Chapter 37 - Svishtar

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After Hert's polite response, the elf looks around and notices that night has already fallen over the entire region. Most of the elves and humans who were nearby are now far away from the area.

Hurriedly, he lets a comment slip out while walking ahead of Kazuki, Rei, Mia and Takayo.

— Why don't you follow me? We still have to enter Svishtar, travelers. Just like the others who were only there because of their poor physical condition.

— Just follow me, it won't take long — he adds finally, taking the lead and walking without delay.

As Rei follows the elf, he notices that his posture as well as his walk is firm, similar to Kazuki's walk, but with a slight difference.

Do all elves walk like that? The boy wonders for a moment and notices a certain peculiarity, as if the elf walked in an elegant and firm manner while maintaining a steady pace.

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After a few minutes, they finally reach their destination and come upon a massive rustic door about 5 meters high.

This rustic wooden door is attached to a mountain, as if it were a passageway leading to a mine.

Behind the door, towering mountain ranges stretch across a vast area, shaping the terrain and extending farther ahead.

Around the door, several elf guards guide other nearby people toward the interior, where the refuge known as Svishtar is located, as indicated by the signs and notices posted nearby.

— Travelers, as you can see, the entrance to Svishtar is connected to the interior of a mountain. This is connected to a very old story of our ancestors — Hert explains while signaling the other elves in the area to open the gate.

— But I don't think this is the right moment to explain such things. Let's go inside first — he adds.

As soon as he finishes speaking, a small gap opens in the gate, just wide enough for two or three people to pass through. It does not open all the way, just enough to let in all the refugees and travelers.

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Upon entering, they notice that small torches embedded with blue gemstones are scattered throughout the area, slightly illuminating the room with their strong glow.

However, what most surprises the student and his companions is the vast open area within the place where countless houses and people can be seen.

In the middle of this area, a massive white tree with blue leaves seems to be resting, standing out against the entire landscape.

Around it are rooms and small wooden and stone houses. Although they are close to the tree, they are far enough apart.

The whole place seems carefully designed and symmetrical, like an architectural project that took years to complete.

The student's vision is filled with excitement and amazement, — the small houses and rooms, the enormous white tree with blue petals at the center, the marble floors covering the ground, and even the plants lining the pathways. Everything seems to complement each other, making the scenery even more incredible in its finest details.

"This place is amazing! So damn cool. It's like a base inside a mountain. How the hell did they do that? I mean, is that even possible?"

"What an insane sight. So this is the refuge? Unbelievable."

Rei thinks to himself as he walks, led by Hert.

With a big smile on her face, Mia, leaning on Kazuki's shoulder, excitedly points to the tree in the middle and blurts out:

— Look, uncle! What a beautiful tree! Is it real?

Noticing his niece's excitement, Kazuki just nods and answers enthusiastically as well.

— Yes, it's real. Unbelievable.

At that moment, Hert turns to them and lets out a deep sigh when he sees the surprise on their faces.

With so much happening outside, he had almost forgotten that many of those entering the refuge don't react upon seeing the scenery.

Due to the effects of war and the physical and mental wounds it has left behind, most people who enter the place treat it with indifference, without showing the slightest surprise.

Their eyes seem lifeless, as if the motivation for their lives and dreams has been shattered. A sight that once left Hert shaken and tormented.

— It is truly magnificent, isn't it? — the elf says with a smile on his face.

— This is an indigenous tree of the elven kingdom! You'll find others of different kinds and shapes there.

— Some are reddish, others are pale with a purple hue. However, there are all kinds, and among our people, this tree symbolizes prosperity and harmony. — As he finishes speaking, he smiles slightly and looks at the tree as well.

When he finishes telling the story, the boy notices a certain calmness in Hert's face, unlike before, when he seemed expressionless.

Suddenly, at that moment, an elf approaches them, and when Hert notices, he quickly lowers his head.

— Condolences, my lord Círdan — Hert says with a slightly resigned expression and a warm, formal tone.