She is My Treasure

The Yellow River climbs into the white clouds, a solitary city amidst ten thousand mountains. Wang Zhihuan's poem could not better describe the outposts in the Barrens. Along the road between the capital Zin-Azshari and Eldre'Thalas, there are two types of outposts: those guarded by the capital's troops and those by the Prince's own forces. Though both belong to the Elf kingdom, they are under different jurisdictions and hold each other in low regard. This particular outpost, situated near Feralas, operates under Prince Azar's doctrine that "field combat is the best training." They conduct constant sweeps, leaving the land for a hundred miles around desolate, save for howling winds and endless stretches of yellow sand. Today, however, the guards are as jubilant as if it were the New Year, for a contingent from the capital, Zin-Azshari, has arrived to rest. Under normal circumstances, the soldiers would pay no mind to a standard troop, providing supplies and quarters with cold, formulaic efficiency. If it were a merchant caravan from Eldre'Thalas, they might exchange news of home, but if the travelers came from the capital, they would receive nothing but sour looks. Of course, regardless of which side the merchants hailed from, a small tribute was expected upon departure—it was the customary way of things. But this group is different; the guards have brought out their finest food and best wine, welcoming them with the utmost enthusiasm. This is the Princess's carriage train—yes, the Princess is traveling to Eldre'Thalas! Since the child's birth, Azar had longed to see his daughter, but he knew she was too young to be separated from her mother. He waited until she grew older and reached the age for formal education. Unwilling to let others teach her, and knowing her mother was always occupied, he made the rare move of sending a personal letter to Azshara, requesting to tutor the child himself once she turned one hundred. After a journey of over a month, they have finally reached the first outpost of Eldre'Thalas.

"Xavius, are these Father's soldiers? Why are their ears different from yours? And their skin color, too?" Throughout the journey, the Princess has asked countless questions; she is at that age of discovery, filled with curiosity about everything. Upon arriving here, she has switched back into her "curious baby" mode. Xavius has been pestered to the point of exhaustion, yet he still forces himself to explain patiently, "Though we are all under the rule of the Queen, the customs of our two regions differ. The Elves of the capital prefer to work at night, believing it brings them closer to the Moon Goddess. But the subjects of the Feralas region are different; they rise with the sun and rest when it sets. That is why their skin differs. Your Highness, you see mages often, and you see me—are our faces not pale? That is because we are constantly exposed to the sun. Hehehe."

"So that's how it is. But what about the ears? You still haven't explained that." The Princess persists, refusing to let the matter drop.

"As for that, there is no definitive research yet. In my personal opinion, it should be a matter of nighttime visibility; perhaps the Elves' ears need to help them perceive their surroundings. Yes, that must be it."

"Oh, I see. Mother said you are a rare sage; if even you don't know, it seems the answer is hard to find. I wonder if Father would know?" The Princess's expression dims slightly, but her eyes suddenly brighten. Perhaps the father she has never met gives her great confidence. She has always felt her father is a great man; her mother often tells her of his glorious deeds, and her aunt mentions him with such pride, calling him the glory of the Zarzan House! "What kind of person is Father, really?"

"How much longer until they arrive?" In the Council Hall, Azar paces back and forth.

"Don't be impatient, my cousin. Calculating from Mother's letter, they should have reached our outpost by now."

"Still too slow! I told them long ago to maintain the roads properly! You should go meet them; wait at the crossroads."

"You, you're anxious yourself yet you blame the City Hall minister. Very well, come to think of it, I haven't seen my dear niece in a long time either."

"Maiev, where are you going?" As Maiev heads out, she happens to run into the City Hall minister coming to report.

"To pick someone up. Be careful, the one inside is in a foul mood right now." Maiev whispers a warning to the City Hall minister. The man shudders; it is truly rare for that person to lose his temper. He decides he must be extra cautious, lest he accidentally get caught in the crossfire. Who on earth could have provoked him? With a head full of confusion and a heart full of trepidation, he enters the Council Hall. Azar spots him instantly.

"Afanti, why are you here? Are you very free today?"

The City Hall minister's heart sinks. Damn it all, I calculated everything, but I didn't calculate that it would be me. Strange, he has been very diligent lately; where could he have offended him? Could it be that he has gained weight? The Prince hates fat people; everyone in Eldre'Thalas knows that.

Finally here! The Princess is excited because the long-awaited moment is about to arrive.

Finally here. Xavius feels relieved to have completed his mission.

Finally here! Azar is overjoyed to be seeing his daughter.

Finally here! Our City Hall minister is relieved because the Princess's arrival will distract the Prince, sparing him from living in fear every day. If he performs well, he might even receive a reward.

"Are you my father?" the Princess asks, looking at the male Elf before her, who wears a gentle smile and possesses a towering frame.

"Yes, child, I am your father." Azar nearly sheds tears. Damn it, this is not easy; this is my own flesh and blood. "Thank you, Azeroth, she has finally come to my side."

"My dear Princess, greetings. I am the City Hall minister of Eldre'Thalas, Afanti. On behalf of all the subjects of the Feralas Region, I welcome your arrival. Please allow me to serve as your guide and introduce you to this beautiful city." Seeing the awkward silence, Afanti steps forward to speak.

"I am looking forward to it. You may begin whenever you like," the Princess says excitedly.

"Come, Sophia, come to Father. I will accompany you." Azar snaps back to reality; nothing is more important now than bonding with his daughter!

"You come too, and offer your input," Azar says, glancing at Xavius hiding in the back.

"Yes, my lord."

The group arrives in a room within the City Hall.

"Your Highness, what you see now is our city management center. From here, you can see the entire city and some of the surrounding architecture and transportation."

"It's magnificent! Afanti, is that the City Hall in the very center? It looks just like it!" Sophia lets go of her father's hand, runs to the railing, and leans over it with both hands, shouting in excitement.

"Where is that? What is that over there for? And that too!" The large room is filled with the cheerful voice of a young girl. Everyone watches her with a smile, soaking in her joy. Azar looks at his daughter, who is excitedly asking Afanti one question after another, his eyes filled with tenderness.