In the grand halls of Eldorinthal, the Kingdom of Elves, the council of elders convened to discuss the unsettling news of Princess Thalia's demise. Elders Ellion, Elandril, and Elenion presented their findings, recounting the tragic events that had befallen the princess.
"Through the Card of Communication," Elder Ellion began, his voice carrying the weight of sorrow, "we received a report from Elder Elandril about Thalia's capture and subsequent fate in the black market auction in Jontran."
Elder Elenion, fueled by grief and rage, slammed his hand on the ornate table. "We should not sit idly! Jontran must answer for what they've done. I say we wage war against them!"
Elder Aeliana, a voice of reason and diplomacy, intervened. "Calm yourself, Elenion. Revenge will not bring Thalia back. We must focus on uncovering the truth before taking any drastic measures."
Queen Alara, shrouded in the anguish of a mother's grief, listened in silence. Resting her eyes in her throne, she inquired about her son, Prince Arion, without a hint of opening her eyes.
Elder Aeliana responded with a gentle tone, "Prince Arion has been pacified. He understands the consequences of rushing into vengeance. We need a measured response."
The queen, still keeping her eyes closed, shifted her focus to Lord Octavius, a key player in the unfolding drama. She inquired about his whereabouts, her voice betraying a hint of anxiety.
Elder Ellion, ever the composed diplomat, informed the queen, "Lord Octavius has departed and was escorted respectfully. He poses no immediate threat."
A visible wave of relief washed over Queen Alara's pale visage. However, her moment of solace was short-lived as Elder Elenion, fueled by disdain, proposed a more aggressive approach.
"We should have detained Octavius, used him as a bargaining chip, and demanded justice for Thalia. Jontran cannot escape responsibility," Elenion declared, his emotions overriding his usual composure.
Other elders, sensing the danger of rash decisions, urged caution. "Elenion, vengeance will only lead to more bloodshed. We must follow due process and uncover the truth before making any demands," argued Elder Aeliana.
As the elven council deliberated, Elder Ellion's attentiveness was momentarily interrupted by the gentle chime of his blue-colored Card of Communication. The aged elf retrieved the card with a sense of urgency, signaling to the council that new developments were at hand.
With a practiced motion, Elder Ellion activated the device, and Elder Elandril's recorded voice echoed in the grand hall, revealing a chilling truth. "After Thalia's demise, we discovered that half of her soul is missing," Elandril's voice resonated, casting a somber atmosphere over the council.
The queen, in her silent grief, frowned at the unsettling revelation. The notion of a noble elf's soul being violated invoked a sense of profound distress.
Elder Elenion, ever the fiery advocate for justice, erupted in anger. "Blasphemous humans! Violating the essence of a noble elf. Such sacrilege cannot go unanswered!" His words carried the weight of centuries-old resentment.
Even Elder Aeliana, the voice of reason, wore a troubled expression. The violation of Thalia's soul transcended mere political disputes, striking at the very core of elven beliefs.
Elder Ellion, holding the burden of these revelations, listened with a heavy sigh. The council braced itself for more unsettling truths.
The recorded voice message continued, unraveling a thread of mystery. Thalia, before her capture, had embarked on an adventurous quest into an ancient ruin within the Savage Forest. Her companion on this perilous journey was none other than an Adventurer named Gothar.
The news resonated through the hall, drawing reactions from the council. The queen's eyes flickered with curiosity, her grief momentarily overshadowed by the intrigue of this new revelation.
Elder Elenion's anger shifted, and his eyes narrowed in suspicion. "Adventurer Gothar… What role does he play in all of this?"
Elder Aeliana, ever the diplomat, contemplated the implications. "We must tread carefully. The answers we seek may lie with Gothar, and Captain Elowin shall accompany Elder Elandril to make contact."
As the council grappled with the enigma unfolding before them, the echoes of mystery reverberated in the grand halls of Eldorinthal.
##
Amidst the dense foliage of the Savage Forest, the journey within the confines of a luxurious carriage. Lord Octavius, adorned in opulent garments, exuded an air of self-assured triumph. Humming a triumphant melody, he reclined comfortably within the ornate carriage.
However, within the shadows of this opulence, a cloaked figure sat in silence. The hood concealed any discernible features, casting an aura of mystery and secrecy. As the carriage rumbled along the forest path, the cloaked figure broke the silence with a question, a whisper laden with anticipation.
"Lord Octavius, do you truly believe your plan will succeed? Will I truly have my revenge?" The voice emanating from the shadows bore an undertone of desperation, a thirst for vindication.
Lord Octavius, with a feigned assurance that masked a hidden agenda, addressed the cloaked figure. "Rest assured, Prince Arion. I stake my life on it. The one responsible for Thalia's demise will meet his end at your hands."
The cloaked figure, revealed as Prince Arion, clutched his fist, his eyes reflecting the smoldering embers of vengeance. Unbeknownst to him, an imperceptible black aura emanated from Lord Octavius, a manifestation of the insidious power of the Card of Greed.
Lord Octavius continued to speak with calculated words, further stoking the flames of Prince Arion's desire for retribution. "Your revenge is within reach, Prince. The path is clear, and I shall guide you to the one who orchestrated this tragedy."
As Prince Arion's desperation for justice intensified, the Card of Greed subtly amplified his emotions, feeding on the profound greed for revenge. Unseen, Lord Octavius's eyes glinted with concealed delight, a sly grin forming on his lips.
The carriage continued its journey through the heart of the Savage Forest, carrying within its luxurious confines a pact sealed in shadows. The whispers of greed echoed in the air, setting the stage for a clandestine dance of manipulation and revenge. The cards were in play, and the forest concealed secrets that would soon come to light.