Chapter 602 The Esteemed Council
[Meanwhile… ]
Within the grand hall of the Esteemed Council, an air of tension hung heavy like a shroud. The room, adorned with intricate wood carvings and delicate tapestries depicting the symbols and lore of their people, now seemed to sag under the weight of the gathering. Tall, slender pillars rose to support a vaulted ceiling, dimly lit by ethereal orbs that cast long, ominous shadows across the polished marble floor.
At the heart of the chamber stood a circular table of dark oak, encircled by high-backed chairs carved with intricate Elven motifs. Each seat was occupied by a member of the council, their expressions veiled in a cloak of concern and weariness. The only sound was the soft rustle of parchment and the occasional creak of leather as they shifted uncomfortably in their seats.
The atmosphere crackled with an unspoken tension, as if the very air itself held its breath in anticipation of the weighty decisions to come. Outside, the wind moaned mournfully through the ancient trees, adding to the sense of foreboding that permeated the hall.
Despite the elegant surroundings, there was a dreariness to the scene, a sense of disillusionment that clung to the councilors like a stubborn shadow. The weight of their responsibilities bore down upon them, etched into the lines of their faces and the weary slump of their shoulders.
"The Dragon Invasion has become a horrific blight upon this land." The High Elder, current leader of the Council spoke up.
She looked so youthful despite her ancient mannerisms and tone. Her fading purple hair shone like flowers, and while she was an exquisite beauty, her face was currently clouded with worry and pain.
"Those monsters just claimed hundreds of our Sisters in the recent struggle. Recapturing the Northern Stronghold seems impossible at the moment."
Most of the fellow Elders that sat there said nothing.
What more could they add to the despairing situation that now formed a dark cloud over the Elves and their holy land?
This was a grand catastrophe that threatened to destroy them all.
Still, the overwhelming silence of many did not stop a few from leaking out their thoughts in silent grumbles and whispers.
"It wasn't always like this…"
"Those evil bastards… why won't they just die?"
"Their corruption… it's spreading upon this land. It's no wonder our Sisters lost…"
In the past, even though the Elves were being pushed back and suffered losses, things were never as bad as this. After they got their hands on certain technologies and Items, they even gained an upper hand and were closer to winning the war than ever.
Victory was assured!
But… all of that changed when the Dragons began to change.
"This new breed of undying Dragons is the problem. Not only are they functionally immortal, but they constantly make those who are exposed to them sick."
Healing Magic only seemed to temporarily alleviate the situation, and for those who were affected for too long, using Healing only made things worse. Never before did the Elves have to deal with a problem like this, so they were at a loss for a solution.
More meaningless and powerless words were passed among the members of the Council as the Esteemed Elders, many of whom were yet to even join the battle, complained and cried in distress.
A certain Elf who sat there watched all of this happen—patiently enduring the noise until she could no longer take it anymore.
"This is stupid…" Everyone instantly turned towards the familiar voice in the group.
They recognized her greenish blue hair and defiant gaze. Her pale face and deep glare were also some of her recognizable traits, so she stood out like a sore thumb.
More than anything, though, her poor choice of words caught the attention—and inevitably, the displeasure—of the rest of the Council.
"Aurora El Slaviarai… you should mind your tone when speaking in the presence of the Council." The Head Elder spoke, her voice echoing a lack of tolerance that everyone in the room also displayed towards Aurora's earlier action.
"Apologies for my words, but the intention behind them remains genuine!" Aurora rose to her feet, her hands slamming upon the table.
"This meeting is a waste of time! While we remain here discussing these matters with inaction, many more of our comrades perish on the battlefield."
Aurora wasn't merely saying this due to what she had been told, or how dire the situation sounded. No… she had personally witnessed it all.
"I saw the horrors of those Dragons. Witnessed hundreds of my Sisters perish, and I could barely escape with my life only thanks to their sacrifices."
Till date, her survival and their demise haunted her.
"Talking all day about the current situation won't change anything! We need to take action."
"So what do you suggest?" Once again, the Head Elder spoke on behalf of pretty much the remaining members of the Esteemed Council.
"We should deal with the humans again!" The moment the Elders heard this, they groaned and shook their heads in disapproval. Their annoyance, displayed by their frowns, scowls, and condescension, oozed through the room.
"Hear me out, please!"
"No, Aurora! You know the sacred rules! We must not deal with them, for it is willed by the Oracle's commandments."
"Even if we perish by keeping those commandments?"
"If the Oracle wills it, so be it."
"Y-you people!" She gasped, almost in exasperation, reminded of the very reason why she took matters into her own hands in the past.
She wasn't the only one reminded of this fact, though.
"Are you yet to reflect on your transgression? It seems confiscating your staff and sending you to the battlefield for those months has done nothing to change your hardened heart!" The Head Elder responded swiftly, slamming her own hands on the table as well.
Her glare was deep, a sharp response to Aurora's frown. "You… you're all…" Aurora bit her lip so she wouldn't say any more.
The gazes that she received from the Elders showed that her words were of no use.
'They're all acting like my actions are evil when the Items I obtained from the humans helped us nearly win the war.'
Hundreds of her sisters were saved thanks to those Items, yet the Council seemed to be satisfied with criticizing her actions and sticking to the old ways.
'What is the use of laws when it ensures the doom of those it is meant to protect?' She loved her people and valued their laws, but… Aurora couldn't help but feel a constant string of frustration anytime she looked at the people that surrounded her.
Did they not understand how valuable their lives, and the lives of their sisters were?
'If not for those Undead Dragons… we would have won. But now… we need more than what we currently possess.'
Aurora hated to admit it, but… it was true.
'We need the humans.'
"I will have to go to the Temple and beseech the Oracle. I will pray that she aids us in this moment of conflict… as Nature's true followers."
The other Elves bowed in reverence, and Aurora found herself frozen in place, staring at the behavior of her own people.
She remained that way until everyone rose to their feet and the Head Elder spoke the final words.
"Council Dismissed."