Felix stepped out of the manor and into the clearing, pausing only long enough to take in the surprise that was waiting for him. There were so many elves…

The main camp itself now swelled well past its designated area and threatened to take over the runway and hatchery. People gathered in the morning sun, getting into several large groups in and among the tents. He could hear orders being relayed before someone, somehow, shouting over the cacophony of…sound.

A sky tree fell in the background.

Felix was stunned but he wasn't alone. Eri, Kyrith, and Zira were with him now and their expressions were filled with amusement.

"What's wrong?" Eri asked but she knew, even without the bond.

"I thought…" he trailed off before shaking his head. "You never mentioned this."

A swell of pride washed over him from her. "Turns out word got around, fast. Oralyn had sent word to Bernel for help and apparently, that meant spreading the word to the other tribes. Most were either already heading to the village or were already there.

"This isn't everyone either, Master Aluin and Master Josphel realized that we would run out of space. Not to mention teleporting so many would have killed the Sages. Even with the numbers they brought, both Sages nearly collapsed yesterday."

Blinking, Felix picked up his feet and continued moving. "Will they be alright?"

Eri gave him a nod as she and their partners resumed their pace. "I'm sure they are still recuperating, but Master Realgar stayed here for this very reason. We couldn't have all three Sages out from exhaustion… Not after everything that's happened," she muttered the last part as the smile she wore fell away.

It's been rather noisy, Zira grumbled to them through the bond. I barely slept at all last night. And, for once, I can't blame the two of you– Actually you two made for a welcome distraction!

Kyrith decided to add to the conversation. Yeah! Though, I can't wait to meet everyone… They even brought kids with them! While we waited for you to untangle yourselves and get up, a small group of them came up and waved to us!

Felix couldn't help but chuckle and shake his head, but the ember-colored dragon reminded him of something…

Any of them from Bernel? he asked, looking over to Zira to see her reaction.

At least one, she answered, attempting to hide her emotions. It didn't fool Felix.

Then maybe after we're done with this meeting, you and Kyrith can go and play with them? Maybe catch up with–

We have far more important things to do than play, Zira answered haughtily, letting out an annoyed snort.

Awww, but I want to play… Kyrith whined.

Meanwhile, Eri was biting back a laugh while Felix frowned. He was suddenly reminded about everything and he hated it. But, Zira is right. We have to get serious.

The other three all looked at him with a mixture of expressions. Eri had a worried look, Kyrith a sad one, and Zira? Zira had the look of regret.

But Felix snapped out of his mood quickly, replacing his sourness with another smile. "It's not all bad though. While we have much to prepare for, some of it we should look forward to," he said, more for their benefit than his own. "Like, getting married, a child on the way… Oh, and Eri's coronation."

"That's right!" Kyrith shouted out loud. "I can wait for the wedding! Or the child! Or–"

"Or Eri's coronation. Yes, we know," Zira added grumpily, cutting off the other dragon. Finally, though, even her emotions seemed to shift as she looked up. "I can't wait until we get back into the sky…"

The four of them fell silent at that, a longing to be free and careless taking hold of them…

Not long later, they came to a stop. They were between the hatchery and the Tree of Providence, one of the few spots left that was large enough to hold a gathering of this size.

Everyone important was here, the Sages were all included despite two of them looking like they should be bedridden. Several important looking dwarves and gnomes were standing nearby their respective Sages, as if they were advisors.

Then there were the elven Chief's, most of whom Felix vaguely remembered from his last meeting with them. And, standing in the center of them was Chief Yorlen. Him and Felix gave each other a respectful nod…

But that wasn't all who had showed up. Watcher was there, along with Gern, Tracker, and Chef for the kobolds. Lorem, Noria, Solanna, and Yedril were standing in a small group slightly separated from the rest and looking for all the world to be out of place. Their partners, the small jewels, however, didn't have a care in the world and were playing nearby.

Finally, there was one final group of elves. These ones Felix didn't recognize, save for Oralyn, Haldria, and Gillador. The ancient architect had his arms folded and grumbled something about, "Not enough time…"

Poor Haldria looked like she had completely locked up while Oralyn stood there silently and with a serious look upon her face. She suddenly turned her attention to Eri and snapped her fingers. Eri's guards came marching from somewhere behind her. They looked to have been well chastised…

Felix gulped but nothing was said as the guards came to a stop and surrounded Eri.

I, uh… Might have told them to get lost last night, Eri admitted.

Probably wasn't wise– For their sake… he responded, trailing off when he realized two people were missing. Where's Lorenzen and Yarnel?

The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

Those two teleported away last night. I don't know what was said, but Yarnel looked rather excited, Zira answered.

Hmm, could it have something to do with the mana crystal? He pondered. However, before Eri or Zira could speak Oralyn stepped forward and cleared her throat.

"Now that everyone is here, I do believe we may begin." She scanned the crowd before continuing. "As you may be aware, we have several major topics that need to be discussed. But, I offer that we start with the most pressing issue at the moment…

"Eri is pregnant."

Several of the Chiefs murmured to each other and while most did not look surprised, there were some who apparently hadn't been told. Either way, they grew quiet as Oralyn continued.

"This, of course, is joyous news. Our soon-to-be Queen already pregnant? Our future is looking bright. However, we are aware of ancient customs… Customs that had nearly been lost to time."

She gestured towards Eri and Felix. "She must marry, we cannot have the child be born out of wedlock."

Eri saw an opportunity to step forward and speak. "Felix and I have already discussed this issue. With our relationship as it is, we knew we would have to marry. Both him and I are ready to take such a vow."

For all the world of good it did him, Felix nodded along with her. And, as she fell silent, Chief Yorlen took the opportunity next.

"And have such preparations started? If not, I suggest that we Chieftains should be the one to organize it."

Would you be okay with that? Eri asked Felix over their bond.

I don't see why not. Besides, it would be one less thing for us to worry about– Well, until… You know…

She cracked the faintest of smiles as she responded to Chief Yorlen. "I see no issue, and only ask that we prepare the coronation and wedding for the same day."

That seemed to cause a stir within the group of Chiefs, but most didn't seem to be against it. However, one leaned over to Yorlen and whispered something into his ear.

"I don't think there are any here who will complain, however, may I ask why?"

Eri's expression became entirely serious. "I know the news has reached you all, but we do not have the time to wait. Our enemy is on their way and they will not wait until we are ready."

"So then it is true? The humans are coming and it isn't your typical raid?" Another Chief asked, one Felix struggled to remember. Looks rather young in comparison to the others… Wait, isn't that the Chief we delivered Solanna's and Yedril's letter to?

Zira answered him. Yes, I believe his name was Chief Oslen.

Ah! Right, thank you! Felix decided he was best suited to answer the question and stepped forward. "The Holy Triumphant is coming and they are coming for me. Make no mistake, though, getting rid of me won't stop what happens next."

"No one is thinking that, Felix!" Master Realgar shouted. "And if they are, they can deal with me first!"

Felix gave him an appreciative look and made his way back to Zira. Oralyn, though, took back control of the meeting.

"How we respond to the looming threat is one of our topics for tonight. However, before we move on to that, I would like to finish up the discussion of Eri's marriage and coronation. Are there any objections to having both on the same day?"

Most of the gathered crowd either shook their heads or said nothing.

But before she could move on, Eri interrupted her. "I would like to have it as soon as possible, preferably in a week's time."

Oralyn actually looked thoughtful at the added request. "Any objections–"

"Kobolds will help!" Watcher added with a conviction that could almost be described as religious.

A wave of surprised and curious murmurs made its way throughout the entire crowd. Yet, eventually, all eyes fell upon the elven Chiefs and Oralyn.

The elven woman cleared her throat again. "Any objections? Chieftains?"

As a group they huddled tightly for a moment before bringing their collective attention back to the rest. Yorlen spoke for them. "No objections, and we welcome any additional help."

"Very good, then we shall leave the actual preparations to you and the kobolds…" she said while Watcher looked as if he had just struck a major victory.

"…Which brings us to the topic of the humans. The Sages have come up with a plan of their own but they wished to discuss it with everyone as it will have far reaching effects."

She gestured to Master Aluin who, in turn, made his way to the center.

"Thank you, Oralyn… Indeed, as she has mentioned we have put together a plan that we believe has become necessary." The Sage paused and scanned the crowd with weary eyes. It was clear he was still extremely exhausted…

"We shall build an elven militia."

More whispers followed but these ones were filled with worry and concern. Who can blame them? Certainly not me, Felix thought as he waited to hear the elves' response.

"And what are the Sages proposing, exactly?" This time, it was Chief Oslen who took the reins of the conversation.

Aluin gave a respectful nod before answering. "With how many elves are already here, plus the next wave coming, we are proposing to split everyone into groups. Each group will be on a weekly rotation of duties.

"Both Felix and Gillador have requested the construction of the dormitory to continue, and I am in agreement. For one, it is a great opportunity to bring elves from all the tribes together. We are working on plans to build permanent housing as well to facilitate everyone."

"We understand that, but what does that have to do with a militia?" Oslen pushed, but Felix got the impression he was just trying to get the hard questions out of the way first.

"We must rebuild our society. A militia may be a temporary fighting force, but we cannot even think of having one before we have a place for them to live. And, to add, the reason why I have agreed with Gillador and Felix is because of Felix's offer. Payment of dragon scales."

The Chief's eyes widened in understanding. "I see… So you wish to establish a currency? Like that of our ancestors? And with that, you wish to establish a town?"

"I do, so while it remains viable and convenient, I believe we should split everyone into groups and put them into a rotation. One day working on the dormitory, one day working on this new…settlement. And two days of training. The remaining days they may take off and we repeat the cycle.

"Though, there is only one slight problem…" Aluin faced and addressed Felix directly. "Would you have any objection to having a town built nearby?"

Felix put a hand to his chin and thought. I don't really have any objections…

But the entire clearing was inherited by you from Fea, Eri added, sensing his concern.

I want this to be our home, not the center of politics– An idea struck him. What do you think? he asked as he shared his thoughts with her.

I think… I think that could definitely work.

A grin formed. Perfect then. "I have a counter proposal. Before I decided on the dormitory, I had something else in mind. At the time, though, it wasn't feasible. But now I think it might be."

Aluin raised an eyebrow in curiosity. "Oh? What are you suggesting then?"

He answered immediately. "The Sanctuary."

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