#nelia said if she is to be a threat to others than she will be THE THREAT

[faerune]

i just love nelia so much i love that she's a hero not because she's necessarily a good person (she tries ok she gets better) but because she's too arrogant and stubborn to take any other route

like of course she's going to take on insurmountable odds and save everyone she's nelia fucking surana

[elizapreg]

Tale of Alora- Chapter 14: The Illusion of Choice

As he finished telling their story, Ben looked over at Beth. He was a bit shocked at how little she’d spoken up during his lengthy explanation, given how forward she usually was. But the innkeeper just stood there holding her chin in thought.  He’d gone on for longer than he’d thought he could, with Nelia making corrections to his tale as necessary. “Well? Do you think that will get people to sympathize with us?” Nelia asked, looking up over her belly at Beth from her position of restraint. Beth ran a hand through her wild hair, exhaling loudly as she leaned against the jailbars. “Well, to be totally frank it sounds like something an amatuer author would write just to explain some outlandish situation…” She said, “But assuming people believe it, it definitely paints you guys as friends rather than foe.” Ben nodded. “That's the best we can hope for.” Beth shook her head a bit. “One concern though. If Nelia truly is some important former prisoner of the Demon hierarchy, isn’t her staying here the exact threat the people are worried about? Sure, she’s not an enemy, but you’ve already had an encounter with a hunter, who’s to say more demons aren’t hunting her down?” Standing stunned, Ben turned back to Nelia. “It's been weeks since we encountered the hunter. They had to have lost our trail, right? We’ve kept Nelia well hidden until now.” Beth cut in, louder now. “You know how powerful her people are! You think there’s not some spell that could locate her? How did the hunter find you to begin with?!? Are you seriously telling me you guys walked in here without even thi-” “CUT US SOME SLACK!!” Nelia suddenly shouted, catching the others off guard. “It should be impossible for demons to stay in this realm for long, and Ben just wanted to give Alora and me a safe place to be for a while!  He’s…kinda had to provide for two pregnant gals so I don’t blame him for taking what he can get. Me though?  I’ve had a long time alone in that room to worry about what might happen next.  I still don’t even know how that hunter got into this world, and I don’t know if they can do it again.  And then there’s all the other weird stuff about this situation.   Whatever they did to me in that cell, it changed things about me beyond just this belly. I didn’t notice until we arrived here to be fair, but my eyes! Don’t you guys know anything about Demons?” Beth and Ben looked at eachother confused. “Your eyes?” Ben asked. “What are you talking about? You’ve had green eyes since we met.” “EXACTLY! I didn’t realize the change until seeing myself in the mirror on our way here, but all demons, everyone I’ve ever seen, have red eyes. I did too, before being taken. So whatever they did to me has caused this change. I don’t know how to fully explain it, I’m no expert in the magic arts, but ever since escaping, I’ve felt different. I became more sure of it after we encountered the hunter. I’m disconnected from the magic that connects the demons together. Reije… the hunter? He’s one of the best they have. Yet he seemed unprepared for when he ambushed us. Almost like he found us by accident and had to act-maybe the same thing happened to him when he came to this realm.” Ben thought back to that day, “Yeah, I mean, with how strong he was, I still don’t get how we got away, or why he hasn’t found us again.” Nelia looked down at her belly. “I don’t know what my role in their plan truly is, but I do know it has something to do with creating some sort of ‘super demon.’ I don’t think they would be taking their time to get me back without reason.” Beth sighed again, running her hand through her hair.  “Maybe don’t say anything about a super demon in your defense speech,” she said.  Then she suddenly gave the motion to be quiet as the door to the cell block opened and the mayor walked in with Captain Mac. Beth turned to them. “Come on you two, be reasonable, you know Ben, he wouldn’t bring doom to our doorstep. This demon has even lived in my inn for weeks and hasn’t done a single thing out of line.  She’s harmless.” The Mayor seemed weighed down, shaking his head slowly. “I’m sorry Beth, that’s not for me alone to decide. I’m no king, I serve the will of the people. And they demand a trial.”

“They demand a bloodbath, morelike,” Beth grumbled and crossed her arms.  “I thought she was supposed to be the demon here.” Captain Mac opened the cell, walking in and placing a collar around Nelia’s neck, similar to the ones on her handcuffs, before releasing her other restraints. He reached out a hand to the demon to help her to her feet, looking over at Ben. “Give me a hand, that collar will sap most of her strength, so we’ll need to help her walk to the platform.” Ben nodded, pulling Nelia’s arm over his shoulders to help her to her feet. As she stood, her knees buckled as Ben and Mac held her up. “Whhaa.. Woah.. Sorry. This… is making me…” “Tired, yes, it's just to keep you from making a run for it or fighting back. And should put the people at ease.” The mayor interjected. “Our legends and history have a strong hold in their minds. As far as they know you can breathe fire.” Nelia chuckled nervously hearing that. “That’d be nice. It's so damn cold up here.”

Exiting the prison into the blinding morning light, Nelia squinted, even a few blocks away, she could already hear the mob at the city center, chanting and rambling. Trudging her way towards the noise, her groggy mind wondered ‘Is this the end for us, little one? I hope Alora is safe… but she’d probably be on the mob's side after last night…’ Ben pulled her up higher on his shoulder, looking over into her eyes. “I know now's not the best time. But you really do have pretty eyes. I just hope they are as special as you think. Could be our best chance.” Reaching the mob, it seemed like the whole town was there. The various walks of life seemingly arguing among themselves in a mass at the foot of a large wooden platform with a podium and seats on each side.  Nelia wiggled her nose, thinking this looked more like a festival than a trial.  She was a bit relieved however, as she expected a noose, or a large hooded man with an ax. Ben and Mac carried the limp demon girl up onto the platform, placing her in a seat on the right of the podium, with Ben sitting next to her. “Try to stay calm ok?” Ben asked, grabbing Nelia’s hand in his “Do your best to… look non threatening?” Nelia looked over at him and chuckled. “I can barely stand, and look pregnant enough to pop. I think I got that covered.”

“Don’t open your mouth too much either,” Ben said, “apparently they think you can still breathe fire.” Beth came and joined them on the stand. “As much as I don’t understand, I’ll do what I can. I hope your story gets better with the second telling, Ben, or I doubt I’ll have many more visitors to my inn.” She joked, trying to break the tension. Walking up the other side of the stand, the Mayor came up, standing behind the podium. Behind him Jandyce took a seat, glaring over at Nelia with contempt. “Alright everyone. We are gathered here to witness the arguments for and against Nelia the Demon. For those unaware, she was found to have been smuggled into our city by Benres of the south forest villages, and Alora, the Elf maiden of Aalumond. For several weeks she has been kept secret in Beth’s Inn, though as far as I’m aware Beth was unaware of Nelia’s demonic heritage.” The Mayor turned to gesture at Jandyce. “My wife Jandyce Johnstock has come forward with charges of espionage and conspiracy against Benres, Alora and Nelia. Alora has not yet been arrested but we assure you once she is found she will be brought to be judged before you as her friends have. Due to the prosecution being obviously a person of great importance to me. I will not be the Judge of this case. I will refrain from input unless called upon, and as dictated by our city’s laws, the captain of the guard is the next in line to judge.”

Stepping back from the podium, and walking off the stand, Mayor Johnstock took a seat beside the crowd as Mac took his place behind the podium. “Let’s get this show on the road. Jandyce, you may present your case to the people.” Jandyce stood, pacing for a moment across the stand as she looked out across the crowd. “ A thousand years ago, our people were the greatest civilization in the land. Every race from the noble elves to the powerful giants sought to live among us and take part in our grandeur. Then, as we all know, came the Demon King and his hoards. They decimated the land, nearly wiping out the human race, and scattering us across the lands. It was only through the foolishness of their command, and the unity of those who remained that the demons were ever driven back. ” The old woman turned to point at Nelia, “And what do we have here? A demon sent not only to scout us out, not only to probe for our weakness, but to birth into our world the first wave of an invasion to wipe us from history.”

Ben nudged Beth in the elbow.  “Hey, what’s that…thing that you’re supposed to say in a trial…when you think someone has said something wrong?”

“Are you thinking of…objecting?”  Beth whispered.  “That’s not-”

“Objection!”  Ben shouted.

Jandyce raised an eyebrow at Ben, who had stood up so fast he’d nearly knocked his seat over.

“On what grounds, Benres?” Captain Mac asked.

“On the grounds that…” Ben pondered, “what she said isn’t true!  Nelia’s not-”

“Overruled,” Captain Mac said, “the defense can give their testimony when it is their turn to speak.  Please allow the prosecution to finish.” Facing the crowd once more she continued. “How are we to know that Benres isn’t the last survivor of the south? His people were wiped out by this demon's power. The mighty elves of Aalumond may not have fallen so easily, but there have been rumors that the daughter of one of their highest citizens vanished almost a year and a half ago. And in comes an elf girl bearing the tell tale gown of their culture. Alora, the fallen elf. Beguiled by this temptress and carrying a child of ruin.”

“No that’s wro-” Nelia started to shout, only to find Beth’s hand over her mouth.

Jandyce shook her head, looking up at the sky for a moment. “I spent much time with Alora over the last few weeks. She is truly a wonderful spirit and I’d been filled  with such joy at the thought of her motherhood.” Looking down again, she got louder. “Only for that joy to be stolen away as I realized it was only a front- physiological warfare by the demons to hide the truth!” Pointing back at Nelia, Jandyce calls out “This threat to our civilization cannot be tolerated! I call all those to make the tough choice with me. SLAY THE DEMON!!” “YOU’RE DELUSIONAL JANDYCE!!” Shouted a loud, familiar voice from behind the crowd. Jumping to his feet, Ben looked out over the crowd, his heart soaring with hope and relief when he saw the purple hair of Alora, standing in the street with her hands on her hips, panting after that sonic blast. Her face red, Jandyce shouted to the guards “Seize her! She cannot be allowed to escape!” Alora’s determined facade quickly faded as she realized she’s as much of a target as Nelia…and the whole town was just informed she was carrying a child of ruin. “GET OUT OF HERE!! RUN ALORA!” Ben shouted out before Jandyce slapped him across the face. Looking around in a panic, Alora saw the crowd boiling as the soldiers made their way towards her. She felt her chest tightening, her belly feeling heavier than ever as she tried to formulate a plan. She turned to run before stopping herself, her mind racing. “No… NO!  I can’t run! Think of Aluma… think of Ben.. think of Nelia! They all need me, I have to fight. No more running, no more fear. I’m in control of what happens!” Turning back to face the swarm approaching her, Alora felt a surge within her she hadn’t had to feel in weeks. Her hands began to glow as she tapped into her magical reserves of power. “Damn the consequences, THIS STOPS NOW!” The elf shouted, lifting her luminous hands as a light purple mist surges out from them, engulfing everything in a bright purple glow. As the light dissipated, everyone stood still, before they slowly began to fall to their knees one after another, some managing to stay conscious, others dropping out cold. Walking forward triumphantly, her glowing hands clenched in fists, Alora felt the searing pain of her belly contracting, the huge outpouring of magic taking its usual toll, yet she paused only for a moment to shake her head before she kept on walking, unphased by the pain, her eyes set on her friends. She pushed past the weakened guards with ease, looking up at the stand, Ben was out cold, Nelia seemed just as she did before, and Beth seemed to have taken it pretty well, remaining awake. Alora stomped up the stairs, but as she reached the top, Jandyce stood between the elf and the demon. The once helpful old woman scowled at the elf.

“You won’t get away with this,” She said, falling to her knees.  “After all I’ve done for you…welcoming you with open arms, preparing you for the birth of your child…and it turns out you’ve thrown in your lot with her…a demon!” Alora reached out, grabbing Jandyce and looking at her at eye level. “You stupid bitch. ‘After all you’ve done for me?’  Abducted me into your ‘weird moms club’?  Treated me like nothing more than a charity case all so you could feel high and mighty?  I never asked for your stupid help!  You never once asked me what my story was…about me! About what I wanted!  Well I’m not just some demure little mommy elf! My power, and my friends are only your enemy if you MAKE us your enemy. If you truly want to avoid the dire fate you think we bring, you’ll listen and you’ll listen good.  We are the best shot you have against what's coming to this world.” Alora pointed sternly at Nelia. “She has been through more trauma than you could possibly understand! And you have the nerve to treat her as a foe despite all she’s risked to STOP her people!?!  Yeah, you really care about mothers-to-be, huh?  When the one who needed help the most had to-” Alora paused, noticing Jandyce’s intense glare focused on her hands.  They were no longer glowing with the purple light of her magic.  She looked back at the mob.  They were not stirring.  Everyone was still on the ground.  Even stranger, the very color of the sky had changed, as if a cover of clouds had rolled in when she wasn’t looking.  A chill ran down Alora’s spine and she blinked, trying to shake the feeling that she was looking out at a street lined with corpses.  No, they were all just sleeping.  That’s all she could do.  They were all just passed out.

All except for one.

Standing in the same spot where Alora had released her magic, stood a white haired woman, her back toward the crowd.  She was dressed in a long robe, in no color a commoner could wear.  Thin black smoke seemed to pour out from under it.  Even from this distance, Alora could see the striking, dark horns piercing the air above the woman’s head. Quickly turning to Nelia, Alora shouted, “Who… WHO IS THAT?!?” Nelia was paler than Alora had ever seen her, her voice shaky she replied. “It… It can’t be, she can’t leave our realm…. It's… it's the Queen.”

“Queen?” Jandyce huffed.  “There was no Queen in legend.  Don’t you know your own dark history?” “Ah so even a traitor such as yourself remembers me.  Flattering to know that even one such as you will always remember how to address me properly.” The Demon Queen said, her voice steady and conversational, yet loud enough that she could be heard clearly even from down the street. She slowly turned around, revealing her sharp face and the ornate patterns on the front of her robe.

“My wonderful child…we were so worried about you.  I was beginning to lose hope we’d ever find you again. If your little elf friend hadn’t just set off the magical equivalent of a signal fire, who knows how long it would have taken,” She said, winking her red eye before vanishing, appearing at the foot of the podium in a puff of red smoke. Alora primed herself to fight, only for a sharp pain to shoot up her back, knocking her to her knees as she clutched her bump in pain, everything inside it cramming against her spine in an unbearably uncomfortable unease. Nelia tried to stand, only for the collar to make her fall back into the chair. The only one still standing, Beth, moved between the two pregnant girls and the new threat. The tall demon smirked at the display. “My oh my, what such short lives will do to a human!  It should have been passed down that you drop to your knees before a queen. Yet, the traitor is right. I’m still in the demon realm, this is just a projection of my consciousness.” She explained, moving her hand right through Beth's chest. “See? No physical form here, so I have no choice to let your act of insolence slide.” Laughing, the Queen peered at Alora and Nelia over the innkeeper's shoulder. “But even if I'm not there now, I will be soon enough.”

Nelia scowled at the Queen, “We’ll be long gone before you get here then.” The Queen smiled, “That would be a problem, which is why I’ve appeared before you today.  It seems the people of this village were wise enough to wrap you up nice and safe and sound for me.  I’m here to ask that they simply keep you that way.  If you are not there by the time my forces are able to enter the realm, then this proud woman,” she looked over to Jandyce, “will be made to watch as history repeats itself on her watch.”

The queen’s brow furrowed intensely, lines appearing all over her face.  “You’ll face the same fate if any harm should come to my sweet, sweet angel.  If you don’t value your lives at all, then let her go free, by all means.  Every single one of my troops have heard legends about how sweet the blood of humans is.” Jandyce lies barely conscious on the stand, scowling right back at the Queen but giving no answer. The Queen turned back to Nelia, but her eyes never left the round mound under her overalls.  Nelia found the strength to squirm in her seat, trying by any means necessary to avoid the hand that was now coming for her.  Even though she never felt the burning touch of the Queen, she saw that hand press against her belly, and the life inside began to throw a fit. “Wait for me, my precious.  Soon enough I will feel you in my arms.” She whispers to Nelia’s belly.  Her face came closer to the bump, and this time, Nelia could feel a burning where the Queen’s lips would have connected. Just as Nelia began to cry out, the Queen vanished into smoke and the skies slowly began to lighten, leaving Alora staring at the pile of unconscious citizens now awakening in confusion.

Nelia struggled to her feet, kneeling down next to Alora and hugging her tight, the two girls' bellies pressing against each other, both of them starting to calm down for the first time. Tears running down Nelia’s cheeks, she sobbed “You came back… You came back…”

Looking over the confusion of the town square, the unconscious mayor and his shaken wife, then up at Ben as he snored in his seat, Alora hugged Nelia back. “Of course I did… But at what cost…”