История Королевы Эльфов / The story of the Elf Queen: Королева_интерлюдия_1

Interlude One

Camrad_RIP 25.03.26 в 17:47

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Camrad_RIP 25.03.26 в 17:48

A large squadron of motley ships sailed in an elongated V formation, catching the wind with their sails. There wasn't a cloud in the sky, the sun shone brightly, and the sea was swaying only gently. The enormous flagship, the Sea Conqueror, led the way at a respectable speed. Behind it, in tow, one after another, were fifteen ships captured in Morgrave Harbor, connected to one another by thick ropes. They had been specially enchanted by the masters of the Isle, so that despite the monstrous tension, they showed no sign of breaking. The flagship, next to which they looked like tiny fishing tubs, towed them along as if oblivious to their baggage. Some of them were damaged, and a couple had lost their masts and sails altogether. The islander crews on the captured ships had to keep a close eye on their prey to ensure it stayed on course and didn't collide with other ships.

Camrad_RIP 25.03.26 в 17:49

Underwater, the squadron was accompanied by mermaid and triton squadrons. Keeping up with the ships, even with a favorable wind, was easy, but ships didn't need rest, while living creatures certainly did. So, almost every islander's ship was towed by one or two wide sea rafts. The inhabitants of the coastal waters, taking turns, rested on them. Some were lifted aboard the ships when necessary, mostly those who had suffered wounds during the raid and were now resting on the decks under the care of healers. But some mermaids and tritons kept constant watch, covering the ships underwater. Although the Middle Sea was considered relatively safe, its depths were teeming with dangerous creatures, including intelligent ones.

Camrad_RIP 25.03.26 в 17:53

Drawing level with the flagship, which was gliding briskly across the sea's surface, one of the Triton squadrons sent a signal via communication amulets. A minute later, its side on one of the lower decks, just above the waterline, folded back like a drawbridge, revealing access to one of the hold's storage spaces. When the side folded back completely, hovering parallel to the water's surface, the flagship's captain emerged from the depths of the ship, hands clasped behind his back. Seeing the arrival of the Tritons, he smiled contentedly and made a graceful gesture with his hand. A moment later, a large fishing net emerged from the depths of the ship, opening rapaciously and falling into the water next to the ship. Moments later, it pulled out a huge fish, just over two meters long. It was already dead, harpooned with a single, precise strike.

Camrad_RIP 25.03.26 в 17:55

Having assessed the catch hanging in the air before him, Alekhar nodded contentedly and made another pass with his hand. The net immediately dragged the fish carcass deeper into the ship. Meanwhile, the tritons, one after another, leaped onto the lowered side, switching to breathing with their lungs. Each carried a combat harpoon and a small, form-fitting vest made of a special fabric resistant to seawater. After the raid, everyone preferred to transfer their combat armor either to rafts or directly to the ships. After all, you can't swim far in armor, even sea armor. The leader of the Triton squad, with a harpoon richly decorated with pearls, emerged from the water and waited for his lungs to return to working order, then said in a disgruntled voice:

Camrad_RIP 25.03.26 в 17:58

"We are warriors of the sea, not hunters, to prowl all night long in search of the Unag, Alekhar."

Camrad_RIP 25.03.26 в 17:59

The King of the Islands raised his eyebrows demonstratively and said sarcastically:

Camrad_RIP 25.03.26 в 17:59

"Indeed, how could I forget this, Ieeral? Oh, speaking of my forgetfulness. I don't think I ever asked you whose troops accompanied Aldamar's ship? And helped his crew loot the Temple of Gaia? Or didn't they help, but didn't even try to stop it? Which could easily have cost us our virility. Perhaps even permanently, if the Life-Giver had been truly enraged?"

Camrad_RIP 25.03.26 в 18:00

For a few seconds, the ship's captain and the commander of the sea warriors stared into each other's eyes, after which the latter looked away. The other Tritons also suddenly began to admire the sea's surface. Smiling, Alekhar said:

Camrad_RIP 25.03.26 в 18:01

"Let's assume I've truly forgotten about this. But to be on the safe side, I expect a generous donation from you and your sea warriors for the new Temple of Gaia, which will now have to be rebuilt in Kuordemar. Because one Unag, even such a large one, will clearly not be enough. Do we understand each other, Ieeral?"

Camrad_RIP 25.03.26 в 18:04

He nodded silently.

Camrad_RIP 25.03.26 в 18:05

"That's great."

Camrad_RIP 25.03.26 в 18:05

Turning, the King of the Isles took a step and vanished into thin air. The ship from the Tree of Life allowed its captain many things, including instantaneous movement within the ship. Alekhar had barely disappeared when the ship's folded side began to rise again. The Tritons, one after another, jumped into the water. Within moments, there was no sign of the opening. A few decks above, in a separate room, the ship's captain was removing his luxurious robes, trading them for a work apron and a simple shirt.

Camrad_RIP 25.03.26 в 18:06

Living almost constantly on a ship had its drawbacks. One of them was boredom. Sooner or later, it overtook every captain of a ship like the Sea Conqueror. The usual methods of alleviating it, such as mistresses or lovers, feasts that sometimes escalated into orgies, worked for a time. Eventually, even these became tiresome, and he had to find other hobbies. Alekhar hadn't yet sated himself with female affection, but he had found a couple of additional hobbies. One of these was cooking. And without false modesty, he could say he had achieved quite good results. Therefore, he converted one of the ship's rooms into a personal kitchen, in the furnishing of which he had spared no expense.

Camrad_RIP 25.03.26 в 18:08

Having changed into his work clothes, the ship's captain extended his hand, and instantly a long, razor-sharp knife of dwarven craftsmanship flew into it, handle first. A moment later, a hatchet with a rounded blade, devoid of sharp edges, flew into the other hand. Also of dwarven craftsmanship. After checking their sharpness and confirming that it was impeccable (after all, few could match the shorty underground creatures in metalworking), Alekhar set the knife aside. First, he would have to work with the axe. Shifting his grip, Alekhar began skillfully butchering the enormous Unag carcass. An excellent catch. Large, with time to accumulate fat. Such a one would fetch a fortune at any sea market. A fish worthy of a king. First, cut off the fins. Then the tail and head. Open the belly. Gut. The enchanted dwarven steel sliced ​​through the unag carcass like a knife through hot butter.

Camrad_RIP 25.03.26 в 18:11

An hour later, wide slices of succulent dark-red meat, surrounded by smaller pieces, were artistically arranged on four enormous silver platters filled with small ice cubes. Smiling contentedly, Alekhar set down his knives and picked up several pot-bellied glass bottles containing various sauces. After pouring them over the meat, he then grabbed a couple of pots of seasonings. A couple of pinches of this. And one of those. Done! Surveying the results of his labors, the captain smiled contentedly. Truly a royal treat! Just right for his charming guest, whose sudden appearance had initially caused his heart to skip more than a few beats. After thoroughly washing his hands and changing back into his luxurious clothes, Alekhar surveyed the fruits of his labors once more, then retreated to his vast chambers.

Camrad_RIP 25.03.26 в 18:13

To find himself in the midst of a loud children's circus. The captain's quarters were enormous, occupying the entire upper part of the stern, fortunately for the ship's size. Everything was there for the most comfortable living. The quarters were divided into three sections: the main, central, and largest. Along the right side, along the wall, were the captain's bedroom and several guest bedrooms. There was also a luxurious bathing area. On the left side, in similarly separate rooms, were a study, a library, and a separate room with a ship's altar dedicated to the Lady of the Seas. There were also a couple of storerooms and wardrobes, where all sorts of things were stored, from clean sets of linens to treasure chests.

Camrad_RIP 25.03.26 в 18:16

And right now, in the central part of the chambers, where there was quite a large open space, a flock of girls, some of Amalia's youngest charges, were chasing each other, squealing and squeaking. They were all dressed in bright children's skirts embroidered with nautical patterns and short, sleeveless vests. They looked the spitting image of islanders; the only thing missing was a tan. But that would come. Most were barefoot, but a few ran around in the provided sandals. A pair of dark-skinned twin girls, dressed in blue and gold skirts and sleeveless vests with the obligatory nautical patterns, were also running around with the little ones. In the company of their peers, the girls quickly settled in and recovered from the terror they had experienced during the raid. This greatly pleased their charming guardian. And therefore, the captain. At the sight of Alekhar, the twins rushed towards him with joyful squeals:

Camrad_RIP 25.03.26 в 18:19

"Dad! Mom, Dad is here!"

Camrad_RIP 25.03.26 в 18:19

Laughing, the captain scooped up both his daughters. A huge panoramic window ran the entire length of the far wall, offering a view of the sea and the squadron sailing behind the flagship. There were also several wide, comfortable sofas, as well as a round pedestal bed, the preferred choice of the serpent people. His guests, along with Phaona and Shassa, were currently lounging on these sofas, conversing among themselves. At the sight of the captain, the black priestess, reclining on a wide, luxurious sofa with Amalia, rose to her feet with one graceful movement and walked toward him. The priestess of Gaia followed her.

Camrad_RIP 25.03.26 в 18:20

Instead of the shabby house dress in which she had appeared before the King of the Isles for the first time, she wore the luxurious attire of a wealthy islander. A red, gold-embroidered skirt fell just below the knees, revealing her long, graceful legs. A blue sleeveless vest, also embroidered with gold, accentuated her large, full breasts. A pair of beige leather sandals with gold clasps. The priestess's long, fair hair was washed and carefully combed, falling behind her in a luxurious cascade. Around her neck, Amalia wore a luxurious necklace of pink pearls, a gift from Alekhar the day before, from his personal stash. On her forehead, she wore a thin silver tiara, also adorned with pearls, and earrings with pearls in her ears.

Camrad_RIP 25.03.26 в 18:23

As they approached, the King of the Islands smiled and lowered his daughters to the floor, saying politely:

Camrad_RIP 25.03.26 в 18:23

"Greetings, my lovely priestesses! I hope you're hungry, because I've prepared something special for you."

Camrad_RIP 25.03.26 в 18:24

Swaying her hips, Phaona approached Alekhar and tenderly kissed her lover, after which she looked sternly at her daughters:

Camrad_RIP 25.03.26 в 18:27

"So, run and wash your hands with your friends."

Camrad_RIP 25.03.26 в 18:28

They immediately rushed off to the quiet children. Watching them go, Alekhar turned to Amalia as she approached and kissed her outstretched hand.

Camrad_RIP 25.03.26 в 18:29

"Venerable Amalia, you look charming in this robe, it’s as if it were made for you!"

Camrad_RIP 25.03.26 в 18:29

The priestess bowed politely and said:

Camrad_RIP 25.03.26 в 18:30

"You are too generous to me, Your Majesty..."

Camrad_RIP 25.03.26 в 18:31

Alekhar, venerable Amalia, for you just Alekhar,” the captain smiled, letting go of her hand.

Camrad_RIP 25.03.26 в 18:31

And also noting the slight blush that appeared on the priestess’s cheeks.

Camrad_RIP 25.03.26 в 18:32

"Please join me and all your charges at the table. As I said, we have something special tonight."

Camrad_RIP 25.03.26 в 18:34

Turning to the empty space in the center, the captain clapped his hands. Instantly, a pair of tables appeared, one large, the other smaller, moved from the utility room. The next moment, chairs appeared, then tablecloths, then silverware, plates, and crystal goblets. All of this invariably made a lasting impression on guests, especially first-timers. How the ability to move directly within the ship made life easier. And also, on board the Sea Conqueror, the dishes were unaffected by the swaying of the seas, even in the fiercest storms, so the silver plates and crystal goblets remained perfectly still. Arming both priestesses around the waist, Alekhar headed toward the newly appeared tables.

Camrad_RIP 25.03.26 в 18:35

Alekhar sat at the first, smaller table with Phaona and Amalia. They were joined by Shassa, who had previously been conversing with the other acolytes of Gaia, as well as the women Amalia had taken under her wing. Despite her exotic appearance by the standards of the continent's inhabitants, the snakewoman managed to find common ground with most of them. The youngest of the girls under the priestess of Gaia's wing were absolutely delighted with her, having never seen anything like her. The couple even plucked up the courage to ask permission to touch her tail. Shassa even rocked the smallest one on it, delighting her.

Camrad_RIP 25.03.26 в 18:37

The rest of the company settled at the second, larger table, casting still slightly wary glances at the captain. The King of the Islands' daughters sat with them, accompanied by their new friends. When they were all seated, Alekhar rose to his feet and said:

Camrad_RIP 25.03.26 в 18:39

"Lovely ladies, today we have for lunch… Unag fillet!"

Camrad_RIP 25.03.26 в 18:39

A clap of hands, and huge silver platters filled with crushed ice appeared on the tables, upon which slices of juicy, dark-red meat were laid. Admiring gasps swept across the tables. Pleased with the effect, Alekhar smiled:

Camrad_RIP 25.03.26 в 18:41

"Help yourself, the meat is incredibly juicy and very tasty."

Camrad_RIP 25.03.26 в 18:41

Turning to Amalia, who had sat down to his right, the captain said:

Camrad_RIP 25.03.26 в 18:45

"What do you think of elven wines, charming Amalia?"

Camrad_RIP 25.03.26 в 18:46

"I've never tried them, Your... Alekhar."

Camrad_RIP 25.03.26 в 18:47

"Then let's fix this immediately!"

Camrad_RIP 25.03.26 в 18:48

A moment later, a bottle of dark-green glass wine appeared on the table before the captain. Taking it in his hands, he uncorked the cork with a single motion, then filled the crystal goblet in front of the priestess of Gaia with dark-red wine.

Camrad_RIP 25.03.26 в 18:49

"Gift of the Forest. The harvest is ten years old. I managed to buy a large batch, which I don't regret at all. Phaona, would you like some white wine as usual?

Camrad_RIP 25.03.26 в 18:49

"Of course."

Camrad_RIP 25.03.26 в 18:49

Another bottle appeared on the table in front of the captain.

Camrad_RIP 25.03.26 в 18:50

"Shassa?"

Camrad_RIP 25.03.26 в 18:50

"I won't refuse red, My King."

Camrad_RIP 25.03.26 в 18:50

When the glasses were filled, Alekhar said with a smile:

Camrad_RIP 25.03.26 в 18:51