In the capital of the Silver Moon Kingdom, within a sanctum nestled beneath the branches of the ancient Tree of Life, emerald vines climbed the walls, and fruits of unknown varieties, shimmering in various hues, adorned the ceiling. A crystal-clear lake ran through the palace, where colorful fish occasionally leaped from the water.
Faeries, small as a human hand, played amongst the blossoms, leaving trails of phosphorescent glow like fireflies, imbuing the entire palace with thriving vitality.
Outside, elven guards clad in verdant armor stood in neat rows along the jade stairway, safeguarding the sanctum and their queen from any intrusion.
"General Nimue, the Queen is offering prayers to the Lady of the Silver Moon. Please wait a moment," two guards said, their voices resolute yet respectful as they crossed their longspears, barring her way.
Though the elves were renowned rangers and adept at small-unit tactics, they were not strangers to set-piece battles. However, given their population barely exceeded a million, such conflicts typically led to devastating losses and were reserved for defending their capital or in desperate times.
Nimue didn't mind the delay, simply nodding and standing still.
Before long, a voice as enchanting as a siren's song called out from within the palace, "Is that you, Nimue… Enter."
Upon the Queen's command, the guards retracted their spears, allowing Nimue passage.
Nimue crossed the pond teeming with koi, ascended the steps floating on the water's surface, and reached the foot of the dome.
The Elven Queen stood there, bathed in the silver light that filtered through the dome even during the day, which added an air of mystery to her presence.
"Your Majesty!" Nimue approached and knelt respectfully at the bottom of the stairs.
All elves adored their Queen, who was instrumental in securing their place among the races. One of the oldest demigods, she had lived for ten thousand years. About eight or nine millennia ago, when elves, humans, and orcs were still in their tribal stages without the concept of nations, she united all elves, defeated their rivals, and founded the Silver Moon Kingdom.
Elves were the first to establish civilization on the continent, while humans and orcs were still in a savage state. At its zenith, elven civilization influenced both human and orcish societies to this day. However, as humans and orcs developed and their populations grew, they established their own civilizations, leading to the decline of the elven nation. Now, they could only protect themselves within the Forest of Mu En, lacking the strength to contend for dominance over the continent.
"Nimue, what is the situation in Central City?" Ariella inquired, her melodious voice echoing throughout the sanctuary. Her gaze pierced through the mist that shrouded her face and seemed to cast divine light toward the city. Yet, even as an ancient demigod, she couldn't fathom the dragon's essence.
"Such a powerful magic vortex... I wonder what that dragon is up to," she murmured, a hint of helplessness in her voice as she shook her head.
Nimue reported everything she had observed without omission.
"Ancient dragon lost in the endless sea of stars... Fortunate to have escaped that dire and dreadful cataclysm," Ariella mused, her enchanting voice tinged with ancient weariness.
Nimue bowed her head, not daring to respond, but a sense of unease stirred within her.
The dragon must be at least thirty thousand years old, whereas the Queen had lived just over ten thousand. Yet, Ariella's musings seemed to regard the dragon as a junior, an incongruity that didn't escape Nimue.
The Queen undoubtedly harbored secrets unknown to others, but Nimue, a mere millennium-old elf, dared not delve into ancient mysteries beyond her grasp.
"Indeed, that dragon is interesting. He wishes to manage his domain personally and understands political leverage, quite the anomaly among dragons. He is similar to that young girl from the distant Dragon Kingdom," the Queen's voice rose playfully, her laughter chiming like windbells.
Nimue was unaware of who the Queen referred to as "that young girl," knowing only of the Dragon Kingdom. She could not think of anyone who would be addressed so informally by the Queen.
"That dragon hasn't given our elves much choice. Nimue, select some of our finest soldiers to go to 'Dragon City.' As the commanding officer, station yourself there. The city's location is vital to the Silver Moon Kingdom. Even if we don't control it, gather crucial intelligence and prevent potential threats from other races."
"Yes, Your Majesty! But... is it truly wise to let that dragon govern the city?" Nimue inquired, unable to suppress her doubts after a moment of hesitation.
"We shall observe the situation. If Lord Galakrond proves incapable of governance, I shall personally persuade him to let our elven advisors aid him... Remember, though in name the city is not under our command, we must control it in substance, for it is of great significance. Driving the Church's people from the city without a fight is a rare opportunity that comes once in a millennium."
The Elven Queen's tone grew somber, reflecting her shrewdness as a ruler.
Nimue remained silent. The Queen's skill was formidable indeed, befitting her millennia of life.
...
Meanwhile, in Dragon City, Drake opened his draconic eyes, emitting a satisfied groan. His first evolution was now complete.