In addition to the good deeds done by the big guy, Darkus can always feel that there is an inexplicable sense of sadness in the air around him. This feeling cannot be washed away by water or blown away by the wind. , a sadness that seems to mark the passing of something that will never come back.
"This ship gives me a strange feeling." Kaia, who was rowing next to Darkus, frowned and sighed.
More than half of the Druchi temporarily stayed on the three falcon ships and did not go ashore. Darkus took some Druchi and Enil to have a quick bite on the lower slope of the cliff and then rowed the former Sea Fang. The number went to sea. Eighty benches were filled with Druch and Enil, as well as Genevieve, the midnight noble, and Belloda from Ulthuan. At this moment, everyone was as if they were out for a spring outing, without race or identity. , class, everyone was doing one thing, rowing...
There were some jokes at the beginning, the long boat couldn't be rowed...
"This should be a very ancient existence, maybe this is... the last one It's in place." Darkus sighed. He had already guessed what material the longship he was on was made of. "Essences not only exist in Lauren Loren and Athel Loren, but also in Ulthuan's Athel Loren. Vallon has it too, I think it should be the last one in the Norscan forest."
"The forest is dying, and the situation is getting worse every day." Kaia's voice was full of sadness, and she thought Darkus's judgment was Right, she went on, with a tone of pity and pathos, "It is ancient beyond its time, lurking in a world that has passed, wandering lost and alone, forgotten and abandoned." "You
guys Is it like in the south?" Darkus, who was rowing the oar, asked slowly after a moment.
"No, everyone is living in peace, within a range acceptable to both parties, at least... that was the case before, and that is the case now." Kaia knew what Darkus was asking.
The forest spirits of Athel Loren refused to share the forest with the elven settlers, while those of Lauren Loren showed less hostility. Therefore, Aenir did not bind his soul to Athel Loren through an ancient spiritual pact, which is completely different from Asrai who bound himself to Athel Loren. Aenir's connection to forest spirits is weaker, and they are more inclined to venture out into the glades to communicate with outsiders. However, as time changed, things became a little more subtle.
It's not that wherever Darkus appears, something will happen, but he came when things were about to happen or were about to happen...
"In that case, this ship will be given to you as a meeting gift." Dark Wusi used his specialty of borrowing flowers to offer Buddha. He knew that Ulfric was able to travel around the world because of the bow statue that could be teleported in subspace. Now the bow statue has been smashed into pieces by Drusala and the others, and the fragments fell into the sea to accompany Ulfric. Otherwise, he would not dare to take this ship. He would not be able to bear the whole journey of annihilation in subspace.
"This... thank you for the gift." Kaia hesitated for a moment, then accepted the gift. Now that the spirit that has become a ship is completely dead, it would be a pity to burn or destroy it. It is better to keep it and continue to use it. She thinks those spirits will understand.
While chatting and rowing like this, the longboat soon came to an area called Farina Rock by Enil, which was located just below Theatir Tower. In Beloda's words, this place reminds me of my hometown.
Marcelan's ceremony is very simple. After the longship docks near the cave, the longship's tribute is moved into the cave, and then nothing more happens. There is no need to recite any prayers, let alone kneel down and burn incense. Marcelan does not need these things, even if there was Dacus before. As the champion of Marcelan, Marcelan is the leader of the secular world. Spokesperson, he has the final say in everything about Marcelan. Of course, compiling hymns and building temples are in no way inconsistent with these. He has always had such double standards, and he can't build a shrine in the sea like Isa did. It's not the time yet. The embarrassment of having to live under the sea.
The whole afternoon was spent rowing boats and carrying tributes. After all, there was more than one cave, and there were more than ten caves of various sizes under the sea cliff that needed to be filled. After finishing the last cave, the tide began to rise. Kaia shared an interesting thing with Darkus. Perhaps because of the darkness under the lamp, some clever Norscan raiders occasionally used these caves to store their loot when the weather was bad. Those Norscans thought that Aenir on the sea cliff didn't know, but in fact Aenir knew everything, but he just didn't move.
By the time the long boat rowed back and docked at the shore, it was already approaching dusk. Darkus knew that the carnival had begun, because the festive songs in the distance sounded particularly loud here, like the warm sound of resurrecting life.
In moments of willfulness, elves everywhere pursue reckless debauchery. Some elves will indulge in gluttony, while others will indulge in alcoholism and abuse of cruel toys. More elves will indulge in the impulse of pleasure and trample all daily benevolence, righteousness and morality under their feet in the name of festivals.
Dusk enveloped Darkus, and as they got closer to the gathering area, sparkling floating animals began to illuminate the team. A breeze blew from the sea and blew through the forest. He could feel the smoke, the aromatic smell and the sound of life. He could feel the vitality of the forest filling his blood. The team finally reached the top of the mountain. The twinkling lights and modest buildings in the gathering area were so beautiful and so fascinating to him.
"Home..." Darkus sighed.
Darkus could see some minstrel-like Aenir spinning and moving around in a secret place, reciting the lines to be performed later. Their soft singing was like a symphony from the forest, like a dance. The music was swirling in his mind, the music bouncing and reverberating among the trees, passing through the gathering area like a winding ribbon of light.
Three hazy green lights hovered in the air above Darkus' head, as if wearing green... As if Liu Xing had a new hairstyle, invisible wings flashed behind the green light, and a giggling face appeared in the green light.
The green light is called "elf light" by humans who live close to the forest. In fact, these glimmers of light are just a form of the spirit of the Lauren Loren forest. These creatures are collectively called "wood spirits" by Ainir. They have the ability to shape-shift and can change their own forms according to needs and whims. Some wood spirits appear as birds and animals, or as strange creatures composed of twigs and fallen leaves. Others take the form of miniature elf-like creatures to imitate their Aenir friends.
However, these wood spirits are not happy little guys. Their tempers are as changeable as their appearance, and even Aenir must be cautious in contact with them.
"They like you."
Darkus felt a little amused by the naughty behavior of these wood spirits. He laughed as if he was infected by the wood spirits. The wood spirits seemed to sense his happiness and got closer to him. One of them turned into his ghost image, and the other turned into a flying butterfly. Just when the two wood spirits were about to land on his outstretched fingers, the third wood spirit rushed towards the two wood spirits, and then the three wood spirits chased each other.
"They are playful creatures, but mostly harmless."
"Basically harmless?"
"Yes, most of them are. Just like the birds in the air and the beasts on the ground, there are many kinds of spirits. Some are harmless. Harmful, some not, and some..." Kaia still didn't say the word in the end, she could only helplessly gesture to Darkus.
As the years pass, fewer and fewer lights flicker among the trees, and those remaining wood spirits become increasingly desperate as they try to maintain the magic of the forest. Therefore, the place where magic still gathers in large quantities has become an oasis for their survival. Various spirits are forced to gather together and do their best to survive on the pitiful nutrients. Although they all belong to the same forest, they There are huge differences in temperament between them, and disputes caused by jealousy and eccentric personalities often break out.
"I know these three little guys because I had to act as a mediator to mediate disputes not long ago." "
Although what I say next is a bit ugly, I still want to say it. As time goes by, similar disputes will become more and more common. The more they fight among themselves, trying to seize territory and magic power for themselves. Every dispute will lead to the death of some spirits, which will further lead to the decline of Lauren Loren Forest." Darkus said seriously.
Kaia sighed without saying anything and continued walking. The two city-state elves who followed did not do anything to refute Darkus's remarks. They also sighed, because they knew that what Darkus said was the truth. They all knew Lauren Loren's magic was slowly fading, and so was the spirit.
"At that time, every bush, stream, swamp, path or hill here had its own accompanying spirit. However, as time went by..." an old city-state elf said slowly.
The atmosphere of the team became heavy amidst those melancholy songs singing about love and victory. Darkus didn't say anything. As long as he comes, everything will be solved. He is not that magical, and some things are irreversible. Besides, There's a lot about Lauren Loren that he still doesn't understand.
"Maybe things will turn around?" After Kaia finished speaking, he went on to tell Darkus what happened on the top of the tower in the morning.
"Is this why you welcome us to land?" Darkus asked flatly, he was already used to it.
And Druch who was following behind didn't break out into any noise or exclamation, because they were used to it. After all, Darkus has been chosen by the four gods and rejected Kane. It is normal for them that other gods favor Darkus.
"Yes, in our Aenir hearts, He is the mother of the earth and the source of all things. His power penetrates into the soil of the earth and brings the water that springs from the earth. He provides the things we need to survive. Wealth and life, He is the last warm breath of winter and the sigh of life in the first buds of spring. The funny thing is that I didn’t recognize Him at the first time, and I don’t think your arrival will bring destruction. Or destruction." Kaia first looked at Darkus, who had a dull reaction, and then said.
Therefore, Aisha does not have a temple. In the eyes of the elves, it is very absurd to imprison a goddess whose soul is in the wilderness and longs for the passion of nature. The elves believe that as long as they step into the trees and grass, they have entered his sacred territory.
"Hope." When Darkus said, he turned his attention elsewhere. He saw the delicate and slender female Ernies wearing ankle-length dresses, with slender features and fair and smooth skin, like dolls. The eyes are oval-shaped, and the hair is coiled in a leaf-like braid that rises above the elegantly curved pointed ears. The female Ernies were happily playing and chasing each other while singing, and sometimes they would stop and point at something.
The trees of the gathering place are shaped into gentle rounded arches, forming a roofless procession like the nave of a temple. The golds and reds of autumn and the greens of summer freeze the moment and line the high branches. Mix together. Spring water gushes from cracks in the rocks in the ground, gurgling along channels formed by curved timbers and into crystal pools lined with fantastic wood carvings that look as if they were grown there rather than crafted by hand. Darkus could feel each piece of wood moving, as if it had an inner life of its own, reinventing itself in newer, more elegant forms.
A soft light appeared in the center of one of the wood carvings, and as the light flew toward the other wood carving, the wood carving let out a trembling, musical laugh. Darkus knew that this should be a tree demon or a water fairy. Like the wood spirit, it was a natural spirit.
Soon the team arrived at Woodland Square, also known as Parliament Square. In the language of the elves, council is a pun and also means a ball, a night of drinking, music and dancing.
The ethereal fire presented by magic flew through the air, flying towards the invisible music played by the oud and flute. In the square, fire-breathing artists jumped for joy in the blazing flames, and an elegant weaver weaved their fiery breath into various fantastic dance shapes, dancing and hovering above the heads of the revelers.
Glorious images of colorful dragons, giant eagles and elven warriors light up the sky above Woodland Square. These magical projections soared and danced like real creatures, showing revelers the magical beauty of magic.
Dancers and acrobats whirled and whirled amid the flames, performing ancient dances from the days of Aenarion. Their robes were like floating wings, dancing gracefully into the sky, as if they were free from the constraints of gravity.
Barbaric and crazy war dancers covered in paint moved through the revelers like the wind, their dances wild and fierce. Their bodies were covered with various patterns, as if they were carefully prepared for the carnival. They have eye-catching tattoos and paintings on their faces, chests, and arms, each of which represents a symbol of courage, glory, and Loic.
The war dancers wielded sharp blades, displaying dazzling martial arts skills and extremely dexterous movements. Their movements were swift and precise, and each sword seemed to be playing a wild symphony of battle. Their oiled bodies gleamed in the firelight, like mysterious beasts, exuding a primal and mighty aura.
Revelers also participated in the war dance, laughing and looking for opportunities to interact with the war dancers. Some revelers tried to imitate their movements, dancing their knives with them as if in a brave gladiator. Some revelers challenged them, trying to dodge and fight back under the blade, creating a tense and exciting atmosphere. Some revelers took the opportunity to move their hands, feet, and hands on their bodies.
Acrobats dressed as Loic twirled among the revelers like naughty children. His figure was light and his every flip brought laughter and cheers.
A shadow dancer is erratic and unpredictable, sometimes teasing and sometimes deceiving, as if playing a hide-and-seek game with the revelers. She weaves in and out of the crowd, teasing and seducing equally, stealing and offending equally, leaving the revelers bewildered.
"Should I, as Loic's divine choice, express something?"
With the addition of Darkus, who took off his Kaitan upper body and wore a sailor costume below, the war dancers became wilder and their passion became more intense. strong. The arrival of Darkus seems to have ignited the fire of carnival, and the performances of the war dancers are more extreme and threatening. Their sword dance is like a violent storm, full of wild and powerful expressions.
The dance steps of the war dancers merged with the drumbeats of Darkus, as if integrated into a very combat-like rhythm. They rolled and rotated in the sword net woven with sharp blades, dancing faster and faster and more intensely, leaving the revelers dizzying.
Loud cheers echoed through the trees as revelers applauded the virtuosity, and the drumbeats grew louder and wilder as other instruments were added.
The shadow dancer appeared next to the fire. Just as she signaled the war dancers to get out of the way, a figure gracefully passed by her. She was slightly stunned. She looked at the figure's Loik costume. , she found that she didn’t seem to recognize Enil, who was dressed as Loic. He was not a member of the Sword Dancer Neighborhood in the Storm District, but she seemed to have seen him somewhere.
Priests of Loik are usually shadow dancers. They are more skilled dancers than war dancers and swordsingers, and they are responsible for leading the war dancer team. They are the individuals closest to the Deceiver, Loik, and as such they are respected and feared by others.
Combined with a series of things that happened today, the shadow dancer quickly thought of a possibility. She continued to stretch her arms and signaled the war dancers who were still dancing to move further away.
Darkus, who was still beating the Echo Drum indulgently, looked at Enil, who was dressed as Loic. He could clearly feel a complex emotion fluctuating in Enil's body, including loss, pain and... Joy spreads outward like a center connecting the surrounding war dancers. He knew who Enil was in front of him. After all, this was not the first time they met. He had seen Loik's figure in his sleep more than once.
Darkus nodded to Loic and then took off the belt on his head. With the intentional movements of the war dancers, the revelers and the druches seemed to vaguely feel what was happening. The noisy scene suddenly stopped. The revelers on the periphery who did not know what was going on tried to ask these people. Squeeze over. He smiled and stepped out with his right leg, arched his left leg, and placed his hands on both sides of the Echo Drum. Seeing that Loic was ready, he let out a wild laugh with disheveled hair, and then hit the Echo Drum. drum.
The light from the bonfire illuminated Loic's mask. After he made a strange gesture, he began to dance to the rapid drumbeats played by Darkus. He danced with a kind of aggression. A sexual gesture pressed towards Darkus.
Darkus used a performative movement to adjust his body's center of gravity and make a posture as if he was being invaded. His performance attracted the attention of the revelers. The revelers' eyes were fixed on him, expecting him to continue. down action.
However, the drumbeat played by Darkus was even more rapid than before, like an accelerated heartbeat, full of tension. Amidst the rhythmic drumbeats, he adjusted his body's center of gravity again and began to press towards Loick. This time the action was more intense, full of challenge and determination, as if provoking Loick to fight.
Loik took a step back while dancing, his movements smooth and dexterous. At the same time, Darkus beat the Echo Drum, rotated his body and took a step forward, adjusting his body to the position given by Loic. This moment seemed like a tacit dialogue, and the performance and interaction between the elf and the god was like a game on the battlefield.
The two performers danced in the firelight, pulling back and forth with smooth and precise movements. Loic's dance was full of majesty and confidence, and every advance and retreat seemed to challenge Dacus, while Dacus showed determination and swiftness through the rapid beating of the drums. The confrontation between them is like a battle, full of tension.
All the elves present were deeply attracted by this performance. Their eyes were fixed on the two performers, as if they were participating in this battle with the two performers. At this moment, firelight, drumbeats and body movements jointly weave a spectacular performance, in which emotions of loss, pain and joy gradually spread around the two performers.
The elves burst into enthusiastic cheers, and the joyful tremors passed between their skins, like a magic with lightning conduction. Although most of them did not know magic, their racial characteristics had magic affinity. And, they can still feel this power passing through their bodies, making their hearts surge with everyone else.
Kaia smiled. As a ruler, she had more to think about than other Aenir. The Druchi dancing wantonly not far away was completely different from the Druchi she had dealt with before. Perhaps this was a good omen in divination. On the day of the Spring Equinox, two elven gods appeared at the same time, and because of the same elf, perhaps what happened today can be compiled into a moving poem or opera.
After the atmosphere reached its climax, Darkus began to control the drum beat and slowly slowed down the rhythm of the dance. His tapping gradually became softer, like the sound of the distant wind, bringing the elves into a state of tranquility. Under the guidance of his drumbeats, the fire seemed to become gentler, no longer so hot, but gradually reduced in intensity.
Loik also moved accordingly, his dance gradually becoming calmer, as if it was the return of a tired warrior. His movements became slow and graceful, forming a harmonious contrast with Darkus' drum beat. The elves fell into a state of tranquility, as if time had stopped at this moment.
The movements of the two performers gradually fade away, like the fading light of a sunset. The two of them stood together and bowed deeply to the elves to express their gratitude, which brought the performance to a perfect end.
The elves once again burst into warm applause and cheers, showing their infinite respect and appreciation for this performance. Perhaps this performance will remain in their hearts forever and become a wonderful memory.
Then, Loik jumped over the bonfire with a backflip. Under the gaze of the elves, his figure disappeared between heaven and earth, leaving only a burst of cheerful laughter.
Darkus left with graceful steps.
Then the minstrel's song began to fill the woodland square, echoing among the trees. His voice is clear and melodious, and every rising and falling tone is like a breeze blowing by, representing fleeting joy. The singing is like a ray of light, illuminating the hearts of the elves and immersing them in the ocean of music. Every note conveys emotion and every melody evokes memories.
No matter where Darkus looked, he could see eyes flashing with tears, filled not only with sadness and delusion, but also with expectations and new hopes for tomorrow. He laughed, and he seemed to know why Loick appeared, just like the meaning represented by the repeated advancement and retreat of the two of them just now. Perhaps Loic hoped that he could advance and retreat freely in these two forests and bring hope to the elves and the world.
"Hope, advance and retreat."
The foreshadowing laid in the second chapter comes into play here. This status is like a passport, but it also lacks some traditional show-off and face-slapping scenes and conflicts.