The dense canopy of the southern Etheria forest stretched endlessly above, casting dappled light onto the mossy floor below. The air here was different, cleaner, older, and heavy with the fragrance of ancient trees. Gareth's party had finally reached the border of this sacred elven land. It was quieter than any forest they had passed through in Machinia. The trunks were thicker, the shadows deeper, and the silence more complete, broken only by distant rustling leaves.
Celestine walked slightly ahead, her green eyes wide in wonder. A soft gasp escaped her lips as she came across a garden patch nestled between the trees. Colorful flowers bloomed wildly, untouched by human hands, their petals shimmering faintly with mana.
"How beautiful..." she whispered.
Gareth approached cautiously, squinting at the patch. "Careful. Don't get too close. Could be poisonous. This is foreign territory."
"Beautiful flowers are never poisonous." Celestine turned with a mild frown.
Sir Aldric snorted, plopping down onto a fallen log. He pulled out his waterskin and took a swig. "You say that now, until one bites back."
Akira circled the clearing, stepping carefully between the blooms. She crouched suddenly, whispering, "There's movement."
Her sharp eyes locked onto a horned rabbit not far off, its white fur almost glowing against the shadowed underbrush. The creature stood still, long ears twitching as it dipped its head to drink from a small, glistening puddle nestled among moss-covered roots. Its horn curved slightly backward, a rare breed, prized for both its meat and mana-rich bones.
Akira crouched lower, steadying her breath, her hunter's instinct kicking in. "That rabbit would be perfect for stew," she murmured, voice barely above the rustling leaves.
She drew her bow swiftly. The arrow flew, but the rabbit darted aside and disappeared into the thicket.
Akira clicked her tongue. "Tch. I'll go after it."
"Be careful," Gareth said, arms crossed. "We're in elf lands. Unknown territory, remember?"
"I'm always careful." With that, she vanished between the trees, silent as wind.
Gareth returned to the garden, warily scanning their surroundings.
---
Akira moved like a shadow slipping through the undergrowth. Her steps made no sound, no crunch of leaves, no snapping of twigs. It was as if the forest accepted her presence. Every motion was calculated, every breath measured. She knelt by a set of faint trails, an upturned leaf here, a tuft of disturbed grass there. The rabbit's path was subtle, but to a trained hunter like her, it might as well have been a glowing trail. She followed it patiently, weaving between roots and trunks, eyes sharp and unwavering.
Reaching a low-hanging branch, she leapt up and perched effortlessly, blending into the foliage. There it was again, the horned rabbit, nibbling cautiously near a patch of clover. Akira's fingers moved fluidly, drawing an arrow from her quiver. She notched it and inhaled, channeling wind magic into the bowstring. The air stilled around her as the arrow shimmered faintly with mana. With a calm exhale, she loosed it. The arrow flew in utter silence, slicing the air as if it were never there.
A clean shot.
She dropped from the tree with practiced grace, landing softly on the forest floor. With a satisfied nod, she approached the rabbit's still body and lifted it by the legs. Its fur was still warm, the arrow perfectly placed. A clean, ethical kill, just how she preferred it.
Just as she turned to head back, a faint splash reached her ears from somewhere deeper in the forest. She froze, instincts sharpening. Curiosity tugged at her like a gentle wind. Adjusting her grip on the rabbit, she began to move toward the sound, steps light and measured. Vines hung low, branches creaked quietly above, but she moved through them like a whisper.
Reaching the edge of a wide, clear river, she crouched behind a thick bush. Carefully, she parted the leaves with two fingers and peered through the gap.
Five elves were bathing in the crystal water, their clothes neatly folded on a flat rock nearby. Their forms were lithe and glowing under the filtered sunlight. Hair shimmered silver and gold. She blinked, stunned by their ethereal beauty, then quickly turned away, cheeks flushed.
---
Clutching the rabbit tightly, she navigated the forest with swift, quiet steps. Her boots barely touched the ground as she retraced her path, weaving past roots and ducking under branches. The earlier stillness had returned, but her heart beat a little faster now. She wasn't sure if it was from the successful hunt, or what she had just seen. Either way, she quickened her pace, eager to return to the others and shift her thoughts back to dinner.
"Nice work! That'll make a great stew tonight," Celestine clapped as Akira returned. she said with a bright smile. Her eyes sparkled with admiration, clearly impressed by the clean shot and Akira's effortless poise.
Akira nodded. "Rabbit stew tonight."
"Did you see anything else?" Gareth asked.
Akira hesitated, then said, "Yes. A river not far from here… and a group of elves bathing."
Sir Aldric, half-dozing with his back against the log, jolted upright at Akira's words. His drowsy expression vanished, replaced by wide-eyed alertness.
"Elves? Bathing? You sure?" he asked, already leaning forward with far too much interest. The waterskin slipped from his lap, forgotten, as his mind raced through images likely pulled from bard tales and exaggerated tavern rumors.
"They looked... elegant. Shining, really."
Gareth's eyes gleamed. "Like the elf adventurers from Bastrelheim?"
Akira frowned. "Probably."
"I'm going to confirm," Gareth said, standing up and dusting off his cloak. He cleared his throat, trying to sound serious. "If there are elves in the area, it's only responsible that we assess any potential threat. This could be important for our safety, and for completing the mission."
"I'll come too," Sir Aldric said quickly, already grabbing his shield. He straightened his posture with mock gravity. "We're researchers, after all. Field observation is essential. Can't neglect firsthand data gathering, especially when it's... visual." His expression remained straight, too straight to be sincere.
Akira and Celestine exchanged a long, knowing look, one that spoke volumes without a word. They didn't need wind magic to read the air; the flimsy excuses Gareth and Aldric gave were transparent as glass.
As Gareth and Aldric disappeared into the trees, Celestine's gaze lingered on Gareth's back.
"Boys will be boys," Celestine sighed, watching them disappear into the trees. Then her expression grew more melancholy. "Though I wish certain boys would notice the beauty that's right in front of them."
Akira stared at her friend in surprise. "Celestine... do you mean Gareth?"
The healer's cheeks colored slightly. "Is it that obvious? I've been traveling with him for two years now, and he still sees me as nothing more than a useful party member. Meanwhile, he'll chase after the mere rumor of beautiful elf maidens."
"I had no idea," Akira said softly. "For what it's worth, I think he's an idiot if he can't see what's right in front of him."
---
Gareth and Sir Aldric navigated the forest like children on a mischievous quest, crouching low and moving from tree to tree with exaggerated stealth. Leaves crunched softly underfoot, but they paid it no mind. Their grins were wide, filled with anticipation and misplaced confidence.
"This is for reconnaissance," Gareth reminded, though his tone lacked conviction.
"Vital research," Aldric added, adjusting his belt. "Very academic."
They reached the riverside clearing in minutes, ducking behind a thick wall of brush. The water sparkled under the waning light, and there, in full view, were five elves bathing. Their lean, sculpted forms glistened, untouched by time or battle. Long hair draped over smooth shoulders, and not a scar marked their skin.
Gareth squinted. "That… those figures… they've got to be female, right?"
"They have to be," Aldric whispered, nodding rapidly. "No dude looks that flawless. It's biologically impossible."
But before they could take a longer look, something shifted, a subtle change in the air, like the forest itself exhaling. A faint crunch echoed through the underbrush. It was too crisp, too evenly timed. Not the sound of a wild animal or wind through leaves, this was practiced movement. Coordinated.
Gareth's smile froze. He slowly turned his head, eyes scanning the treeline.
Then, like spirits stepping from the trees, four elves emerged from the shadows, silent, fluid, and precise. Their bows were already drawn, arrows gleaming faintly with mana. Each one moved with an eerie stillness, eyes hard and golden, honed like blades. They formed a circle around the two men, cutting off any route of escape.
The atmosphere shifted from playful to lethal in an instant. Even the birds had gone silent.
"What the, " Gareth froze.
"Drop your weapons," one of the elves ordered coldly. His voice was calm, but carried the weight of command.
"We… we're not here to fight!" Gareth raised his hands slowly. "Just… passing through!"
"Through the bushes?" another elf asked, unimpressed.
A third one narrowed his eyes. "Peeking at sacred riverbanks. A serious offense in these woods."
"We thought, " Aldric started, then shut his mouth as realization hit him like a boulder.
At the sudden commotion near the riverbank, the three bathing elves turned toward the source of the noise. Water dripped from their long, shimmering hair as they stood upright in the shallows, fully exposed under the filtered sunlight.
Gareth and Aldric froze mid-breath, eyes locked on the unmistakable sight before them.
Flat chests. Broad shoulders. No curves. One of them casually adjusted his wet hair, revealing a meticulously styled mustache that twitched in confusion. Another turned slightly, the water glinting off a neat, well-groomed beard along his chin. The realization hit like a collapsing mountain.
Gareth's jaw went slack. "No... no way..."
Sir Aldric's voice cracked. "Those were dudes?"
A heavy silence hung between them as the truth settled in, heavier than any curse.
Gareth's face drained of all color, horrified. "Gods have mercy… what have we done?"
Sir Aldric groaned in pure dread. "I want to forget this ever happened…"
"Take them," the lead elf ordered.
Within moments, vines and enchanted ropes slithered around Gareth and Aldric's limbs, tightening with every panicked breath. Their weapons were swiftly confiscated, pulled away as if by invisible hands. Both men stood stiff, faces frozen in expressions of pure regret, wide eyes, slack jaws, and the haunted look of those who had just made the worst mistake of their adventuring lives. No words could save them now. With a firm shove from their captors, they were dragged deeper into the forest, branches parting like curtains to usher them toward their well-deserved humiliation.
---
At the secluded elf outpost nestled between towering trees, the air was still, save for the occasional creak of wooden structures. Not long after Gareth and Aldric's capture, two more elves emerged from the woods, one with a cheerful gait, the other graceful and composed. Between them walked Celestine and Akira, their wrists bound in enchanted rope, though their expressions showed more irritation than fear.
Erestor, the carefree archer, had a grin on his face as if escorting guests to a party rather than prisoners to a holding cell. Elaria, ever elegant, walked silently at Akira's side, her gaze forward and unreadable. The two women followed without resistance, exchanging brief glances that said: This is ridiculous.
"Seriously?" Akira growled. "We didn't peek!"
"Yeah," Celestine added, indignant. "We even told them not to go!"
"Orders are orders," Erestor shrugged, grinning. "Don't worry, the prison's cozy."
They were all placed in a small wooden cell. Legolas stepped outside the wooden cell, closing the door with quiet finality. The scent of pine clung to the air, mixing with tension. Inside, the four human adventurers sat side by side on a bench made of rough-hewn wood, their hands still bound, backs straight with the stiffness of captured pride.
Gareth had done most of the talking. "We're here on commission," he repeated. "A noble from Bastrelheim sent us to survey the southern forest for rare herbs, potion research. That's all."
Legolas had listened in silence, golden eyes unreadable. "You claim to be researchers. Yet you trespass, disturb a sacred bathing site, and attempt to flee."
"We didn't flee," Sir Aldric muttered. "We were... intercepted."
Celestine gave him a side glare. "Not helping."
Outside the cell, Legolas met Elaria under the moon-dappled canopy. The two stood close, voices low.
"What do you think?" Elaria asked, arms crossed over her chest.
"Their story is suspicious, but they don't feel like spies," Legolas replied. "Still, entering the forest without permission and disrespecting our customs... it's not something we can ignore."
Elaria nodded thoughtfully. "Then what now? Drag them to the elders?"
"I'll report to the village and consult with Elder Wildan. He'll know the proper course," Legolas said. "Stay alert."
"I'll resume patrol. Might as well make use of the quiet."
They exchanged a silent nod, the kind only seasoned warriors shared, brief, certain, and understood without a word. Then, with a soft flutter of her violet cloak, Elaria stepped lightly onto the forest path. Her figure seemed to merge with the trees, each movement fluid and effortless, until she disappeared into the darkness like a fading wisp of moonlight.
Legolas lingered a moment, watching the path she vanished into, then turned back toward the prison. Erestor stood nearby, leaning casually against the rough wooden wall, arms crossed, humming a slow, meandering tune that didn't quite stay on key. One foot tapped idly against the ground, as if guarding prisoners was just another lazy afternoon chore. His relaxed demeanor was a stark contrast to Legolas's sharp, ever-watchful presence.
"You watch them. No jokes, no distractions."
Erestor smirked. "Who, me? I'm the pinnacle of professionalism."
Legolas gave him a flat look before vanishing into the forest path, leaving the outpost in Erestor's casual care.
Inside the cell, the tension had shifted from stiff silence to a grudging acceptance of their situation. The initial shock of capture had faded, replaced by an awkward stillness broken only by the occasional rustle of rope or a long sigh. Embarrassment now hung heavier than fear, especially for the two men whose reputations had taken a spectacular nosedive.
Celestine nudged Akira with her elbow. "Can you believe them? Peeking... only to find out they were guys."
Akira snorted. "Elven men. With mustaches. That image's going to haunt them forever."
Both burst into laughter, loud and uncontrollable, the kind that bubbled up from sheer disbelief and the delicious sting of secondhand embarrassment. Akira wiped a tear from the corner of her eye, while Celestine clutched her sides, gasping for air between giggles. The image of two seasoned adventurers being caught red-handed while mistaking elegant male elves for women was simply too much.
Outside the cell, Erestor caught the tail end of their conversation and froze. A split second later, he buckled over, clutching his stomach as laughter overtook him. He slapped the wooden wall for balance, wheezing between laughs. His cackling echoed through the clearing, startling a few nearby birds into flight.
"I can't, I can't believe they actually thought they were women," he wheezed. "The mustache!"
Inside, Gareth groaned. "Can we not talk about the mustache anymore?"
Sir Aldric buried his face in his hands. "I was promised potion ingredients... not a traumatic life lesson."
Meanwhile, somewhere downriver, the three bathing male elves finished drying off. Unbothered and unaware of the turmoil they had caused, they dressed leisurely, chatting idly as the moonlight shimmered on the water's surface.
---
Back at the elf village, night fell gently.
At the main house, warm light poured from the windows. A delicious scent wafted from the kitchen. Lucretia had cooked a bounty of dishes, from roasted meat to creamy soup, seasoned vegetables to fried mushrooms with herb butter. Thankfully, Orchid hadn't helped.
"Tada~! Dinner's ready!" Lucretia beamed, setting the last dish down.
The long table buzzed with energy. Fahleena devoured drumsticks with sparkling eyes. "This chicken is destined to meet my stomach!"
Orchid happily dipped roasted chicken into chocolate sauce, ignoring the others' looks. "Sweet and savory harmony!"
Kyle picked out carrots meticulously, pushing them to the plate's edge. "Nope. Not today, Satan vegetables."
Jessica waited silently, eyes scanning for pudding with quiet anticipation, her hands folded neatly on her lap. Nearby, Yetsan ate with mechanical precision, careful not to let a single drop of sauce stain his spotless armor, occasionally sipping milk with an air of dignity. Adiw tore through his roasted meat like a competitive eater, casting smug glances at anyone lagging behind. Gigih, cautious as ever, poked his vegetables as though expecting them to detonate, while Sinryo casually pocketed a leftover roll when he thought no one was looking.
Gabyola gracefully ate, occasionally nudging Fahleena to slow down. Yuuna, beside her, silently read a pocketbook between bites.
Fuhiken kept an eye on the chaos, sighing. "We'll survive this... probably."
After dessert, Jessica and Sakura both contentedly savoring pudding, Kyle asked, "Can we go adventuring again soon?"
Lucretia sipped her tea. "Are you prepared?"
Yuuna closed her book. "We're ready."
Gabyola nodded. "I packed extra rope."
Fuhiken stood tall. "Then we're fine."
After cleaning up, Fahleena skipped over to Lucretia, eyes sparkling and cheeks puffed from the effort of holding back a yawn. Without hesitation, she wrapped both arms around Lucretia's side and leaned in with theatrical desperation.
"Mama~ sleep with me!" she pleaded, her voice stretching the words with dramatic flair. Her twin tails wobbled with each bounce as she clung tighter, like a child begging for one last story before bed.
"Of course!" Lucretia laughed, ruffling her hair.
---
Soon, in Fahleena's room, the other girls arrived too. Orchid dragged Yuuna inside, proclaiming, "Group sleep is good for spirit!"
Gabyola gently invited Jessica and Sakura with a graceful wave of her hand. "Come on, you two. It's not a proper sleepover without everyone," she said with her usual calm elegance.
Jessica hesitated for a moment, then gave a small nod and followed. Sakura, holding the last pudding cup she managed to sneak from the kitchen, trailed behind with quiet excitement. The room soon filled with soft footsteps and hushed laughter as the girls gathered near Fahleena's bed.
Lucretia clapped her hands together with a warm smile. "Well then, I suppose we'll need something big enough for everyone."
With a playful flick of her wrist, she summoned a glowing magic circle onto the floor beside the existing bed. Runes shimmered as gentle light pulsed outward, and with a soft whoosh of air, a massive white bed materialized, fluffy, oversized, and practically glowing with comfort. Pillows burst outward like clouds, and the blanket draped itself perfectly.
"There," Lucretia said proudly, hands on her hips. "Fit for a queen, and a little whirlwinds."
Fahleena jumped onto it like a cannonball. "It's an oversleep party!"
The moment the enormous bed finished materializing, chaos bloomed like a firework. Fahleena dove in first with a gleeful shout, immediately grabbing the nearest pillow and flinging it into the air. Orchid squealed with delight and jumped in after her, catching the pillow mid-flight and launching it back with a wild laugh. The next instant, a full-scale pillow war erupted, feathers bursting from seams, laughter ringing like bells through the room.
Jessica ducked under a flying cushion, letting out a rare giggle as she crawled across the bed to a safer corner, only to be ambushed by Sakura, who had abandoned her pudding to join the fray with surprising energy. Sakura swung a pillow with both hands, smiling with wide, unguarded joy. Even Yuuna, usually the quietest among them, found herself tugged in by Orchid and dragged onto the soft mattress. Though she tried to resist, the laughter around her chipped away at her composure, and a faint smile tugged at her lips as a pillow landed gently on her shoulder.
Gabyola, in an attempt to maintain order, found herself overwhelmed in seconds. A pillow bounced off her head, followed by another to the back, courtesy of Fahleena's spinning attack. "Graceful chaos," she muttered, surrendering to the energy of the room with a soft laugh as she took up a pillow of her own.
Lucretia watched from the edge, eyes glowing with gentle amusement. "Well," she said with a soft chuckle, "I was going to say lights out, but perhaps a little fun first."
The girls tumbled and laughed, a mess of hair, feathers, and pure joy. In that moment, the worries of the world, dungeons, danger, duty, melted away. The night, warm and filled with light-hearted joy, wrapped around them like a blanket. Here, in the heart of their home, the chaos was safe, the magic soft, and the family whole.
Outside, the forest slept, stars twinkling above Etheria.
And inside the wooden prison far to the south, Gareth stared at the ceiling, haunted by the image of glistening elven abs.
---