A Song For The Ages

That evening, as the twilight bathed the elven capital in hues of lavender and silver, the city came alive with celebration. Word of the Killer Bears' Empress' defeat had already spread like wildfire, and the streets bustled with elven citizens eager to partake in the festivities. Lanterns of floating essence-light drifted above the walkways, illuminating the marble-like branches and silverleaf banners that lined every thoroughfare.

The palace hosted a grand banquet in honor of those who had played a part in lifting the forest's plight. Music flowed through the air like essence itself, delicate harp and reed melodies intertwining with the laughter of the people. Courtyards filled with feasting tables were arranged around flowing fountains and blossom-draped pavilions.

Feiyin stood to one side at first, watching it all with quiet observation. Dressed in formal robes of deep green and black trimmed in gold, he exuded a dignified presence that made him stand out even amid the radiant celebration. A new obsidian hairpin held his long black hair in place, revealing more of his sculpted features; sharp jawline, well-formed brows, and eyes like tempered silver touched with faint amethyst. Though only nearing his adulthood, the traces of maturity and charm beginning to shape his face hinted at the man he would soon become. His bearing was calm, self-assured, quietly magnetic- and that magnetism didn't go unnoticed. A few bold elven girls, their curiosity stirred, approached him with shy smiles. Qingling caught sight of the first one initiating a tentative conversation and grinned, nudging him with her elbow.

"Go on, you cut down a killer empress. You can survive a dance or two."

Feiyin shot her a dry look, but then gave a resigned smile and offered his hand to the first of the girls. She beamed and led him into the central courtyard where others were already spinning gracefully to the rhythm of lutes and flutes.

To the surprise of many, Feiyin moved with fluid grace, his motions sharp yet elegant, controlled yet effortless. Each step and turn carried the ease of a man who had trained his body beyond mortal limits as the rhythm, the subtle oscillation of the music, seemed to resonate with his being. From one of the upper balconies, the Elf Queen watched him with mild amusement as she spoke with her advisor. With a chuckle, she remarked, "If I were a few decades younger, I might have asked him for a dance myself. He seems quite popular with the ladies tonight."

Her advisor chuckled warmly, replying, "Careful, Your Majesty, or we'll have the noble daughters asking for royal approval to court a human prodigy before the moon sets."

The Queen laughed softly, her eyes never leaving Feiyin. "Let them admire him. It's not every day we witness a young cultivator dance like wind through the glade."

"Didn't know you had rhythm too," Qingling teased as he returned after bidding farewell to the blushing elven lady.

"Neither did I," he said with a smirk. "But apparently it's easier when the floor isn't trying to kill me."

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The revelry continued well into the evening. Plates of delicacies flowed freely; glazed rootboar, essence-infused moonfruit, spiced nectar-wine. Even Baiyu had her own spot, coiled elegantly near Feiyin's seat, enjoying a spread of delicacies specially prepared by palace chefs for her. She flicked her tongue happily after each morsel, eyes content.

Thalanil joined them with a goblet in hand, raising it high. "To the renewal of the forest!"

The toast was met with cheers, and Feiyin allowed himself a moment to breathe. The sounds, scents, and ambient pulses of the forest capital were warm and alive again.

He caught Ruan standing just a bit removed from the central crowd, her gaze shifting subtly as she scanned the revelers, sharp as ever. Feiyin approached with a plate balanced in one hand and stopped beside her.

"You haven't eaten much," he said gently. "Thought you might like to try this. It's roasted sunroot with nectar glaze. Pretty good, even for elven taste."

Ruan turned toward him, her eyes briefly meeting his before falling to the plate. She accepted it with a quiet nod, fingers brushing his for the briefest second. Her silence said more than words, she trusted him.

Feiyin didn't leave immediately. "You've been keeping watch this whole time, haven't you?"

Ruan gave a faint hum. "No signs of anything suspicious. At least, not yet."

"Good," he replied. "Since we're allies with the elves now, we can't afford to let anything slip. You're doing good work, Ruan."

Her expression barely changed, but Feiyin caught the smallest shift in posture, the way her fingers momentarily stilled. Like a wolf not used to getting praise, the compliment landed somewhere deep beneath her calm surface.

"...Thanks," she murmured. It was barely audible over the music, but it made Feiyin smile.

He didn't press further. They stood side by side, content in the hush between them. A moment later, Qingling rejoined them, holding two cups of sparkling nectar wine and wearing a mischievous grin.

"Now that we've wrapped up the mission, we'll need a good excuse to linger a little longer," she said, offering one cup to Ruan.

Feiyin arched a brow. "You're already plotting something?"

"Just thinking ahead," Qingling replied. "We can say we need to discuss trade routes and resource sharing, while letting the other disciples cultivate and sightsee. It sound official enough to buy us an extra week or two."

Feiyin gave a thoughtful nod. "Smart. I want to use that time to help the Elder Tree recover. If I can create a suitable concoction, it might speed up the forest's restoration."

Qingling sipped her drink, eyes gleaming. "I also think I'm close to grasping something I felt during the trial in the ruins, maybe a glimpse of wood elemental intent. Staying longer could help me anchor it."

Ruan listened in silence, but Feiyin glanced her way. "That sound alright to you?"

She gave a subtle nod.

"Good," Qingling said, and before either of them could escape, she grabbed Ruan's hand. "Now, you're dancing with me. No backing out."

Ruan blinked, startled, but didn't resist as Qingling pulled her toward the dance circle, her quiet protest drowned by laughter and music. Feiyin chuckled softly, watching them disappear into the swirl of lights and rhythm before looking up at the starlit sky, letting the joy of the evening settle into his bones.