

The Elfland 陰陽- Last Dragons Of The Elves

 

CHAPTER 4

Elva: ... They certainly do.

Bob: (To himself) And probably a lot of riches and gold.

Elva: Bob.

Bob: Okay, okay. But still consider that too.

Elva: Perhaps you're right. Pa wanted a good life for me, so I'll fulfill his wish.

Bob: (With pride) Of course I’m right. I’m always right.

Elva: (Chuckles) Well, I better get back to Aunt Brielle and those waving sticks.

Bob: (Exhales) Your mouth is not ever gonna change, is it?

Elva: (Grinning) If it ever does, call the healers. I'd probably be cursed

She replies to his question with a shrug as she approaches the door.

Bob: And don’t worry. No one will ever know the past identity of the Red Dragon.

She looks at Bob and notices his index finger pressed vertically against his lips. Elva, with a nod, beams at him and leaves.

---

At the Palace, in the Court Hall

Aunt Brielle: She’s been gone for a long while. We should look for her, don’t you think?

Elflord: There is no need for that. Let her vent her anger. After all, we dare not weigh the wrath of the Urulókë's fury.

NOTE: Urulókë means Fire Dragon. Aglad-Lòkë means Lightning Dragon.

Aunt Brielle: Then I hope she’s okay, even though she doesn’t accept her true self...

Elva: Lack behind that thought. (Raises her head) For I accept.

Aunt Brielle, relieved to see Elva, attempts to embrace her

Elva: Whoa. Easy Auntie. No offense but just accepted my inner mystical fire beast over here. Our matter is step two. (Serious) I’ve found out a few truths, and I won’t let the past hold me. [As if!]

Royal Advisor: Have you firmly made your decision?

Elva gives a nod in response.

Elva: Mm. I accept to be me—the Red Dragon.

Elflord: (Delighted and rising to his feet) Good, good! (Declares) Quick! Send invitations to all parts of Elfland!

Chief Clerk: Yes, my Lord!

---

A few moments later, thousands of Carrier Doves glide through the air, some reluctantly carrying parchment invitations on their backs - one even stops mid-air for a quick snack.

At the coastal region of the Caven Caves, in the Leader's Teld (tent):

Inikhadan, Leader of the Caven Caves, extends his arm as a dove lands on his wrist. He takes the letter from the bird and reads its contents. Though what is written agitates him, he calls out to his chief warrior while squeezing the card in his hand.

Inikhadan: They have found the Red Dragon. King Thai didn’t just send this letter without precautions—he did it purposefully to threaten me. (Glimpses over his shoulder) Quick! Find the best Olden Readers. We must find the Dark Gem.

His warrior bows and leaves.

---

Towards the Red Valley, territory of the Red Enchantresses and Priestesses:

At the Purified Temple, in Queen Raphaela's Study Chamber, a myna descends on her staff beside the Stone Fountain. She uses her Energy to remove the letter from the myna and unfolds it.

Raphaela: The Elven King is inviting us to a royal banquet for the celebration of the Red Dragon. (She beams at the myna, now enjoying its reward from her palm.)

Raina: What?

Raphaela: It turns out they’ve found the Urulókë.

Raina: But Mother, what if the prophecies are false?

Raphaela: (Faces her) Don’t say that! The prophecies can never lie—and as a Protector of the Crystal Scrolls, you should know that as well.

Raina: The account stated that after the proclamation of the prophecy, the tenth generation of the Red Shamans—whom I am—shall be a Dragon’s Vessel. Yet here I am, without a Dragon Spirit.

Raphaela: Oh, do not be so stressed, my dear. You do not know what destiny has in store. Nevertheless, now that they’ve discovered the third Lòkë, it means the final Dragon—the Yin—is yours. Although none of the Lókï have manifested Bias Forces so far, which leaves me with the thought that the Black Dragon is the Foreseen Disaster.

NOTE: Lókï is interpreted as “Dragons” in the human language. The Yin is also referred to as the Black Dragon.

Raina: Why do you say so, Mother? The scrolls did speak of a disastrous one among the last dragons, but no one can just be certain that the Yin is the evil one. (Scared) It can’t be! I won’t...

Raphaela, being the caring mother she is, cups her daughter’s hands into hers, her eyes shimmering with hope.

Raphaela: Do not be worried, my daughter. Because even if you are the Yin, I believe you will not give in to that negativity. Okay?

The soothing tone and smile of her mother calm Raina's mind, and she nods in reply.

Raphaela: Go on, get ready for the feast.

Raina: Yes, Mother...

---

At the Veil Village

An elf of early youth, clad in purple, is viewed from behind. His long, straight hair is as violet as violet can be. He is Duke Balin III Gulzien, Duke of Veil Village.

Guard: (Saluting) Your Grace, the Elflord holds a special banquet at the Imperial Palace in honor of the Urulókë’s return.

The guard’s statement causes Duke Balin to pause.

Guard: And he seeks your attendance.

Duke Balin continues scripting on a sheet of paper. He sets the brush down and nods gracefully. The guard walks out.

---

Two hours and twelve minutes past noon on the Official Announcement Day

The air at the Imperial Palace is filled with bustle and chatter. A few ruffians, acquainted with Elva, try pushing their way past the Elven Soldiers at the Common Gate of the Palace.

Bob: (Annoyed) Do you know who we are? We’re Lady Elva’s closest family. Right, fellas?!

Other Ruffians: Yeah!!

Gatekeeper 1: Haha! And I’m her closest brother. Nonsense. Get out of here and stop making a scene.

Bob, noticing the elves around whispering among themselves, decides to stay cool and return home with his gang.

Bob: Come on, everyone. Let’s go back...

Suddenly, Derlinê’s voice calls out.

Derlinê: Wait!

She stops running to catch her breath, then walks over to them.

Derlinê: Are you Bob?

Bob: Excuse me? It’s Bo—

Derlinê: (Ignores him, eyes scanning the crowd) I’m looking for Bob and about seventeen others with him.

Bob: (Feeling transparent) [Am I invisible? 😑]