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FLASHBACK – Continued
Xylon: (Gasps) Have you la—
Elva: (Flatly) Trust me—if you dare finish that sentence, I'll cut out your tongue.
Xylon instantly touches the tip of his tongue and knocks twice on the tree bark—a quick ward against jinx or ill luck.
Xylon: Sorry.
Elva: It was severed unconsciously when I performed the Tender Zboira with someone.
Saeed: Who would you need to exchange Energy with?
Elva: (Sucks teeth) Should I say "handsome"? No… someone greatly beautiful. (Winks at Saeed)
Saeed: (Shaking his head, looking away)
Elva: …and as the same as I.
BACK TO PRESENT
A knock sounds at the door.
Maid Braiden opens it to find a young lad standing there.
Braiden: Oh, Leav—it's you.
Leav: Good day, miss. I brought incense for Her Highness.
Braiden: Right—come in.
Leav steps into the chamber.
Elva: I thought you'd forgotten me, Leav.
Leav: How could I? I'm your incense deliverer, after all. News from the thug society. The—
Elva: If you want sore feet from standing, I won't stop you.
Braiden: (Placing a chair behind him) Here you go, Lea—whoa!
She stumbles slightly; Leav catches her by the arms just in time.
They stare at each other for a frozen second.
Braiden quickly retracts her arms and hurries away, leaving Leav gazing after her.
Elva: (Having witnessed the entire exchange, she fixes Leav with a deadpan stare) Don't even THINK of thinking about it.
Leav glances down at the floor.
Elva: You're still a stripling.
Leav: (Looking up at her) I am an elf of fifty-three years—how can I—
Elva: According to your Birth Star, you're still a stripling.
Leav: (Shaking his head, sitting) Bob informed us that most of the crime offenders remain active despite your warning. Of those who've listened, only a few agreed to fight should an attack come.
Elva: (Unconcerned) It seems some elves had their senses severed after childhood—they don't realise they'd be fighting for themselves, not just for the land.
She moves to the table where the soothing caterpillar incense rests and opens the herbal wooden stalks.
Elva: So—what about the official matter? Was my guess correct?
Leav: (Standing, joining her to sort the herbs) I wouldn't say so. Royal Commandant Philip and General Tyrên aren't old acquaintances—they were… or rather… (he glances at her, then pats her shoulder lightly with a stalk) …are blood brothers.
Elva: (Smiling) Tsh. If I'm not mistaken, it was actually an ælfen who came between them.
Leav: Something like that. The short of it: the younger found the maiden first and fell in love. The elder set eyes on her and stole her heart. The younger, out of respect and wanting both to be happy, turned a blind eye after much pleading from the elder. Years into the marriage, the maiden died—and all blame fell on the elder, despite his private, sincere mourning.
Elva: (Giggling) It seems stealing isn't the only interesting thing in this world. Maybe after all this—and once I've earned my knighthood—I'll become a famous nomad storyteller. First I'll tell the tale of how I thrived alone… and if they don't believe me, I'll ask them to bring forth someone whose help I couldn't live without—that is, if such a person even exists.
Leav: (Soaking the herbs in water) I'm standing right beside you.
Elva spanks the back of his head.
Leav: (Hissing). Apart from yourself, can you even tell a good story?
Elva: Hm 🤔 … what about this one? General Tyrên has a son from his late love.
Leav: Such things shouldn't be joked about.
Elva: So you don't believe me? 😏
Braiden: My lady, everyone awaits you at the East Palace.
Elva: That's good.
Leav: What for?
Elva: It's time for a little fun. 😏😁
Leav: 🤨
Few Moments Later – Court Hall, after a meeting
Senior Attendant Hü hurries in.
Senior Attendant Hü: Greetings, Your Majesty. I bring report from the Chief Eunuch of the East Palace: Princess Wood… is holding a feast there.
Forest of the East Palace – Eastern Region of the Imperial Palace
Aunt Brielle: (Approaching Elva) You threw a sudden feast and invited every servant here. The Elflord will be furious.
Elva: (Grinning) I wonder what he'll do, Aunt Brielle.
They both glance toward the Queen Mother—playing simple games with her servants in plain attire, looking no different from any commoner enjoying herself.
Elva: As long as she's happy, I'm content. Ah! (Turning to Aunt Brielle) Has the Recuperation Pill been delivered to the physician tending Ernest?
Aunt Brielle: Yes. The young lord's severe injuries and pain should be fully healed by midnight.
Elva: I trust you, Aunt Brielle. (To a lively group of servants after a thick exhale) I'm ready!
She dashes over to join them in a raucous tossing game—those claiming to be better than her already laughing and jeering.
Aunt Brielle watches the jubilant scene, eyes soft.
Aunt Brielle: (Mumbling) It is good to see you giving life a good turn… though many boundaries still lie ahead to conquer. (Nods upward) I can finally give your father a worthy report.
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