The proposal sounded really good for the both of us. By aligning ourselves with Forostar, we would also have some manner of separation from the people she knows. This would let us have some form of safety if they were to find her. Of course this was assuming those people was looking for her. To be honest, this was most likely just a needless worry of mine. There was a good chance that they don't really care about finding her at all. But, I couldn't help but worry and prepare for the worst.
"...We should accept it."
I nodded and turned to look at the chief. "We have a deal, but I'll only answer questions that we're comfortable in answering."
She smiled and nodded as she walked back to her seat. "Take a seat. I'll ready some tea for the two of you."
She leaned back to her chair as she crossed her legs. She then did a little finger wag at the teapot on her table. The teapot floated up as it poured its contents on the teacups on her desk. The teacups then floated across the room onto the table by where we sat. This casual everyday use of magic was... simply amazing.
"That's not Standard Magic, is it?" I couldn't help but appreciate the sight in front of me.
The chief raised an eyebrow. "Oh? I thought you two lived alone together. How can you tell what's Standard Magic and what's not?"
Shit. I fucked up.
She laughed and waved it off. "You don't have to answer that."
She urged us to take a sip as we settled down onto the sofa side-by-side before we carried on with the conversation.
"Now, my apologies in advance, but there's really just one thing I need to ask. I've already figured out the situation, but my role as the chief of this village warrants me to confirm before I can commit to doing anything." Her tone then shifted to one extremely gentle, caution evident in her hesitance. "Vera's not your real name, is it?"
She froze up. I immediately scooped her into my arms as she started hyperventilating. Her breaths ran ragged. Tears started streaking down her face. I started rubbing the small of her back.
Her sobs started ringing out. My stomach turned while watching her start to break down right in front of me. "Hey, I'm here. I'm here, Vera. I'm here okay? I'll always be with you, okay Vera? I'm never leaving you alone. You'll never be alone. Come hell or high water, I'll always be by your side."
Fuck. Was this why she was so apprehensive in traveling? We knew — I knew — that she was a bit anxious about this, but we didn't know it was to this level. No. That's not an excuse. I should've taken more care about this. Why did I insist on having her come with me? I should've just gone out on my own and have her stay at home. I shouldn't have pressured her. Fuck, I hate this. I just keep on messing up.
I kissed the top of her head as she tried to bury herself into my arms. "Vera. You can cry, it's fine. No need to hold back, okay?" Her choked up sobs weakened my heart. "I love you Vera. Never forget that." I tightened my hug around her frame.
I don't know how long we stayed together like that. The silence of the room only broken intermittently by Vera's sniffles. Slowly, she calmed down as her tears gradually dried out.
"Are you feeling okay now Vera?"
She timidly nodded her head. I left a gentle kiss as I went to grab her cup. "Here, drink a little."
Seeing the situation calmed down, Artanis gently continued the conversation. "I'm sorry for bringing that up. You don't have to answer. Boy, what was your name again?"
"It's Dina. Nevermind that, how? How did you find out? We just met today and you immediately found out?" I couldn't care less about her interrupting me earlier when I tried to give her my name, as long as I could figure out how she immediately clued in on Vera's identity.
"I already had my suspicions as soon as I heard your story. A boy and girl with their mana still locked living together alone up north? Even more, the girl's a snowy and is wearing shades? The first point raises questions. The second raises alarm. The clincher was... her name. I'll take it that you were the one to give her the name 'Vera'?"
"Her name was the clincher? What do you mean?"
She had a look of realization at my question. "Vera, dear. You didn't tell him?"
Vera, who was still clinging to me, shook her head.
"Okay. Don't worry dear. I'll speak in your behalf for now. Will you let me?"
Vera nodded her head this time. I was completely lost on what they were talking about. "Did I give her a bad name?"
Vera, immediately denied that notion. "No! I love the name that you gave me Dina! Really! I do. I love the name Vera."
I was taken aback by her vocal refusal. Her voice was still hoarse so I made her drink from her cup once more. "Okay, I believe you Vera. Thank you for saying that."
"Well, then. It appears Vera didn't tell you about it in consideration of your feelings." She took a breath as she started.
"Do you know what makes elves different from the others?"
"The ea—"
"And no. It's not the ears. Names for elves like us is more than just names. It's our identity. Its significance cannot be overstated. It is much more compared to the names you non-elves have. This is one of the reasons why beastmen, dwarves, and humans are more alike to each other than any of you are to us elves."
Wait, really?
"An elf cannot lie about their names when asked by another elf. For doing so can eventually make them cease to exist among other things. This was why I asked Vera for her name directly. She might've not known the real effects of not telling her name, but I'm sure she felt the innate compulsion urging her to tell the truth. This is also why she was hesitant to answer my question."
She stood up as a chalk started writing on the board behind her.
"Take my name for example. Artanis Elentári. Do you recall earlier that once I said my name, Vera started trusting me?"
"Yes."
"Elf names have their own meaning. Generally, these names both act as providence and constraints upon the individual. Artanis which is to mean noble woman. Elentári which is to mean star-queen. Thus my name means noble queen of the stars. This reflects the ideal that I must enact while on this mortal soil."
"This matter of understanding the meaning of an elf's name comes intrinsically to us. Even when an elf is raised by humans, that elf will still be able to understand the significance of our names. Are you keeping up with me?"
"I think so. You mean that although Vera is fine with her name, other elves will always be able to tell that it's not her actual name?" Vera's hand interlaced mine.
"That's somewhat right. Now, although inexperienced elves may not be able to tell, many will. In my case, I felt an incongruence once Vera said her name. I understood the meaning of her name, but it was warped."
"How would it have an elvish meaning when I don't know anything about elvish?"
"Because Véra means private and personal. Inexperienced elves won't be able to tell because they'll take it in face-value. Her name has an elvish meaning and thus they will perceive it as her real name."
This was worrying. If that truly is how it is, those people would find out about her sooner or later. We wouldn't be able to hide forever unless if she just stayed at home all by herself. I also wouldn't be able to stay at home with her since I needed to find out the truth behind my regression.
I turned my attention to the one huddled beside me and gently asked for her opinion. "Vera, do you want to stay at home?"
"No! I'll stay with you, no matter what." I wasn't surprised by her firm refusal to my question. As I was wondering on what to do, Artanis spoke up.
"Dear, please confirm to me that you meant what you just said."
"I... I do."
"I can help you resolve this matter, bu—"
"Please do! I'll do anything you ask!"
"I was getting to that."
"I'm sorry." Realizing my rudeness to our soon-to-be benefactor, I quickly apologized.
"The fix is pretty simple in concept. I just need to make Vera her real name." She laughed. "It'll be interesting."
Vera's eyes widened, "Yes! If that's possible Lady Artanis, then yes!"
"There's no rush, I still need some time to prepare. It'll take me around a week to prepare for the ritual. Rest in this village for a bit, get to know the people who live here. All I ask in exchange is to be part of my people. For now, take a rest in my spare room. I'll let my mana guide you the way. I'll call for you two when it's time for dinner."
"Thank you so much Lady Artanis!" I followed Vera's cue in calling her by a title as I bowed my head in thanks.
We were truly in her debt. She was willing to go so far just for Vera. It was a great blessing that this was the first village we came across. Had it been anywhere else, there was a chance that we wouldn't be treated this well at all.
There really were good people in this world.