Mage Legend-Chapter 402: Travel and Travel Beyond - Eleven Heather_3

"Hello, friends from the outside world, welcome to Salantir." An elf placed his right hand on his chest, and slowly bowed to Lynch and the others, "If the guests would like to taste the sweet fruits of Heather, please follow me."

"Yes, indeed!" Soka clapped her small hands, "Salantir is an absolutely wonderful place!"

Among everyone, Zilvra always seemed a bit tense. Whenever the elves’ green pupils glanced her way, she would shyly avert her purple eyes, gazing at her reflection in the river. However, the elves here did not seem to find this peculiar.

Lynch was not visiting the Elf Kingdom for the first time; many years ago, he had come to this beautiful place with Anna and had stayed for nearly two years. Many elves had seen this human mage and already regarded him as a friend. Upon returning to Salantir this time, Lynch was just as amazed by the scenery as he had been on his first visit.

Zilvra was entering the elves’ realm for the first time. In the past, she had only heard the drows speak of surface elves as synonymous with cowardice. She had never imagined that surface elves could so perfectly blend natural creations with exquisite craftsmanship. Spending time in this environment would make one forget all troubles and cast aside all unpleasant emotions.

The waters of Erutalon flowed gently, and the songs in their ears gradually grew clear. Soka and Zilvra were immersed in the melodious rhythm, every note gently plucking the strings of their hearts. Coupled with the soft and warm sunlight, both unwittingly fell into a deep sleep.

"It’s hard for any first-time visitor to Salantir to avoid dozing off," an elf said to Lynch, "When you came last time, your group was the same. Except for Anna and you, everyone fell into a comfortable slumber and didn’t wake until they reached Heather."

Lynch smiled at the elf, looking at the two ladies sleeping in each other’s embrace. Hidden within the drifting songs was a subtle hypnotic power. The elves, long accustomed to this melody, were naturally unaffected. And a mage who had long lost the right to dream easily resisted such sounds.

"How has Salantir been these past few years? Is the mead still as fragrant as ever?" Lynch inquired of the elf.

"Yes, mage." A few elven guards laughed joyously, "Every year, we harvest delicious tree fruits, and the mead we brew is even sweeter. This time, you’ll receive the warmest welcome: the height of summer is the best time to enjoy mead."

"I still miss all the time I spent here. Every visit fills me with a sense of peace and serenity," Lynch said to the elves, "In the outside world, the ominous clouds of war are gathering again, and a sense of unease is spreading. I fear Salantir remains the last paradise."

"We’ve also heard about what’s happening," the lead elf replied, "Even in the sunlit world, shadows gradually grow. When a spark of evil ignites, the entire grassland could burn to ashes."

He spoke with a slow, soothing voice, almost like gently singing:

Even when darkness envelops the world,

There is still moonlight shining here;

Thick clouds cannot block,

The bright silver spreading across the land.

The rivers of Salantir,

Never bring in news of chaos;

In the Isley-Heather forest,

Only gentle breaths ripple.

The drifting Erutalon,

Delivers harvest to its joyful citizens;

Sweet mead,

Always ready to welcome weary

Mellonea (meaning friend)

"Have you also received news from the outside?" Lynch asked, "The beastmen are coming from the north, and this matter is likely not simple. Although there’s Haisas of the sacred Pate, Muenn is surrounded by seas on three sides, and there are no strong defensive forces in those directions."

"No, my dear mage friend. Our esteemed Empress Celebrian has long foreseen this situation, and even on the vast open sea, white sails are vigilant day and night. Salantir will be well-protected, allowing no living enemy to sneak in and wreak havoc unnoticed."

"It seems meticulous preparations have been made here, so I can relax properly." Lynch realized that the naval defenses suggested by his proposal to Anna had been implemented. The elves, who initially considered the sea a natural barrier, had begun accepting the mage’s suggestions and had prepared new plans for every direction.

"Indeed, our Empress gave us the same directive: ’Give the guests the best hospitality,’" the elf said, "She instructed us ten days ago to await your arrival here today. As with all past successful prophecies, mage sir has indeed arrived on time in Salantir."

"Why does the esteemed Lady Celebrian pay such attention to a human like me? Each prophecy drains a considerable amount of energy, and even with the elves’ long lifespan, such depletion is heart-wrenching."

"I am not fully aware of Her Majesty’s intentions, but I trust she has ample reasons for her actions," the elf said, "Each prophecy has steered us away from potential calamity, guiding us along a path of safety. After weathering so many storms, this verdant forest remains vibrant. Songs of peace have always echoed throughout Heather City, never ceasing."

"I’ve always believed peace to be the most precious thing in the world, yet too much peace can lead to complacency."

"Mage friend, I agree with what you say," the elf nodded, "Our lives are very long, and living forever in happiness is our most frequent wish. Yet, outside creatures never share our patience, continuously sparking conflicts over fleeting things. We see these situations and have persistently worked to improve them. We elves dislike using forceful means, preferring amicable negotiations as our first option. But during negotiations, time becomes humanity’s greatest enemy. Except for mages who live longer, we elves are constantly changing meeting partners." 𝘧𝘳𝘦ℯ𝓌𝘦𝒷𝘯𝑜𝑣𝘦𝓁.𝒸𝘰𝓂

"That’s something unavoidable," Lynch said, "Humans have the most vibrant minds but cannot endure for long. Elves possess enough patience but tend to lag behind external changes. Each life form is equal, merely living with different focal points."

"Young mage, your words are very wise," the elf nodded, "I think of when I was your age, I had just learned to walk among the branches, unable to even run. Although you left here just eight years ago, I dare not measure your now enlightened soul by the standards of the past."

"Thank you for your praise," Lynch said, "I’ve just seen relatively more things outside. Compared to the millennia of accumulated wisdom of the elves, I’m but a pitiful grain of sand lying on an endless coastline."

"Friend, our Empress has often mentioned you, full of praise in her tone. Before meeting her, I will arrange for you to stay in Heather’s palace. Of course, delicious mead has long awaited you there."