Silvermoon Fairy Capital...
The air was filled with celebration. From time to time, melodious music and laughter could be heard, bringing even more vigor and life to the tranquil forest.
The New Moon Festival was somewhat like a trade fair. Various "venues" for activities could be found everywhere—music, sword dances, item trading, riding competitions, and more. But apart from the central sacrificial ceremony, as well as a few competitions such as archery and horsemanship that had designated special grounds, the rest were spontaneous gatherings. Elves who enjoyed music, for instance, would gather beneath a great tree to listen to an elf perform or sing. Those who liked it stayed and listened; those who did not could leave. Even without an audience, the performing elf would still lose himself in the performance. There were many such little circles.
Elves wishing to trade placed their belongings on tables. Any elf who fancied an item could lay down something for exchange or a sum of money. As long as both sides nodded, they could take what they wanted. There were no red-faced haggles or disputes. If dissatisfied, they could put up another offer; if the deal failed, they simply left in silence.
The entire New Moon Festival was lively, yet never noisy.
Qi Lanya, one of the elders presiding over the New Moon Festival, strolled through the various gathering places and venues. Elves along the way frequently bowed to her. Though she appeared to be casually inspecting the grounds herself, Qi Lanya was actually glancing about in every direction, searching for something.
Ever since learning from Aska, the High Commander she had personally promoted, that a certain Elf King had returned to the Fairy Capital, Qi Lanya's heart had begun to race. Especially after Aska added that, while someone had been speaking with