Fantasy series by Nathaniel Wonderful
This article discusses the second chapter of the book the Inscrutable Ways of Fate, which serves as the introduction to our literary fantasy series, Divine Tragicomedy. While the book itself has not yet been released, the series originated in our native language and is part of a well-planned project—not a fleeting idea destined to remain unfinished. For more insight into earlier chapters, see our articles On the Nature of Our Prologue and On the Nature of the Girls’ Fate.
The Elf Who Lived
In this chapter, we introduce another main character: Pepin, a slow-witted boy with an unusual feature—a beard. The narrative returns to Lexaurrin, the village where the Prologue, featuring the elven sorcerer Jordan, is set.
Despite the clear indication of the chapter’s location at the start, and our notification to beta readers that the book alternates between multiple characters, almost half mistakenly believed the protagonist of this chapter to be Anti, the younger brother of Eiri from Goldiloop, introduced in the first chapter.
We view this misunderstanding as a misstep on the part of the readers rather than an issue with the text itself. Within the first ten sentences, it becomes evident that Pepin is not Anti. Pepin is a local of Lexaurrin, knows its residents, and is distinguished by his beard—a trait that inexplicably sparked outrage among some beta readers, who questioned how a young boy could have a beard in a fantasy novel.
These objections amused us even more than the persistent complaints about spelling, where many failed to recognise the use of British English, despite being informed twice prior to receiving the chapters. The takeaway?
Some people will never pay attention to what is written or said, and such individuals are unlikely to form one’s intended readership.
A Bearded Mystery
Pepin’s origin is explored as the chapter unfolds. He is indeed the son of a local elven woman, whose childbirth was witnessed by the entire village. However, as in real life, the identity of the father remains uncertain. We leave this question open to engage the reader’s imagination. In this chapter, we focus on introducing Pepin and the village environment, rather than delving into his parentage.
Our depiction of elves departs from traditional portrayals. They are not immortal, indulge in alcohol, and exhibit promiscuous behaviour. They do not, however, use vulgar language; instead, their oaths take the form of flower names—an act of hypocrisy given their vices. While some claimed our take on elves lacked originality, citing vague fanfiction references, we do not regard ourselves as authors of a ground-breaking bestseller, nor are we writing fanfiction.
Unwanted Normality
Pepin contrasts starkly with Eiri of Goldiloop. He is neither wild nor clever, but he dreams big—far beyond what a nine-year-old boy could realistically achieve. While beta readers uniformly disliked Pepin’s character, none could articulate specific improvements or identify precise issues.
Constructive criticism, by definition, must go beyond a mere expression of personal distaste.
Most readers of this article were likely once school-aged children themselves and probably had a classmate resembling Pepin—minus the beard. Our aim is to create relatable, believable characters, not superheroes or idealised figures. If your interest lies solely in handsome villains and buxom princesses, our work is not for you. Similarly, if you seek fast-paced action, you will not find it here. Our storytelling is the antithesis of such trends, embracing the rarity of slow, introspective narratives.
Polyamory
This chapter also introduces an element of polyamory, which, ironically, displeased some beta readers despite their stated openness to contemporary themes such as LGBTQ+ representation. The critique was not of the concept itself, but of its presentation as a normal, socially accepted choice within the village. In essence, we did precisely what advocates of polyamory often call for—yet the responses included comments such as,
“I can’t engage with a book that portrays polyamory this way.”
As we have reiterated, we are not crafting a fast-paced action tale. Instead, we gradually introduce characters, settings, and mysteries. Attention to detail is crucial for understanding future events in the story. For instance, within this chapter, observant readers will discern that “Mother Nature did not curse elves with the burden of shaving, as she did humans.” In a purely elven village located in the middle of nowhere, it follows logically that no one owns a razor or knows how to use one. Readers who miss this nuance might dismiss the narrative as nonsensical and label the authors foolish for not simply having the boy shave.
Our Goal
This chapter, The Elf Who Lived, serves to acquaint readers with Lexaurrin village and Pepin’s upbringing. It does not aim to transform a slow-witted nine-year-old into a dragon slayer or depict him as the victim of some dramatic crime. Just as in the real world, not every character is likeable. Idiots exist in our realm, as they do on social media.
Our aim as writers is not to create a profitable livelihood through our books but to share knowledge—whether it comes in small details or significant insights. In The Elf Who Lived, we incorporate historical clothing and raise awareness about the risks of water contamination caused by improper sewage placement.
Regrettably, most of our beta readers failed to appreciate these elements, dismissing them as mere “toilet humour” unsuitable for an adult fantasy novel. This reaction raises an intriguing question:
What constitutes appropriate content in a fantasy book intended for adults?
Here, we offer a taste of part of the latest version of the Girls’ Fate.
Lexaurrin Village; the year of disgrace 1352
That was not the first time when the gluttony blinded Pepin, so he forgot good manners and appropriated something that did not belong to him.
“What brings you here?” she continued in the same dangerous tone.
Odila’s lovely elven face, not marred with a single wrinkle, had clouded over like the sky in a summer storm. Her long, straight hair of the ripe wheat hue cascaded over her shoulders like waterfalls. Leaning over the boy, she unwittingly tickled his nose with a stray strand. Pepin, who was about to celebrate his ninth name day, gazed at her with a blend of awe and respect.
“I… I ventured to behold how you fare, dearest Auntie,” he did not perceive his words untrue, yet it was a palpable lie. For the elf thought he could sneak a taste of just a few pieces without anyone noticing, given the large quantity of cakes. After that, Pepin would make his rounds in the tavern, saying hello to Aunt Odila and Werner’s second wife, Aunt Bertha. He would then ask if he could try their famous kolaches or, at least, the delicious brown bread.
“Then why did you not enter through the front door, sweet one?” said Odila, her tone laden with distrust.
“I would have done it, but the distance is such that I would need to pause for a spell to catch my breath,” he mimicked old Elias, the eldest elf in the Lexaurrin Village.
Odila blew a raspberry mockingly. Releasing Pepin’s ear, she straightened up and cast a sidelong glance at him.
The fleshy child bore a figure akin to a beer keg on bowed legs. With a full-beard veiling his first and second chin, Pepin resembled an elf about as much as celery resembles a daisy. He did not inherit neither thick hair nor the pointed ears—the characteristic features of the elven race. A wispy tangle of golden curls covered his head, with two round ears, like duck mussels, protruding from it. And his short, broad nose resembled a pig snout, accentuated by his obesity.
Were it not for the half of Lexaurrin who beheld his birth, I would doubt he sprang forth from the womb of a true-blooded elf-woman. Pray, Mother Nature, do not let such a fate befall me as well, Odila throbbed with fear. Then she traced out with her ring finger in her palm the sign of the elven faith—a set of four circles crossed by a fifth at their centre.
Pepin caught her movement and squinted, straining his poor eyes to get a better view.
Does she reckon how many cakes I am granted? he thought, holding his breath in surprise.
Odila clenched her hand into a fist and turned her attention back to the misfit elf staring at her with his sky-blue eyes.
Thank you for taking the time to read this article. We’d love to hear your thoughts! Have you had similar experiences with free beta readers? Did our writing style appeal to you, or did you find it intriguing? Feel free to share your opinions and insights—we value every perspective and enjoy engaging with our readers.
Yours Truly,
Nathaniel Wonderful
Author
nathanielwonderful@gmail.com
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