Fate: Beyond the Gate

5

Elven hospitality at its finest in this other world was perhaps something of a unique experience, but now that more than half of the village had been burnt down, it was quite different than usual. To accommodate the displaced inhabitants without a home, most were now boarding with their neighbors and close family.

The large tree that played host to the elven chieftain's abode was a place largely unaffected by the red Dragon's fire due to think layers of bark shielding the inner structure. The establishment stretched well beyond the capacity of an ordinary building and seemed able to fit an entire tennis field in one of its floors.
The small banquet that was being prepared was to be held in the twelfth floor of the elder tree accessed through a flight of winding stairs built on the outside. Each floor was packed with elves seeking shelter, and the twelfth floor itself was overflowing with curious stares and whispers.
It could have just been him, but Shirou felt as if he was receiving far more attention than Waver was as he was led to a seat near the middle of the room. Waver was seated across from him, and the two shared a small nod. Neither planned to stay for long due to the uncertainties at the Gate, but Waver was fishing around for information and he was simply gesturing towards Shirou not to make a mess of things. A feat that was already going wrong based on the grimace forming on Waver's face.
Still, it wasn't as if it was Shirou's fault: It the special properties of the sheath inside him. Elves and the Fae were always closely associated with each other in common mythology. In any case, the entire area was awash with whispers and odd glances as if staring at an animal in a zoo.
"He feels like an elf."
"But he looks like a human."
"A disguise? Papa used to explore the human kingdoms by hiding his ears."
"Tuka go talk to him."
"M-Me?"
One elf girl was suddenly pushed out from the crowd, but she quickly flushed red and retreated back into the group with a small 'eep' noise.
Shirou let out a sigh. It wasn't as if he could understand what they were whispering as Waver's translation spell could only work within a specific range. However, what he could understand was the distraction he and Waver were posing; therefore, he didn't call anyone out on their behaviour or breach of etiquette.
Many elves present had either lost family or close friends, and welcomed anything that could take their minds away from their grief. Perhaps, this was another aspect of the elven chief's intentions by inviting the village's saviours for a banquet. Human visitors didn't seem to be common in this place, especially human saviors.
"We thank you again for what you did for our village," the elven chief spoke while at the head seat of the room.
There were numerous elves present, so to accommodate, several tables were lined up in rows with the center table being where Shirou and Waver were sat with the chief.
"No need for-"
"We accept your thanks," Waver cut in before Shirou could finish. He sent Shirou a stern glance before turning his attention back the elven chief. Negotiations and important discussion have to be built upon a certain foundation of stability. In this case, one side represents the saviours, and the other, the saved. A divide and distinction have to be made. "Though it would be appreciated if you'd be willing to share some information. My colleague and I find ourselves in a foreign land due to inexplicable circumstances."
The elven chief hummed while a few elves began lining the tables with a mix of food ranging from hunted game and wild vegetable. Considering the state of the village, there was no doubt that this food came from an emergency supply storage.
"You are travelers, then?" The chief crossed his arms. "Are you from any of the nearby kingdoms? If you're lost, we can provide an escort."
Waver shook his head. "We come from another place, and would like to get a general idea about the lay of the land."
The chief though often wary about the intention of other races was quite forthcoming with his knowledge. This was largely done in consideration for being aided in their time of need.
"There are several human kingdoms of the Falmart continent nearby," the chief began. "The closest kingdom you'll find from here is the Empire which dominates most of Falmart. Further west are the kingdoms of the Avion Sea, but I don't know about them as they're inhabitants are quite rare in these parts. To the south are the beast kingdoms the most recent of which, the bunny kingdom, was annexed by the Empire."
Everything Shirou had just heard went over his head, but Waver seemed like he was painting an idea of the world's politics.
"And where does this village stand compared to every other kingdom?" Waver asked. The question was precise and seemed to carry an intangible weight.
The elven chief let out a huff, taking out a wood pipe and lighting up one end to inhale a cloud of smoke. "This town is within the border of the Empire, but we are largely isolated from society to stay away from its troubles. A few delegates from the Empire come by every so often demanding tax fund, but they can't force us since the location of this village isn't known to them. They are an unruly and rather arrogant lot, but they're numbers and military are strong."
Waver hummed while listening. The main point of the matter wasn't the Empire, but the relative obscurity of the Elven Village. If not for the Fire Dragon attacking this village, it would have been difficult to find from deep within the underbrush. The relative isolation would be key to keeping one's presence discreet…which would be perfect.
After thinking for a while, Waver came to a decision. If the Clock Tower were to truly investigate this world, then a foothold would be needed for stability, and he'd prefer less bloodshed. The Empire would surely send a detachment of troops to attack them if they learned that foreign powers were setting up a base of operations in their territory.
Waver straightened his back and coughed into his hand. "To reiterate, my name is Waver Velvet, and this is Shirou Emiya. You can think of us not as wayward travelers, but ambassadors for a large collective of a magic institute. We saw your village in danger, and my colleague decided to take action."
Everyone turned to look at Shirou at this point as many had seen his figure combating against the red Dragon. Whispers started again as he looked somewhat sheepish at all the attention.
The way Waver saw it, rather than act for nothing, he might as well make the best of what was available.
"Would your village be interested in an investment?" Waver asked. "As a sign of sincerity, my colleagues and I could even repair all damages done to your town before the end of the evening. Granted, you'd have to be willing to cooperate and accommodate us in the future. Of course, we'll form a give and take sort of relationship."
Shirou, as a magus, could read between the lines and knew how this was going to work. It was either the elves agree, or the matter would be taken out of their hands. Waver was simply offering the elves a way out before the radicals of the Mages Association decided on a course of action that may eliminate them.
Civil as the elves were, they were still classified by magi as a Phantasmal Species and as such would prove valuable as research materials. Unlike the home world where the existence of magic was strictly monitored and prohibited from becoming public knowledge, no such limitations existed in this world beyond the gate.
The morals and ethics that had held magi back from deplorable actions that could risk leaking the existence of magic would no longer apply. This was a problem Shirou had realized that he would have to deal with, but it was also true that he had room to negotiate as the owner of the Gate.
If he died, so too would the Gate since it existed in his Reality Marble.
"Y-You can repair the village?" The elven chief's startled words snapped Shirou back into focus.
A wave of muted astonishment crossed the faces of the elves nearby.
Rather than answer, Waver nodded. As proof of his words, he shattered a clay cup before restoring it back into its previous state with a flick of a hand. Such magecraft was something that all magi, even third-rates, would learn out of principle. How else would damages from battle be repaired otherwise?
"A magic institute, you said?" The elven chief repeated tentatively.
"A society of scholars, if you will," Waver didn't miss a beat. Scholars and researchers. Not soldiers. The thought calmed whatever reservations the elven chief had.
The elven chief hummed in thought before eventually agreeing to the proposal.
"Then we have an accord." Waver let out a small relieved smile. "I will get back to you in a moment. It will take more than just myself to repair the damages done."
The elven chief nodded and raised a cup up for a toast. "For now, please enjoy the banquet."
It would be three hours later that Waver would make his way back towards the Gate. He'd promised to repair the damaged sections of the elven village so he still had plans to return with a group of his students to aid him, Meanwhile, Shirou was left behind in the hospitality of the elves.
Strong as Shirou was in combat, his fundamentals as a magus were sorely lacking. More importantly, there was no guarantee that the fool wouldn't run off to the aid of others again. At least in the elven village, Shirou could do things to be of use to the elves and remain put.
Emiya always was the kind and selfless sort, not that Waver minded.
He still shivered just thinking that he rather preferred this new Emiya compared to the previous Magus Killer.
Still, with a promised foothold at the elven village which wasn't too far from the Gate, an adequate stronghold could be formed. The dangers posed in Falmart were uncertain, and he felt as if he were taking the necessary steps.
Now all that was left was to form an investigatory team and leave the hassle of exploration to whatever unfortunate sod was nominated.
Pulling out a cigarette from his breast pocket, he bit the cigarette over his lips and lit the other end. The stress of the entire matter with Shirou Emiya had caused him to tense up too much. This breather he was taking was a godsend.
However, no plan is ever flawless.
By the time Waver reached the location of the Gate, the cigarette between his lips fell to the ground as he gawked.
"What the hell is this?" Waver spoke in deadpan.
Where once only a few magi had stood guard by the Gate, now there were several dozen each of which had one thing in common: their relation to the El-Melloi. Several were his students, while others were those tied to the family name.
A rudimentary bounded field had been set at their feet, and many were animatedly talking about the new prospects this world would bring to them. Oddly enough, the stench of blood carried in the air but there were no traces of any bodies.
Waver's expression fell as he noticed who was leading this group at the center.
"Hello, brother." Reines spoke coyly. There was an undertone of smug amusement in her voice. "Aren't you glad to see me? Well don't be. We're going to be sticking with each other for a while as I've taken the liberty of nominating you as exploration head. I trust you can handle it?" She looked particularly elated.
The feeling was not mutual.
In the end, Waver wouldn't have to find that unfortunate sod in charge of the exploration team.
He was that unfortunate sod.
Hands minutely trembling, he reaches for his packet of cigarettes and takes an entire handful.
It was a great time to start chain-smoking.
Thanks for reading! Sorry for smaller chapter, but I'm trying to work things out between courses and assignments with the new semester starting.
Birth of a Legend V2 update out tomorrow
P a treon. com (slash) Parcasious
Fiction Press: Survivor's Log: Reflections (In editing phase)
Book link: Fatedlegacydark. ca