"Alright, we're here." Tipha said triumphantly. The group was now standing before a heavily dense area of foliage, covered with winding trees and shrubs. Clive hopped off Lima's shoulders and landed beneath her. She had offered to carry him when he was complaining about his legs hurting. He accepted it on a whim, but didn't expect riding on her shoulders to be so…hard.
"This doesn't look like a village to me." replied a snobby Lima. "Are you sure this is the correct place?"
"Like you would know where it is." scoffed Tipha.
"Ah, Lima…she is right." Arianna added, "The Elven Lands are kept hidden using illusion magic for security reasons."
"Illusion magic?" Clive asked, rather interested. He had read about this kind of magic back at the Oshoen Castle, and couldn't stop thinking about the applications.
"Watch, Seventh Prince." said a confident Tipha, "Witness the ancient magic of the Greater Elves!" She reached into her cleavage and pulled out a silver amulet with a gold imprint on it. She then held it above her head, where it started to glow. Suddenly, the trees around them started to fade and ripple, as if they were made out of water. As the greenery subsided, Clive was in awe at what was revealed.
It was a breathtaking blend of nature and ancient elven craftsmanship. Towering trees encircled the area, their trunks thick and ancient, their leafy canopies intertwining above like a natural roof. Between the trees, massive bridges of finely woven vines and enchanted wood connected one treetop dwelling to another, forming a network of suspended homes. Each house appeared as if it were grown from the tree itself, with golden accents and smooth, polished wood that gleamed in the filtered sunlight.
The architecture was intricate, with delicate carvings of vines, leaves, and magical runes decorating the exteriors of the homes. Some houses had large, beautifully arched windows with glowing crystal panes that emitted a soft light. Wooden balconies wrapped around the trunks of trees, adorned with plants overflowing with colorful flowers and herbs.
On the ground, small crystal-clear streams crisscrossed between the towering trunks, flowing peacefully as they wound through the village. Wooden bridges arched over these streams, connecting the winding sidewalks. Luxurious yet mystical lanterns hung from tree branches, their enchanted flames glowing in hues of a comforting yellow.
At the heart of the village stood a grand elven structure, towering higher than the others, with elaborate spirals and silver-lined branches twisting toward the sky. Around the base of the trees, markets and small stalls thrived with bustling elven merchants selling enchanted goods, potions, and fine silks.
"Beautiful…" Lima whispered, instinctively clutching Clive to her body from behind.
As Tipha and Arianna led Clive and Lima into the heart of the elven village, a small figure approached them with an air of confidence. The figure was a little elf boy, but his attire was a flowing dress with delicate lace and pastel hues. His silver hair was styled into long, soft locks, accompanied with golden jewelry around his body. Rounding out his outfit were luxurious brown open-toed sandals, and a shawl around his shoulder.
Lima, observing from a short distance, couldn't help but stifle a giggle. "Who is this cute little elf girl?" she teased.
The trap elf's gaze flickered towards Lima, his eyes narrowing slightly with a hint of annoyance. "I might be small, but I assure you, my power is anything but," he said with a slight edge in his tone and a smirk. He raised a delicate hand, and a burst of radiant mana surged around him. The air crackled with energy as a bright, glowing sphere of white magic formed above his palm.
Clive's eyes widened in realization as he watched the spectacle. The sheer intensity of his mana was undeniable. From this, he got a sense of who exactly this person was. The glowing sphere cast an otherworldly light on the party, taming Lima to pipe down. "I…stand corrected." She whined.
Tipha and Arianna then got on one knee and bowed in front of him out of respect, Tipha forcing Lima and Clive to do the same. The elf then whiffed out the magical sphere and clasped his hands together. "Ah…Tipha, Arianna? It's good to see both of you again~" said the elf, his voice ringing out with a melodic quality.
"Chief Nava!" Arianna replied, bonking Lima on her head. "It has been a while. Sorry for her words."
"It's alright." Nava laughed. "Many don't expect me to look like this."
"It is good to see you too, Chief Nava." Tipha added. "How is the village?"
"It's doing well as it always has, we've just been getting more visitors lately." Nava chuckled, eyeing both Clive and Lima. "So, what brings you to the Elven Lands?"
"I'm just protecting my Master~" Lima snickered, ruffling Clive's hair.
"It's good to meet, you Chief Nava" Clive stuttered.
Nava smiled, "Please, no need for formalities. Just call me Nava."
"Very well then, Nava. I-I hired Miss Arianna and Miss Tipha to help escort me to the Jules Ruins, and we're just passing through the Elven Lands."
"Jules?" Nava raised his eyebrow, "What business do you have there?"
"I can't tell you…it's too dangerous." Clive said, looking Nava directly in the eye.
Nava laughed. "I guess I shouldn't pry into a Royal's plans."
"H-How do you know I'm a Royal?"
"Your wrist, silly." Nava pointed to the Oshoen Emblem on Clive's hand. "That…and you managed to afford our finest warriors to escort you~" Hearing this, Tipha let out a sigh of annoyance, while Arriana slightly smiled. "Though, it's quite a coincidence that you're the second Oshoen Royal to come here."
"S-Second?!" Clive froze. He did recall that one of his brothers embarked on a mission towards the Elven Lands. To think their schedules would line up like this! He absolutely had to make sure that he didn't see him while he was here.
"I think you'll see him around here." winked Nava. He then raised his arm, telling the party to stand. "Also, now that you're here Tipha, I believe now is the time to finish you know what."
"Chief…" Tipha stopped, and tipped her witch hat to cover her eyes. "We're just here to restock on items and inquire about some questions. I don't have time for it."
"Tipha…you've been dodging for a few years now. You know every elf warrior must partake in it." Nava crossed his arms and sighed.
Seeing the tension between Nava and Tipha, Arianna grabbed Clive's hand and brought him closer to her body. "Ah Chef Nava, how about you and Tipha settle this in the Great Village Hall. Clive, shall I give you a tour of the Elven Lands?"
"Huh? I wouldn't mind." Clive said, confused.
"What about me?" Lima pouted, turning to Clive. "Master, what shall I do?"
Nava then placed his hands on his hips and smiled. "How about you come with us? It seems Tipha here wants to inquire about you."
"Do you know about her?" Tipha asked, crossing her arms under her breasts.
"Of course, but I'll only say it if you come with me." Nava smirked slyly.
"Tch. Fine. Come on Lima."
With that, Nava and Tipha started to make their way towards the large structure with a bouncing Lima following them, her tails following the sway of her hips. Clive watched on with suspicion. Whatever Nava and Tipha were talking about seemed to be rather important. Seeing Tipha like that hesitant left a sour taste in his mouth. "Arianna!" Lima said, turning around and distracting Clvie from his thoughts, "You better not let anything happen to Master!"
Arianna giggled. "Don't you worry, Little Clive is safe with me~" She then caressed Clive's tiny hand with her slender fingers. "Shall we continue?"
A blushing Clive couldn't help but stutter. "S-Sure!"