Chapter 63: Iselehein

Sylena sprinted through the vibrant streets of the capital city Iselehein the jewel of the Grand Confederation of Azulferia.

The city a harmonious blend of nature and architecture, overflowed with life.

Houses built of stone and wood by dwarves stood alongside towering trees where fairies flitted freely.

Market stalls brimmed with exotic goods, and the streets resounded with lively chatter children's laughter from elf and goblin families, and the melodies of bards.

Sylena focused on her destination, weaved deftly through the crowd, her bow securely strapped to her back.

As she sharply turned into an alleyway, she collided forcefully with a small man emerging from his workshop.

The impact sent both of them tumbling to the ground. Sylena stopped abruptly, her eyes wide in surprise.

"Oh, sorry! I didn't mean to knock you over!" she exclaimed before freezing as she recognized the man."Ohhh that was you, Grandpa Thornor! Sorry, you're so small I didn't see you."

The dwarf clad in his blacksmith's attire with heavy gloves still coated in soot, looked at her with a mix of irritation and amusement.

 "H-How many times do I have to tell you, I'm not small, you little punk?"

Sylena, hands on her hips burst into laughter.

"Alright alright, Grandpa!" she replied teasingly.

Thornor sighed, exasperated but unable to truly be angry with her.

Taking advantage of their encounter Sylena pulled her slightly damaged bow from her quiver:

 Here take a look, Grandpa Thornor.

I think I need a new bow.

I've been hunting a lot in Nymenor, and this one's taken a bit of a beating.

Thornor took the bow and examined it carefully, shaking his head in disapproval.

 "Same story with you elves. You're as reckless as the wind! Fine, come inside, kid."

They entered the workshop a cluttered space filled with raw metal, tools, and half-finished weapons.

Four other dwarves were hard at work, the sound of hammers echoing through the forge. One of them Eorno, removed his protective mask when he spotted Sylena.

 "Oh, look who's here! Isn't it little Syl?Are you back from one of your expeditions to Nymenor again?"

Sylena replied enthusiastically:

 "Yes! I did a lot of hunting this time."

Meanwhile, Thornor rummaged through a chest filled with weapons and bows.

At last he pulled out a beautiful bow, finely carved with leaf patterns and runes etched into the light wood.

 "Come here kid knowing you, I knew you'd eventually come running to me with a broken bow. This one's for you."

Sylena took the bow, awestruck, her eyes lighting up with gratitude.

She rushed to hug Thornor.

"Thank you, Grandpa!"

The dwarf grumbled, embarrassed, and tried to free himself.

 "Alright,alright, let me go now!"

Sylena released him with a laugh and waved to the other blacksmiths.

 "Thanks again, Grandpa! Eorno, see you later!"

Eorno a grin on his face, patted Thornor on the shoulder after the young elf had left.

 "Come on come,my dear old friend l know you also like that kid as much as the rest of us."

Thornor didn't reply sniffed, and turned away, unwilling to confirm his friend's words.

Toward the Grand Castle of Elsihore

Sylena left the forge in haste, her new bow in hand, and headed toward the grand castle of Elsihore the decision-making center of the Confederation of Azulferia.

Located at the heart of the capital, the castle was built around a giant tree whose branches stretched majestically into the sky.

At the entrance of the portal, two towering goblin guards, each 2.7 meters tall and armed with colossal axes stood protecting this place watch over the entrance recognizing Sylena they stepped aside with a smile.

 "Good day,Princess!"

Sylena returned the greeting with a quick nod before entering the castle.

She climbed a monumental staircase carved entirely into the trunk of the central tree and walked through corridors richly adorned with statues representing the peoples of Azulferia: elves, dwarves, goblins, and fairies.

The Council of Sages Meeting

In the grand council chamber, a meeting was underway.

Around a wooden table adorned with intricate patterns, the members of the Council of Sages were engaged in heated discussion.

Thaloria Sylena elder sister, presided over the session.

Dressed in a purple gown and wearing a crown adorned, with a glittering emerald she exuded an air of authority.

 "According to various reports, there's been a surge in attacks in the Nymenor Forest" she stated.

A fairy named Poltyx, hovering above the table, nodded.

 "Yes, we believe these incursions are being orchestrated by the werewolves of Etrakios."

Gaynor, a red-haired dwarf with a calm and meticulous demeanor, added:

 "Last week, one of our units defeated a group lurking near the fortress."

Zotoune an imposing goblin, spoke next.

 "No matter their numbers, it's impossible for them to breach our walls the fortress of Elunezor is impregnable."

Thaloria listened intently to each contribution before concluding:

 "Understood let's remain vigilant and keep our defenses strong our forces must stay on high alert."

The council members nodded in agreement as the meeting came to a close.

As the advisors began to leave, the doors burst open and Sylena stormed into the room cutting off their exit.

 "Big Sister!"

The coucil of sages paused, surprised but amused by the interruption.

Zotoune smirked and remarked:

 "Your Majesty, it seems our business here is concluded we'll take our leave."

Once the room had emptied, Sylena rushed into Thaloria's arms eliciting a resigned but affectionate sigh from her elder sister.

 "Sorry Big Sister,I didn't mean to interrupt!"

Thaloria smiled, amused.

 "It's nothing, little Syl so how was your expedition?"

Sylena sat beside her sister and began recounting her adventures in Nymenor with enthusiasm.

Thaloria, captivated by her story listened with evident fondness for her spirited younger sister.