Chapter 4: The Challenge of Eldaria

My Bride from the Elf’s Forest

This is a work of fiction. All characters, names, events, and settings are either the product of the author’s imagination or used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or real events is purely coincidental.

The story, "My Bride from the Elf's Forest", is an original creation by the author and is not affiliated with or derived from any existing copyrighted work. Unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this material without permission is prohibited.

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Chapter 4: The Challenge of Eldaria

The celebration had just begun, laughter and

music echoing through the glowing trees of Eldaria, when a sudden silence fell over the gathering. The air turned still, as if even the wind hesitated to move. From the crowd, a tall, broad-shouldered elf stepped forward—his eyes cold as stone, his presence dark and imposing. It was Shin'en.

“I object,” his voice rang out again, louder this time, as he stepped into the clearing where Yuta and Elira stood.

Gasps rose among the elves. The joy of the occasion turned into tension. All eyes shifted between the new couple and the approaching challenger. Elira’s eyes widened in shock, but she quickly stepped in front of Yuta, her hand half-raised in defense.

“Shin'en...” she whispered, her voice sharp with warning.

Shin'en gaze didn’t even flicker toward her. His eyes were locked on Yuta—piercing, furious, burning with envy.

Shin'en stepped forward, his eyes sharp with challenge. “I have a question that none of you seem to consider,” he said, his voice echoing beneath the canopy of the Spirit Tree. “Yuta is a human. Elira is an elf. Two entirely different beings. How can such a union be accepted in Eldaria?”

A murmur rippled through the crowd like wind rustling through the leaves. Uneasy glances were exchanged. The question, though bitter in intent, was valid—and it struck at the ancient traditions that had guided their realm for generations.

Elira’s eyes narrowed, but before she could speak, Harunari stepped forward. Calm and dignified as ever, the leader’s voice carried the weight of centuries.

“Shin'en,” he began, his tone steady but firm, “your concerns are not new. They’ve been asked by many before in times of great change. But listen closely—if this bond were truly unnatural, do you think the forest would have allowed it? The Tree of Spirit stands silent. The wind does not stir in anger. The ground does not tremble. The very silence of the forest speaks—it does not reject, it accepts.”

A hush fell again. All eyes turned to the mighty Spirit Tree whose glowing roots pulsed faintly beneath the earth like the heartbeat of Eldaria itself.

Suddenly, a young elf from the crowd spoke up, “Our leader is right! The forest, our oldest witness, has spoken with its stillness. We accept this bond. Let no more be said.”

Others joined in, voices rising in agreement.

“Right!”

“We support Elira and Yuta!”

“Enough of Shin'en envy!”

Shin'en stood motionless, his jaw tight, fists clenched. The tide had turned. His question, meant to divide, had instead unified the elves in acceptance.

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“This human does not belong here,” he declared. “He is weak, untested, and unworthy. According to the ancient laws of Eldaria, if two desire the same heart, strength shall decide their fate.”

Whispers ran through the gathering like a wildfire. Harunari, the wise elder and leader of the elves, stepped forward, leaning on his staff.

“You know the law, Shin'en,” he said calmly. “But you also know its full truth. If Elira refuses the victor, she shall marry none.”

“I know,” Shin'en replied, his voice chilling. “But even if she won’t be mine, I’ll make sure she won’t be his either.”

Yuta stood in silence, his heart heavy with helplessness. In this moment, he could do nothing for Elira—only remain behind her like a shadow, a silent spectator to the storm unfolding before him.

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“I challenge Yuta,” Shin’en declared again, standing tall and powerful before the gathering. “According to the ancient law, strength decides the rightful one.”

The crowd murmured in discomfort, not because of the challenge—but because of what it might cost. Elira stepped forward, her golden hair catching the morning sun, and lifted her voice clear and calm.

“No,” she said. “You cannot challenge Yuta.”

Shin’en turned sharply to her. “Why not? Are you denying the sacred rule of Eldaria?”

Elira's eyes narrowed. “I never denied the rule. I’m reminding you of all of it.”

The elder elf, Harunari, raised his brows with interest. “Speak, Elira.”

Elira took a breath and spoke clearly, so no one would misunderstand. “If a couple is already bound by marriage, either one of them may stand in a duel against the challenger.”

Gasps echoed among the gathering. Shin’en stiffened. He did know this part of the law—but he had hoped no one else would recall or dare to invoke it.

“And I,” Elira continued, stepping beside Yuta, “will be the one to accept the Shin'en challenge.”

The elder Harunari struck his staff against the ground. “So be it. As leader and judge, I declare a Battle of Wisdom. Elira and Shin’en shall face each other in a duel of intellect—questions, answers, and clarity.”

Shin'en jaw clenched. “Very well. Let it be as the law commands.”

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The two stepped into the center beneath the Tree of Spirit. The leaves above shimmered faintly, as if acknowledging the ancient rite unfolding below. The crowd formed a respectful circle. Yuta stood close, worry in his eyes, but pride swelling in his chest.

Harunari raised his hand. “You each will ask a question in turn. No personal questions. No riddles. Five rounds. The one who answers most wins.”

Round 1: Shin’en: “What is the elven term for ‘soulmate’?” Elira: “Serentha.”

Elira: “What does it mean when a dream is marked by blue flames?” Shin’en: “It signals a message from the ancestors.”

Round 2: Shin’en: “What does it mean if a Spirit Bird lands on one’s shoulder?” Elira: “The forest has accepted your presence.”

Elira: “Name one elven poem written during the Silence Era.” Shin’en: “Whispers Through the Hollow.”

Round 3: Shin’en: “What is the lifespan of a Highborn Elf?” Elira: “Up to a thousand seasons, depending on their connection to the Tree.”

Elira: “What sound awakens the Seers from trance?” Shin’en: “The chime of a silver bell forged in the Eldan Forge.”

Round 4: Shin’en: “What defines an elf as a Guardian?” Elira: “Their vow, their trial, and their bond with a sacred relic.”

Elira: “What is the punishment for manipulating the spirit energy unlawfully?” Shin’en: “Banishment from Eldaria and the sealing of one’s powers.”

Round 5: Shin’en: “How is an elven memory crystal activated?” Elira: “By placing it under moonlight and whispering the name of the memory bearer.”

Elira: “What law binds the Tree of Spirit to the Realm of Eldaria?” Shin’en: pauses “I… don't know.”

Harunari raised his staff. He said softly. “Disqualified.”

The Tree of Spirit shimmered with a soft golden glow as the wind danced through the leaves, acknowledging the victor.

Harunari turned to the people. “Elira has answered all. Shin’en faltered once. As law demands, she has won this challenge.”

Shin’en stood frozen, bitterness in his eyes, but words failing him. Elira, calm and composed, turned to Yuta and gave him a look full of quiet triumph.

For now, love has outwitted pride.

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To be continued… Next chapter - Romance in Midnight

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