Avi2112
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Chapter 178
🕑 Added 2025-01-22 05:23:04 +0000 UTC“I am from Earth,” I say carefully, studying her reaction. “May I ask where I have arrived?”
Her brows knit in confusion. “Earth?” she repeats, the word foreign on her tongue. “This is Alfheim, and you stand in the forests on the outskirts of it's capital Ljolsfgard.”
My eyes widen as my earlier conjecture is basically confirmed. I have stumbled upon yet another realm from legend, following my visit to Asgard.
“I have heard tales of Alfheim—the world of the elves—from our myths. So it is real,” I say, my voice tinged with wonder. “Perhaps you know my world by a different name then—Midgard?”
Recognition flashes in her eyes, and her expression softens. “Midgard,” she muses. “The realm of primitive mortals. Yet you do not seem primitive. In fact, you are… quite beautiful,” she adds, sounding genuinely surprised.
Her compliment catches me off guard. “I could say the same about you,” I reply with a charming smile. “May I know your name, my fair lady?”
She smiles, the corners of her lips curving gracefully. “I am Aelsa Featherwine of the Fay.”
Inwardly, I am shell-shocked as recognition dawns upon me. That name—of course, I should have realized it sooner. How could a mere regular elf possess such an aura, a presence so captivating it left me utterly spellbound?
Taking her fair hand gently, I bring it to my lips, placing a light kiss on the back of her hand while locking eyes with her. “Your name is as grand and beautiful as your captivating presence, Lady Aelsa.”
She looks surprised but smiles softly. “Are you truly from Midgard?” she asks, her curiosity evident as I reluctantly let go of her hand.
“Is that so hard to believe?” I ask curiously.
“When I last saw Midgard, it was barren, filled with brutal, savage creatures,” she says, placing a delicate hand on her chin, her serene expression clouded with distant memories. “But here you are—a beautiful specimen, speaking Allspeak no less.”
I smile wryly, realising just how ancient she must be to speak of Earth in such terms.
“It is equally unbelievable for me to be standing in the mystical land of Alfheim,” I respond, my voice laced with genuine awe. “The stories of the nine realms... are they real, then?” I lean in slightly, curiosity lighting up my face. This is my chance to confirm just how much of my meta-knowledge aligns with this reality.
Before she can respond, the sound of hurried footsteps breaks the serene atmosphere. The four young elf girls I had seen earlier come rushing towards the clearing, their laughter echoing through the air. However, as soon as their eyes land on me, they freeze mid-step.
Their expressions quickly shift from joy to panic, their wide eyes darting between me and the elegant figure of Aelsa.
“Your Majesty, there’s someone here!” one cries.
“Get away from him! He must be here to steal your hair!” another exclaims.
“Burn him, Your Majesty! Make him bald!” declares a third with righteous conviction.
“We…we are sorry! We didn’t see him coming, my Queen!” the fourth stammers, tears welling in her eyes.
Aelsa chuckles, her laughter as melodious as a bell. She waves her hand dismissively. “It is quite alright,” she says. “He means no harm.”
Feigning surprise, I glance at her. “Queen?” I echo, though I had already deduced her status from my meta knowledge.
Aelsa smiles, her tone light. “I didn’t mean to deceive you. Allow me to reintroduce myself. I am Aelsa Featherwine, Queen of Alfheim.” Her graceful smile softens her next words. “Though, it is not as grand as it sounds. I much prefer the freedom of the forest then to being cooped up in a castle. That is why I often venture out with my maidens, away from the royal guards.”
“But Your Majesty told us we were on an important mission. Did Fayla hear wrong?” the first elf girl asks, frowning.
“Shh! Maybe it’s a secret mission,” the second whispers loudly, her hands flying to cover her mouth as if she has already said too much. "Mayla is right, isn’t she, Your Majesty?" she adds, her wide eyes darting nervously.
“I am the vigilant one here,” says the third, glaring at me. “Your Majesty, Rayla warns you—this man might still be after your hair. You should burn his instead!”
“Tayla is sorry…” the fourth murmurs, her voice pitiful. “The wind was so nice, and so we all fell asleep…”
“Lucas Watson, meet Fayla, Mayla, Rayla, and Tayla—my cute maidens, who enjoy lazy afternoons almost as much as I do,” Aelsa says, patting each girl’s head affectionately.
The girls close their eyes, basking in her touch.
"Nice to meet you. I am a traveler from Midgard, Lucas," I say, giving them a charming smile as they open their eyes.
The four identical elves scrutinize me closely, their gazes intense. They begin to speak among themselves, their voices chiming like bells.
“Umm, should I bow or call you 'Your Majesty' too? I don’t know any customs—or anything at all about Alfheim,” I ask with a wry smile.
“I am not the Queen of Midgard, Lucas Watson, so there is no need for you to be formal with me. Just call me Aelsa,” she says with a gentle smile.
“Then you can call me just Luke… All my friends call me that,” I reply with a grin.
“Friend?” Aelsa smiles softly. “Yes, if in the vastness of Alfheim you were teleported randomly near me, then we are destined to be friends, Luke,” she says, her expression brightening.
Aelsa extends a hand toward me. “Come,” she says with a serene smile. “Let me show you my realm, my friend.”
“Are we going on the mission then?” Fayla asks, her excitement bubbling over.
“Shh! Not so loud … remember, it’s a secret mission!” Mayla says, covering her sister's mouth.
“I will protect you, Your Majesty,” Rayla declares, puffing out her nonexistent chest with determination.
“Looks like I will have to tidy everything up … again,” Tayla sighs, waving her hand. The large leaf Aelsa had been resting on rolls up neatly and floats into her grasp.
“So, Elves can use magic?” I ask, astonished, walking alongside Aelsa.
“Not all, but most light elves can, yes. Isn’t it the same in Midgard?” she asks curiously, her blue eyes fixed on me.
There was that word again—light-elves. The dark elves don't reside here in Alfheim. Is this some kind of racism, too?
“No, only a few among us can use magic,” I say with a wry smile. “Can you tell me more about Alfheim and the Nine Realms, Aelsa?”
“Only if you tell me about Midgard,” she counters with a teasing smile. I nod easily. “Let me start with Alfheim, then.”
Her melodious voice feels almost magical as we walk through the vibrant greenery. The four elf girls laugh and run ahead, playing with animals or leaping along the verdant path.
Aelsa gestures as she explains, “Alfheim is home to many kinds of light elves. In the North, we have the Ice Elves. There are also Spice Elves who craft the most delicious dishes. Air Elves create wondrous flying machines. Sea Elves live in coral castles along Hummingbird Bay. Then there are the Elves of Vale, who grow the sweetest corn, and the Moon Elves, renowned for their Firefly Wine … and also the Pleasure Elves,” she adds with a slight cough, her cheeks tinged pink.
I feel a bit dizzy at the overwhelming classifications.
“Yes, Alfheim is the Elven Paradise!” Fayla exclaims with a jump.
“But there are so many more species here than elves!” Mayla chimes in, ever the voice of correction.
“I miss the glowing Firefly Wine. When can we drink it again, Your Majesty?” Rayla asks, drool threatening to escape her mouth.
“I … want to ride the flying machines again,” Tayla whispers shyly.
Aelsa chuckles softly. “Mayla is right. Alfheim is home to many beings besides elves—mermaids, faeries, and even pixies.”
She gestures to the side. A gentle breeze stirs the vegetation, parting it to reveal four tiny, thumb-sized girls playing on small flowers.
"So these are pixies," I say, noticing their tiny wings and delicate dresses. They seem to be in their own world, giggling happily as they jump and flutter from one flower to the next. "Such a magical world," I add with delight.
“There is much more to see,” Aelsa says. “Mermaids in crystal lakes, unicorns in the glades, and even champagne streams.”
The very thought feels surreal, as if I am in a magical dream. Especially with the radiant Elf Queen walking beside me, her presence adding an ethereal quality to the moment.
