The next couple of days passed quickly as Noah gave the elves time to elect their representatives. Recter had volunteered to make the trip back to the human settlement to make Julie aware of their progress, leaving Noah and Ta’Ku to explore the elven town. Balkendar’s orders had seriously stunted the growth of the community to the extent that there was very little evidence of culture or progress. With the absence of the illusions, the whole town looked plain and bare, littered with uniform cubical buildings alongside the utilitarian roads. Noah had explored what had been the illusory castle but found it similarly empty of anything meaningful. More and more, it seemed that the king had lived within his own delusions and dragged his people into the same fate. Unlike the material elements of their town, the elves themselves were vibrant and full of life. The evenings were filled with dancing and singing and songs of deliverance and joy filled the town with sweet melodies. The style was different than that of the orcs; it was more intentional and composed, but filled with sentiment and passion all the same.
Noah had opted to watch the dance on the first night, but his protests were denied on the second and he was swept around the street by a beautiful elven woman in an unfamiliar step. He was passed from partner to partner throughout the night, and Noah found himself falling in love with the moment. The elves had something that he longed for, something that passed in every lingering gaze and heartfelt smile. Their nature seemed so opposite to the illusions they were forced to practice that his heart ached as he considered the pain it must have caused them. As soon as he had let that pain show on his face, his dance partner at the time stretched out a palm, cupping his cheek and staring deep into his eyes. There were no words exchanged between them, but Noah felt his heart being soothed as their step slowed and they swayed beneath the forest canopy. But as the song ended, he was given to a new partner, and the dance started again. He didn’t understand how such a powerful exchange could be so fleeting, and yet he found his breath taken away afresh.
He could still feel the eb and flow of emotion as he thought back to his first night of dancing. The second night carried a different tune, one of celebration and hope. Ta’Ku was quick to join in, not waiting to be approached as he sought out the waiting partners around the street. It was clear that he didn’t know the step, but it couldn’t be said that he didn’t have rhythm. Noah had overheard the bright laughter of Ta’Ku’s partner all the way across the gathering. Ta’Ku seemed at home on the dance floor as he twirled his companion with grace and launched them into the air with practiced ease. Noah couldn’t deny the bit of jealousy he felt as he watched, his measured movements paling in comparison with his virtuosic friend. Nevertheless, he threw himself wholeheartedly into the festivities, knowing full well that it may be his last opportunity to participate in such revelry.
When the third day finally arrived, Noah felt refreshed in a way he hadn’t felt in years. Similar in some ways to the experience of his soul being healed, he felt light and hopeful, but also known and appreciated. It felt silly in some ways that the attention of strangers had meant so much, but it had. He knew he would always look back at this time fondly and hoped that he could enjoy it again soon. The gathering place, the same barren fields, began to liven as elves trickled in. He hadn’t known what to expect as far as numbers went, and even though he had kept an ear out for it, he hadn’t overheard any politicking or discussion regarding the positions. When the trickle finally stopped, there were fewer present than he had imagined. A quick head count showed only 20 elves in attendance, each bearing similar distinguishing features. Among their number were Saban and Melody, who both smiled warmly as they made eye contact. Noah stepped forward to greet them all, taking a moment to meet the eyes of each of the elves.
This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.
“Thank you for coming, may I assume that you are the leaders that your people have chosen to represent the elves in our kingdom?” Noah asked. There were several nods, and Saban took a step forward to speak.
“Yes, Noah, that is correct. We are the elders of this community, and it has been agreed that the burden of leadership shall rest upon our shoulders. There was concern that a repeat offense would occur if an overzealous youth was allowed to lead. Time tempers and forms.” he finished. Noah nodded politely at his words.
“I can appreciate that sentiment, just as I look forward to your counsel moving forward.” Noah replied. “Our time is limited, however, and I would like to discuss what happens next. We have set up a room in the estate if you would join me.” Noah said before moving toward the mansion. The group followed him across the grounds and into the throne room, which had since been cleaned and set up for this very meeting. While they would have had to stay in the field if their numbers were much higher, Noah had hoped for a more intimate setting to discuss their plans. This room was just the right size to comfortably fit the 20 elders assembled in a ‘U’ formation.
Once everyone had found a seat, Noah pulled a chair into the center where he could easily see each face.
“A few days ago, I shared about the upcoming struggle before us. I want to reiterate that I was not being dramatic or overestimating the scale of our enemy. To be frank, unless there are other kingdoms pushing to reach Bronze and set up a defense, we won’t stand a chance.” Noah paused, though there was no murmuring or sharp inhalations of breath. Noah nodded. Good.
“Before our worlds were warped into this new amalgamation, I had a vision of the end. In it, I was shown the beast tides spilling over the land, devouring civilization and claiming every corner for their own. I also saw a group of people mounting a defense, people I now recognize as Drakon. Many of you met Recter, my companion in arms, a drakon of the highest caliber and a name that hasn’t left the global rankings. I believe that we can count on their people to rise to this challenge alongside us. Our role will be to tip the scales.” Noah stopped as an elder stood to his feet. He nodded to him, giving him the floor.
“Pardom my interruption, but am I right in that you claim to be a seer?” The elf asked. Noah tilted his head.
“If by seer, you mean one who occasionally sees glimpses of the future, then yes. The very reason I returned to the lower lands was such a vision.” he replied. There were several gasps of surprise and the murmuring you would expect from a more excitable crowd.
“Noah, this is an incredibly rare gift. I have to ask though, why don’t more of your people follow you? Surely you shared your vision with them as well?” the elder asked. Noah sighed.
“I did. Even before the world was changed, I shared the vision, but they did not believe me. My people have turned away from such things, their hearts are closed off to outside guidance. That doesn’t mean I won’t keep trying. Even if only a few listen, that may be enough to turn the tides of battle.” Noah could see the expressions of shock on many of their faces and he frowned in confusion. Thankfully, Melody stood and moved to speak.
“Noah, in our world, seers were seen as a precious gift. Our people have been saved from many hardships because of their visions. Hearing of a people who so readily discard such a treasure is quite alarming to us. However, I believe I can speak for all elves in saying that our commitment to you and your kingdom will only grow as this news spreads.” she finished, her words accompanied by several nods of agreement.
“I see. I appreciate you explaining that to me. If time permits, I would love to hear more about the seers from your homeland. It wasn’t until soon several months before the change that I first learned of my gift. It would be nice to hear of others who have experienced it. Before that, however, we have a kingdom to build.”
