THE ELFLAND

陰陽: Last Dragons Of The Elves

Narrator (Wan):

In the Elfland, a thousand years after the great Elf War, the four Dragon Spirits—each sealed within their sacred Gems—were locked away in the Dragons’ Cave by the two Elven Dragon Protectors (Wen and I; 文和我). A prophecy was then spoken: after a millennium, the Dragon Spirits would be released to the four Chosen Successors on the night of the Silv’ry Moon.

And so, the prophecy came to pass. On the eve of the millennial year beneath the Silv’ry Moon, as the four Dragon Gems were about to be released, Hans—the husband of Lady Raphaela, Madame of the Red Elven Enchantresses—tried to enter the cave to seize the Dragons’ Gems for himself using his Energy (Powers).

But without the Dragon Protectors, the task was near impossible. His Energy backfired. Hans died a miserable death—though his soul still lingers. Because of his greed and foolishness, the Dragon Gems and their Chosen Vessels were switched.

The Ying (Black Dragon) Successor received the Yang. (A year-old prince opens his eyes, glowing white.)

The Aglad-Lòkë (Purple Dragon) Successor was fortunate enough to bond with his true Dragon Spirit.

The Yang Successor received the Urulòkë (Red Dragon). (An elf is seen taking his newborn daughter underground in haste to protect her.)

The Red Dragon Successor was left with nothing, while the Black Dragon remained entrapped in the Dragons’ Cave.

---

18 YEARS LATER

In Alväin-Central, the Capital City of Elfland, an official coach guarded by Elven soldiers carries confidential ledgers bound for the Imperial Palace.

As the coach passes a quiet pathway, it is watched stealthily by a nose-masked elf.

Inside the coach:

High Elf I: These confidential scrolls need to get to the Elflord quickly, without any hindrance.

High Elf II: You’re right, mate. The guards are enough to avoid what happened last time.

High Elf I: Hm…

Suddenly, the sounds of struggle and combat echo—even from the roof of the coach—and it halts.

High Elf I: What’s that?

High Elf II: I don’t know.

High Elf I: (Trembling in fear) It can’t be the Masked Thief, can it?

High Elf II: (Stretching out his hand to High Elf I) My spear.

High Elf I obeys, handing him the weapon. High Elf II exits the coach—only to see most of the guards lying unconscious, the others badly beaten. Then, a faint sound comes from the air. He turns, sees only a swaying flag hanging on a shop’s eaves, and readies his spear.

The sound comes again. He turns to face it—

But before he can act, the infamous Masked Thief—Elfland’s most wanted stealer—appears, seizes him, and forces him to inhale a strong sedative powder.

Masked Thief: (Whispers gently) Sleep, my dear.

High Elf II collapses. The Masked Thief lays him down gently, dusts her hands, and immediately dodges a throwing star from the left. She looks right—High Elf I.

High Elf I: (Wheezing, holding another throwing star) Aren’t you tired of stealing?

The Masked Thief stays silent. Her eyes flicker toward the silver box of ledgers. High Elf I notices, clutching it tighter.

High Elf I: (Pointing the star) I am a High Elf of the First Rank. Have some dignity—and make way!!

The Masked Thief steps forward. Startled, he throws the star—but she bends backward, narrowly avoiding it. It lodges into a tree.

He throws another. She climbs the tree bark, dodging swiftly. He throws two more—but she flips over the coach, somersaulting mid-air, channeling Energy through her trigger fingers. Her eyes glow red as the stars reverse, pinning his garments to the tree.

He drops the box, struggling to free himself. The Masked Thief plucks two stars from the trunk and hurls them at him. He fails to repel them; they pin his sleeves tight to the bark.

She exhales, restoring her Energy to her Chi, and picks up the box.

High Elf I: (Struggling) You’ll be caught someday. And when you are, you’ll be executed!

She takes another pinch of powder and moves closer.

High Elf I: On attack!!

But she presses the powder into his nose. He goes still.

Masked Thief: (Shakes her head) Talkative.

Just then, Palace Elven Soldiers arrive. They find the unconscious guards and the two subdued High Elves.

Assistant Royal Commander: (Inspecting the scene) The Masked Thief was here.

He confirms it after touching a trace of the sedative.

Assistant Royal Commander: Take them to the palace.

Guards: Yes, sir!

Meanwhile, the Masked Thief—Elva—slips into an alley and removes her mask, revealing her hair and face.

Her hair is red as blood, her lips rosy like a flower, her eyes earthy brown, her voice soothing as a fairy. She is the dream of every heart.

Elva: (Glancing at the box with a smirk) Another day, another worth. Mm… I deserve a snack.

She buys a leaf-wrapped pack of ginger biscuits. As she heads toward her acquaintance’s shop, an elf bumps into her, knocking down her snack. He seems drunk—but he isn’t.

His fellow: (Nudging him) Why did you do that?

Elf: (Sarcastic laugh) Why so stressed? She can’t do anything.

Elva scoffs, clenching her fist but holding calm.

Elva: Uh, pardon me? Are you alright? You’re not blind, are you?

His fellow: (Backing off) Elva, wait. Don’t react—he’s new here.

Elva: Tsk. I see. Then kindly teach him his place.

His fellow: Got that. (Grabs the elf’s hand) Let’s go.

Elf: (Pulling away) No edging way! Who is she to tell me my place, huh?! (Strikes her shoulder, the box falls.) Respect, hmph!

He laughs, pounding his chest—then suddenly clutches his ribs, coughing, sweating as if aflame. Her fist remains clenched.

Elva: (Bending close) I advise you to know your place in this district. And don’t ever, ever cross me again. Got it?

She releases her fist, picks up the box, and walks away.

---

Bob’s Shop

Two minutes later, Elva enters Bob’s weapon store.

Bobby, nicknamed “Bob,” is a hefty man with a voice like a killer’s. Once a feared criminal, he spent twenty-eight years in prison. Now, he avoids all matters that do not benefit him. His shop—filled with weapons and rare goods, stolen or otherwise—is infamous across Elfland. His smooth hair and fair skin make his hardened life seem an odd mismatch.

Elva: Hey, Bob.

Bob: It’s Bobby. (Coldly.)

Elva: Whatever.

Bob: What do you want?

Elva: (Bangs the box on the table with a sneer) A bargain. Again.

Bob studies the box.

Bob: This looks like an official item.

Elva: It is. Palace confidentials.

Bob: Let me guess—you sabotaged a coach again.

(She grins.)

Bob: It’s worth a gain, though.

He reaches for the box, but Elva pulls it back.

Elva: My gain first. Then the bargain.

Bob: (Sighs, withdrawing his hand) How much?

Elva: Hmm… four Donelles.

Bob: You sure know how to profit.

He hands her the coins. She accepts.

Bob: Now, my gain.

(She releases the box. Bob takes it.)

Bob: Okay now. Off you go.

Elva slips the Donelles into her herb pouch and heads home by a lonely path. She enters her house—unaware that the same elf who knocked down her biscuits has been watching her with silent contempt.

---

At the Imperial Palace – Interrogation Bureau

The Assistant Royal Commander reports the matter of the theft to the Royal Commandant.

Assistant Royal Commander: (Showing him a sample of the sedative used in the crime) Here's our evidence, Commandant.

Royal Commandant: (Takes the cloth where the powder is sprinkled) Hm. (To an Elven-Soldier) Get the Noble Apothecary.

Elven-Soldier: Yes, Commander in Chief. (Exits.)

Royal Commandant: We must verify the facts.

Assistant Royal Commander: (Nods) Agreed.

Noble Apothecary: (Entering) You requested me, Commandant?

Royal Commandant: Yes. (Hands over the cloth) Please test this powder.

With a respectful nod and sleeve adjustment, the Apothecary sprinkles the powder into a green liquid. It slowly turns white.

Noble Apothecary: Indeed, it matches prior samples—but slightly stronger. This substance not only induces sleep but also renders the victim temporarily mute and forgetful of recent events. May I ask—same source?

Royal Commandant: Yes, it is. A new weapon... but surely dangerous.

Assistant Royal Commander: Only one person deals in items like this. But I doubt he’s in the city.

Royal Commandant: (A soft ring echoes in his mind.)

The Voice: Seek.

Royal Commandant: Gather some men.

Assistant Royal Commander: Yes, Commandant.

As he’s about to leave, a soldier enters.

Elven-Soldier: Commander in Chief. (Salutes) The Elflord requests your presence.

Royal Commandant: I hear you. You may go. (He exits.) (To his second) Go with the men. Report upon return.

Assistant Royal Commander: Yes, sir. (Salutes and leaves.)

Early at dawn, at Bob’s Shop

The soldiers arrive.

Assistant Royal Commander: (Flashes an official scroll at Bob) By order of the Interrogation Guild, we are here to question you.

Bob: Yeah, yeah, state your business and leave.

They show him a sketch of the Masked Thief.

Assistant Royal Commander: Do you know this elf?

Bob places down the metal he’s fixing and stares at the sketch—and then into the Commander's eyes.

Bob: What does the Masked Thief have to do with me?

Assistant Royal Commander: (Sitting) Oh, I believe—plenty.

He lays the cloth with the powder on the wooden slab.

Bob: What’s that?

Assistant Royal Commander: I should ask you. (Bob raises a brow.) It’s the famous sedative your masked friend uses. Rare and precise. And when it’s rare—you come to mind.

Bob: You're quite certain. Why not arrest me?

Assistant Royal Commander: We know the Thief is female. And being the most wanted criminal, she chooses her allies... carefully. (Smirks.)

Bob: (Heaves) Smart.

Assistant Royal Commander: (Rising) Let’s make it easy.

A soldier places a pouch of ruby coins on the slab.

Assistant Royal Commander: That should clear things up.

Bob: I don’t want your coins. I’ll protect what I know.

Assistant Royal Commander: (Trying to remain calm) Look—you love possessions. Here’s your chance.

Bob: Hss. Some things are more important than wealth. I know the Masked Thief. But her secrets won’t come from me. If there's nothing else, leave my shop.

Assistant Royal Commander: (Slams the slab) Listen, Ithnil—!

Just then, the elf who knocked down Elva’s snacks walks up.

Elf: Wait. May I see that sketch again? I think I recognize her. (Feigning innocence.)

They show him the sketch. Recalling Elva’s face, he nods.

Elf: I see a resemblance. I even know her location.

Assistant Royal Commander: Well, now you’re speaking my language. Lead the way.

Elf: [She’s not the criminal—but I know they’ll interrogate her painfully. That’s enough for me.]

He leads the soldiers away.

At the Imperial Palace – Throne Room

Elflord: (To his Senior Attendant) Where is my eldest son, Rupert?

Senior Attendant: He is meditating, Regal Elflord.

In a noble chamber, the eldest Imperial Prince sits cross-legged on a gem mat, meditating. His face is hidden—only his pink lips visible—as he struggles to connect with a being in the spirit realm.

Meanwhile, Elva is beneath her house in an underground residence tidying up. Suddenly, she feels weak and dizzy.

Elva: (Falls beside a table) Not again...

Above, the soldiers arrive at her residence.

Assistant Royal Commander: (Suspicious) There’s nothing here. Are you tricking us?

Elf: No—I swear! She entered and never came out. I even marked the door.

That proof calms his suspicion.

Assistant Royal Commander: We’re dealing with criminals. They’ll have a hidden area. Search harder!

Elven-Soldiers: Yes, Commander!

They scour every corner. One discovers a trapdoor.

Elven-Soldier: Second-in-Command! I found something!

They descend into the tunnel. Elva, hiding in shadows, breathes quietly, trying to stay conscious.

Elva: (Sneers) Hunting offenders, are we? [I need to get out of here.]

She creeps toward an exit—but her body fails her. She collapses. They find her, lift her by the arms, and compare her face to the sketch.

Assistant Royal Commander: (Lifts her chin) Same eyes. Same mole. Care to explain?

Elva: [Darn, I forgot to hide the mole] (Pleading) Please help me...

Assistant Royal Commander: [She looks innocent...] (To a soldier) Take her to the Royal Examine Castle. She’s an ally of the Masked Thief.

Elva: No—I’m not! Judge me properly!

Her pleading eyes trouble the soldiers.

Assistant Royal Commander: Still... (Persuaded) Treat her.

Elven-Soldier: Yes, Commander!

Assistant Royal Commander: Why run if you’re innocent?

Elva: (Losing strength) You... chased me... I’m... innocent...

Another Soldier: Lies. Sir, I found this.

He presents a brown-wrapped leaf. Elva panics. They unwrap it—revealing the Masked Thief’s outfit.

Elven-Soldier: This... (Glances at Elva) This ælfen can’t really be...

He stops.

Assistant Royal Commander: (Smiling) As naughty as ever. (Kneels before her) Still want to explain?

Elva: (Weak, angry) Get lost.

Assistant Royal Commander: (Smiles wider) It’s really you. What a glorious outcome. (To soldiers) Take her.

They return to the main cabin. The elf is rewarded by the Assistant Royal Commander.

Narrator:

Oh dear, what will become of the female lead? Will she be executed—as custom demands? Or will some phenomenon prevent tragedy from falling upon her?

All will be discovered in the next chapter.

NOTE: Wendi is an Elven word for girl.

Ælfen is an Elven word for female.

'[]' is used to indicate thoughts.

---

Court Hall of the Palace.

Assistant Royal Commander: Commandant. (The attention of the Royal Commandant is drawn to him). We have finally captured her.

The questioning eyes of the Royal Commandant follow the hand of his junior as it points towards the entrance. The ælfen is brought in and made to fall on her knees despite her condition.

Assistant Royal Commander: We have finally captured the Masked Thief, the so-called legendary invincible thief of our realm.

He places the Masked Thief’s items on the elegant wooden tiles.

Assistant Royal Commander: Proof.

On further investigation, he searches through the items and aligns them according to the facts he had collected during his pursuit of the invincible thief now knelt before him.

Royal Commandant: You really are the one, after many years of searching.

Elva: (Sneers) What a memory, Commandant.

Royal Commandant: [The Masked Thief is a young lady… how unusual. But her hair color is...] (Shakes head slowly). Take her to the dungeon, where she will remain until the judgment of the Emperor.

Elven-Soldiers: Yes, Commandant!

Elva, unwilling to bear the thought of being chained in a cell until her inevitable execution, roars in fury. Her arms extend, eyes glowing red. Instantly, a thick blast of wind knocks several Elven-Soldiers to the floor. The Royal Commandant forms a barrier in time to protect himself. The massive Energy release, despite her condition, leaves Elva weak. She collapses, and two soldiers rush to seize her.

Royal Commandant: 😳 (Stands). (To a male servant) Alert the Elflord.

Male Servant: I shall do so. (He exits).

Royal Commandant: How did you do that? (Elva stays silent). Speak!

The Elflord enters with his Royal Advisor. All bow before him.

Elflord: What seems the matter? All of you, at ease.

Everyone stands.

Royal Commandant: My Lord, we have another guest.

He steps aside, revealing the young maiden. The Elflord approaches Elva and, with a gesture, orders the soldiers to support her to her feet.

Elflord: (Polite despite his nobility) May I ask who you are, my child?

Elva remains silent.

Royal Commandant: My Lord, this ælfen is the Masked Thief.

Elflord: Her? The Masked Thief?

Royal Commandant: Yes, my Lord.

Royal Advisor: But how can you be certain, aside from her hair color? We've searched for years, and our guesses have always failed.

Royal Commandant: There's only one way left to find out.

Elva: [What are these sticks talking about?]

Elflord: (Glances at Elva) The Dragon's Scale.

As his hand reaches for her left ear, Elva flinches.

Elflord: (Gently) Easy, my child.

Too weak to resist and soothed by his voice, Elva lets him touch the spot. Behold — the Crystal Dragon’s Scale lies there. The Elflord pulls it slightly, and Elva reacts; the scale flickers and shocks him. He recoils, nursing his fingers.

Elflord: Ah. (He covers his hurt hand, gazing at Elva in awe). Men, after eighteen years... we have finally found the Red Dragon.

Everyone present gasps. Some Elven-Soldiers are stunned that the top lawbreaker in Edhel-Ambar — their most elusive thief — is also the Red Draga they’ve been seeking for years.

Without wasting time, the servant ordered earlier quietly slips away.

Elflord: (Grinning) Under the Order of the Therds, bow before the Urulókë.

All but the Elflord bow and form an ‘X’ across their chests.

---

Elsewhere, in the Garden of the Crown Prince's Bedchamber

The Eldest Imperial Elven Prince, disturbed in his meditation, breaks through his spiritual trance and gasps. After a deep breath, he calms himself.

Male Servant: They have found the Red Draga.

The Crown Prince glances over his shoulder at the servant. His eyes remain unseen to viewers.

---

Palace Court Hall

Elflord: What is your name, my child? [She looks weak.] (To an attendant) Get the Imperial Physician. She’s unwell. Didn’t you notice that? And yet you allowed a young maiden to be treated so harshly?!

The Elven-Soldiers being scolded try to apologize, but the Elflord speaks over them. Meanwhile, Elva, now freed, takes a deep breath, regaining her energy — and then blacks out.

---

The Elflord of Elfland, despite his title, is a kind, simple, and just ruler. He detests tyranny and strives to govern his land with the wisdom of ancient kings.

---

Hours later, a Royal Bedchamber

Elva opens her eyes and instantly sits up, holding her head.

Elva: Uff… it was just a dream. (She looks around). Wait a minute … Where am I?

Braiden, a maid assigned to Elva, enters.

Braiden: (Gasps, curtsying) My Lady!

Elva looks at her in shock.

Braiden: You’ve finally awoken.

Elva: Uhmm, sorry, but… who are you?...

Braiden: H...

Elva: Where am I? "Awoken"? Was I dead before?

Braiden tries to speak but is interrupted again.

Elva: Or wait — am I?! Because this place certainly looks like the afterlife.

Braiden: [Please allow me answer your requests one at a time, my lady 😭]

Derlinê, Elva’s assigned Lady-in-Waiting, enters.

Derlinê: (Courtesies) It is good to have you here, My Lady.

Elva: (Palm to forehead, grinning) I must be dreaming right now to even think I’m an Eldar.

NOTE: "Eldar" is the Elven word for a member of the Royal Family.

Elva: (Suddenly stops grinning) [Or wait, am I?]

An echo of the word “Urulókë” rings in her mind. She shakes her head in denial.

Elva: No, no, it cannot be. (She looks around). I’m dreaming for sure — I’m certain!

Her anxious eyes fall on the timid Braiden.

Elva: Excuse me — you, come here. (Braiden points at herself). Yes, you.

Braiden steps forward. Elva stretches her hand toward her.

Elva: Pinch me.

Braiden: Pardon?

Elva: Just do it!

Braiden: (Startled) Ah— I hear.

Elva: Really hard.

Braiden nods and pinches her.

Elva: Ahh!! (She pulls her arm back, rubbing it). [Ow, that really hurts.] Do you grow nails?! [Wait! It hurts — which means… I’m not dreaming. 😵]

Braiden: 😱😫 Forgive me, My Lady…!!

Braiden tries to bow, but Elva stands in protest.

Elva: No!

They stare at her in shock.

Elva: Do not bow. Believe it or not — I am not an Eldar.

Derlinê: But it has already been proven, My Lady. Besides, the Elflord prepares a humble feast for you. (She and Braiden kneel again). For you are now… an Eldar.

A triumphant heroic tune plays.

Elva: (Sarcastically grins) Ah, hah-ha, I see. Well, if that’s the case… then farewell!

She bolts out the door. Derlinê yells after her.

Derlinê: Your Ladyship!!

The two maids and two guards chase after her, calling, “My Lady!!” Elva dashes left, then right, zigzagging through corridors. She halts at the sight of seven Elven-Guards. They stare silently at each other until the calls grow louder.

Elva: Oh lawks!

She sprints away. The guards glance at one another, confused, as the pursuers rush past like wind. Elva unknowingly slips into the Court Hall through a back exit. She freezes — the Elflord and several courtiers are already present, watching her.

Elflord: (Descending from the altar) Ah, my child.

Elva turns to escape, but her chasers arrive from the way she came. They’re panting.

Elflord: What happened? (He glances at Elva. She shrugs innocently). (Beaming) My child, the celebration draws near. As a Draga Successor, you should—

Elva: (Interrupts, exasperated) Enough! I’m no Dragon. I’m just a commoner. [And the most feared thief in Elfland. No applause necessary 😏.] I’m not who you all say I am.

The Elflord sighs, unsure how else to persuade her.

Elva: (To herself, but audibly)

I’m just a descendant of Skyer Wood.

Elflord: What did you just say, my child?

Elva: That I’m not who you all say I am 🤨 ?

Elflord: No, just now.

Elva: That I’m a descendant of Skyer Wood?

Royal Advisor: Son of?

Elva: Filial son of Vinar Wood.

Elflord: Peculiar. Very peculiar.

Royal Advisor: (Grinning) My Lord...

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