The Immortal and The Undying

Kaelin's Invitation

The clatter of horse hooves echoed on the cobblestone streets as the royal carriage carried Kaelin through the towering gates of Eldenor. The capital city of Astoria spread out before her, a grand tapestry of stone spires, lush gardens, and bustling markets. Sunlight glinted off the domes of the royal palace in the distance, casting a golden hue over the city. It was breath-taking—a world apart from the untamed wilderness and remote dungeons she'd spent the last three years exploring.

"Fancy place," Kaelin muttered under her breath, leaning out the carriage window to take in the view. She could hear the hum of the city—merchants shouting their wares, blacksmiths hammering metal, and children's laughter filling the air. The vibrancy of it all felt like a stark contrast to the wild chaos of her life as an adventurer.

She smiled, imagining how out of place she'd seem among the polished knights and court nobles. Her leathers were worn and scuffed, her weaponry practical but nowhere near as ornate as the guards' armour. But she didn't mind. She'd earned her reputation through hard work and ridiculous 'deaths', and she wasn't about to trade that for a spotless suit of armour or proper etiquette.

"Astoria, huh?" Kaelin sighed as she leaned back in her seat. It had been years since she'd set foot in a proper city like this. She couldn't help but wonder what her life might have been like if she hadn't chosen the adventurer's path. Perhaps she would've been one of the young noblewomen strolling the gardens or attending balls in the palace. The thought made her snicker—she would've died of boredom long before she died from any of her ridiculous accidents.

---

The invitation had come as a surprise. One day she was laughing over a drink with fellow adventurers in a dusty tavern, and the next, a royal messenger arrived with a sealed letter bearing the queen's crest. A formal invitation to the Astorian Royal Guard, they'd said.

It hadn't been a request; it was an honour, a recognition of her accomplishments as an adventurer. Word of her deeds—her ridiculous immortality and her daring rescues—had apparently reached the ears of the Astorian court. Kaelin had almost refused, but something about the offer had intrigued her. Maybe it was the prestige. Or maybe she was just curious to see what sort of mess she could get herself into this time.

As the carriage passed through the streets of Eldenor, Kaelin's mind drifted back to the day everything changed—the escape from The Cradle, the cold, oppressive dungeon where she'd met him.

Thalion.

The elf had been a brooding, quiet presence during their brief time together. He was different from anyone she'd ever met, not just because of his immortality, but because of the quiet resolve he carried—like a man with the weight of the world on his shoulders. They hadn't talked much, but there had been something unspoken between them in those moments of chaos, as they fought their way out of that damned prison.

Kaelin wondered what had become of him. She hadn't heard any stories of him since their escape, and the world was a big place. Maybe he had moved on. Maybe he had disappeared into the ether like so many other lost souls.

She shook her head. It wasn't like her to dwell on the past. Thalion was a chapter she'd closed a long time ago, even if their parting had been... abrupt. She'd gone her way, and he had likely gone his. That's how it went with adventurers and warriors. Lives crossed and uncrossed, and there was no point in looking back.

Still, a small part of her couldn't help but wonder if their paths would ever cross again.

---

The carriage rolled to a stop at the base of the royal palace steps. The guards, resplendent in their polished armour, stood at attention as Kaelin stepped out of the carriage. She took a deep breath, glancing up at the enormous structure before her. The palace loomed, a gleaming monument to Astoria's wealth and power. It felt a bit overwhelming, even to someone like her who had faced death more times than she could count.

"This is gonna be interesting," she muttered to herself as she adjusted her gear and strode toward the massive doors. She had no idea what awaited her inside—whether it was praise, glory, or, knowing her luck, some new disaster waiting to unfold.

As she was led through the grand halls, her footsteps echoing on the marble floors, Kaelin couldn't help but marvel at the sheer luxury of it all. The palace was like something out of a storybook, with tapestries depicting Astoria's history lining the walls and chandeliers sparkling overhead.

The guards who escorted her said little, their faces stoic as they led her toward the throne room. Kaelin couldn't tell whether they were impressed by her or merely tolerated her presence. Either way, she didn't mind. She'd earned her place here, and that was all that mattered.

As the grand doors to the throne room swung open, Kaelin straightened her posture and walked in, her usual carefree demeanour slipping for just a moment. The room was vast, with towering windows casting light across the polished floors. Queen Adalynn sat at the far end, flanked by her royal advisors, her regal presence commanding attention.

Kaelin strode forward confidently, despite the stares of the nobles and guards who watched her approach, her head twisting and turning at ever sight in the room in awe. She stopped at the foot of the steps leading up to the throne and bowed deeply.

"Your Majesty," Kaelin greeted, her voice respectful but still carrying the hint of a smirk. "I hear you've got a job for me."

Queen Adalynn smiled faintly. "Indeed, Kaelin. Your reputation precedes you. We could use someone of your... unique talents in the royal guard."

Kaelin straightened, grinning. "Well, I can't say I'm used to working with nobles, but I'm always up for an adventure."

The queen's gaze lingered on her for a moment before nodding. "You'll find this position offers more than just adventure. Welcome to the Royal Guard, Kaelin."

As Kaelin turned to follow the guards leading her to her new quarters, she felt a strange anticipation building in her chest. Maybe this would be just another chapter in her wild, unpredictable life.

Or maybe... just maybe, this was the start of something far more complicated than she was ready for.