Afterword - Book 4 - Chapter 31 (Patreon)

Chapter 31: An Elf's Vacation

(Original Chapter Title: An Elf's Vacation)

Fluff chapter, or one of the most important developments in the book? You decide.

Okay, no, more seriously—even in the OG draft I'd been building toward this moment for a very, very long time. Ranthia's always been the kind of person that actually gives a damn. She grieves, she forms bonds, and she cherishes those bonds. Honestly, I've been outright baffled at multiple reviews that call her a loner that never gets close to anyone, especially at this stage.

That hasn't been true since she closed herself off out of self-preservation, long ago.

Writing the era I'm in means I have to make some difficult decisions, because the Pallos of over twenty-four thousand years from now isn't exactly highly developed either. At least as compared to what we're used to on Earth. I have to cautiously balance what is and isn't present yet and worldbuild within my corner to make sure things fit. But elves absolutely had to figure out mental health—it effects everyone eventually. And that statement becomes a hell of a lot more ominous when people live forever.

Ranthia's suffered heartbreak, losses, and defeats throughout her life. She prides herself on her ability to (with a bit of time) pick herself back up and keep moving, but the weight accumulates. And sooner or later, everyone needs a helping hand. There's no shame in that.

Ranthia is strong, but she isn't all powerful. None of us are.

And Avyna's brought her to where she can get some actual assistance.

A subtle thing that I'm not sure I appreciated enough until I began edits is that Ranthia's always been something of a foodie. She's not all wine and fine dining (in part because she's awful about treating herself), but she loves a well-crafted meal. She has a fondness for "simple" meals and finding ways to make them shine, but she's definitely being wow'd by the foods on offer in Coalition City.

Ranthia seldom wants more than the System has to offer, just because she's known those limitations her entire life—but here she absolutely wants the means to grab a cooking Skill (and/or Class).

Sometimes it's good to indulge in a little R&R, even if Ranthia thinks its hedonistic.