As the group continued on their way, the surroundings that accompanied them also went through monumental changes. The further and deeper they went into the Evernight Woods, the thicker and lusher the forest became.

The trees were so much taller and so big, that Tristan couldn't even see the branches anymore, only the trunk. The variety of flora and especially fauna were more diverse and varied then anything he had ever heard of. The temperature also became colder as the group began to see snow on the leaves and branches.

After another half a day journey, which Tristan fortunately began to accept, they finally arrived at their destination, Serene's hometown, the Kingdom of Vanyar.

The moment they arrived, Tristan couldn't but be stunned by the sight that welcomed him.

Unexpectedly, this part of the forest, where the kingdom was located, had more openings that allow light to enter the surroundings unlike the path they had taken earlier where visibility was almost non-existent. And then, there it was- Tristan finally saw it. The crystal palace of Vanyar Kingdom that mightily stands between the towering trees.

Outside it were many elven soldiers in their shiny silver armors, weapons in hand as they were prepared to weed off any incoming threats. Fortunately, the other elves that Tristan lay his eyes on throughout this place looked pretty normal.

Without wasting any time, Serene directly took him to the crystal palace together with the Kingsblade. On the other hand, the remaining elven soldiers who did not go to Falkreath went to the quarters to report and return back to their post.

As he got closer to the palace, Tristan could get a clearer look at it. It was glowing exquisitely as its crystal walls reflected the sunlight coming from above, giving off a magnificent and majestic vibe. The palace was a big, or rather, massive structure built between several similarly massive trees, which allowed it to be suspended in the air, creating a floating-like illusion.

While Tristan was wondering how they were going to get there, Serene led them to a grand, glazed staircase made of crystal which they proceeded to climb. Hundreds or so steps later, the group finally arrived before the entrance of the crystal palace. Surprisingly, there was already an elf who waited for them, a very thin-looking one.

Even so, the elf had a certain aura on him that gave off a feeling of respect.

"Stranger from faraway lands, Welcome to Vanyar."

Serene did a small bow to the elf and said, "Elder Anmar, I have returned with the one sought by the queen."

The elder lay his eyes on the group and scanned through before stopping right at Tristan. He eyed the latter with curiosity before calmly saying, "Hello.. I presume you are the one?"

Tristan was so stunned by the elf's words that he gave Serene a quick glance. Noticing Tristan's look, Serene swiftly introduced the elf. Apparently, he was one of the queen's advisors - a man with great prestige in the Vanyar Kingdom. Therefore, Tristan nodded his head as a sign of respect.

"Glad for the acquaintance. Unfortunately, the queen is still unavailable as she has been in the Goddess Shrine these past few days. Thus, I hope you and your companion would not mind to be our guest for a while."

The news honestly troubled Tristan a lot. He really wanted to solve this matter as fast as possible and returned to Arcadia as soon as possible. After all, Layla was still there. Alas, it seemed like it would take him much longer to see his sister again.

Serene still had some things she had to report to the elder, therefore an elf attendant was instructed to show Tristan and the Kingsblade members the rooms they could use while waiting.

Seeing the place was the kind of living quarters with all the necessities already prepared, Tristan frowned once again. A thought popped into his mind as he looked at the place they were supposed to use while waiting, and he didn't like it one bit.

"Captain Raika, how long are we going to stay here?"

Raika stared at Tristan and said in a straightforward manner, "As long as the Queen wishes."

Hearing that, Tristan let out a deep long sigh while grumbling inwardly.

***

The elf attendant had brought Tristan and the Kingsblade to the prepared accommodation. She then kindly advised them to just wait in the accommodation as they were not allowed to roam around Vanyar without someone from the Vanyar Kingdom accompanying them.

At a time like this, where he was prohibited to go out, Tristan took the chance to gather more information about the elves. As always, the helpful Nyx was his main source of information.

From him, Tristan got to know that the Vanyar Kingdom apparently had an even longer history than the Arcadian Kingdom.

There were 6 elven kingdoms on the planet, although it was stated as kingdoms, in truth each has a lesser population than one Arcadian city. It's probably easier to think of one elven kingdom as a family or clan.

Among the 6, Vanyar was the one that had the greatest contribution and influence on the Arcadian Kingdom. The Vanyar can be said the founder of the Arcadian, and many of the Arcadian Kings were chosen from Vanyar Royalty. Even the current king of Arcadian Kingdom, King Callan, still had some family relation with the Vanyar despite his half elf half human status..

This also automatically made standing in the presence of Queen Vanyar like being in the presence of the Arcadian King's mother. Hence, it was no wonder Captain Raika said they had to stay here as long as the Queen wished.

"I see.."

Tristan then realized something. Serene being the daughter of Queen Vanyar meant she was still in the same family as that shitty king.

***

It had been a few hours, but there was still no news.

The Kingsblade might have had as much patience as the Buddhist monks on Earth. However, Tristan had spent enough time locked up against his will. He was about to complain when the door suddenly opened, revealing a gorgeous golden-haired beauty.

Serene had finally shown up, but this time, she was wearing a silver dress instead of her combat armor. The off-shoulder dress that reached her thighs greatly enhanced the beauty that Serene had.

The sight in front of Tristan was definitely a pleasure to the eye.

Unfortunately, the allure only lasted for a few seconds before the goddess began to show her sharp gaze once more.

"Sir Tristan, you will come with me right now!"