Chris and Amelia reached Amber Village. The new wooden walls had come along nicely. The overall structure had already been built, but a lot of details remained. They walked through the wooden gate.
To Chris' surprise, they were met with Thor, the guards, the merchant and lots of villagers as soon as they had stepped through the gate.
They were gathered just before the walls and all of them started cheering loudly as soon as they could see Chris and Amelia. "All hail the hero! All hail the high priestess!"
The villagers had all gathered to thank their new hero and their Lady Amelia. The four guards stepped forward to Chris, "We never would have survived without you and the high priestess. Thank you!". Then Thor stepped forward, "You didn't just save my life, but you also helped us with all the repairs after the battle. You have our eternal gratitude."
Finally Amelia went over to the merchant and he handed her a crown. Amelia approached Chris, "This village has not had a proper Lord for a long time. My family has looked over it since the old Amber Kingdom fell. We have discussed the issue and want to entrust you with the management of the Amber Village. We cannot grant you this fief officially, you will still need to convince Harborton of your legitimacy, but we have faith in you." Chris kneeled down before Amelia as she placed the Crown on his head. "Now rise, lord of the Amber Village", she proclaimed. Cheers of joy filled the air.
Chris felt honored and overwhelmed. All of this felt like the coronation of a new king. Not some lowly fake lord of a village. Not that he wanted to complain, this was an incredible show of faith and he got the recognition he had always wanted. He just couldn't shake the feeling that he wasn't worthy of their praise and that he wouldn't be able to live up to their expectations. In spite of this feeling or perhaps because of it, Chris resolved to do his very best not to let them down.
Amelia then continued, "I have also retrieved an old family heirloom. Please accept this token of gratitude for saving our temple." She handed him a book, or rather a spelltome. Chris read the title out loud, "The Conjurors guide to Energy Crafting".
After the ceremony, Amelia and the others led Chris to the largest building in the village. They went inside and it was filled with decorations, tables, chairs and a bountiful feast. Amelia led Chris to the lord's chair that was placed in the center by the far wall. She then sat down in the chair next to it.
Chris felt like a king with his queen beside him. He blushed just by the thought of having Amelia as his queen.
The villagers all sat down around the hall. Then they all quieted and everyone seemed to look expectantly at Chris. Amelia whispered to him, "They want you to start the celebrations with a toast."
Chris readily raised his cup high. "My friends, my fellow warriors, we have stood together against a massive threat and we have emerged victorious! For the prosperity of Amber Village!", he said with a strong voice that filled the hall.
All the villagers cheered back and started toasting wildly with each other.
Chris looked out across the hall. The scene looked like the feasts he had seen in medieval movies with kings of old. The moment filled him with happiness and something else. Something he hadn't felt very often. He felt proud. Proud to be apart of something important and a real community.
Chris did miss his parents and sister in the real world, but other then that he didn't have much to miss. He hadn't been very popular and didn't really have any close friends. He did worry about his family and how they would handle his disappearance, but they had always been happier than him. His sister had recently started her own family. They would probably be all right.
It is not like he knows of a way back anyway. He should make the most of this new life.
Amelia caught Chris lost in his thoughts, "You seem to be pondering something. Are you well?"
"Sorry my Lady, I am very well. What you and the villagers have done here is wonderful. Thank you."
Chris lifted his cup to toast with Amelia. The night went on like this all the way into the wee hours.
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The next morning Chris woke up on wooden floors. He then remembered that they had celebrated in the village hall so late that they decided to sleep here. Amelia lied just a meter away, but propped up on a large bear fur. They were the only ones in the hall.
Chris went to get something to eat and some water. After he had found some breakfast he fetched his new spelltome and sat down at a table. He casually looked through the contents of the book while eating.
Amelia was still fast asleep. It looked really cozy on that bear. Chris would be lying if he said that he didn't want to snuggle in beside her.
Roughly an hour later Amelia woke. She shortly joined Chris at the table and took some fruits to eat.
They sat there in silence for a while. Eventually Amelia broke the silence. "I have not shared a room with another man since I was a child and slept in my parents room. This is the second time I sleep in the same room as you. If it were to happen again, I would not be opposed to lie closer."
With that last sentence, Chris almost choked on the water he was drinking. He looked over at Amelia who started laughing.
"And here I thought that a handsome man like yourself would be used to the company of women, but it seems that I was mistaken."
I have not once been told that I'm handsome by anyone outside of my family. It must be due to the wish I made when I got here. This sure feels nice.
"Uh-hum, thank you my Lady. You should be careful talking to men like that, they could get the wrong impression.", Chris answered with a gentle, but firm voice.
"I think you, my Lord, are the one getting the wrong impression. I will make myself clear. I enjoy your company and hope to spend more time you. And when we are alone, please call me Amelia."
"I like you too", Chris whispered back to her and then quickly stood up as if he had some important appointment he was late for and ran out.