Hi, everybody =^_^=

I’m already feeling much better, although I’m not completely healthy yet and I had to go to the hospital. Thank you so much for continuing to support my work during this short break. As promised, I am filling the gap with a mass release.

And I also want to thank everyone who loves, for their golden tickets and sends their gifts - you are incredible, the best!!! I love you very much❤❤❤

***

The great kingdom of the elves – Eriad, full of history and powerful magic, mysterious and charming, appeared in its full glory before the newly-appeared guests. It was too sunny here, too bright not to squint. But it was extremely fascinating, as if freshness fluttered with butterfly wings next to the skin of the face.

Everything here seemed extraordinary, from the beauty of green forests covered with fluffy moss of bright green facets, to huge citadels built high in the mountains, as if laid in layers on the slopes.

Elves are elegant creatures, of a subtle spiritual organization, but wise people and skilled magicians. Their magic delighted and surprised everyone from time immemorial who had the good fortune to be in Eriad and to contact representatives of this race.

The elves led a reclusive lifestyle after the massacre that occurred on the ill-fated wedding day of the two wizards, they spent a lot of time in temples, purifying their mind and soul with prayers, meditated, and also created everywhere. A unique culture combined with precise, thought-out art, science and ingenuity marked the great glory of the Elven people.

It was their hands that forged the best weapons products, which only increased their value centuries later, it was their inventions that were artfully flavored with magical pollen, making their bearer exceptional, powerful and extremely belligerent.

Except for the fallen wizards, no one in this world could compete with them, but because of their wisdom, the elves never chased world domination, content with what they had at the moment. They were devoid of vanity and excessive self-esteem.

The snow-white walls of the elven palace were visible on the horizon and already on the way, the werewolves felt a burning sensation on their paws, which caused piercing pain.

- I think it would be more appropriate to return you to human form. - Ivrim said, noticing the discomfort and whining of the wolves. – Everything in Eriad is created for the safety of our people, and sharp fangs do not contribute to safety.

Ivrim waved his hand and at the same moment a snow-white dense fabric with gold embroidery along the contour lay on the backs of each werewolf to hide nakedness after transformation.

Artemis walked next to Ivrim and never once during the whole time did she turn in the direction of Raphael. She could feel his burning gaze on her back, but she was too afraid to see the alienation in his eyes again.

- Eriad is happy to welcome its guests within the walls of our castle, but I ask you to be lenient to ordinary citizens who may study yours too closely. They had not seen the strangers for a long time. – Ivrim answered with hope for understanding.

- We didn’t come here to drink tea and not to indulge in buns. - Raphael spat out sharply, still annoyed and gloomy as a thundercloud.

- I think you should take a dip in the springs. Our sources are great for relieving tension from stupid wizards. – the elf remarked and the corner of his lips twitched slightly, noticing how the vampire bristled. – You have become more accommodating. Who tamed you like that?

- The one you dared to put to sleep. And therefore, without her total control over herself, who knows what I can do in such a beautiful, teeming with kindness place. –hissed Raphael with an extremely malicious message .

Ivrim ignored his words, because he knew that Raphael’s anger would not be able to spill out, no matter how much he wanted to. He was still confused by the unexpected appearance of Artemis, it played into their hands.

While everyone was in their own problems, Adeline, walking behind in an embrace with Klaus, could not help but be amazed by the amazing beauty and pristine purity of the nature of this place.

Everything was here, from the mountains to the plains, crisp fresh grass rustled underfoot. In the distance, small neatly shaped lakes could be seen, and at the castle itself, a waterfall stretched like a violent stream, carrying its waters into a wide and mighty river, shimmering with all facets of light on the surface of the water.

Wild animals were at home here and did not try to run away timidly when people approached. It was like paradise, as many imagine it to be.

The intoxicating scent of flowers accompanied them all the way to the castle and it was so sweet, so fragrant and attractive, as if each flower exuded some divine aphrodisiac.

Passing a small bridge connecting the gates of the elven castle and the surrounding area, the whole group crowded on the spot, speechless, when they saw a crowd of thousands of elves bowing their heads before their king.

Raphael boldly passed by, brushing the king’s shoulder with an elf and walked forward with a proud heavy step towards the main palace.

It was a sharp contrast of black against white. His pitch-dark clothes and appearance did not find harmony in the snow-white robes and, in his opinion, boring elf faces.

- He’s still the same uncouth fool. - Ivrim said to Artemis, who was confused by Raphael’s unfriendly behavior.

She shook her head.

- He’s changed. Very. He’s not who he used to be anymore.

Her tone was calm, but it was only a deception for the ignorant, because inside she was experiencing her own tragedy and Ivrim saw it.

- Give him time. He went through so much pain after your death that it’s amazing that he still remains sane.

- And so, dear guests, I suppose you want to look around before we all meet together for dinner. - He turned to the male werewolves, Terrence and Adeline. - The servants will guide you and show you everything. Enjoy a pleasant stay within the walls of Eriad.

The elf King nodded respectfully, giving the guests a good-natured smile and offering Artemis his hand, took her away with him in the opposite direction.

Wandering through the most diverse corners of Eriad, Raphael tried to refresh his memory, but instead, his memory brought him back to those peaceful days of his youth. In the days where he was happy with Artemis.

He stopped at one of the buildings and leaned his hand on a stone lumpy wall, bowing his head and breathing heavily. Never before had he felt such a strong tightness in his chest, it was like the feeling when there is not enough air, and the heart is playing a tap dance, trying to fill up the missing supply.

He left everyone so quickly to put his thoughts in order, but wandering through the crowded streets, he could not do anything and each thought dragged along another stream of even more oppressive thoughts. He needed to talk to her.

But what was he going to tell her? Will she ask him if he still loves her or not? And what should he answer her?

Of course he loves her. Boundless, tragic and insane. But, then what to do with Thea? He loves her just as much.

Aggravating the situation is the fact that they are actually in the same body. Does this as infidelity?

- Ahhh ... - he growled, clutching his head with his hands and found nothing better than to turn into the nearest diner.

The locals looked at him with curiosity, interest and some apprehension, but no one tried to talk to him and stayed away, only chasing away the thought in their head – where did a vampire come from in Eriad?

- Cognac. – he demanded of the bartender, sitting down on a bar stool and leaning his elbows on the edge of the table.

The bartender quickly assessed the situation and took out a bottle of the best cognac from the bins, which his establishment had.

The faceted glass loudly touched the surface of the table and then a copper-colored liquid with tangible notes of cedar in the aroma played with a splash.

Raphael grabbed the glass and downed the contents into his mouth in one gulp, burning every taste receptor with a pleasant aftertaste.

- More. – he demanded and the elf bartender without further ado filled the glass with a new portion of the drink.