While Ariel reads at a table...
Man:
“I’d been told that I’d be able to identify you on sight, and it seems they were right.”
Ariel:
“And, who might you be?”
Man:
“Esmer, Researcher.”
Ariel:
“Might I ask you something? I hope it’s not too rude a question.”
Esmer:
“What is it you want to ask?”
Ariel:
“You are the first elf I’ve seen so far, is there a reason for that?”
Esmer:
“Well, I’m probably the only elf in this land. This place just doesn’t feel right.”
Ariel:
“What do you mean?”
Esmer:
“Well, we elves have a kind of nature sense that helps us care for the land. We work to ensure no one ruins the environment with their work. This place though, this continent, it doesn’t feel right. It’s as if nothing here is natural, except for what we brought over from the old land. I only stayed because I became obsessed with understanding exactly why it all feels so wrong.”
Ariel:
“I see. Might be because all native life here are monsters.”
Esmer:
“Really? Fascinating. Would you be so kind as to tell me more?”
Ariel:
“Well, the first generation of monsters were made by god, and all later generations are descended from them. The land is now ruled by various monster lords, all of whom are the survivors of the first generation. Their power is so great, that none except other monster lords can oppose them.”
Esmer:
“How did you learn of this? Did Dina tell you?”
Ariel:
“Most of it was learned from mother, but that last bit was my own observation. I’m honestly not sure if there’s anything beyond the power of the monster lords.”
Esmer:
“Well, that certainly explains a lot. Though it still leaves many more questions, as is usual in my line of work.”
Ariel:
“You don’t seem surprised, and believed me rather readily.”
Esmer:
“I’m guessing you aren’t yet aware of just how much we have learned here at the Claude Academy.”
Ariel:
“I’m not.”
Esmer:
“It’s pretty well known that the Fenix church healers are all monsters. All students are instructed to avoid telling people, because we don’t want to upset the church or cause a panic. However, anyone who studies enough magic eventually figures out that the Fenix healers are not using magic.”
Ariel:
“I guess it’s not much of a secret then?”
Esmer:
“The church makes no real effort to hide it. When I asked Facile the high priest about it, she just laughed and asked if I had any plans to do something about it. I don’t think the knowledge is too wide spread, but pretty much all mages know.”
Ariel:
“Do you know how powerful Fenix is?”
Esmer:
“After your explanation, I’m guessing Fenix is one of the monster lords?”
Ariel:
“I believe so.”
Esmer:
“Do you know why she made a church and offers healing?”
Ariel:
“I do not. My best guess would be for entertainment, as mother mentioned that she and several other lords find humans interesting to watch.”
Esmer:
“Like taking care of an exotic animal then.”
Ariel:
“Yeah, probably something like that.”
Esmer:
“And why are you here then?”
Ariel:
“Exploring. Want to see what the world is like.”
“Really? Fascinating. Would you be so kind as to tell me more?”
Ariel:
“Well, the first generation of monsters were made by god, and all later generations are descended from them. The land is now ruled by various monster lords, all of whom are the survivors of the first generation. Their power is so great, that none except other monster lords can oppose them.”
Esmer:
“How did you learn of this? Did Dina tell you?”
Ariel:
“Most of it was learned from mother, but that last bit was my own observation. I’m honestly not sure if there’s anything beyond the power of the monster lords.”
Esmer:
“Well, that certainly explains a lot. Though it still leaves many more questions, as is usual in my line of work.”
Ariel:
“You don’t seem surprised, and believed me rather readily.”
Esmer:
“I’m guessing you aren’t yet aware of just how much we have learned here at the Claude Academy.”
Ariel:
“I’m not.”
Esmer:
“It’s pretty well known that the Fenix church healers are all monsters. All students are instructed to avoid telling people, because we don’t want to upset the church or cause a panic. However, anyone who studies enough magic eventually figures out that the Fenix healers are not using magic.”
Ariel:
“I guess it’s not much of a secret then?”
Esmer:
“The church makes no real effort to hide it. When I asked Facile the high priest about it, she just laughed and asked if I had any plans to do something about it. I don’t think the knowledge is too wide spread, but pretty much all mages know.”
Ariel:
“Do you know how powerful Fenix is?”
Esmer:
“After your explanation, I’m guessing Fenix is one of the monster lords?”
Ariel:
“I believe so.”
Esmer:
“Do you know why she made a church and offers healing?”
Ariel:
“I do not. My best guess would be for entertainment, as mother mentioned that she and several other lords find humans interesting to watch.”
Esmer:
“Like taking care of an exotic animal then.”
Ariel:
“Yeah, probably something like that.”
Esmer:
“And why are you here then?”
Ariel:
“Exploring. Want to see what the world is like.”
