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Elva: … I once made a stupid dare with my gang. If I ever stopped stealing, I'd become an Imperial Knight. Which means—once this is done—I march straight to the Knight Castle. (Sighs) Oh, I wish I could keep account of this journey, but I'm not that educated. I only know the FõLa characters.
Alf: So how did you know about the Xiaonu-les? (Turns to her) You said you read of them, so how…?
Elva: I used an old trick 😎. The Comprehending Cast.
Alf: Oh, the mind-sharing ability.
Elva: Ah, I see His Majesty knows of it. That's it! (Turns to him) Alf, you're highly educated, right?
Of course he is highly educated—he's the Emperor, stupid!
Alf: Mm.
Elva chuckles softly, then suddenly leans forward until her forehead touches Alf's, her hands cupping his jaw. The sudden closeness makes his eyes widen—temptation far too strong for the Yin Successor. To control himself, he tightens his grip on the railing. A dim yellow light emits from their joined foreheads.
Elva: (Running off) 😄 Thank you, Pretty Boy!
Alf snaps back to his senses and exhales. He turns to the savannah and glances up at the Rkiquë.
---
In the study room.
Sheets are scattered across the table, and Elva holds a writing feather. Cunning Elva admires the ink container she had secretly pickpocketed from Alf before leaving him on the balcony.
Elva: 😏 I don't think that Pretty Boy noticed. (Glancing around) Now, I just need tablets.
She looks behind her and notices a tablet on a crooked shelf. However, she is too lazy to stand.
Elva: Too far, too far, too far… (Right hand starts vibrating while the other taps the armrest restlessly) Too far, too far, too far—
Suddenly, faster than light, she vooms from her chair, snatches the tablet, and returns. Elva freezes, staring at her palms and the tablet.
Elva: Whoa…
She closes her right hand to stop the vibration. To confirm what just happened, she stretches her hand toward the scattered sheets—and instantly, the sheets arrange themselves. A cunning cackle escapes her as she stretches and cracks her fingers. Then she begins writing rapidly.
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The next day, still in the study room.
Someone approaches the sleeping Elva. Startled, she wakes up with a sheet stuck to her cheek.
Elva: Mistress Raina. (The sheet falls from her cheek as she rises to her feet).
Princess Raina: [😆]
Elva: You seem well. Come, come, sit.
Princess Raina: (Sits) I—
Elva: Are you really all right?
Princess Raina: Hm.
Elva: I'll go prepare something for you—
But Princess Raina catches her hand just in time.
Princess Raina: No. I'm indeed fine. (Takes Elva's other hand) I just wanted to thank you.
Elva: Nah, don't stress. I merely helped.
Princess Raina: No, you helped more than that.
Alf: (Entering) You're here. (Closes the door behind him).
Princess Raina: (Curtsies).
Alf: The day is clear; however, Balin broke our stallion plaques, so we can't travel by ride.
Princess Raina: We have a long walk ahead.
Composed as the Yin always is, Alf turns to Elva and extends his hand. Elva stares at his hand… then his beautiful face.
Alf: My ink...
Elva: (Gasps) How did you know?!
Alf: (Tilts head slightly)
Elva respectfully places the ink container into his hand. Alf's gaze lingers on her for three seconds, then he looks to Raina.
Alf: We've got to set out early.
Elva: Wait—what hour is it now?
Princess Raina: Should be an hour to midday.
Elva: Mm.
Elva runs to the balcony. The others follow her.
Princess Raina: What are you looking at?
Elva: (Eyes scanning the savannah) She should be near.
Alf: (Stares at the savannah).
Princess Raina: Who?
Elva notices tiny sparkling creatures like pixies hovering around a single spot in the distance.
Elva: (Smirks) There she is.
Princess Raina: What…?
Elva vooms straight to that spot.
Princess Raina: 😳
Elva crouches and waits until her shadow aligns with midday. Then she begins striking the ground rhythmically with wooden sticks. She stops—silence.
Impatient, she strikes again—harder. The grasses tremble violently. Knowing what is coming, Elva quickly leaps back.
From beneath the earth, a GIGANTIC creature rises—shaped like a mystical deer.
This ancient being is called a Pêkwan.
Princess Raina: What in the—?
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