Chapter 169 - Entering the capital of Elfhiem
A few days passed of constant travel and Shaman was finally at the entrance of the capital city of Elfhiem. Currently Shaman and her group were in line to get into the city, as they needed to get checked before entering it.
The trees were as tall as skyscrapers, blocking the sun to the point of complete darkness, the only light being mana crystals that were placed throughout the forest. The trees were made of white wood with vibrant green leaves that scaled with the size of the tree.
“Welcome to Elwood.” Kiruya introduced the place while they waited as they were pretty far back.
“Have to say the entrance isn’t that grand.” Elysia looked at where they were entering and there was no gate or anything, just a small building for the guards.
“Well that's because they don’t want to interfere with the tree's growth, which is why the paths are unpaved unlike other cities. There are a few teleporters, but they are only for the army and royalty.” Kiruya gave them a quick run down of the history of the place and why things are a certain way.
Kiruya further explained about the forest that the entire thing is covered in a magical dome that is powered by a mana crystal. This acts as a defence as well as a way to detect ill intent towards the royal family and the city. The crystal is also treated as a sort of monolith as it was found within a tree that dated even further than the kingdom.
There also hasn’t been a change in rule for hundreds of years with all of their leaders coming from the same bloodline. This was thanks to the Elf’s rather forward thinking. Whenever leadership passed on to the next generation, there would usually be a drastic shift in policies that suited the general public.
“Seems like you need quite the sizable force in order to get through the forest.” Shaman saw the capital as an impenetrable fortress, but as most things go, there has to be a weakness.
“Mhm, not something you can just walk in and destroy.” Kiruya felt her throat getting sore as she had been explaining a lot of things about Elfhiem on their trip.
Shaman looked at Elysia since she liked to cause destruction and if anybody was going to do it, it would be her.
“W-what are you looking at me for?” Elysia awkwardly laughed and avoided eye contact.
“We’re next.” Clara already knew a lot of the information already and was paying attention to the line that was slowly progressing forward.
A couple of guards in matching uniforms approached them with a stone in hand.
“State the purpose of your journey and please put your hand on the stone.” The guards presented a stone to each of them and they all put their hands on it.
“We are just visiting and plan to take on the dungeon.” Kiruya stated the reason and there were no objections from the guard.
“Alright, you shall enter, but don’t forget to follow the rules while within the city.” The few guards stepped aside, allowing them entry to the capital city Elwood.
*
Making their way through the forest, weaving through the trees , they were able to see the light of the city.
“Did they have to make the path so complicated?” Shaman was sick of the constant turning. Although it wasn’t that rough of a ride, it certainly made getting to the capital take longer.
“Aha don’t worry, almost everyone who isn’t an elf complains. Sadly their pride won't allow the forest to be touched.” Kiruya was used to the winding path, but she did share the opinion that it was annoying, especially to those with big cargo.
Finally reaching a straight path, they were able to get a good look of the city and see what kind of place it was.
Going through an archway, the noise of a busy city echoed out. The city was massive and, just like the Freya forest, was surrounded by a forest but on a much larger scale. The buildings were mainly made out of wood and had a very natural aesthetic. There was also a combination of clay and some bricks throughout the buildings. There were not many tall structures, but the sheer size of the area made it hard to see to the end.
However, looking out in the distance, it was clear where the dungeon was, as there was a tall tower that screamed royalty.
“I expected tall buildings.” Elysia thought of the previous places they had been to and expected to see a much grander city.
“The city grows along with the people. Since most things are made out of natural elements, they are able to expand the buildings on the go. It is also a factor that elves live a much longer life, so the need for apartment buildings is that prevalent.” Kiruya also wasn’t used to the site of a capital city being so minimal.
“It also helps that only elves can be permanent residents, so you would have to find a town outside if you wanted to live in Elfhiem.”
“Makes sense since I’m sure they don’t want any outsiders staying in their sacred territory.” Clara knew that it had only been with the recent King of Elfhiem that the capital opened up to visitors.
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“The previous few kings have been quite protective of the tree that contained the crystal, but with the opening of the dungeons, they were able to move it to a safer location, which is where we are heading now.” Kiruya pointed at the very building Shaman saw, confirming where they were going.
*
Stopping by a place where they could have their mounts looked after, they officially entered the capital Elwood.
“Now what's the plan?” Shaman wasn’t sure if they were going to go straight to the dungeon as it was midday.
“Hmm we will find a place to stay first, then we can decide on what to do.” Kiruya didn’t have anything in mind as they were not in a hurry.
“Are we able to explore a bit?” Elysia wanted to look around the place with Shaman as they hadn’t gone out to do something fun in a while.
“After we check in at the adventurers inn, you will have the day to yourselves, then tomorrow we can go scope out the dungeon.” Kiruya wanted to do some things herself, but there were a few things they needed to do before they went out.
“Can I come with you Mother?” Silver wanted to join Shaman and Elysia, as they were in a new place and he wanted to see it with them.
‘Oh no, what do we do?’ Shaman was already faced with a dilemma as she wanted to hang out with Elysia, but didn’t want to leave Silver.
However, before Shaman could think of a response, Elysia had proven prepared for such a question.
“Now Silver, me and your mother want to spend some time alone, is it okay if you wait a little longer before we explore the city with you.” Elysia patted Silver’s head, hoping he would accept.
“Hmm fine, I will just spend some time with auntie Clara.” Silver didn’t mind and was secretly considering exploring on his own.
“Huh? Auntie?” Clara stepped back a little shocked as this was the first time she was hearing this.
“Well are you not a part of the family as well? You're not another mother so you got to at least be auntie.” Silver didn’t quite have a grasp on how families worked and seeing as Clara wasn’t in a relationship with Shaman, thought she was more like her sister.
“U-umm, at least call me big sis or something. Auntie makes me feel old.” Clara, who wasn’t that much older, didn’t like the sound of auntie.
“Oh okay.” Silver didn’t mind, so there were no issues in changing her moniker. Kiruya, Shaman and Elysia though had giggled as they found Clara’s reaction rather cute.
“So Clara, are you alright with Silver?” Shaman trusted Clara, but wasn’t sure if she would want to be stuck with him.
“Aha it shouldn’t be a problem, plus he seems old enough to look after himself, so don’t be too worried.” Clara wasn’t too keen on exploring and preferred to get some sleep as she was exhausted from all the travelling.
“Alright, well if that's sorted let's check in and get on with our day.” Kiruya clapped her hands and led everyone to the inn.
***
<Nearby>
“They have arrived.” An elf in a green cloak was standing behind a building in an alleyway watching over the group.
“Good, keep watch of them and make sure they don’t get into trouble.” A voice came from a small rock that was attached to the elf’s ear.
“Yes your highness, is there anything I should do in particular.”
“Just keep an eye on them, I need to know if they are worthy of being with my son.”
“Understood.” The green hooded elf vanished back into the alleyway to follow Shaman and her group.