Feast of Heroes

Eldrin, the gracious and venerable elf, moved through the gathering with an air of warmth and elegance. His every word was measured, respectful, and imbued with genuine admiration for the heroes and their achievements. He lingered near the group, offering praise to the Great Hero Herro and expressing heartfelt appreciation for Great Healer Akari’s bravery.

“Herro,” Eldrin said, voice smooth and reverent, “your deeds have become legendary, not just in stories but in the very fabric of our realm. And Akari—her courage and sacrifice are the stuff of songs sung for generations. It is rare to see such devotion, such unwavering resolve. Truly, you have forged a legacy that will not be forgotten.”

He spoke so elegantly and warmly that everyone present found themselves captivated by his words. He conversed easily with Reinhard, Albus, and the others, recounting tales of their adventures, praising each for their bravery and resilience. The room filled with admiration and camaraderie, each hero sharing stories and laughter, celebrating their bonds forged in battle and hardship.

But amidst the warmth, Terran’s expression darkened. His eyes flickered with a mixture of jealousy and bitterness. He approached his father and Eldrin and was unable to hide his distaste, he muttered under his breath, loud enough for Uriko and the two to hear. “Figures... always praising the old legends. Like they’re invincible,” he sneered quietly, crossing his arms with a sharp glare.

Uriko’s eyes widened in surprise and then narrowed with concern. “Terran, don’t be disrespectful,” she scolded softly but firmly.

Enuma’s voice echoed in Terran’s mind, calm yet commanding. "Do the same with Herro," he ordered. "Try to egg them on."

Reluctantly, Terran turned toward his father, Herro, who was sharing a quiet moment with Eldrin, exchanging nods of mutual respect.

“Father,” Terran said bitterly, voice edged with sarcasm, “your heroics—your sacrifices—were just lucky. You think you’re so special because you did some great deed, but anyone could have done it. You’re just... lucky.”

Herro’s expression darkened, his eyes narrowing. “Boy,” he said quietly, voice low but firm, “you forget yourself.  I fought for my future wife, and my future son. Nothing about that was luck. That was resolve—something you have yet to understand.”

"Good, he understands the gameplan very well." Enuma cackled in light laughter.

At that moment, Eldrin’s calm voice cut in, sharp and commanding. “Young man,” he said, voice steady and filled with authority, “you forget the great deed your father performed to save your mother—Akari. She was lost, but he fought through the darkness, risking everything to bring her back. Such courage isn’t born of luck; it’s born of respect and love. You would do well to remember that.”

Terran’s eyes flickered with a mix of shame and defiance, but Eldrin’s words left an undeniable impression. The room grew quiet, the weight of the elder elf’s wisdom settling over everyone.

Eldrin nodded kindly to Herro and then looked directly at Terran. “There is strength in humility, young one. Remember that even the greatest heroes are humbled by the sacrifices of others. Respect those who came before you, for their deeds pave the way for your future.”

Truly heroic elder elf, the suspected Eldrin is nothing like the rumor of helping demons start a slave trade and dangerous black market that would help demons start a new war. The atmosphere shifted—an unspoken lesson hanging in the air. Terran, silent and contemplative, looked away, feeling the sting of Eldrin’s words.

The celebration resumed, but a new understanding had taken root—one that would shape Terran’s path from that moment forward, guided by the legacy of his father and the wisdom of those who’d come before him. 

As the grand celebration drew to a close, the hall gradually emptied, leaving behind a lingering sense of warmth and accomplishment. The stars shimmered overhead, casting a gentle glow through the palace’s grand windows. In the center of the chamber, Heero stepped forward, raising his cup high.

“To the future,” he proclaimed, voice steady and proud. “To Princess Uriko Anadine, our next Empress. And to my son, Terran, who will sit upon the throne beside her one day. And most importantly—” Heero’s gaze softened as he looked at his wife, Akari’s absence felt keenly “—to my beloved wife, Akari. Though she cannot be here tonight, her strength and sacrifice are the reason we stand here today. This union is a tribute to her—a testament to her courage and love.”

A ripple of applause and cheers filled the hall as everyone toasted, the weight of the moment sinking in. The celebration, though winding down, left a sense of hope and renewal in the air.

As the last of the revelers departed, Heero approached his son, a serious expression replacing his earlier warmth. “Terran,” he said quietly, “Now is the time for you to follow that someone. He’s a trusted elf, but I want to know more about him—his intentions, his actions. Follow him, observe his movements. If he’s truly as honorable as he seems, he’ll welcome you. If not…” his voice trailed off, a warning hidden beneath his words.

Terran nodded, feeling the weight of responsibility settle over him. “I understand, Father.”

That night, under the cover of darkness, Terran and Poh discreetly trailed Eldrin through the palace gardens and into the city streets. The elf moved with a quiet grace, almost blending into the shadows of the towering trees and winding alleyways.

Eventually, they reached a secluded area—a grove of ancient trees, hidden behind a veil of magic and secrecy. Eldrin stepped into a clearing, revealing a small but intricate workshop nestled among the roots and branches of the forest. It was a true masterpiece of elvish craftsmanship—delicate, elegant, and alive with the natural beauty of the forest.

The workshop was filled with curious contraptions, glass vials bubbling with mysterious liquids, and shelves lined with ancient tomes and scrolls. Alchemical apparatuses hissed softly, and the air smelled of herbs, magic, and knowledge. Terran watched from the shadows, feeling a mixture of curiosity and suspicion.

“Quite the elvish workshop,” Poh murmured quietly beside him. “This is where Eldrin’s true work begins. Not everyone with a kind face is innocent.”

Terran nodded, eyes fixed on Eldrin as the elf moved with practiced ease among his tools and writings, seemingly lost in thought. Whatever secrets Eldrin harbored, Terran was determined to uncover them—no matter how well he concealed them behind his gentle smile.

The night stretched on, and the shadows of suspicion and duty grew longer as the two men watched and waited in silence, their mission only just beginning.