruin to her people.
So, she decided to disguise herself as a high elf that had escaped into the forest. She wanted to see what kind of human my father was, she was judging if he needed to be wiped from this world.”
“So, your father must have passed her test.” Kaitlyn said.
“Yes, he did.” Samantha replied. “As my mother came limping out of the trees onto the main path that my father was on, he immediately jumped off his horse and rushed over to my mother’s aid. In his rush he didn’t even check to see if it was a trap, all he cared about was helping the elf in front of him. My mother said his kindness moved her heart. He did not care that she was an elf, only that she needed help. He took her back with him to Kermonth and treated her to the finest luxuries that a prince could offer. He filled her belly, got her new clothes, and showed her an enjoyable time.
After their day, my mother escaped back to her village, without even telling him goodbye. To her surprise she discovered her day and night of fun had an unexpected consequence. Two weeks after their encounter my mother discovered she had a new life inside of her belly. Knowing her village would not allow the union of a human and dark moon elf to exist, something that should not have been possible to begin with.
My mother returned to Kermonth, leaving her village and her life behind, disguised as a high elf, and met with my father again. He was overjoyed at the news of becoming a father, and immediately asked my mother to be his queen. He told her it was a sign from the gods that their union had produced life, a sign they should follow.
He told her that the time of humans and nonhumans being at odds with each other needed to end. That their union would pave the way to peace and happiness. That together they would change the kingdom and the world. That is exactly what happened. Kermonth is a shining beacon to the world, that nonhumans and humans can live and work together. That by working together we can be stronger and better than we ever were alone.
My parents’ goals are much like your goals, Zell. You are seeking peace between all of the peoples of the world, which is why Kermonth was so willing to join your cause, why I want you as my spouse.”
“Such a nice story.” Kilgon said. “Peace brought by baby making is a good kind of peace to have.”
“Just like your peace with Isabel?” Kaitlyn laughed.
“I have yet to put a bun in that oven, but I keep trying!” Kilgon laughed back.
The rest of the time passed before the crowning with Zell and the others chatting and sharing stories of all the things they had done since he had been away. The crowning itself went on without a hitch and Samantha was named Queen of Tarm. She did not reveal her true lineage, but the people of Tarm excitedly welcomed their new half elven queen.
After the crowning Zell, Kilgon, and Kaitlyn prepared to teleport to the beast village. Zell promised Samantha he would return after he had dealt with his personal issues with his mother and his sister, as well as the dragons. And Kilgon promised Isabel he would return as swiftly as possible.
Isabel remained behind with Samantha to keep her safe from any forces the demon lord may send. The power of an Oni was legendary, and the team knew Samantha could not ask for a better protector.
“Alright everyone I am going to open the portal to the beast village.” Zell said as he began his spell. “When it is big enough to jump through, just head on in. I have to go through last because it will close as soon as I enter it.”
“Alright.” Kilgon said. “Though I will admit, traveling by magic makes me a bit nervous. A man should only travel where his own legs could take him.”
“Don’t be nervous.” Kaitlyn said. “I trust Zell with everything I have. He has never let me down before and I am sure he will never let you down either.”
“It will be fine.” Zell said. “I did it once already and it worked out great.”
“Once?” Kilgon asked, his fear intensifying. “So, you want me to jump through some hole in the universe that you have only ever tried once?”
“Yeah…?” Zell replied. “It’s fine. I learn new spells at an amazing rate. If you would rather fly, I could just carry you both as I fly at supersonic speeds. It’s probably more dangerous and would take more time… but could be fun.”
“No, that’s fine.” Kilgon said. “Just make your portal.”
Zell began to cast his portal spell that the white dragon had taught him. As the portal grew, they could see the image of the village more clearly. Something was not right. The buildings were burned to the ground and the usually busy streets were empty and devoid of life.. Kaitlyn just stared blankly through the portal in shock, with tears beginning to well in her eyes.