Gou is a dark elf in Warhammer

"My family's ancestral home is in Aiso Tamaha. I've been there once..." Alaros sighed again, then shook his head, wanting to say something but stopped, and finally shook his head again.

Yes, Aesop Tamaha - this satellite city standing northwest of Tor Yvresse is not only the ancestral home of the Eltharion family, but also the root of Alaros' family.

"Is the ancestral land still there?" asked Dakus.

"Yes." Alaros nodded, but then he showed a strange smile, an expression that could not be categorized as happy or angry, with a hint of sarcasm, mixed with indescribable melancholy and indifference. That laugh sounded like he was angry with someone.

"Except for daily necessities, everything inside... is still the same as it was before my ancestors left Ulthuan?" He looked up at the chandelier in the center of the venue. His tone was no longer relaxed, but rather carried a hint of complex sarcasm. "Can you believe it? There are people there who regularly take care of, maintain, and wipe those artifacts and statues that should have weathered long ago. They are like they are taking care of a holy temple, and I..." As he spoke, he shrugged his shoulders slightly, as if trying to shake off some heavy emotions, "like a tourist, a visitor?"

Daxus did not interrupt, but listened quietly. He could feel the faint, implicit sense of separation hidden in every word that Alaros said lightly.

"I looked at the names engraved on those carvings. They were all my family's ancestors, but I knew nothing about them."

Alaros' voice became low, as weak as leaves blown by the wind. It was not just disappointment, but a kind of discomfort and alienation when facing his hometown, as a person who has lived far away from his homeland for a long time. He saw those relics, those heritages, those furnishings, and although everything was still there, it seemed as if they were separated by a heavy curtain of history and time, and no longer truly belonged to him.

It's not that he never returned, but that he returned but couldn't find his home. He said he was like a tourist, which was not only an understatement of his identity, but also a heavy accusation of the lack of a sense of belonging. He thought his roots were still firmly rooted in the soil of Ulthuan, but then he realized that those roots were just relics left by his ancestors, not a continuation of himself.

"I stood in that hall, where my family once held meetings." Alaros' words were full of bitterness, "but I couldn't hear any sound, and the family trees hanging on the walls were nothing more than strange paintings to me. I couldn't feel...connected."

Alaros is an elf, yes, but...

Not one of those in gold and silver robes on the Council of Ulthuan, he grew up in the forest, sharpened arrows under bushes, slept with tree shadows in the moonlight. Standing in the ancestral land of Atho Tamaha, he looked at the glory and dust left by his ancestors like a foreigner.

Those who return are not those who belong.

My hometown is in front of me, but there is no hometown in my heart.

"What about you?" Seeing that Alaros stopped talking, Daxus looked at Seonlan.

Today, Seonlan is no longer in charge of the work of the Young Court, but is the commander of the 25th Army. This army is known as the "Heart of Winter" and has a very strong combat capability. Its backbone is composed of Eternal Guards and officers who graduated from various courts, and the soldiers are all new-generation Duruchi.

Sai Anlan was silent for a long time, as if he was thinking about whether he should talk about something in the past, and finally he uttered a few words softly.

"When everything is over, I plan to go back to Essels."

Aethels is a small town in the southwest of the Kingdom of Cosqui, close to the Huoliao River on the border with the Kingdom of Cheriz. As the saying goes, you can live by the mountains and by the water, but this place is not on the mountains or near the water, there are no mineral deposits, and no good ports. Fortunately, there is land and a fertile field, which is where the ancestors of Seonlan have lived for generations.

He was born there, grew up in the fields, and was originally just a farmer. He had no aristocratic blood, and had never received an elite education. His life was simple and rough, but full of worldly fireworks.

If it weren't for that tragedy...

During the Sundering, Hellebron, who had returned from Elsing Arwen, led a raid on the Kingdom of Cosqui. The battle was raging and the fields were reduced to ashes. Seonlan's parents died in the melee and his village was completely burned down.

The first time he took up arms, it was not for glory, not for the kingdom, but for revenge.

This is why he was determined to kill Hellebron.

Since then, fate has pushed him onto a bumpy road. (Chapter 488)
"Promise me one thing." He suddenly turned to look at Dacus, and glanced at his familiar comrades around him, "If I die in this war... please bring my ashes back to Atives."

The air froze at that moment.

Indra frowned slightly. Alaros wanted to say something but couldn't. Tyrandor lowered his head in thought, unwilling to touch the heavy future. And Daquus nodded, without any unnecessary ceremony or empty promises. His voice was not loud, but it was firm with a kind of destiny.

"I promise you."

To him, this was not just a casual promise, but the heaviest and most solemn oath between comrades.

When he was young, Seonlan had walked the autumn fields in Essels and wielded a sword in Naggaroth. But to him, these two places were just "passing places" and neither of them really owned him.

Only Atives, Atives in Athel Loren, is his inner home, the "place of return" in his dreams.

"Your ancestral land is in Tal Ailir, I remember you said that." Daxus turned to look at Indra.

Indra nodded, lowered his brows and said nothing.

As for Tyrandor, Daxus did not ask much. He knew that Tyrandor's family heritage had long been cut off, and he only remembered that his ancestors came from the Kingdom of Itain. To him, "ancestral land" was just a vague line of text in history that could not evoke real emotions.

"You have been separated from Ulthuan for too long." Daxus spoke slowly, his tone calm, but his expression was complicated, with pity in his eyes, and a hint of helplessness.

"Then...what about the future?" Yin Zhuo suddenly stepped forward, his voice low and firm, with both respect and uneasiness, "We know...it's only temporary."

"It's complicated." Daxus did not hide the truth or use diplomatic rhetoric to sugarcoat the reality. He chose to speak frankly because he knew what Indra was trying to express.

Putting aside the politics of the elves, Athel Loren is essentially the garden of the Old Ones. Before Dakwus returned, the Old Ones allowed Asrai to live in the forest, as if he were living in a mansion whose owner had not yet returned. It cannot be said to be "stealing", it can only be said to be "living together".

However, with the return of the master, everything changed. The Old Saints refocused on Athel Loren, the will of the forest awakened again, and Dakwus, as the agent and agent of the Old Saints, naturally became the real owner of the garden. He did not expel the Asrai, but recognized their "right to reside", but this meant that from now on, both parties had to sign a clear contract - just like a landlord and a tenant.

To clean the house, means to drive out the beastmen and clear out the greenskins;
The facilities in the house must not be destroyed, which means that irreversible ecological damage to Athel Loren must be avoided;
To provide food for the companions living next door, that is, to trade with the Asur and humans to meet the daily needs of the Lizardmen;
And when the landlord needs help, the tenant must help, just like now, when the Asrai are leaving the forest and heading for Ulthuan.

In fact, from a broader perspective, Ulthuan and Athel Loren are essentially the same thing - both are places of experimentation carefully shaped by the intervention of the Old Ones. The only difference is that Ulthuan is without the direct involvement and supervision of the Old Ones, and the elves are free to act unbridled. On the other hand, Athel Loren is always watched by an invisible eye, and an irresistible, deep-rooted will of the forest is always controlling its fate.

One is a garden where things are allowed to grow freely, while the other is a greenhouse where things are still under management.

Let’s go back to the political level of the elves - the independent behavior of Asrai and Einir is indeed conspicuous, but if measured by strict definition, it is actually far from being separatism, let alone splittism.

To understand this, we must first understand what separatism and splittism are. This is not simply "non-cooperation" or "starting a new organization", but a radical movement that attempts to completely break with the parent organization in terms of ideology, sovereignty, social identity, etc. and establish an independent system.

Asrai and Ainir's behavior did not reach this level, but there were signs of it.

At least in the eyes of Dacreus, they had not betrayed Ulthuan.

Instead, it was Ulthuan who betrayed them first.

From Asrai and Ainir's perspective, this view is extremely reasonable.

They responded to the call and came from Ulthuan to Elshin Arwen, building colonies and transfusing blood for Ulthuan, allowing the elves of Ulthuan to live a life of drunkenness and debauchery. After the Great Sundering, they became Asur and fought against the Druki. When the War of Vengeance came, they also fought bravely, fighting against the Dwarves and defending Elshin Arwen to the death.

But what he got in return was a series of outrageous actions by Caledor II and a treacherous order from Caradrell.

Therefore, they had no intention of establishing a new regime that was hostile to Asur. They only gathered together in times of storm and huddled together for warmth after a long period of disappointment and isolation.

The Asrai's reverence for nature and their pursuit of secrecy and balance are another continuation of elven culture, not a resistance to the kingship. Their choice is not to betray, but to protect themselves. They have never tried to weaken the power of Ulthuan, but... they have been absent for too long at this banquet that has lasted too long.

"From the perspective of elven politics, I can't promise you anything now." Dacus said in a gentle but serious tone, "But as a friend, I promise that I will not force you to become something you don't want to be. When all this is over, we will sit down and work out a result that everyone is satisfied with."

He paused, his voice rising slightly.

"Until then, my advice is that you should do your best to gain leverage for yourself."

The Asrai nodded slowly. Indra, Alaros, Tyrandor, Seonlan... they all understood the meaning of Dakwus' words. This was not an order, nor a guide, but a reminder - only if you have enough chips in the game can you really sit at the negotiation table. Otherwise, you can only be decided, not make decisions.

At this moment, Dacus looked past them and looked at the entire venue. He saw the guests sometimes talking and sometimes looking at him. He felt like a thread, a thread that tried hard to stitch together the rifts.

As this thread, he connected the once incompatible tribes of Duruchi, Asur, Ainel, and Asrai. But that was all, just a connection, not yet a fusion.

Take a look at the entire venue. It is clearly divided: you eat yours, I drink mine; you talk about yours, I talk about mine. There is no interruption or provocation. It is like a labyrinth where everyone lives in peace, harmonious and divided. It is like sleeping in the same bed but dreaming different dreams. Everyone dances alone in their own dream, but they don't want to wake up.

Although the Aenil and Asrai had met and interacted with Finnubar, none of them were willing to return to the order of Ulthuan, and no one was willing to swear allegiance to the Phoenix King. They were even extremely cautious about accepting formal diplomatic ambassadors. They were always wary of the cousins ​​of Asur, as if they were looking at a long-lost relative, or a superior who had betrayed them.

Although Finnubar's respect for them warmed their relationship, Anil always believed that the Asur were hypocrites and unreliable allies, while the Asrai viewed the Asur as short-sighted interventionists, fearing that their meddling would endanger the integrity of the natural world and disrupt the delicate and mysterious balance that Athel Loren had maintained with the world for thousands of years.

They are indeed a family. Only a family can see through each other so accurately, even knowing each other's shadows.

When Finnubar ascended the Phoenix Throne and continued his quest across the world, he used his authority to make a momentous decision - recognizing the independent status of Aenil and Asrai.

Then, nothing more.

He neither further promoted institutional integration nor promoted coordination and cooperation between the two sides. Perhaps in his view, this was the most pragmatic, harmless, and "rational" approach.

Since then, the relationship between the two sides has always been lukewarm. On the surface, they are polite and considerate, but in fact they keep their distance tacitly. Although Finnubar sent troops to Bretonnia to assist the Asrai in fighting the invading enemies, provided seemingly sincere military assistance, and allowed Kosir to walk in the forest of Athel Loren, but like a pumice stranded on the beach, the relationship between the two sides has never been able to truly break through, melt, and extend into something more substantial.

Of course, that was before Dacus appeared. His appearance, without a doubt, changed everything in a certain sense.

Just like now - in this hall, in this gathering that could be called a testing ground, Daxus was obviously slightly more successful than Finnubar.

It was not a complete success, but at least it changed the situation and created some waves.

What he connects is not only discourse and identity, but also the long-lost possibility of trust between each other.

"History is a flowing river, and each of us stands on a different bank..." Dacus' words were filled with a kind of philosophical contemplation and a politician's certainty.

Just as he said, the Asrai standing beside him had been separated from Ulthuan for so long that their language, thinking, beliefs and identities had undergone fundamental changes.

This is a problem that is destined to have no answer.

As for the future...

It was an open question, and no one could give a standard answer, but Dacus already had some rough outlines of the blueprint in his mind.

In Elsin Alvin, administrative districts and power structures were redefined, with "regions" as the unit, and the Governor was responsible for overall political leadership - implementing the policies of the Phoenix Court, supervising the regional government, and ensuring that the local and central governments were consistent. At the same time, the middle-level officials in the jurisdiction were evaluated. Although they had no power to appoint, they had an important influence on their promotion. The actual appointment of officials at all levels was still the responsibility of the Phoenix Court to ensure the unity and legitimacy of the highest power.

In terms of policy making, the Governor needs to formulate political, economic, and social development reform guidelines for the region according to the intentions of the Phoenix Court, coordinate resources from various regions, and achieve macro-control.

As for the military, it is under the jurisdiction of Tariendan and is not under the command of the governor. The governor is not allowed to interfere in military affairs and can only cooperate with military logistics to prevent the emergence of local military independence tendencies.

The administrative system is responsible for restoring the economy, rebuilding finances, promoting infrastructure, and maintaining social stability. It also sets up courts and police stations, conducts health and epidemic prevention, responds to disasters, clears land, and manages population.

The current Aesel Loren, Lauren Loren, and areas such as the Dragon Forest and Shadow Forest that will be integrated in the future will be classified as "provincial units".

As for enjoying a high degree of autonomy and only accepting regulation from the Phoenix Court on major policies such as finance, military, and diplomacy, don't even think about it. In the future, there will only be one nation of elves.

In terms of specific location, although Altdorf is noisy, it has a superior geographical location, located in the core between all provincial units, and has water transportation to Marienburg, which has natural advantages in strategy and logistics. If a unified central hub is needed, whether as a conference center, document transfer point, or trade dispatch point, this is a rare option.

But he did not intend to make Altdorf the core, but instead set his sights on the dark and undeveloped Asur woodland to the west of Altdorf. The environment there was quiet and the transportation was convenient, so it could be used as the location of the Governor's Office and the administrative system headquarters. Compared to the bustling and crowded Altdorf, the woodland was more in line with the lifestyle and spiritual temperament of the elves.

What he had to do was to piece these scattered pieces together into a compatible structure. It was not about going back to the past, nor was it about completely abandoning the past, but about weaving a new web between tradition and reality that could carry the future destiny of the elves.

Of course, these ideas are still in Dacus's mind for the time being, and there is still some distance to go before they can be truly implemented. Just as he said just now - all this must be done on the premise that everyone sits down to discuss, and must be the result of consensus, not the extension of orders. However, some things do not require consensus, but must be achieved - the vast ocean must belong to the elves! This point cannot be ambiguous, and there is no room for negotiation!
This is an extremely critical step!
Without the control of the Great Ocean, there is no way to truly sew up the connection between Ulthuan and the overseas regions. To those elves who were born and raised outside, Ulthuan may be just a distant place name, a vague legend, or an illustration in a book.

This situation must be corrected, and all elves must feel that no matter where they are, the vast ocean is not a sea that separates them, but a sea that connects them.

Once the Battle of Ulthuan comes to an end, the next phase of our strategy will focus on the ocean.

Dacus will begin a large-scale layout to fully control the vast ocean. From the east coast to the west coast, from the southern border to the northern end, military ports and supply points will be established in every key location to form an invisible but insurmountable maritime chain.

At the same time, the "human ship driving area" must be set.

Simply put, the route must obey the rules set by the elves and must sail along the designated coastline. If you deviate, sorry, so, "high seas"? It doesn't exist. The vast ocean has been the sea of ​​the elves since ancient times. There is no concept of "high seas", only "no entry into the sea of ​​the elves".

overbearing?

That’s right, domineering, very domineering.

The elves have the confidence, the qualifications, and the ability to do so. Their fleet is there, and their naval power overwhelms all other races. If you don't accept it, then it doesn't matter if they fight a few land battles. Whether it's a naval battle or a land battle, the elves are not a race that is afraid of trouble.

Dacus even gave the humans some face by not dismantling all of their ships.

In addition to military means, religion must also follow up.

Marthain, the Tyrell sea god, will replace Manann, worshipped by Marienburg, and completely complete a "backdoor listing" in a religious sense.

At the same time, the elven fleet will also launch targeted clearing missions - clearing out the cemeteries of buried ships, expelling, blockading, and hunting those unstable sea beasts that are causing chaos in the sea, and eliminating all hidden dangers that may threaten the elves' maritime rights.

The vast ocean must achieve complete integration in politics, military, culture, faith, and ecology.

After the problems at sea were gradually resolved, it was time to deal with the elves' internal affairs.

How did Zhangjiajie become the Xiaoshan of the Southern Dynasty?

Of course, capital operation is involved in this process, but in the elf world, this process does not rely on money, nor does it require profit operation. What the elves have is tradition, the sedimentation given by history and the rationalization support of the mythological system.

For example, the Eden Valley in Avalon is a very representative holy place. It is not only a symbol of the "rising land" in the fairy mythology, but also regarded by many women as a pilgrimage site before pregnancy. They believe that stopping there, bathing, offering flowers, and meditating can lead to a healthier and more sacred life.

There are more than one place with such traditions in Ulthuan, and other regions also have them. Traditions never appear out of thin air. Once there is a first time, there will be a second time. Once there is a second time, it becomes a habit. Once a habit becomes a routine. When a routine spreads widely enough, it will evolve into a "tradition that is taken for granted."

With the first Phoenix King, there will be a second one. With the first one who used the fire avoidance spell, there will be a second one...

The Oracle House, which is responsible for publicity, can fully promote the spread and strengthening of this tradition. With the help of public opinion and symbolic means, these places can be linked to concepts such as "identity recognition", "bloodline inheritance", and "family honor", so that they are deeply rooted in the spiritual system of the elves and become an inseparable part of the culture.

Young elves living in Cuyo Province in the Asheril Region can take a romantic trip called a "honeymoon trip" after their wedding. They only need to take a train to Chapeyuto, and then transfer to a special passenger ship funded by the Phoenix Court to reach Ulthuan smoothly.

Yes, it’s a dedicated line.

There is a single direct line from Chapeyuto to Lothern. The ship fare is low and the speed is fast, which is completely in line with the consumption capacity of the common people. There are many similar special lines. This is a political investment and an emotional construction, with the goal of allowing all elves to cross the vast ocean at the lowest cost.

Transportation cannot become a distance barrier between elves.

If the elves have to weigh whether to go to another region because of the high cost and time spent on transportation, then this "hesitation" itself is a problem. With a limited budget and tight time, you shouldn't invest a lot of time and savings for a trip.

What Dacus wants to do is to fundamentally change all this.

Let the sea connect to the land, let tradition become part of daily life, let distance no longer be far away, let the elves no longer be divided by geography, no longer alienated by system, and no longer unfamiliar by blood.

Therefore, the Vast Ocean is the top priority of the entire strategy. It is not only a passage, but also a link and a symbol. It must be absolutely safe and unobstructed, and every elf must feel safe, happy and respected when crossing by ship.

We cannot tolerate the elves' ships being attacked by sea monsters or intercepted by pirates during their voyages. That is not only a safety issue, but also a dignity issue. The elves' routes are sacred and inviolable extensions of sovereignty and must be absolutely protected. The fleet will patrol around the clock and the sea charts will be updated in real time to ensure that there are no blind spots on the sea.

Moreover, it must not only be safe, but also fast. The speed of the ship must be so fast that it will surprise people. From the starting point to the end point, the time must be compressed to the extreme, and the elves should not be troubled by waiting and delays.

Of course, speed alone is not enough. The ship must also be luxurious, comfortable, and elegant, reflecting the heritage and style of the elven civilization. The food must be exquisite, the cabins must be spacious, and the service must be thoughtful. Because this is a journey, a ritual, and a symbol. It should not be a tiring journey, but a glorious connection.

Once in Ulthuan, no matter where you go next, your first stop must be Lothern.

This is also one of the reasons why Dacreus said ten million to Finnubar, to ensure that the elves who came to Lothern would not forget Lothern, to ensure that the elves would be amazed at everything in Lothern, and to let them describe the magnificence and grandeur of this place to others after they return.

Otherwise, how can it deserve the title of "The City Desirable to the World"?

After arriving in Lothern, travelers can choose to take a walk around the city first. Phoenix Court will hold "Open Days" regularly, when part of the court will be open to the public for visits and explanations. If you are lucky enough, you can also see the Phoenix King, have a relaxed conversation by the fireside, or have a meal with the Phoenix King.

Dacus had an in-depth conversation with Malekis on this issue. The discussion was very detailed and long, and covered many topics ranging from the construction of national image to diplomatic and cultural penetration.

In addition to traditions, pilgrimages, and rituals, there are more relaxed and enthusiastic ways - such as various tournaments.

Horseback archery, lance, equestrian competitions... these are not entertainment, but cultural preservation. Even if mechanical vehicles are used on a large scale in the future, Dacus will never allow the elves' riding tradition to disappear.

Who knows when the situation will force the elves to put on their armor and charge into battle again?

Tradition is not only about preserving the past, but also about preserving capabilities for an uncertain future.

The venues for such tournaments can be rotated. The province of Arion in Ulthuan, the province of Cordova in Asheril, and the province of Kavalok in Athel Loren are all suitable venues.

The core of these events, pilgrimages and activities is not to generate income or serve the purpose of finance, but to strengthen the elves' self-identity, so that those who are far away from their homeland in Ulthuan can realize who they are and where they come from. Every tournament is a reinforcement of cultural identity, and every gathering is a reinforcement of ethnic consciousness.

There are many similar ways, and Dacus has plenty of ideas. In addition to these, in the future, we must also launch a national reconstruction project and carry out institutional cultural construction, but that is a matter for the future. It is too large and far-reaching, so we will not start it for now.

As for now, facing an elf like Alaros who has been separated from Ulthuan for too long and whose culture is too deeply divided, Daxus knows that he can do nothing. This is not a rift that can be erased by a few words, nor a distance that can be eliminated by a meeting or a visit.

He's not that amazing, at least that's what he thinks.

"How about this..." He changed the subject, revealing a mischievous and confident smile on his face, "Let me sing a song for you."

The Aslais did not show any suspicion, but looked at him with a complex curiosity, not questioning, but anticipation, curious about what he was going to sing.

Dacus raised his chin with an arrogant attitude, raised his left hand, and pointed at himself with his thumb, as if to tell everyone: "Watch out, this is not something that ordinary people can do."

Then he turned and left the spot, with brisk and calm steps, heading towards where the followers of Loik were, and whispered something to Liariel, but no one could hear it clearly.

Then, he changed places again and came to the podium in the center of the venue. Also present were Tolandir, Ryan, and Narendir who was invited.

When the conversation fell silent and all eyes turned to the center of the stage, Tolandil gently adjusted the strings of his harp. He nodded slightly to Daquus, a signal that he was ready.

The sound of the piano then rang out, its tone as clear as stars falling into the sea. The first part was low and soothing, like the morning mist filling the valley; then it became passionate and integrated, like the morning sun tearing through the clouds and striking deep into the soul.

And Dacus' voice also sounded, although it was not perfect, it was firm and powerful, with his usual emotion and sincerity.

"I have come to you through the mists of time. A gift that will last forever.

The distance is vast, but the distance is familiar. Set off, when the tribe tells you. Follow your destiny, without worry or fear. "

This is not an ordinary song, it is a call, a calling, a resonance that spans thousands of years. The melody seems to have come from among the stars, and it seems to have been whispering between the wind and the trees for thousands of years.

"Do you hear the wind? It is calling to you, singing songs from the past. Come back."

As the melody gradually climbed to a climax, Liarelle quietly joined in. Her voice was like the first ray of light in the morning, soft but bright, elegant and with a gentle power. With her heavenly voice, she perfectly covered up Daquus's slightly rough singing style, lifting the whole song to another level.

After her, Ryan and Narentil also joined the ensemble after finding the right beat.

"Do you hear the wind? It is calling to you. When it finds you, it will bring you eternal songs. Come back, come back."

Standing in the crowd, Alaros listened to the song, his eyes gradually softened. He whispered softly, as if talking to himself, or to his relatives around him.

"I...seem to have found the feeling of home?"

And the melody on the stage continues, conveying unspeakable emotions.

“Return and trace your footsteps. Your ancestors were once here. When they awaken, they will come.

The legends of the past bring power to those who hear them. From the beginning of the world, right here, every word of your soul is true."

Talos slowly turned his head and looked at his father. He saw the tears in his father's eyes, the restrained but unconcealed emotion, flowing silently like a broken dam. He did not look a second time, nor did he look back. At this moment, he knew.

"Do you hear the wind? It's calling to you. It's singing the songs of the past. Come back.

Do you hear the wind? When it seeks you, it brings you its eternal song. Come back, come back."

The Drukis either lowered their heads in deep thought, or raised their heads to gaze, or sighed softly on the spot. Everyone was caught up in the emotional storm.

For elves, creatures with strong emotions, music is never just a combination of notes, but a clue to memory, a rope of emotion, and an extension of the soul.

At this moment, inside the conference hall, time seemed to be stretched, solidified, and given meaning.

While the melody was still resounding, Dacus spread his hands, palms up, and gently raised them. His movements were like the wind rising from the sea, gentle and encouraging. He signaled to every elf present to move, to participate, not just to listen, but to respond.

"Do you hear the wind? It's calling to you."

Sporadic voices emerged from all over the venue, and some elves sang along softly, their voices were not loud, but clear and sincere.

"Singing the songs of the past to you, come back."

More voices joined in, intersecting with each other and converging into a sea, flooding the entire venue like a spring tide.

"Do you hear the wind? When it seeks you, it brings you eternal song."

A trace of unconcealable relief flashed in Daxus's eyes, and then he looked at Liarelle, and the two smiled at each other. No words, but it was better than a thousand words.

"Come back, come back."

At this moment, the song is not just echoing, it is building a bridge, a bridge to the future, a bridge to recognition, belonging and reunion.

(The banquet is over.) (End of this chapter)