Re: Incarnation

The carriage ride became awkward. Could this Racknar be Jon reborn, or simply someone similar? Elizabeth’s heart raced, her old feelings surfaced once more. Racknar eventually sighed and leaned forward. “So since you told me something from your past life, maybe I should do the same. I died a virgin.” Elizabeth choked a bit. “Excuse me what?!” Racknar chuckled. “Yeah, and I was nearing thirty. Kinda sad really. Guess I never found the right person. Not that I ever gave myself the time to. I mean, I had female friends I just…. I don't know.”

Elizabeth chuckled as well. “I basically had the same issue. I focused too much on one thing I wanted and ignored everything else. Despite being basically a noble in that life too. Beautiful and wealthy. I felt… feel so empty.” Racknar nodded. “Without that void being filled, you feel it more than ever. I get that.” Elizabeth finally asked: “Have you ever been in love?” Racknar sighed “Romanticly?” He made a strange sound. “I had a crush once or twice but… you know.”

Elizabeth nodded. Then suddenly the two were interrupted by the cart stopping. Racknar stepped outside to see what it was. A goblin raiding party. The two drivers and Emma all readied weapons and even Elizabeth got out of the cart and readied a spell. Racknar oddly enough ordered everyone to lower their weapons. Saying he'd handle it.

The leader of the raid took two steps forward and started making different noises. “Dok. Dok Nek-tal sa han fal, wan, sa gol. Han ul so nek.” Racknar lifted his right hand and pointed to the band on it. “Nam es Racknar. Racknar es fran o Grakka. Racknar nul uman. Racknar nul nek. Grakka row, row er nek. Uman nek Grakka. Uman rak.”

Emma stuttered. “Is he… speaking to those Goblins?” One of the drivers scoffed. “Nonsense. Goblins are too simple for true language. Those sounds are just a barbaric attempt at mimicry.” The raid leader started pacing. It then took two more steps. Racknar also got closer. The raid leader looked at the armband then shouted at the group. The raid party started walking away. Racknar then returned to the carriage. “There is no use for violence with weapons, when reason is sufficient.” One of the drivers shouted at Racknar “You would spare Goblins, when all they do is rape and pillage? They are savages, incapable of reason.”

Racknar looked him dead in the eye. “If that were all true, then how did I talk them into leaving.” The man shouted. “What if they attacked or disarmed you, what would you have then?” Racknar grunted. “A pile of dead Goblins.” Elizabeth took two steps forward. “I think he should be commended. We were able to pass through a Goblin raid without so much as a scratch. You may be a black knight, but if you ask me, your armor shines brighter than most.”

Racknar did a light bow and got back in the carriage along with everyone else taking their spots. “Violence should always be a last resort.” Elizabeth nodded. “Do not draw me without reason.” Racknar finished the line. “Do not wield me without valor.” Elizabeth smiled “You know, it's really nice to see you again. Jon.” Racknar practically jumped in his seat. “Megan?” He started laughing. “No way, that's crazy. What happened, you get into an accident months after I kicked it?”

Elizabeth shook her head. “Five years. I lived for five years after you died. I don't understand how you are once again only months older than I and also not even human.” Racknar let out a sigh. “It's worse. There's a reason I didn't specify what kind of beast-kin I am in my guild papers. If you saw what I really looked like… I doubt you'd like it” Elizabeth put a hand on Racknar's. “How you looked never mattered to me J- Racknar. It was how you m-” she stopped mid-sentence.

Her hand was on what looked like smooth black metal armor but it felt closer to pious rock with something growing off it. Then she realized the feeling was like thick hairs and she realized that what she was seeing was an illusion. The moment she knew that she could see through it. She launched her back into the back of the seat as her eyes widened. “Holy-”

Racknar eyed the floor. “Thanks, Liz.” Elizabeth put her hand on her chest and took a few breaths. “I was just surprised. Sorry. I…” she leaned forward and grabbed Racknar’s hand again. “This doesn't change how you used to make me feel. I'm sorry for how I used to treat you. It was my greatest regret. You know, I spoke at your funeral.” Racknar nodded. “Must have been a good speech knowing you.”

They sat in silence for a while before Racknar talked again. “So… about how I make you feel I-” Elizabeth put up her hand “I know I know. You weren't doing it to try and get with me or whatever. It's just… you were the first person to treat me like an actual human and I needed that. As well as someone who gave me their honest opinion and not just fluff. My feelings weren't romantically tinted so it's fine if you have no feelings for me. I know full well nothing I have to offer interests you in the slightest. All I have is my looks and money and you need neither.”

Racknar gripped Elizabeth’s hand. “You are also a talented mage, I can tell. Despite being given so much you never stopped trying to grow as a person. You never stopped trying to be better. You are a good person. Strong, independent, and determined. I had to be those things in order to survive. You chose to be those things. Maybe as part of trying to find that missing peace, but still. You could have just as easily been just like the rest of your family but you genuinely cared about others.”

Elizabeth smiled. “Don't try and pretend you didn't. You could have also chosen to be cruel. Taken from or exploited others in order to crawl out of the hole you were born in. Building a stairway out of bodies. You chose the hard way, to climb out tooth and claw with nothing but your bare hands. Things may have started out rougher this time but just look where you are now. You are a local legend and not once did you have to drag another down to build yourself up. You choose the hard way and continue to do so. You are the strongest, most durable, and most stubborn man I know.”

Racknar laughed. “Not to mention most honest.” He paused to look out the window. “You know, I'm glad I've found someone I knew in my old life. Well, sort of. There's a strong chance that some multiverse stuff is in play but in this case things are close enough for it not to matter.” Elizabeth let go of Racknar's hand. “I could definitely use an advisor like you. Do you think… we can have the same sort of relationship as before? But this time without the masquerade. No hiding.”

Racknar’s fangs curled in a way that mimicked a smile. “I guess we could. There wasn't anything romantic so I doubt your new husband would object to you seeing an advisor who was a commoner.” Elizabeth eyed the floor. “Yeah, right. No issues at all.”

The next several days consisted of casual talk with Racknar occasionally having to get out of the cart to deal with wolves or bandits. He always made quick work of every obstacle. Just a few days before reaching Flowers, Elizabeth had a question in mind for Racknar. “Hey Racknar, I noticed that in this world people use a lot of terms from Creatures and Catacombs. I also overheard the names of some of the gods from its pantheon. Things like classes and subclasses, although renamed or reflavored, exist. I even noticed you are listed as a Berserker, a hybrid class from the books.”

Racknar looked at her. “Yeah, I actually still have all the books memorized and it's definitely been a big help in taking in threats. I sense a question coming on.” Elizabeth continued “Well assuming you're around the same level of skill as I am, or higher considering your guild rank. I've been wondering, what's your subclass?” Racknar tilted his head. “You know, I never really thought about it. I should be anywhere from level three to five in book terms so I definitely should have one. However unlike the books I don't think it's as easy as simply picking one out when you level up or whatever. It's likely based on actions. Like… selecting it based on roleplay.”

Elizabeth put her hand on her chin and nodded. “Right. It's easy for me to know I picked the sorcerer subclass that dips into the divine source, because I'm able to dip into spells normally used by clerics. But if I remember correctly, in the book the sorcerer is flavored to have gotten its subclass due to bloodline. It's not an active choice for the character.” Racknar nodded. “That's correct. Although the player actively picks it, it's stated in the book that as far as the lore is concerned it's a bloodline trait. Unlike other classes that get subtypes from specified training.”

Elizabeth shifted in her seat. “I've yet to see you use the signature ability of the Berserker, so I have no way of knowing if there's a potential risk of problems. I know for a fact if you display powers that draw from a set source in this world the people will react negatively.” Racknar nodded and leaned in closer to Elizabeth and whispered. “Infernal Wrath Berserker.”

Elizabeth's eyes widened. Although she didn't remember the books by heart, she didn't have to in order to know what that implied. Though normally a martial class, much like other classes the Berserker can dip into other sources depending on the subclass. Infernal meaning he's drawing power from the nine hells in addition to his own physical strength. Something that's forbidden in the Empire. It's why Warlocks are almost never public about their true class, even when they pick a divine patron unless that patron is an angel of the “one true God” worshiped by The Church of Longinus.

The trip continued and after a few days they finally reached the city of Flowers. Elizabeth looked at it in awe. “This looks just like Florence, the resemblance is uncanny.” Racknar nodded. “I've been here before, it was the first major city I visited. Got my ring of illusion here and I plan to use my reward from this job and my savings to acquire a ring and robe of protection as well as some bracers of defense.” Elizabeth tilted her head. “I thought that item only worked if you weren't wearing armor.” Racknar chuckled. “Illusion, remember. I'm not actually wearing armor. The item doesn't check for natural armor. I know because it works the same way as unarmored defense and evasion. I still get those benefits.”

Elizabeth put her hand on her chin. “Right, the signature features of your class that you get early on. That seems broken. What the hell would your AC even be at?” Racknar brought up his hands and moved his fingers as he did the math. “Let's see… base ten… plus eight from my natural armor… plus three from my dexterity… unarmored defense gives me another five and unarmored evasion gives me additional ability to avoid damage but technically doesn't add to my AC. The bonus is based on dexterity so it's plus three.”

Elizabeth put up a finger. “If you can't look at your stat sheet, since it's not actually a thing here, how in the hell do you know your mod bonuses.” Racknar chuckled. “Easy, since attacks have a set range of damage with you getting a bonus based on your stat and since monsters often use a set health pool, I was able to trial error the math.” Elizabeth gave a shocked voice. “Wait, really?!” Racknar gave a big laugh. “Hells no, I'm just guesstimating. Although it is based on my experience so far using my knowledge of the books. That's assuming this world is equivalent and that's dangerous.”

Elizabeth nodded. “If you get it wrong then you could easily wind up dead. Not every game mechanic would translate into a real life situation anyway. I mean… In the game AC mechanically just makes you better at dodging. If your accuracy is lower than the AC you simply don't do damage. But that's not how armor works.” Racknar nodded. “And yet when I used a scroll of identify on a set of magic armor it caused a magic hologram screen to show up giving a description in the same way it would look in the book using the same wording. Though I did once overhear someone say they got a robe of evasion and it increasing his evasion when in the books that's not how it's worded.”

Elizabeth nodded. “So it's possible that evasion and AC are treated differently. Having a separate dodge and armor stat rather than it being one thing.” Racknar sighed “Yeah. As fun as nerding out with you has been, I've got to deliver you to your new husband. Unfortunately.” Elizabeth let out her own sigh. “Arranged marriages are bogus. Even if I were able to pick someone, I'd still be limited to nobility and royals. Stupid aristocracy.”

The two walked to the manor of the Lord of Flowers, Duke Floren. The overweight balding man stood there with several personal guards and there were several city guards posted nearby within eyesight. Elizabeth let out one final sigh. “Well, looks like you've completed your quest.” She hands Racknar a bag of coins. “Goodluck and safe travels brave warrior.” She then walked over to her soon-to-be husband who put his hand around her and pulled her into his side.

Racknar bowed with a flourish. “If there is anything else you are in need of, Princess, do not hesitate to ask or request for my services again. Whatever you may need, great or mundane, I'm just a message spell away.” He then stood straight and eyes the Duke. Though no one could tell other than Elizabeth since they couldn't see his face. Racknar then turned around and slowly started walking away.

The man, likely over thirty, licked his lips grossly. Speaking loud enough for everyone to hear. “I can't wait to dig into this lovely young untouched peach.” He grabbed her face and licked it. “But first I'll have to teach you your proper place. On your knees. You may outrank me as a noble, but as a man I am still your better. You will speak only when spoken to, and call me master at all times. You are nothing more than a servant to my whims. If I ask for something, the only response I want to hear is “yes master”.

Elizabeth then shouted out. “Racknar, there is actually one more thing you could do for me.” She felt a tip of a dagger at her back as Duke Floren whispered in her ear. “Try anything funny, and I'll make sure you're punished. I have clarics on hand that can restore even the gravest of wounds. So long as you breathe, you can be restored. No torment is off limits.” Elizabeth gulped hard, but then remembered a time in her last life when Duncan was still trying to give her a hard time before he had finally given up.

Racknar turned to face Elizabeth, he couldn't see the knife but could see that Floren had one arm practically around her neck. “All you need to do is ask, Princess.” Floren poked Elizabeth a bit harder, but not enough to stab her. She continued to speak anyway, moving her hand and casting the spell haste without the verbal component. “Could you open this jar of pickles for me?” Floren backed off a bit, confused by the request.

Racknar did a light bow. “Understood, Princess.” Then there was a blur. Racknar moved faster than Elizabeth’s eyes could register. Before anyone could even blink, Racknar's fist had slammed into Floren’s face and the rotund man had been sent flying into a pillar in front of the manor, going right through it and impacting the wall behind leaving a dent. Racknar then slowly walked to the man as he drew one of the four greatswords off his back with a single hand.

Floren's face was bloody, but he was still conscious somehow. “You can't just attack a Duke like that in broad daylight! Are you insane?! You'll be executed for treason! I'll enjoy watching you get tortured for ten days leading up to it! You are a dead man walking, you hear me?! You're dead!” Racknar lifted his sword and pulled his arm back, clearly aiming for the man's gut. “No Duke, it is you who is dead.” And he sank the sword deep into the rotund man with ease.

Racknar then pulled the sword out and flicked it to get some of the blood off. “It's a real shame really. The night before he was to be wed, an assassin snuck into the Duke's bedroom in the dead of night and slit his throat. Unfortunately for him, he had resurrection magic completely banned in his region, having seen it as unnatural. With all the red tape, it would take a year to overturn that and by then it'll be too late. It looks like Princess Elizabeth Bramble will have to fill the role of Duke despite not officially being wed. At least until a new arrangement can be made.”

Every guard nearby had their swords drawn. All the guards in the area and several civilians saw what Racknar did. He wasn't exactly subtle about it. There is a long silence as everyone just stares at the scene with mouths agape. Eventually, one person starts clapping. It spreads and eventually even the guards are clapping and cheering. Elizabeth was stunned. “That man must have pissed off everyone. I mean God damn. Cold blood and broad daylight, yet instead of being locked up and killed it looks like they'd rather throw you a parade.”

The guards start cleaning up the mess and Elizabeth arranges to have the building fixed. Once everything was settled she went over to Racknar. “You went above and beyond what was requested of you. Although I can't offer you a payment bonus I feel like you deserve something extra for your efforts. We can't publicly celebrate what you did, but any small token of thanks you can think of, I'm happy to give.”

Racknar put his sword away after cleaning it and took a few steps closer to Elizabeth. His fangs curled into what Elizabeth now knew as his version of a smile. “How about a kiss?” Emma, who wasn't able to see past the illusion and had actively tried setting the two up in some way as her own way of helping the princess vocalized from the background. “Ohhhhhh~” Clearly she was egging this on, having no idea what Racknar really looked like.

The crowd was still present and joined in on egging it on, a chant started amongst those that remained. “Kiss the knight. Kiss the knight.” Elizabeth couldn't exactly turn down such a simple request openly without seeming rude, especially with everyone else cheering for it. She approached Racknar and got face to face with him. Her heart beating fast with a mixture of anxiety, fear, and anticipation. This was a request she felt she might have gone for in their old life, if Jon had just asked. But now, looking at his man-spider face… she found it hard to get over how frightening he looked.

Not only was he scary looking, his ability and willingness to kill someone in order to ensure the safety of another was also quite frightening. However, frontier style justice is common in this world. Everyone clearly agreed the world was better without Floren. They clearly saw it as a good thing, the end of a tyrant. Elizabeth swallowed heavily as she leaned in and kissed Racknar on the forehead, needing to tiptoe while standing one step up to do so.

Everyone cheered. What they saw was the princess give a wholesome kiss to the forehead of Racknar's helmet. Meanwhile, what she saw, whas the pious chitinous forehead of an anthropomorphic arachnid. However, despite this, she still felt a small sense of fulfillment in the act. Despite the new life and all its changes, this exchange was something she felt she had wanted in her past life. The chance to at least explore if her feelings were simply platonic or romantic. But now, the gesture also served to tell her if her feelings truly did carry over. If he was still able to make her feel the same way despite how he looked.

“I have work to do, I'll… see you around Racknar. At least I assume I will.” Racknar nodded. “I visit Flowers often. I'm sure we'll meet again.” Then he turned and started walking away. Making his way to a magic item shop to get what he wanted.