As the sun began to cast its first light upon the village, signaling the start of another day, the residents stirred from their homes, ready to embark on their daily routines.
Leviashivae, ever attentive to the passage of time, gently nudged Dorea awake, the soft glow of dawn filtering through the windows. With a yawn and a stretch, Dorea emerged from her slumber, her movements still languid from sleep as she prepared herself for the day ahead.
As they made their way through the awakening village, the air was filled with the sounds of early morning chores and the aroma of breakfast cooking in nearby homes. The sense of anticipation hung palpably in the air, a feeling that today would be significant.
Arriving at Mala-Yui's house, Leviashivae gently guided Dorea inside, a reassuring presence by her side as she prepared to face the day. With a parting nod, he left her in the care of Mala-Yui, knowing she would be safe and well looked after while he attended to the matters at hand.
As Leviashivae traversed the village, he observed the activity with keen interest. Some cast curious glances, recognizing him, while others greeted him warmly, their voices carrying the friendly cadence of familiarity but still polite enough for him.
Responding with a curt nod in acknowledgment, Leviashivae returned their greetings. He marveled at the resilience of the villagers, their unwavering dedication to their community evident in every action and gesture. Each interaction offered a glimpse into the intricate tapestry of village life, a mosaic of traditions, values, and shared experiences.
As Leviashivae arrived again at the front of the palace, his gaze was inevitably drawn to the majestic sight of the towering tree. Stretching toward the sky with sprawling branches reaching out in all directions.
Not long after he entered the entrance hall, Leviashivae was greeted by Nana-Roi. She was adorned in a beautiful long silk which wraps elegantly around her figure. The rich brown hue of the dress complemented her verdant green skin, casting her in an aura of natural beauty akin to a flourishing tree.
Her attire spoke of grace and sophistication, each movement she made carrying an air of regal poise. As she approached Leviashivae, a warm smile graced her lips, her eyes alight with a welcoming glow. There was a sense of warmth and familiarity in her presence.
Leviashivae couldn't help but admire her, the contrast of her earthy attire against the opulent backdrop of the palace lending her an ethereal quality.
"Good morning, Lord Leviashivae," she greets him with a small smile, her eyes wandering appreciatively over his garment. "I must say, your robe complements your white hair beautifully. The gold ornament adds an accent of elegance that truly befits your stature."
He nods graciously in response to her compliment, acknowledging her words with a silent gratitude.
"Are you going to join the meeting?" he inquires, turning the conversation towards the purpose of their gathering.
Her disappointment was evident as she replied, "Sadly, no. I'm just going to accompany you to the meeting room. I'll wait outside the door until the meeting finishes." There was a flicker of reluctance in her eyes as if she wished she could be part of the discussions, but duty-bound her to her current role as Leviashivae's guide.
Leviashivae nodded appreciatively, acknowledging Nana-roi's commitment and dedication to her duties. "Thank you, Nana-Roi. Your assistance is invaluable," he said, his voice conveying genuine gratitude.
Leviashivae listened as Nana-Roi leaned in closer, her words barely above a whisper. Her urgency was palpable as she urged him to uncover the elders' secrets and seek answers about Lady Sylvana. He nodded solemnly, understanding the gravity of the task ahead.
"I will do my best to uncover the truth. Try to not make yourself worry too much," Leviashivae assured her quietly, his eyes reflecting determination.
Nana-Roi gave him a satisfied smile, her eyes reflecting gratitude for his reassurance. With a nod of acknowledgment, she stepped back, her expression filled with hope and anticipation.
"I think this is where we separate from each other," she bid her farewell as she stopped in front of the big elegant door of the meeting room.
With a nod, Leviashivae acknowledged her words. "Thank you for accompanying me this far," he replied warmly. "I'll see you after the meeting."
When Leviashivae enters the room, he does not expect the room to blend with a beautiful garden. His eyes traced the intricate details of the garden, marveling at the vibrant array of flowers and foliage that adorned the balcony.
Each plant seemed to thrive in harmony with the others, creating a symphony of colors and scents that permeated the air. The gentle rustle of leaves in the morning breeze provided a soothing backdrop to the scene, while the distant sounds of village life below added to the tranquil ambiance.
As he took steps further into the room, Leviashivae noticed the elders seated around a large, ornate table at the center of the balcony.
Leviashivae approached the table with a composed demeanor. His movements were deliberate and measured. His yellow eyes scanned the faces of the five elders seated around the table, each bearing the weight of age and wisdom. Despite his inner curiosity, he maintained an air of indifference, masking his true intentions behind a facade of calmness and reserve.
Leviashivae's gaze lingered on each elder, studying their features and mannerisms with interest. With a sense of decorum and respect, he extended a courteous greeting to the assembled council.
"Greetings, esteemed elders of the dryad," he began, his voice steady and measured. "I am Leviashivae, the Ice Dragon, and I have sought this meeting with great purpose."
"No need to be formal with us, Lord Leviashivae," spoke a dryad elder with a warm smile, breaking the formality with genuine warmth. "My name is Kera-Sui."
With a friendly demeanor, Kera-Sui rose from his seat and approached the dragon, his movements graceful and inviting. Despite the vast difference in their heights, Kera-Sui exuded an aura of vitality and vigor, his athletic build and youthful appearance defying his age.
Leviashivae acknowledged Kera-Sui's gesture with a nod of appreciation, impressed by the elder's amiable nature and welcoming demeanor. Despite the gravity of the situation, there was a sense of ease in Kera-Sui's presence, which helped to alleviate some of the tension in the room.
As Kera-Sui gestured towards a seat for the dragon, another dryad elder, an elegant and gentle old lady, greeted Leviashivae with a sense of respect.
"It is indeed a rare opportunity to meet another dragon in my lifetime," she said, then smiled politely at him. "I feel blessed, Lord Leviashivae. My name is Deer-Toa." With her hair neatly coiled at the back of her head and fair tan skin, Deer-Toa exuded an aura of wisdom and grace. Despite her advanced age, there was a gentle strength in her demeanor.
Leviashivae then exchanged greetings with Yake-Mao. The sheer size and strength of the elder dryad were impressive, a testament to the power and resilience of their kind. Despite his imposing stature, Yake-Mao's demeanor exuded a quiet strength and wisdom, earning him the respect of all who knew him.
As Yake-Mao spoke, his deep voice resonated throughout the meeting room, commanding attention and respect. There was an air of authority about him, tempered by a sense of compassion and understanding that seemed to put everyone at ease.
Dressed in a dark brown coat crafted from dried tree bark, Yake-Mao exuded a natural elegance and grace, his attire blending seamlessly with the rustic beauty of the surroundings. Despite his imposing appearance, the gentleness in his gaze belied his strength, a reminder that true power lay in force but also in wisdom and compassion.
As Hare-Bel and Emus-Sua introduced themselves, Leviashivae couldn't shake the feeling of tension that emanated from them. Unlike Kera-Sui and Deer-Toa, who greeted him warmly, Hare-Bel and Emus-Sua wore expressions of annoyance, their demeanor betraying their reluctance to accept the dragon's presence.
Despite their apparent displeasure, Leviashivae sensed a certain level of hospitality from the two elders, even though there was a hint of skepticism. Hare-Bel's haughty demeanor and Emus-Sua's intense stare spoke volumes about their reservations regarding the meeting, casting a shadow of doubt over the proceedings.
Nevertheless, Leviashivae remained composed and determined to maintain a respectful attitude in their skepticism. He understood that winning over the elders would require patience and diplomacy, qualities he possessed in abundance. With a subtle nod of acknowledgment, he turned his attention back to Kera-Sui, ready to engage in discussion.
As they all settled into their seats, one of them, Emus-Sua, cleared his throat and addressed Leviashivae. "Lord Leviashivae," he began, his tone laced with thinly veiled skepticism, "could you please remind us of the purpose of this meeting?"
Leviashivae maintained his composure despite the elder's apparent attempt to test his resolve. "Of course," he responded evenly. "The purpose of this meeting is to discuss the disappearance of Lady Sylvana, the forest dragon." He paused, allowing his words to sink in before continuing. "It has come to my attention that she vanished without a trace, and I seek your counsel in unraveling this mystery."
Leviashivae's gaze shifted from Emus-Sua to the other elders, gauging their reactions. Kera-Sui's expression remained friendly and open, while Deer-Toa's eyes held curiosity and concern. Yake-Mao's stern countenance betrayed little emotion, his massive frame a testament to his formidable presence.
Sensing the weight of his inquiry, Leviashivae continued, his voice steady and firm. "Lady Sylvana's disappearance is troubling, not only for her kin but for the entire community. She played a vital role in maintaining balance within the forest, and her absence leaves a void that must be addressed."
Hare-Bel, who had remained silent thus far, spoke up with a hint of impatience. "And why, pray tell, should we concern ourselves? Our responsibilities lie with our own kind, do they not?"
"Is that what you think? I thought you had more respect for your own dragon. After all, she helps you build this sanctuary, are they not?" He asked cautiously while subtly criticizing Hare-Bell.
Leviashivae's response hung in the air, his words cutting through the tension like a blade. The other elders exchanged uneasy glances, their expressions revealing a mixture of surprise and discomfort at the sudden confrontation.
Hare-Bel's features hardened, his jaw clenched as he bristled at Leviashivae's remark. "Our gratitude for Lady Sylvana's assistance in the construction of the sanctuary does not obligate us to involve ourselves in her personal affairs," he retorted, his voice laced with defiance.
Deer-Toa intervened, her voice calm but authoritative, seeking to defuse the escalating conflict. "Let us not lose sight of our purpose here," she urged, her gaze moving between Leviashivae and Hare-Bel. "The matter at hand requires our collective attention and cooperation. We must work together to uncover the truth behind Lady Sylvana's disappearance for the sake of our forest and all who dwell within it."
Leviashivae inclined his head in agreement, acknowledging Deer-Toa's wisdom. Leviashivae then stated that he understood if Lady Sylvana's affairs did not concern them, and frankly, he didn't care. He needed to find Lady Sylvana because her disappearance had already disturbed the balance in other parts of the world. Even if the elders did not want to help him, Leviashivae would respect their decision. However, as a dragon, he couldn't just stay silent and do nothing.