For two long months, the ship battled relentless waves, the journey stretching on with nothing of interest—just the ceaseless rhythm of the sea. But at last, the sight of Sylvaria's dock broke the monotony.
Rosaline stood at the ship's railing, taking in the grand elven city nestled against the towering woods. She let out a slow sigh. "Well, we're here… but early as hell. What do we do until the festival?" She turned, glancing at the others.
Tio adjusted the strap of his supply bag, his gaze drifting toward the bustling docks. "Well, Sylvaria has a few things happening right now. The biggest one? The Tournament of Leadership."
At the mention of it, a few of the crew members perked up.
"It's held every five years and is famous across Cresbel," Tio continued. "Fighters from all over the world compete to prove who's the strongest. The winner gets an elven name carved into the Wall of Champions… and, supposedly, the right to choose a bride from a selection of elves. Though, who knows if that part's true?" He shrugged. "The tournament lasts for four months. Could be worth watching."
Celestia glanced at the crew, noting how they'd swapped out their Lox uniforms for casual wear. "I mean… why not? It sounds interesting."
Rosaline's violet eyes flickered with an unnatural glow before fading. "That sounds perfect. Let's go."
Tio smirked. "Well, if the captain says so."
With a chorus of nods, the crew hoisted their bags from where they'd been left on deck. Celestia was the first to step off the ship, the others following in stride.
From below deck, the medic emerged, reaching into his sleeve to retrieve a wooden pipe. He struck a match, the faint glow illuminating his sharp features before he took a slow, deliberate inhale. Smoke curled around him as he exhaled, his gaze sweeping over the elven city before them.
"The Forest of the Elves… we stand at its gates, issuing a silent challenge of strength." A sudden gust of wind sent his long coat billowing as he stepped off the ship. Smoke drifted from his lips, lingering for a moment before vanishing into the crisp morning air.
"The tournament awaits us. True warriors."
The crew walked toward the towering silverwood trees, their ancient trunks stretching high into the sky. As they approached, the dense forest seemed to shift—branches and foliage parting as if recognizing their presence.
Then, without warning, figures emerged from the treetops. Elven warriors.
Bows drawn, arrows nocked, their emerald eyes locked onto the intruders with piercing intensity.
"What is it that you humans seek in our land?" One of them demanded, stepping forward. His grip tightened around the hilt of his sword as he studied them with suspicion.
Celestia raised her hands slightly in a gesture of peace. "My name is Celestia Solara. I'm here with my crew to—"
Before she could finish, the elves abruptly lowered their weapons. A visible wave of fear rippled through them, their tense expressions giving way to uneasy recognition.
The leading warrior, now pale-faced, sheathed his sword with a gulp. "My name is Commander Leo. Welcome to Sylvaria." Without another word, he bowed deeply, and at his command, the trees parted further, revealing a hidden path leading into the kingdom of Silverwood.
Tio shot Celestia a skeptical look. "Have you been here before?"
Celestia shook her head, clearly as confused as he was. "Not at all… I have no idea what just happened, but hey, I'll take it."
Deciding not to question their luck, they followed Commander Leo deeper into the kingdom.
After a leisurely walk through the breathtaking elven city, they arrived at a grand, ivy-covered building with tall glass windows reflecting the soft glow of enchanted lanterns.
Leo turned to face them. "This is the Royal Guesthouse. It is where visiting nobles and dignitaries stay while in Sylvaria." His sharp gaze lingered on Celestia for a moment before he added, "You and your crew will be accommodated here."
With that, he gave a short bow and swiftly departed, disappearing into the bustling city streets.
Celestia stretched, letting out a sigh. "Well, looks like we'll be living like royalty. Let's make the most of it." She flashed a grin before stepping inside.
The crew wasted no time retrieving their keys from the front desk and making their way upstairs. The floors were polished marble, the walls adorned with intricate elven carvings. Eventually, everyone settled into their rooms, with Rosaline and Celestia reaching the fifteenth floor last.
Standing outside their door, Rosaline turned to Celestia. "So, we're sharing a room, right?"
Celestia smirked, twirling the key between her fingers. "Mhm. That's right."
With a smooth click, she unlocked the door and stepped inside, Rosaline following close behind.
Celestia closed the door with a satisfied sigh before letting her bag slide off her shoulder and hit the floor. She stretched her arms above her head, rolling her shoulders before making her way toward the only bed in the room. With a dramatic flop, she landed face-first onto the soft sheets.
"I've missed having a proper bed to sleep on… and the ground isn't moving either. I love this." Her voice was muffled by the pillow, but the pure bliss in her tone was unmistakable.
Rosaline sat down on the other side, hesitating for only a moment before following suit, sinking into the plush mattress. "Tell me about it." She exhaled deeply, closing her eyes.
The two remained still for nearly an hour, simply enjoying the feeling of stillness after months at sea.
Eventually, Celestia cracked one eye open. "There's a hot spring here in the back. Let's go, mk?"
Rosaline stirred slightly but didn't answer right away. Celestia turned her head to look at her, and for a fleeting second, her violet eyes shimmered faintly.
Rosaline blinked, then sat up immediately. "Yeah, let's go."
Celestia grinned. "Good. Follow me."
Without further hesitation, she hopped off the bed, and Rosaline followed. They descended several flights of stairs, making their way to the first floor. The scent of fresh herbs and floral oils drifted faintly through the air as they explored the hallways. Eventually, Rosaline spotted a wooden door with Hot Springs carved into it in multiple languages.
"Here," she announced, stepping forward.
Celestia followed her inside, and the two found themselves standing before a split pathway—one leading to the men's section, the other to the women's. Without a second thought, they turned down the female hallway, soon arriving in a spacious changing area.
The entire room was made of woven vines intertwined with glowing crystals, radiating a soft, warm light. Rows of natural lockers—hollowed-out sections of thick vines—lined the walls. Celestia hesitated, studying them curiously before placing her hand near one that was unoccupied.
With a faint hum, the vine unraveled, revealing a small compartment within. "Over here!" she called out.
Rosaline walked over, mimicking the action. The vine locker responded the same way, opening to allow her to store her clothes. They both undressed slowly before placing them into the opening, the vine curled shut again, glowing faintly as if sealing them away for safekeeping.
With their belongings secured, the two of them pushed open a sliding wooden door and stepped onto a grassy path leading to the hot spring. The moment they set foot outside, a wave of comforting warmth enveloped them.
The spring itself was breathtaking. Lush greenery surrounded the crystalline waters, steam rising in delicate wisps into the cool night air. The water shimmered under the soft glow of hanging lanterns, their golden light reflecting off the rippling surface.
Celestia dipped a foot into the water first, testing the temperature before stepping in fully. She let out a long, relaxed sigh as the warmth spread through her muscles. "This… this is amazing."
Rosaline settled beside her, resting her arms on the edge of the stone and letting the heat seep into her skin. "Yeah… I could stay here forever."
As they soaked, the sound of soft laughter and approaching footsteps caught their attention.
The two glanced up as more women entered the hot spring, each one just as strikingly unique as the land of Sylvaria itself.
A group of elves entered, their long silver hair shimmering under the lantern light. Their pointed ears twitched slightly as they spoke in hushed, melodic voices, their movements as graceful as a flowing river. They slipped into the water effortlessly, the warmth causing their expressions to melt into relaxation.
Following them were two feline member part of the clan Crystal, their fur ears flicking as they padded toward the edge of the spring. Their slender tails swayed behind them, twitching slightly as they eased into the water. Their golden eyes gleamed under the lanterns, sharp and observant, yet relaxed.
But it was the final arrival that drew attention from everyone.
A woman stepped forward, deep sapphire wings stretched elegantly from her back, the membranes shimmering like liquid moonlight. Two black horns curled from her head, glowing faintly with dark blue rings near the base. Her piercing crimson eyes swept over the spring before she let out a soft exhale, steam escaping from her lips.
Her skin was a flawless, sun-kissed ivory, a striking contrast to the rich darkness of her horns and wings. Every curve of her body was sculpted to a warrior of a dragonkin—toned, yet impossibly feminine. Her crimson eyes, burning with both danger and allure, swept over the steaming spring before she let out a slow, heated exhale, a thin wisp of steam escaping from her lips.
As she moved forward, her hips swayed in a slow, hypnotic rhythm, each step measured and sensual. Her full, large breasts sway subtly with her slow movements, the smooth skin catching the soft glow of the lanterns.
Reaching the edge of the hot spring, she let her wings fold gracefully against her back, their sapphire hue shifting in the dim light. She extended one long, toned leg, dipping her foot into the water. A soft, pleasured sigh escaped her lips as she sank deeper, the warmth embracing every inch of her exquisite figure.
She closed her seductive crimson eyes, tilting her head back slightly as a quiet, breathy moan slipped from her lips, the heat sending waves of bliss through her body. Steam curled around her, clinging to her.
The other women in the hot spring couldn't help but steal glances before returning to their own conversations.