CHAPTER 1

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.

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