It was morning, the sun that was still hidden had not yet shown its golden light from the east. But Eldred, a man of Elfair blood, had woken up early in the morning, after sleeping for two hours under a tree near the Seina Forest. He had been on a tiring journey lately. Even his body felt crushed.
He waited for Kenley to arrive near the Seiry River. The river water was clear and cold. The longest river in the continent of Magir Kivanal which ends with sea water at the western tip of the continent.
Eldred headed for the river and sat on a boulder. Then wash his face with river water that flows freely. A feeling of relief seemed to flow from his face to his entire body.
If only he had not gotten this difficult mission from Lord Hardikha, he might have just become an archer in the Gawhead Mountains. Because that's his specialty. Even now on this long journey, Eldred always carried his bow with him wherever he went.
After refreshing his feelings, then he looked around. Hoping that a Kenley figure will come soon. Because the sun slowly shows its rays through the gaps in the trees in the shady Seina forest. The forest seemed to be starting to light up. The smell of the trees and the chirping of birds could be heard more and more through his keen senses from the elfair man. The Elfairites do have the ability to hear, smell, and see things beyond the senses of the Hamoursh. That's why the Elfaires are seen as perfect.
He saw something moving from the north, the sound of footsteps getting louder and louder in his ears. It was clear that someone else was approaching the river. But after a few bad thoughts crossed the albino-haired Elfair's head, it turned out to be Kenley Rhys. The person he had been waiting for appeared.
But Kenley wasn't alone. Eldred raised one eyebrow. Staring at Kenley with a few questions. Why did he come with someone else? What if that person leaked a mission from the Elfaires that he was going to tell Kenley. In fact, his intention to tell about his heavy mission, Lord Hardikha ordered that no Hamoursh people know this.
The two of them finally stood before Eldred. Eldred looked at the human who was beside Kenley with a sharp gaze. In his heart, he also still has a grudge with the Hamours because of the sad story that happened several years ago.
"Have you been waiting here long?" Kenley asked without the slightest bit of awkwardness. Because he was already used to talking to Elfaires like Eldred.
"I thought you came here alone" Eldred snapped, smiling bitterly at the human beside Kenley. The man averted his gaze. "Liza forced me to come" said Kenley as he turned to the girl who still looked away at the Seiry river that was flowing fast beside her. But Eldred could sense that the brunette girl didn't look as evil as the average human. He did know that Kenley was a robber in Ortania and that girl was part of his gang. Moreover, he could not carelessly believe something said from the mouths of the Hamours. In conclusion, the Elfair Man still had to be careful. Having never existed before, the Elfaires and Hamoursh could interact with each other as he did now. Kenley and his friends are robbers. The two of them must have had a boss who used to order him to rob every day.
"Hahaha. Don't worry. Thanks to this girl, I was able to escape from Dryzell just now." Kenley laughed out loud, embracing Liza which took him by surprise. Liza snorted in disgust. Then he whispered softly to Kenley.
"Does that Elfair not like my presence?" he asked awkwardly. But Eldred heard it clearly, then smiled wryly. "I'm just afraid the Hamours will find out about the trouble the Elfairs are in. My boss from the palace has told me to take a mission." Eldred explained.
"You mean?" Liza asked, daring to ask. With the cold gaze of an Elfair in front of her, Liza went awry. He was still a little afraid to even look Eldred in the eye. And trying to avoid direct contact with Eldred.
"I hope the girl can be trusted." Eldred continued, then turned to Liza then turned her gaze again to Kenley. "It's okay, I know exactly what this Liza is like. She is my little friend who lives in the guild with me." said Kenley with a grin as he ruffled Liza's hair excitedly. That made Liza even more irritated.
"Liza, I hope you can keep this a secret from anyone especially Dryzell." Kenley said again. "He's annoying." he continued in a whisper.
"That business, I can handle it myself without you telling me, you idiot." Liza said releasing Kenley's hand that was holding his head earlier. "I know I know, I leave it all to you." a stupid face seemed to adorn the face of the man wearing the cross.
"So, I want to find Crystal Crytilops which according to legend, exists in this Kivanal Magire continent. Because the Elfair Nation is going through a crisis." Eldred clearly frowned. Kenley and Liza stared at each other, their eyes wide. He must have heard right now. Dryzell had always dreamed of the Crystal to be sold to wealthy collectors in the capital. The price will definitely be very expensive. Unfortunately, it's just a legend, and people don't believe in its existence. Even for robbers though.
"Isn't the Crystal just a legend?" Kenley asked in disbelief. "Indeed. But the Elfaires believe it. And that thing, exists somewhere on the continent." said Eldred. He exhaled before continuing "I want you to help me find that thing."
Kenley was silent for a moment. He was in a state of doubt. If he stole that thing that he had obtained after a long journey with Eldred later, wouldn't there be a war like a few centuries ago? This thing is a dream for all robbers. But on the other hand, the Elfair need it.
The brown haired girl beside him felt the same way. But he tried to make a wise decision. "I support you to help this Elfair!" Liza said tapping Kenley's shoulder who was still thinking for a long time.
"I heard you're a good Kluith, right?" Liza jokes. "Kenley a Kluith? I've never heard of that before." The elfair smiled coldly, but looked warm. Kenley shook his head sheepishly.
"Ah, not really! I just-".
"So you want to help me find that thing? I really need your skills on my journey." persuaded the Elfair. "Don't worry, I'll give you a bag of rubies if you'll help me." Eldred tried to offer something.
Kenley and Liza smiled broadly. "Don't forget you have to share it with me." Liza pinched with a smile. Kenley nodded in agreement. And Eldred gave him a bag filled with rubies.
"Okay what should I prepare tomorrow?" Kenley looked excited. "For Dryzell's business, I can handle it later" continued Liza who was also enthusiastic. These two humans in front of Eldred did look trustworthy. But, he also tried not to be stupid and fell into the dirty trap planned by these two robbers. Don't let him, the most precious treasure on this continent, Kenley turn around to betray him later.
"If you are ready, tomorrow morning before sunrise, I will wait for you here. You must prepare the equipment you will bring tomorrow." said Eldred giving Kenley the coordinates.
"B..But, what should I do? Dryzell will definitely forbid me. Especially if I lie to him." Kenley was a little worried about that. Dryzell never allowed his men to go far without reason or orders from him. Kenley wasn't very good at lying.
"You idiot, I told you not to worry. I can manage." Liza said. A small punch landed on Kenley's head. Which made him look sick. "Can you not do that to me every day?" He said while rubbing his head.
"Oops! I'm sorry. hahaha!" Eldred stifled a laugh at Kenley's behavior, who still looked like a seven year old child. Even though he was twenty-three years old. But that Child, hasn't changed since he first helped her when he was a Child when he-.
"I have to go." Eldred said openly. The sun was starting to rise above their heads. "Alright, tomorrow I will arrive on time, I promise!" Kenley made up his mind firmly. The Elfair walked across the swift Seiry River, past the large bridge that connected the Elfair and Hamours regions.
The Elfair nation had been bestowed some limitless abilities by its ancestors in the past. They have lived thousands, even hundreds of years ago. They can't age and don't die, unless someone kills them. Pale white skin, beautiful blue eyes, and beautiful looks, make the Elfaires seem the most perfect creatures on earth.
"Is he an Elfair Mage?" Liza opened a question. Kenley shakes his head. I've never seen him use magic. But it seems you can see for yourself that Elfair was carrying a bow. It's obvious he's a Kluith, just like me. But the difference is I use Slikers" he said.
"Are there other special experts that other Elfairs have? I once borrowed Edgar's book, if the Elfairs have the ability to exceed the Hamoursh" Liza asked curiously. "I don't know, but I've been used to seeing Elfair's abilities for a long time. She's one of my friends who doesn't age, hahaha really." Kenley put on a bitter smile after mentioning the last part of the sentence just now.
"So you guys have known each other all this time? Why didn't you ever tell me? Stupid!" One finger landed on Kenley's left ear. Kenley winced in pain and clutched his ear, hoping Liza would stop him soon.
"He helped me when I was lost in the Larnia forest. "Finally Liza released her soul. "Before Dryzell took me in back then, I got lost in Elfair's territory because I was interested in the unique plants that grow in that forest. You know?" he said, rubbing his ear. "In Elfair's territory?!" Liza said before continuing. "You should just die there. Why did Elfair save a brat like you.' The girl quickened her pace, walking back towards the Guild.
"What did you say?"
"Hey! Wait for me!" Kenley rushed after him.
****
An Elfair, seemed to be walking leisurely in the Larnia Forest. Carrying his Bow, he swept a glance around. He was afraid that an intruder would sneak into the territory of the Elfair Nation. Especially if you roam in the Larnia forest. The unique plants there have become very rare because they were stolen by some smugglers recently. Even though the Elfairs had set Traps and strict surveillance, the thieves still managed to escape safely.
'Hamoursh people, that's really annoying' cursed Eldred in his mind. He had finally arrived where the Animals that lived only in the Larnia forest, had died. What is burned then becomes dust that blends with the ground.
But suddenly, he felt something fly above his head. He focused his gaze and caught something flying from tree to tree. It's Viphotus, the messenger bird. The bird belonged to Clevan, Lord Hardikha's Advisor. He saw something tied with a white ribbon around the bird's left ankle.
Eldred looked at the bird and immediately raised his right hand in the air. As a result, the bird landed in Elfair's hands. Eldred took the message tied to the bird's leg and raised his hand again in the air. As if getting used to it, the Viphotus Bird flew back into the sky.
Eldred opened a small letter signed by Lourd Hardikha's hand. He read the letter which contained an order, that Lord Hardikha summoned him to the palace.
After he exited the Larnia Forest, he rushed towards Larvard. A small town containing all the original inhabitants of the Elfair nation. Residents build their homes by harnessing the power generated by nature. Their house is made of large tree trunks with green leaves that spread over each house. Because the city is very close to the larnia forest that towers over the east. The Elfaires are very dependent on nature for their life. They really appreciate everything that nature has given them.
Eldred combed the path lined with natural stones. The road is about three to four meters wide. Eldred intends to take a ride to the palace, using Anomius. Anomius is a type of animal that pulls a cart filled with cargo, which is usually wheat. Usually driven by a wheat farmer in the Elfair area. But there are also those who make the animal as a means of transportation and daily mounts. Anomius had four strong legs. So that it is able to pull heavy loads, even as heavy as its body though.
Before boarding, Eldred had paid the charioteer with Thirty Ruby to take him to Fcycila palace. The place was under Lord Hardikha's control. He was an elder of the Elfair nation.
Along the way, he witnessed several Elfairs performing the cremation ceremony of the Dead Elfair's body in a special burning pit. The incident was always ringing in his head. Haunting every activity that he does. To this point, Eldred still didn't know what was the cause of death facing the Elfairites. Whereas before that, there were no deaths in the Elfair nation except for those who died in the war several centuries ago. He had not been able to research so far.
'Are the Elves currently having a plague or something?' Eldred muttered to himself. It's really a confusing incident that cut his heart even more. Because of him, still can't do anything.
Not long after, Anomius who pulled Eldred, had arrived in front of the gates of the Elfair's palace. He came down after thanking the coachman earlier. The Kingdom of Fcycila is decorated with golden yellow gems on every gate and tower. The roof is made of glass decorated with colorful beads, has its own luxury in it. Not to mention that in the courtyard there is a large fountain that has become an icon of the palace. Shows that the Elfairites have it all. Eldred's arrival was greeted by Clevan who was waiting at the door. The royal guards let Elfair into the palace.
He was escorted by one of the guards to the meeting room, Clevan followed behind him. There, Lord Hardikha was waiting for his arrival. Seeing that, Eldred hastily saluted.
"It's an honor, you call me, Lord Hardikha" said Eldred bowed with his right hand on his stomach and his left behind his back.
"I want to tell you about the quest for Crystal Crytilops according to the legend." Lord Hardikha said to open the conversation after telling Eldred to sit on the chair that was already available. "Yes. Tomorrow I'll start looking for that thing. But I don't know anything about the Crystal." said Eldred. Clevan, who had been standing beside Eldred, smiled sinisterly at him.
"But I have a clue that could lead you to find that precious thing." Lord Hardikha said, took out a box with paw prints, put it on the table. Eldred looked at the thing with a curious face.
Lord Hardikha opened the box, then a roll of paper was neatly stored inside. "This is a map" said Lord Hardikha before continuing his words. "I've found some clues in several areas on this map." He continued while showing the contents of the Magire Kivanal map, which has been given a special point in each different image.
"I had assumed that the Crystal was hidden on this continent, and it was real. With that thing, the glory of the Elfair nation will return to what it used to be." Said Lord Hardikha again.
With his two strong hands, Lord Hardikha handed the map into Eldred's hands. The old age of Lord Hardikha, doesn't show the old side of Elfair at all. With the armor he always wears, making himself like a knight in the past.
"I will keep this trust and immediately bring the Crystal to you, Lord Hardikha" Eldred replied. "But..." Eldred stopped his speech. "This will probably take a very long time," he continued.
Lord Hardikha nodded. "I trust you, Eldred Carlton." Lord Hardikha said, then grabbed Eldred's shoulder, and was about to give him something. A rather long sword, clad in beautiful silver. The scabbard is decorated with the Gwivhal animal pattern which is the symbol of the Elfair nation. Eldred was stunned by the thing.
"Use this sword if you are in an urgent situation. I know that your bow is not always able to protect you from unexpected attacks. I have bathed the sword in Gwivhal's blood. So that this sword can give off a formidable power that only its owner can master." Obviously Lord Hardikha. "I bless you with this sword" he continued handing this thing to Eldred.
It's an honor for me to receive it. But allow this bow of mine to be a companion on my journey later. May I be able to prove my abilities so that I can present it to the Elfaires later."
Clevan actually felt jealous of Eldred. Because he had dreamed of being able to get the sword from Lord Hardikha in order to become the only strongest knight in the Elfair region. His heart heated up, especially knowing there was another Elfair who received the sword that wasn't him. Fortunately Eldred refused the sword given by Lord Hardikha. But he thought of various evil ways to get the sword in order to keep Lord Hardikha's trust in him.
"Sorry in advance Lord Hardikha, if I may suggest. Allow me to accompany Eldred on his journey." Clevan said suddenly. Clevan and Eldred were Elfair of the same age.
"If you are willing to take on the mission, I will allow it. You two should get ready for tomorrow." Said Lord Hardikha then. Lord Hardikha left them both in the meeting room of the magnificent palace. But Eldred, even though you don't need this sword. I'm sure one day you will need it. So please use this sword on your journey. Lord Hardikha turns around and still intends to give her sword to Eldred even though Elfair refuses. Eldred couldn't argue, His tongue suddenly went blank and his brain stopped thinking. After giving him the sword, Lord Hardikha had completely abandoned them and placed great trust in both of them.
Instantly the atmosphere became silent without a sound. "Okay Eldred, you are under my supervision now. I can accompany you for this long journey. But still, I am the only Elfair kingdom that the residents of the Elfairites will respect" said Clevan who then also hurried away, leaving Eldred alone. He was furious at what he had just witnessed before his own eyes. The sword he dreamed of so much, fell into the hands of a Kluith who was not from the Fcycila kingdom. He was just an ordinary archer Elfair, nothing more! He cursed angrily as he left Eldred.
'Wait a minute, did I forget to tell Lord Hardikha about my trip with Kenley tomorrow?!' His mind.
"Damn it, if I had talked about this to Lord Hardikha earlier, Clevan wouldn't have come with me. I just didn't want that face-seeking Elfair to ruin my trip later." Maki Eldred quietly, threw hateful words at Clevan. He knew very well what the man's character was every time he met. Clevan always disliked him for some reason. Eldred finally left the palace, Returning to his home in Eisternd.
****
While in the guild, Kenley was busy preparing the equipment he would bring tomorrow. He always wears a cross necklace around his neck. Bottles for drinking, enough replacement clothes, and his favorite Slikers. Slikers are a kind of gun that Kenley always carries with him at every job. In this new long journey that he will take tomorrow, he doesn't want to be constantly protected by that Elfair. That's very troublesome. So Kenley will try to take care of himself. Edgar came into the room having just finished taking a shower.
"Kenley, where are you going?" Edgar asked curiously. "I have an important mission with an Elfair tomorrow." said Kenley without taking his eyes off the bag he had loaded. "Wait. With an Elfair you say?!" said Edgar in surprise. Kenley shouldn't have mentioned the word Elfair to anyone. Moreover, he promised if he didn't want anyone in the guild to know about it. For a moment Kenley was silent, thinking about various reasons until he finally lost his mind. He took a deep breath and exhaled before speaking.
"Edgar, I'm sorry. But can I ask you to please not tell this to anyone especially the guild people. Liza already knows this and I want you to understand too." said Kenley, hoping his roommate could keep a secret about Eldred, Elfair's friend. Edgar sighed. He crouched down and tapped Kenley's shoulder.
"I just want you to no longer keep anything from us. Because we are members of the same guild. We are family. I want you to stop hiding the problems you are facing alone. I will understand." said Edgar.
"I just don't want everyone in the guild to worry about me. Thanks Edgar." said Kenley putting his arm around Edgar's shoulder.
"Oh, you said you were going out tomorrow with an Elfair. Wait a minute, I'm curious. How do you get to be friends with someone from the Elfair nation?" Edgar said starting another conversation. "It's a long story.." Kenley said with a wry smile.
"You think Dryzell won't beat me up if I go out of town for a long time?" Kenley said suddenly changing the subject. "Even though Liza will arrange my business with Dryzell later, I still feel scared." he continued, staring at Edgar's face full of trepidation. "Hahaha you think Dryzell is in the guild?" Edgar replied then started laughing.
"You mean?" Kenley is confused. "He has business out of town. Maybe one week he will be back" explained Edgar.
"Oh yeah? Thank goodness." Kenley plopped down on his straw bed. He clenched his will firmly in his hands. "Okay, I'm going to have some sake, it looks like it's very busy down there." said Edgar moving out of the room.
"You want to come?" he asked kenley later, after he stood in the doorway before finally leaving the room after Kenley shook his head.
It was late afternoon, because the sun that had been above was now slowly sinking towards the west. The townspeople began to install oil lamps to illuminate the dark night they were about to face.
Kenley began to move out of his room, down to the ground floor. Tracing some stairs made of wood. He arrived at the guild's main hall, where all the members gathered every day. He sat in a fairly quiet place away from the crowds. He swept his eyes looking for someone. Not long after, Liza came to him with two large sake glasses.
"Would you like it? I already made it for you." Liza put one glass of sake for Kenley and the other for him. "Thank you." said Kenley with a faint smile.
"Why isn't Horald here? Where is he? I haven't seen him in the guild since." Kenley asked Liza with a few questions.
"Today Dryzell went out of town and Horald was with him." Liza clearly looked at Kenley's face, then smiled wryly. "You're lucky that Dryzell left," he continued. Dryzell's departure from the city made him even more confident that luck was on his side today.
"But you just tell me later if Dryzell comes home earlier than me. Tell him I'm going to Gracylia for some reason." Kenley said, then gulped the glass of sake down to half a glass.
"Okay" said Liza pointing her thumb. "Even though I don't know how long it will take. Hahaha" said Kenley again, he laughed because he was drunk. With a breath that is filled with the smell of sake.
"Don't forget to share my wages. Hahaha" continued Liza who also laughed because she was drunk. "Is Fyon outside too?" Kenley asked with his head slightly heavy. Liza nodded. "Fyon is getting an assignment from Dryzell to rob a bank. Not far" replied Liza, then due to being too drunk, the girl dropped her head on the table.
"Okay, I'll just go to sleep. Tch, it's noisy in here." Kenley got up from his place, walking unsteadily to his room on the second floor. With a headache, he almost fell to the floor several times. But luckily Edgar came to support Kenley. He lifted his head to see who was helping him. Then he smiled wryly at Edgar.
"Hey, didn't you say you wanted some sake earlier? Let's have a drink!" said Kenley with a wobble of his head.
"You drank too much, didn't you?" said Edgar worriedly to Kenley. Because usually the man only drinks a small glass of sake, and even then if Kenley has time. But lately, Kenley shouldn't be enjoying that intoxicating drink much more often, but somehow it's because he'll be away from the guild for so long and will definitely be enjoying sake very rarely with the people of this guild.
"I just drank a little earlier." he said again as he supported Kenley, helping him up the stairs to get to his room. Arriving in front of the door, Edgar hastily opened the wooden door which was starting to get a bit rickety. He laid Kenley's body on his straw bed.
"You idiot, it's always been like this. You haven't changed at all since the first time you came to help me." Said Edgar speaking quietly. While the person he was talking to had fallen asleep due to dizziness because of the sake he drank with Liza earlier.
"I'm sure tomorrow you'll be able to take care of yourself. I can feel everything you've been through until now." Edgar tried to talk to Kenley again. He took a deep breath, then exhaled heavily.
"I know who my parents are, I even know who you are, Kenley Rhys. I-" Edgar stopped him. Unknowingly, tears that he had never let out, suddenly flowed from his eyes. Wet his cheeks. He hastily wiped his tears, then rushed out of the room.
****