Chapter 83: [83] Confluence (1)

The day of the confluence was like a large festival. Even before the day, the elves had already begun preparing for it.

Since a confluence was usually held once in five hundred years (except the lord dies), a lot of elves would be experiencing it for the first time.

Unlike human elections back on earth, as long as you could speak without stuttering, you were allowed to vote.

The elves believed children should also be free to decide upon whose hands they would place their future.

Eliron was in his new house, surrounded by elven ladies who were chatting happily as they moved from place to place.

Although Eliron insisted that he could dress himself up, Ash had insisted otherwise and invited his care crew led by Terra, to attend to both him and Yennefer.

Yen was in another room being dressed, while Eliron was in the living room.

Terra was tying some trinkets into his hair, as was customary, while applying a cream that gave it a nice scent.

“Your hair will make even women envious, my lord.”

“Is that supposed to be a good thing?” Eliron asked nonchalantly.

A part of him wanted to cut his absurdly long hair, but that was the earth part of him who was used to seeing men with short hair.

The elven side on the other hand adored it, that was why he was never able to make a decision on what to do.

When they had finished dressing him, Eliron stood before one of the few mirrors they had in Artaris and observed himself.

His hair was looking far better than it had ever done, and the elven trinkets would sway whenever he took a step.

He was draped in long traditional clothing woven especially for this day. The fabric was white, with blue embroidery resembling twisting branches interlaced with thorns.

Finally, his sword was strapped to his side, and even it had not escaped the women’s touch, as the hilt was decorated as well.

Terra took a step back to admire her handy work, then she smiled proudly. “You look good, my lord.”

“It’s a bit much, but thank you.” Eliron said politely.

“What about Yennefer? Is she done?”

Terra shook her head, then her face fell as she tiredly stared at the door.

As if on cue, a wave of screams reached their ears.

“Hmm?”

“Dressing Yen is a little… difficult. As the Steffani (crown bearer) we have to take our time.”

Both Eliron and Drakili were allowed to pick a Steffani, which was the person who would crown them if they won.

Of course, Eliron had picked her, although Yen complained that it was just work.

Eliron ended up waiting for an additional thirty minutes before the women finally left the room, looking completely worn out.

Then a few seconds later, Yennefer appeared.

She was draped in long robes the colour of snow, with golden patterns at its seams, and flower embroidery of the same colour lining the garment.

Her hair was packed up, interlaced with flowers and so much jewelry that they jingled with every step.

And then her face…

For a moment, Eliron felt his breath cease.

Her golden eyes had always been captivating, but now, he could not look away from them.

Yen’s eyes were lined with red makeup that stretched a little bit to the sides, highlighting their shimmer.

Then a pattern of a crowned flower was painted on her forehead in the same colour.

Finally, her lips were glossy, the effect of a special fruity mixture made by the elves.

“What?” Yen frowned. “Do I look weird?”

Eliron cleared his throat. “That dignified look doesn’t fit you.” He looked away and offered her his arm.

“Shut up… you look good too.” She said with a smile as she took his arm and they both left the room.

The location for the confluence was the same place where Eliron and Yennefer had their runecraft training.

The air there was nice and pleasant, with a certain coolness that made every breath and gentle caress a joy.

Trees swayed softly, birds sang and even the water flowed a little gentler, as though the forest had blessed this day.

Everyone was spotless and well dressed, and on their way, they met up with Ash and Artie.

As the leader of the guards, Ash was dressed up in black clothing, decorated with silver patterns of white fire.

Today, he did not bear his sword, but instead a ceremonial glaive with a leaf shaped tip.

Artie on the other hand was dressed in a way befitting a noble.

Her red hair was styled in a wavy manner, the stands spilling over her shoulders like silky strands of fire.

With just the right amount of sunlight, her hair was set ablaze.

She still had that calm, calculative look in her gem-like eyes, but when she stared at Eliron, he could see some emotion in them.

On her forehead was a small marking done with red make up. It was in the shape of a crown, symbolizing high nobility.

Elves were naturally beautiful, and yet in the vast gathering of elves, Artie and Yen were like beacons.

Whoever dared to stare, found themselves unable to look away.

When Artie noticed Yen was holding on to Eliron’s right arm, to Eliron’s surprise she walked up to him and grabbed onto his other arm.

“I hope you don’t mind sharing, Yen?” She asked.

But Yennefer was too busy focusing on the food to answer. There were several tables with various assortments of spiced meat. “Hmm? Sure, sure…” she mumbled.

“You look great, my lord.” Ash sounded emotional, like a father watching his son walk for the first time, or a best friend seeing the friend he tutored pass an exam.

Eliron smirked. “You don’t look so bad yourself. Shall we?”

“Uhum…” Artie cleared her throat.

Eliorn turned to stare at her, and she watched him coldly. “Aren’t you forgetting something?”

“Hmm?”

It took thirty long seconds to realise what she meant, then he nervously chuckled.

“Ah, forgive me. You look beautiful, Artie.”

The red head watched him for a few seconds, before looking away, then when she was sure no one was looking, a small smile appeared on her face, only to vanish as fast as it had come.

The group of four were about to proceed, when someone walked up to them, his very presence tainting the atmosphere.

“You act like you have already won. I see your vanity knows no bounds.”

Drakili’s eyes lingered on the two girls, which only seemed to make him even more angry.

“How were your three days in isolation? I hope it gives you time to reflect…” Eliron smirked.

“Because everything ends today.”

Without another word, Eliron and his group walked past Drakili, leaving him standing alone.

Drakili caressed a portion of his fabric, where he could feel the low pulse of the object he had been given.

Then through gritted teeth, he said. “Indeed… everything will end today.”

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