Everyone had their eyes on the Elven King when he came with three Elves behind him. He wore long white robes with his long black hair, gently swaying from side to side on his back. A delicate golden crown shone on his head. The Elves went on their knees. Davina and the Inarians did the same as well.
The Elven King lifted his hand and everyone rose. Davina and the Inarians went back to their assigned seats.
"Everyone, after this night our brave warriors who defeated the ogre will be leaving us in order to continue on their quest to find the Island of Eryl," the Elven King announced.
Hearing this, the Elves whispered amongst each other. Davina saw Eva sniff.
"In order to express our gratitude for their service to us, we are going to give them gifts. There are many Elves who have brought their gifts to your ship. I have contributed some that are also in your ship, but these gifts in particular are ones I want to hand to you in person."
He motioned his hand. One Elf behind him went to Quinn and handed him a book. It was a white book that seemed brand new. Davina saw Quinn's eyes widened when it was laid in front of him.
"For Sir Quinn, I have given a book of medicine. I know it will be useful in your journey."
Another Elf went to Arlo. The Elf went over and placed a golden compass in front of him.
"For Sir Arlo, a compass that I'm certain will help you on your journey. Trust this compass to lead you where you always need to go."
In front of Kira, a crystal-like dagger was handed in front of her.
"I'm certain that this journey will be dangerous and perilous. So, for Miss Kira not only does this dagger serve as a weapon, but it can call help when you need it. It is similar to the one I gave to Miss Dana, but this dagger will call for help no matter what realm you're in."
There were no more Elves behind the Elven King. When Davina saw the three Elves, she knew that one of them might not get anything from the Elven King. She was curious why but she didn't want to ask.
"Now for Miss Dana," the Elven King continued as if he heard Felix, "I would like you to come and step forward."
Davina did as the Elven King asked. They stood face to face with each other.
What is he going to do?
The Elven King placed his hand inside one of the sleeves of his robe. Then he took out a sword inside its sheath and placed it on Davina's hands. He encouraged her to take the sword out of its sheath.
When Davina wrapped her hand on the golden hilt of the sword, there was a tingling feeling that passed her entire body. She took it out of its sheath. The Elves gasped when they saw the sword.
"Many years ago, I was acquainted with a warrior who was similar to you Miss Dana. She was human like you as well. But like all humans, they pass." The atmosphere suddenly became somber. Looks like all the Elves knew the warrior that the Elven King was talking about. "This sword was hers. I want to say that I'm giving you her sword, but it all depends if the sword agrees with you."
Davina has always agreed about being able to find the right sword that suited her. She was always particular on being able to find the one that suited her best. One she knew would serve her well.
The one that she had doesn't agree with her but she's learned how to deal with it. However, as she tried to practice with this new sword she couldn't find any problems with it. The sword was rather light in her hands. She could move it easily and swiftly if she needed it to. Her eyes shone with the ease the sword had as she tried it out.
"It's perfect," she said. She couldn't help herself and kneeled down in front of the Elven King. "Thank you Your Highness for this generous gift. I will make sure to take of this sword."
"Rise, Miss Dana. Since the sword agrees with you, you may grant it a name so it will be truly yours."
A name.
Davina has named her weapons before. It was something Felix always found amusing about her. Her eyes landed on the green gem that was similar to the one in her bracelet. However, while the green in her bracelet was a light green, this was rather dark.
"Felicis. The sword's name is Felicis."
The crowd cheered making Davina jump. She placed the sword back in its sheath. In the corner of her eye, there was something glowing. Upon receiving a name, the gem on the sword shone. She wasn't certain if it was just her imagination, but she could've sworn that she also saw the gem on her bracelet shine too.
"I hope that these gifts will be of help to you on your journey. If any of you need assistance, we are all ready to help you."
~~~~~
The following day, Davina and the Inarians continued on their journey to the Island of Eryl. The Woodland Elves bid them goodbye and watched them as they left. Eva kept on asking last night if they needed someone with them when they were packing that night after the celebration. Turns out neither one of them could sleep and decided to pack and they accidentally woke up Eva in the process.
Kira was trying to let Eva down slowly while Davina just gave it to her straight that they already had everyone they needed.
"But if you need me, you'd call for me right?"
According to the Elven King, the crystal he gave Davina on the first day they were there could be used to contact him as long as they were in Farren. Eva explained that if they would say what they needed, the crystal would be able to give it to them. Davina hasn't tried it yet. She was also planning to leave it behind but Eva placed it in her hand.
As Davina stared at the young girl's hopeful eyes, she was reminded of someone who used to give her that look years ago. Davina sighed. She held the crystal in her hand.
"Yes, if I need you, I'd call for you," she promised.
Eva couldn't control herself and jumped on Davina. She was able to keep her balance to keep the two of them from falling because of the impact. Kira was silently laughing as she carefully folded the dress she was wearing earlier.
"I want to be a warrior like you someday. The Elven King doesn't like violence, but I know he'd support me if I said that I wanted to leave the Forest to train."
"Why would you want to leave this place?"
"I want to explore more of Farren. I still have a lot of years ahead of me."
Davina agreed. Apparently, Kira explained to her that Elves live for thousands of years but they would still look as young as the Elven King. She remembered that Felix had always hypothesized the possible lifespan of an Elf and magical creatures. She wasn't able to contribute anything to that conversation but only listened to him.
"What would you like to learn?"
"I want to learn how to fight with a sword like you. Fighting with spears could also be good too...or archery."
"I thought you would want to learn how to fight with your magic."
"That would be nice too," she stared at her hands.
"You don't sound too happy about it."
"My magic isn't as strong as the others. I've never liked it that much."
Davina hasn't seen the young girl do that much magic these past few days. Or perhaps she just didn't notice. Davina waited for Kira to say something to her since she was the one with magic there. But Kira had her eyes on Davina who had no idea what to say.
"Well...what can you do with your magic?"
"Move a couple of plants here and there," she shrugged. "Not like Kira who can turn into a bird. Or Sir Arlo who can fly." Eva had a dreamlike expression on her face. She was probably remembering the show Arlo and Kira did earlier.
Davina wanted to say that Arlo could only control the air and he couldn't exactly fly, but she didn't get to say it. Kira opened her mouth, but was surprisingly cut off by Davina.
"Don't compare yourself with them. Everyone's magic-," she paused for a second. "Everyone has their different strengths. Look at me, I don't have any magic." Davina tried to not avt proud about that.
"But you can fight. I want to be like that too. I'll train hard so that I can help you when you need me."
Davina couldn't help but smile at her. Eva was surprised since Davina always had such a serious face. Eva glanced at Kira who also had a look of disbelief on her face.
The two watched as Davina went to her room and came back with her old sword in hand in its new Elven sheath. She handed it to Eva.
"Here," she handed it to Eva. "I have a new sword and this one never really agreed with me."
Eva hesitantly took the sword. She stared at it wide-eyed, not yet taking it out of its sheath.
"I'll treasure it forever." She stood up again for another hug, but Davina blocked her.
"This-this isn't something permanent. I mean, this sword is...only for now. Until you learn more about sword fighting and find the one you truly want. Until you find the one that suits you."
Eva nodded, understanding what Davina was saying. But she still attacked Davina with a hug she was now prepared for.
As Davina watched the Forest of the Woodland Elves get farther and farther, she admitted to herself that she was going to miss it there. Even if she'd only stayed there for a few days, she would miss the bliss and simplicity in the forest.
She saw Eva who climbed on top of a tree and kept on waving at them. She waved back at her. She wished the girl well and hoped that she would be able to achieve her dreams.
"She reminds me of you," she told Felix when she went back in her room.
"Looks like everyone reminds you of me," he teased. "But I disagree, she reminds me of you."
Davina would have disagreed, but she had to admit that she did see some parts of herself in the girl last night.
"If things ended differently…"
Even if Felix didn't continue what he was saying, Davina knew what he meant by it. Staying in the Forest of the Woodland Elves was like a dream and being back on the ship was a splash of reality. For one moment, Davina began to believe that anything was possible. That anything could be done and anything could be undone. But then she remembered that there were just some things that couldn't be taken back.
"Yeah," she agreed solemnly, "if things ended differently."