THE ELFLAND

陰陽: Dragons Of The Elves

CHAPTER 1

Narrator (Wan): In the Elfland, a thousand years ago after the great Elf war, the four Dragon spirits in their specific Gems were sealed in the Dragon's Cave by the two Elven Dragon Protectors(Wen and I); (文和我) then a prophecy was made that after a millennium, the Dragon Spirits shall be released to the four Chosen Successors of the Dragon on the night of the Silv'ry Moon.

And the Prophecy came to pass, on the eve of the millennianth year on the Silver Moon, as the four Dragon Gems were about to be released, Hans, the husband of Lady Raphaela, Madame of the Red Elven Enchantresses, tried to assess through the cave so as to harness the Dragons' Gems all for himself using his Energy(Powers),little did he know that without the Dragons' Protectors,the mission is nearly impossible. This led to Hans' Energy backfiring at him and he died a miserable death,though with his soul still existing, and as the consequences of his greed and foolishness could have it, the Dragons' Gems and their Chosen Vessels were switched.

The Ying(Black Dragon) Successor got the Yang( a year old prince opens his eyes glowing white). The Aglad-Lòkë(Purple Dragon) Successor was lucky enough to get his true Dragon Spirit. The Yang Successor got the Urulòkë(Red Dragon), an elf is seen taking his newly born daughter underground in a hurry for her to be protected. The Red Dragon Successor is left with nothing and the Black Dragon still entrapped in the Dragons' Cave.

18 YEARS LATER

In the Alväin- Central(Capital City of Elfland),an official coach with Elven soldiers guarding it, is taking confidential ledgers to the Imperial Palace. The coach passing through a quiet pathway is eyed stealthily by a nose masked elf. In the motive coach

High Elf I: These confidential scrolls need to get to the Elflord quick without any hinder.

High Elf II: You're right,my mate. The guards are enough to avoid what happened last time.

High Elf I: Hm...

Abruptly,noises of struggles and combat are heard,even on the roof of the coach and it stops.

High Elf I: What's that?

High Elf II: I don't know.

High Elf I: (Trembling in fear)It can't be the Masked Thief,can it?

High Elf II: (Looking at the upper covering of the coach an stretching his hand at High Elf I) My spear.

The High Elf I does as asked and High Elf II comes down from the coach. To his astonishment,glancing around,he sees most of the guards lying unconscious, others beaten. And then,he hears something move airily,he looks at the direction of it and sees nothing apart from the sales flag hanging from its pole on the shop's eaves,so he readies his spear.

The sound comes again,he peeks at the direction and still sees nothing. So he pays more attention for the last time,he hears the sound clearly and as he is about turning to it to attack, an elf whose status is known far and wide,the Masked Thief(Elfland's most wanted stealer),takes hold of him and makes him sniff a strong sedative powder.

Masked Thief: (Whispers gently to his ear)Sleep,my dear.

High Elf II becomes unconscious. The Masked Thief lays him on the ground slowly, she stands up dusting her hands, instantly alerted, she left side steps dodging a throwing star.

She gives a keen look at High Elf I at her right.

High Elf I: (Wheezing with another throwing star in his right hand) Aren't you not just tired of stealing?

The Masked Thief keeps silent but then her eyes moved to the small sized silver box containing the ledgers, High Elf I observes this and quickly embraces the box.

High Elf I: (Pointing the throwing star at her): I am an High Elf of the first rank,have some dignity and make way!!

The Masked Thief still remains quite for three more seconds and then moves a step closer, out of fear, the elf throws the star weapon but the Masked Thief bends backward avoiding the weapon by an inch and it hits a tree.

The Masked Thief adjusts her body and tries to move another step towards the him but he tosses another which the Masked Thief dodges by climbing the bark of a tree by her side. He throws two more at her at which she climbs the roof of the coach to avoid. As the two are about hitting a tree,she does a somersault, and landing in front of them, she instantly bows Energy through her trigger fingers towards the throwing stars and her eyeballs red,she cuts off the force making the weapons reverse. Each pin both side of High Elf I garment to a tree. High Elf I mistakenly drops the box,and as he tries to free himself,the Masked Thief takes two stars from a tree and howls them at him. He tries to repel against them but fails and each hook both sleeves of his garment to a tree.

The Masked Thief stands upright and restores her Energy back to her Chi with a deep breathing in and out. She walks to him and picks up the box.

High Elf I: (Trying to break free from the weapons) You will be caught someday. And when you are, you will be executed.

The Masked Thief takes a pinch of the Sedative powder, about making him sniff it, the High Elf I lets out a shout from the depth of his lungs.

High Elf I: On attack!!

He is made to forcibly sniff the powder and he sleeps off.

Masked Thief: (Shakes head gently) Talkative.

At that moment, few Palace Elven-Soldiers arrive and notice nothing but unconscious guards and the two High Elves.

Assistant Royal Commander: (Observing the surrounding) The Masked Thief was here.

He concludes the observation with a touch of sedative from an unconscious soldier.

Assistant Royal Commander: (On his feet) Take them to the palace.

Some Guards: Yes Sir...

The Masked Thief; Elva jumps into an alley and uncovers her hair, middle and lower face. And boy, she turns out to be a dream lady of males heart.

Her hair red as blood,her voice soothing as a fairy,rosy lips like a flower and eyeballs brown as earth.

Elva: (Checks around and glances at the box with a smirk) Another day,another worth. Mm, I need to reward myself with a little pack of snacks.

She wears a hood from her pouch to cover her clothing. After buying a leaf of ginger biscuits,she walks down the opened street towards the shop of her acquaintance, however an elf intentionally knocks off her snacks. It seems that his mind had drank a little liquor but that is not the case.

His fellow: (Nudges the elf in worry) Why did you do that?

Elva clenches her fist trying to play the calms.

Elf: (Laughing sarcastically) Why do you seem so stressed? She can't do anything.

Having heard that, she scoffs.

His fellow: You do not know wh...

Elva: Uhm,pardon me? Are you alright? You are not blind, are you?

His fellow: (Takes three steps backwards.)

Elf: Excuse you pretty maiden but it does seem you do not know whom you speak to in such manner...

Elva: And I do not think you do neither. (Glances at his fellow, and says with a point at him) Hey, I know you...

His fellow: Elva wait, don't react, he's new here.

Elva: Tsk, no wonder. Well then, please teach him his place.

His fellow: Okay, got that. (Takes the elf's hand) Let us go.

Elf: (Retracts his hand in protest) No edging way. Who is she to tell me of my place,huh? (He gives a hit on her left shoulder and the box falls to the floor) Respect, hmph!

He proudly exclaims with a tough beat at his own chest and an outlet of an annoying laughter. He turns to his friend who does nothing but shakes his head in fear, he furrows eyebrows at the behavior of his friend. All of a sudden, the elf starts coughing with a hurting feeling of fire in his ribs. He descends on his kneels gradually,sweats rolling down his face profusely, along with a tighter enclosure of her fist, the elf holds his neck seeking for breath.

Elva bends at him.

Elva: Hss, I advice you to know your place in this district. And don't ever, ever come across me again, okay?

She frees her fist, picks up the box and walks off. Two minutes pass,she enters Bob's Shop.

Bobby, nickname "Bob", was a hefty simple man. His voice as that of a dreadful killer which he was before serving 28 years in prison, stayed off the lanes of what didn't benefit him or concern him. An elf believed to only love his weapon store which was well known in all lands of the hooligans and a trader of valuable goods whether stolen or whatever. His skin light and hair smooth made people wonder how could a fine built man be so desolate.

Elva: Hey Bob.

Bob: It's Bobby(he replies cold shouldered).

Elva: Whatever.

Bob: What do you want?

Elva: (Bangs the box on the table alongside a sneer) A bargain, again.

Bob: (Studying the box) This looks like an official item.

Elva: It is. It contains Palace confidential.

Bob: Let me guess, you sabotaged a coach again. (She grins) It's worth a gain though (he attempts to touch the box but Elva draws it away).

Elva: (Does a sign) My gain then the bargain.

Bob: (Sighs as he returns his hand). How much?

Elva: Hmm, let's say four Donelles.

Bob: You sure do know how to profit. (He hands her the requested amount) Here. (She accepts it). Now my own gain.

Elva removes her hands from the box and Bob takes it.

Bob: Okay now, off you go.

Elva puts the Donelles(upper coins) in herb pouch and heads home through a lonely narrow path. She reaches a door and goes in, however, all this while the same elf who had knocked down her ginger biscuits has been watching her in despise.

At the Imperial Palace, in the Interrogation Bureau, the Assistant Royal Commander reports the theft matter by the Masked Thief to the Royal Commandant.:

Assistant Royal Commander: (Showing the Royal Commandant a sample of the Masked Thief's seductive used in the crime) Here's our evidence, Commandant.

Royal Commandant: (Takes the piece of cloth where the sedative is laid). Hm. (To an Elven-Soldier) Get the Noble Apothecary.

Elven-Soldier: Yes Commander in chief. (He leaves to send for the requested one).

Royal Commandant: We must check the facts.

Assistant Royal Commandant: (Agrees with a nod).

Noble Apothecary: You requested of me Commandant.

Royal Commandant: Yes I did. (Handles the cloth to him) Please, test this powder.

With a neck bow and an eager adjustment of his sleeves, he sprinkles the sedative in a green colored liquid. The liquid then turns white gradually as a result.

Noble Apothecary: Indeed, this is the same as the ones we have tested before, but little more stronger. This substance not only makes one slumber but also temporarily mute and forget about any rigid recent occurrences. May I ask if it is from the same source?

Royal Commandant: It is indeed. It is surely a weapon and a new one for that fact.

Assistant Royal Commander: There's only one person that can sell this sort of items if that is so. But I do not think he is in the city at the moment.

Royal Commandant: (There is a short light ring in his head).

The mind voice: Seek.

Royal Commandant: Gather some men.

Assistant Royal Commander: Yes Commandant.

About leaving, an Elven-Soldier interrupts.

Elven-Soldier: Commander in chief(salutes natively). The Elflord requests your presence.

Royal Commandant: I hear you. You may go. (The soldier bows and exits). (To his second in command) Leave with the men, report when you return.

Assistant Royal Commander: Yes Sir(he salutes and leaves).

The selected soldiers march too Bob's Shop.

Assistant Royal Commander: (Displays an official sheet at Bob's face) By the order of the Interrogation Guild, we are here to question you.

Bob: Yeah, yeah, yeah, state what you want and leave.

A sketch of the Masked Thief is put before the eyes of Bob.

Assistant Royal Commander: Do you know this elf?

The question asked makes Bob to place down the metals he is fixing and stare straight into the eyes of the Assistant Royal Commander knowing the matter that is about to be cased.

Bob: What does the Masked Thief have to do with me?

Assistant Royal Commander: (Taking a seat) Oh, I am pretty sure it has a lot to do with you.

He finishes his remark by placing the cloth of the powder on the wooden slab.

Bob: What's that?

Assistant Royal Commander: Oh this? I should be asking you instead. (Bob raises an eyebrow in impatience). It's the famous sedative the Masked Thief uses at rear times. And if it is rear, then you are the best one that comes to mind.

Bob: You look rather certain of your assumption, why don't you take me as a suspect?

Assistant Royal Commander: Because we are all aware that the Masked Thief is a female, and being the most wanted criminal in all the territories, she would probably pick her acquaintances quite carefully. (He concludes with a sneer).

Bob: (Heaves) Smart.

Assistant Royal Commander: (Standing up) Okay, let's not make this harder for you.

He opens his palm to his side and a soldier places a pouch of ruby coins. He tosses the pouch on the wooden slab.

Assistant Royal Commander: That should fix the confusion.

Bob: I don't want your coins. I'll protect what I know.

Assistant Royal Commander: (Heaves a sigh to remain composed) Look... You love possessions, good. Now this is a chance, so grab it.

Bob: Hss,sometimes, some things are more important than wealth. I know the Masked Thief but her details shall not proceed from my mouth. If there is nothing else, please leave my shop.

Assistant Royal Commander: (Exclaims with a hard hit on the slab) Look here Ithnil...!

Right there, the elf who had knocked down Elva's snacks and traced her to her hideout utters walking up to them.

Elf: Wait. May I see the sketch again, I think I might know. (He gives a harmless innocent feeling).

The sketch is shown to him and recalling the similarities between the girl he 'teased' and the drawing, he points at it with some assurance.

Elf: This is... I might have some lead.

Assistant Royal Commander: (To the elf) Well. As you were saying. Do you know this elf? You'll be paid a bounty if you speak the truth and be a loyal citizen.

Elf: I think I do know a similarity and the location as well.

Assistant Royal Commander: How gnarly, that is what I like to hear (he says peeking at Bob and back at the elf). Lead the way.

Elf: [She is not the criminal but I'm sure she will be put through painful interrogation, at least that will satisfy my anger].

With a nod, he leads the Elven-Soldiers.

NOTE: This bracket '[]' is used to express inner thoughts of the characters.

At the Imperial Palace, in the Throne Room, the Senior Attendant of the Elflord enters.

Elflord: (To his attendant) Where is my eldest son again, Rupert?

Senior Attendant: He is meditating, Regal Emperor.

In a Noble chamber, the eldest Imperial Prince is seen seated on a gem mat positioned in the middle of the room, meditating. His face is unseen expect his small pink feminine lips, he enters the spirit universe trying to connect with a being but finds difficulty. Meanwhile, the elf whom the Elven-Soldiers are been lead by come into the same abode where Elva resides, and at the same time, Elva is beneath the house in an underground resident tidying up. She instantly starts to feel weak and dizzy.

Elva: (Falls beside a table) Not again.

She starts to gasps for breath and on the other hand, the Elven-Soldiers search the upper area.

Assistant Royal Commander: (Begins to feel deceived) There's nothing here. Are you trying to trick us?

Elf: No, I swear, she entered here and hasn't come out since then. I made a line to ensure that.

The elf's words and proof calms his suspicion.

Assistant Royal Commander: (His hand on jaw). Hm, it's a criminal acquaintances we are dealing with here, so they will certainly have a hidden area. Search harder!

Elven-Soldiers: Yes Commander!

They search through every hole and corner like pests seeking for something to consume. Successfully, an Elven-Soldier discovers a small sized compartment among the floor boards.

The Elven-Soldier: Second in Commander, I have found something!

They open the small sized square board(trapdoor) and majority of them go through it, the elf and three other Elven-Soldiers are left behind in cases of emergency. They search through every space in the dark tunnel with few torch lights they were lucky to see lighting up their paths. Elva who had be alerted before time, steps out from the dark shadow that hideth her silhouette from the Elven-Soldiers. She heaves a deep but silent sigh to hold up her consciousness as her body seems to be going against her.

Elva: (Sneers) Hunting of offenders, aren't you? [I need to get out of here].

She prowls for an exit with a rod, but unluckily for her, she is spotted and chased after. Wanting to flee but being unreasonably weak, she falls to the ground. The Elven-Soldiers surround her and she is raised by her upper arms. The Assistant Royal Commander places the sketch beside her left face to check for a resemblance.

Assistant Royal Commander: (Lifts up her chin). Your eyes are almost like hers. (Rubbing the mole by her right eye) Even the mole. Do you have an explanation for this things?

Elva: [Darn, I forgot to clean off the mole]. Please help me (she begs with innocent helpless eyes).

Assistant Royal Commander: [She seems pitiful]. (Folding the sheet, he straighten his back) Take her to the Royal Examine Castle, she is an ally of the Masked Thief, so we need to be careful.

Elva: No I'm not. Please judge me properly.

The soft plead through the expression of the beautiful wendi, makes the Elven-Soldiers feel wrong of their judgement upon her.

Assistant Royal Commander: (Remains firm) Treat her.

An Elven-Soldier: Yes Second in Command!

Assistant Royal Commander: You seem clean but why were you running when you saw us? Do you have an explanation?

Elva: You... chased me. I'm... innocent...

Another Elven-Soldier: (Who approaches from a thick observation of the hideout) All lies. Sir, I found this in a space in the wall.

The object of brown wrapped leaf is given to the Assistant Royal Commander, and Elva eyes widen in panic. He unwraps the big leaf and there the outfit of the Masked Thief is laid on the table before their sights.

An Elven-Soldier: This is... (He glances at the Elva) This ælfen cannot really be...

(He ceases his own words).

Assistant Royal Commander: (A broad grin appears on his face) As naughty as ever. (Goes on one knee before her) I asked for an explanation earlier, do you think I might still need one?

Elva: (Weak but furiously voiced) Get lost.

Assistant Royal Commander: (Heaves a smile) It's really you, what a glorious outcome. (Elva glares at him as he raises on his feet). Take her.

They go up to the main cabin where the Elf of earlier is given his reward by the Assistant Royal Commander...

Oh dear, what will become of the female lead? Will she be executed as custom as it? Or will some phenomenon happen to prevent tragedy falling upon her? All will be discovered in the next chapter.

Oh, NOTE: Wendi is an Elven word for girl.

Elva is taken to the Court Hall at the Palace.

Assistant Royal Commander: Commandant (the attention of the Royal Commandant draws to him). We have finally captured her.

The questioning eyes of the Royal Commandant follow the hand of his junior as it points towards the entrance and the elf maiden is brought in and made to fall on her knees despite her condition.

Assistant Royal Commander: We have finally captured the Masked Thief, the so called legendary invincible thief of our realm. (Studying the firm questioning of the Royal Commandant, he places the items of the Masked Thief on the elegant wooden tiles). Proof.

On further investigation, he search through the items and aligns them according to the facts he himself had collected during his own search of this invincible thief who is knelt before him.

Royal Commandant: You really are the one, after many years of searching.

Elva: (Sneers). What a memory, Commandant.

Royal Commandant: [The Masked Thief is a young lady, how unusual. But her hair color is...](Shakes head steadily). Take her to the dungeon, where she will stay put until the judgement of the Emperor.

Elven-Soldiers: Yes Commandant!!

Elva not wanting to bear the thought of being chained in a cell till the day of her execution for sure, gives out a roar of anger alongside her separated arms and red eyeballs, instantly creating a thick flow of wind like a blast which sends different Elven-Soldiers to the floor. However the Royal Commandant is able to form a blockage for himself. The amount of Energy released despite her condition makes her weaker, she falls down and two Elven-Soldiers immediately take hold of her.

Royal Commandant: (Stands properly in astonishment). (To a male servant) Alert the Elflord.

The Male Servant: I shall do so.

He exits.

Royal Commandant: How did you do that? (Elva remains quiet)Speak!

The Elflord enters with his Royal Advisor and they bow before him.

Elflord: What is going on here? All of you at ease.

All those who bowed stand on their feet.

Royal Commandant: My Lord. We have another guess.

The Royal Commandant adjusts to the left to give way to the young maiden. The Elflord walks up to Elva and order the Elven-Soldiers holding her to support her to stand by the gesture of his hand.

Elflord: (Polite in spite of his nobility) May I ask who you are my child?

Elva doesn't respond.

Royal Commandant: My Lord, this ælfen is the Masked Thief.

Elflord: Her? Masked Thief?

Royal Commandant: Yes, my lord.

Royal Advisor: But how can you be certain that she is the one aside the fact that her hair is colored as that? We have searched for years and our guesses have been to no avail.

Royal Commandant: There's only one way left to found out.

Elva: [What are these sticks talking about?]

Elflord: (Glances at Elva) The Dragon's Scale.

Seeing his hand reaching for her left ear, Elva flinches angrily.

Elflord: (Tender) Easy, my child.

Being too weak to fight back and the mild voice of the Elflord, Elva rests allowing the Elflord to touch the spot he sought for and behold the Crystal Dragon's Scale is there. The Elflord pulls it a little which makes Elva react and the scale flickers hurting the Elflord a bit and he withdraws his hand in pain.

Elflord: Ah. (He covers his hurt fingers with the other hand and gazes at Elva in amazement) Men, after eighteen years, we have finally found the the Red Dragon.

The eyes and mouths of those present gape in surprise, some Elven-Soldiers are flabbergasted at the fact that one of the top Law Offenders in the Edhel-Ambar (Elfland) who had given them a lot of headache and cases to solve is the Red Dragon they have been searching for for years. Without wasting a moment, the male servant that was ordered to seek the Elflord quietly exits the scene.

Elflord: (Along with a grin) Under the Order of the Therds, bow before the Urulòkë.

Everyone besides the Elflord genuflects and make a 'X' sign with their forearms below their chests.

The Male Servant: (Rushing in) Your Highness!

The Eldest Elven Prince losing control of his subconsciousness, breaks through the barrier back to the original world, as a result he breaths heavily. He lets in a deep breath in and releases it calmly.

The Male Servant: They have found the Red Dragon.

When the servant ends his statement, the Eldest Elven Prince glances a little over his shoulder at the servant but his eyes are yet still unseen by the viewers.

Elflord: What is your name, my child? [She looks weak]. (To an attendant of his) Get the physician, she's unwell, didn't you notice that, that you allowed a young maiden to be treated harshly?!

The Elven-Soldiers whom are been scolded by the Elflord try to apologize only if the Elflord will allow them to, and at the mean time, Elva now feeling free within inhales deeply retrieving her energy and then blacks out.

The Elflord of the Elfland, aside his status is a kind, simple and just ruler. He rebukes sinister domineering acts and tries his best with the wisdom of ancient kings to create a steadfast land for his subjects and family to dwell.

Few Hours Passed, Elva opens her eyes, and instantly sits up with her hand on her head.

Elva: Uff, it was just a dream. (Realizes something, and looks around) Wait a... Where am I?

Braiden, a maid assigned to Elva walks in and upon Elva awake, she exclaims with a courtesy.

Braiden: My Lady!

Elva glances at her in shock as she tries to have a grasp of understanding at the name "My lady".

Braiden: You are have finally awoken.

Elva: Uhmm, sorry but who are you? (Braiden tries to reply) Where am I? Awoken? Was I dead before? (She pauses to hear the response from the maid).

Braiden, seeing that the young lady has finally hushed down is about to answer but is shut down by Elva's continued question.

Elva: Or wait, am I? Because this place certainly looks like the afterlife.

Braiden: [Please allow me answer your requests one at a time ,my lady 😭].

Derlinê, a matured female assigned to serve Elva as her Lady-in-waiting, enters.

Derlinê: (Courtesies). It is good to have you here, My Lady.

Elva: (Sighs with her left palm on her forehead and a toothy grin) I must be dreaming right now to even think I am an Eldar.

NOTE: Eldar is an Elven word for one belonging to the Royal Family.

Elva: (Stops with the grin). [Or wait, am I?] (An echo of the word "Urulòkë" sounds in her head, and not wanting to accept the truth of it, she shakes her head severally) No, no, it cannot be. (Observing around herself) I am dreaming for sure, I am certain!

Her thoughtful scary eyes fall on timid Braiden.

Elva: (Points at her) Excuse me, you, come near. (Braiden points at herself in question) Yes, you.

Braiden moves few steps closer to her and then Elva stretches her own right arm at her.

Elva: Pinch me.

Braiden: Pardon?

Elva: Just do it!

Braiden: (Startled) Ah, I hear.

Elva: Really painful (Braiden gives a nod of obedience and does as told). Ah!! (Elva immediately extracts her arm to rub the pinched spot). [Ow, that really hurts.] Do you grow nails?! [Wait! It pains, which means, am not dreaming. 😵]

Braiden: Forgive me My Lady...!!

Braiden is about to bow but Elva immediately stands up from the bed in refusal to such respect.

Elva: No!

They look at her with startled expressions.

Elva: (Walks to the door) Do not bow. Believe it or not, but I am not an Eldar.

Derlinê: But it has already been proven, My Lady. And besides, the Elflord prepares a humble feast for you. (Finished her statement as she and Braiden go on their knees to bow) For you are now, an Eldar.

An epic heroic tune plays on the background.

Elva: Ah,Hah-Ha, I see. Well if that's the case... Then farewell.

She dashes out of the room in rapid steps.

Derlinê: Your Ladyship!!

The two maids and two other guards chase at Elva along with yells of "My Lady!!" Elvyndia runs from the left corridor to the right, and from right to the left. She halts when she notices a number of seven Elven-Guards by her right. The Elven-Guards and her stare at each other in silence until the echoes of Derlinê calling into her get closer.

Elva: Oh lawks!

She picks to her heels leaving the Elven-Guards glancing at one another with furrowed eyebrows and those chasing Elva pass by them like wind. Elva unknowingly enters into the Court Hall through the back exit, she turns and pauses in shock to see the Elflord and few courtiers staring at her.

Elflord: (Stepping down from the altar) Ah my child.

Elva is about to run off the same way she came in but those chasing her come in through that way, panting greatly.

Elflord: What happened? (He glances at Elva but she just shrugs as if she did nothing). (Beams)My child, the celebration draws near, as a Dragon Successor you should...

Elva: (Fed up) Enough. Am no Dragon. I'm just a commoner. [And the most feared thief of the Elfland, no need for applauses 😏]. I am not who you all are saying I am.

The Elflord not knowing how to convince her to listen anymore just let's out a sigh.

Elva: (To herself but quite audible) I'm just a descendant of Skyer Wood.

Elflord: What did you just say my child?Elva: That I'm not who you all say I am? Elflord: No, just now.

Elva: That I'm just a descendant of Skyer Wood?

Royal Advisor: Son of?

Elva: Filial son of Vinar Wood.

Elflord: Peculiar, very peculiar.

Royal Advisor: (With a grin appearing on his face) My Lord.

The laughter of the Elflord fills the hall. He places his hand on her shoulder.

Elflord: Ah-Ha, it is you. Come, come my child.

Elva follows them into a secret passage sited in the walls of the Throne Hall.

Elflord: You see my child, your father was a great shadow knight of the Alväin Central, infact, all of Elfland.

Elva: (Quiet for a moment and then says) Ehh, no he was not. My father was a blacksmith, the greatest in the capital city. But unfortunately, the Imperial Court failed to recognize that fact.

The Elflord heaves a sigh.

Royal Advisor: Do you think with all your father's appearances and disappearances, he was only just a blacksmith? He had a secret life behind you, he...

Elva: Please, with all due respect, enough. You have no proof to these things you tell me.

Elflord: I knew you will not believe our words my child. (Glances beyond Elva's shoulder) So we brought her instead.

Elva turns to see whom is being referred about and becomes stunned to see her guardian who had vanished for a whole eight lonely years.

Elva: (Not believing her own eyes) Aunt Brielle?

Aunt Brielle instantly takes Elva's hands into hers.

Aunt Brielle: Oh my Little Bright White, you have grown up quite well, but in the wrong way.

Elva: (Shakes head) I don't understand. (She fixes her eyes on Aunt Brielle's hands) [I must be shrooming for sure.]

(She pinches her own palm to clarify her sight). How...?

Aunt Brielle: Forgive me my Bright White, I didn't plan to teach you to survive on your own like this.

Elva: Teaching to survive? For what? (Aunt Brielle exhales to speak but she continues with a steady extraction of her hands to herself). Wait. (Tries to reason properly) Sorry but first of all... What the sheaves is happening here?

Elflord: Brielle (Aunt Brielle glances at him). Why don't you tell her yourself?

Elva: What? (Almost becoming frustrated with the events) Tell me what?!

Aunt Brielle: Elva (Elva looks at her) What the Elflord says...

Aunt Brielle pauses for a moment.

Elva: (Shakes head) Don't tell me he speaks the truth.

Aunt Brielle nods in conviction and then places a bunch of old keys on her palms.

Aunt Brielle: Here's our evidence.

Elva: (Raises up the keys and studies them). If I must recognize, these are the keys to pa's workshop.

Aunt Brielle nods.

Elva: Why...?

Royal Advisor: Elvyndia Wood (she turns to look at him) The whole rumor of your father being attacked by Cliffer Bears and dying from the poison of their claws was nothing but a cover story. He was killed during the ambush on the Caven Cavians by the hands of Inikhadan.

Elva: (Snorts) Seriously? So you are trying to tell me that the things Aunt Brielle told me about my pa's death was...

Elva looks at Aunt Brielle and observes that she is wearing a kind of sympathetic look.

Elva: No, no, no. (Grins) Don't tell me you lied Aunt Brielle.

Aunt Brielle: (Tears rolling down her cheeks) I'm so sorry, Elvy. I didn't mean to...

Elva releases a heartbroken 💔chuckle.

Royal Advisor: All these things are of the past, why don't we put them as...

Elva: (Furiously)No! You both took away my father from me.

The torch fires by each of her sides start to flare up increasingly 🔥🔥.

Aunt Brielle: (Anxious) Elvy...

Elva: Do not touch me!!

Elflord: (Pure) My child please, do not be...

Elva flings her right hand backward bowing (controlling) an amount of fire at the two elves but the Royal Advisor swiftly creates a breakage against the fire force for the Elflord and himself. When the smoke disappears, Elva is seen to be no where.

5 Minutes Pass, the thick metal doors of an old workshop are opened, Elva standing on the way, stares straight into the dim space. With each step in to workshop, memories of laughter of she and father start to air in her mind. Teardrops from the eyes of the beautiful maiden fall on a rusted hammer that belonged to her pa. Rubbing the handle of it, a flash back at age of 4 years old occurs 🎞️🎥

4yr Elva: (Jumping in behind her father with a wooden sword) Halt!

Her father obeyed.

4yr Elva: (Nose covered by her cloak) For I am Rine and you all shall bow to me.

She gave a poke on his knee back and chuckled.

Skyer: (Turned to her and acted as likewise) Who dare touches me? For that, I, Hamzorizus will you to the Cave Abyss. Come here!

He chased after her and finally catching her, he tickled her and placed her on his nape whilst they laughed.

Back to present. Elva seated on the floor with her back rested on the wall, sobs quietly. She unintentionally hits her crooked arm on the wall by her right an it makes a hallow sound. She stops with the sobbing and hits it again which gives another hallow sound. She pulls away the cloth over the wall and knocks the specific area continuously. She takes a look into a small hole she discovers and surprisedly it turns out to be a key lock system.

Elva: [A lock?] (Brings forth the bunch of keys before her eyes). Looking at the intervals (picks out a particular key)... This must be it.

With several attempts to turn the key in the system, it eventually works. The door hidden in the camouflage of the wall clicks, alongside muffle sounds, the door opens and slides aside.

Elva astonished by what she sees behind the wall makes her stiff. Weapons for war for inscribed with a handwriting that is meant only for Knights of the Greatest Rank.

Elva: Father.

Few Minutes Pass, at Bob's Shop.

Bob: I thought you were going to be executed, I and the others were planning for your escape tonight, but instead you're here as a Royal Lady.

Elva: (Calm) Why is my life so bizarre? First I was a girl without a mother and then without a father, after that I became a thief, a feared one. And now... I'm a sacred Dragon, can't I just be normal?

Bob: Elva, your pa eventually knew that this day would come, moreover I promised him that I'll watch over you still it happens and here we are.

Elva: I agree on the fact that he probably hid it from me to ensure I've a safe and free life until am ready. But the thing now is whether to accept my destiny from here or decline. (Worried) I do not know what to do.

She lowers her head resting her radix on the tips of her fingers.

Bob: Hm, take it as this. (He tosses a metal item at Elva and she catches it without a stressed flinch). See it as a perfect way to avenge your pa and find your young brother, the Palace will definitely have all the information you need.

Elva: (Reasons) True...