Many powers were watching Free City.
It wasn't just Annan's allies, friends, and enemies. Powers and races that had never cared about Free City were watching too.
Wilhelm and half of Middle Earth were paying attention to the Elven Royal Court's first ally in a thousand years. Free City had been so little known that, when they heard the news, they all asked in astonishment: Who was Free City?
Even the Stuen Ratfolk wanted a share of the benefits. They asked Gale to find a way to bring about an alliance between Free City and the elves.
Annan had no intention of letting such a good opportunity pass. He used it to ask the Stuen Ratfolk for plenty of minerals. If they refused, he lost nothing; if they agreed, it was a gain.
Meanwhile, the Elven Envoy Delegation crossed the Obiris Strait and arrived in Free City.
In the Square outside the City Lord's Mansion, Annan, Olmedo, Idelia, and the others greeted them.
The beautiful, tall elves held their heads slightly high with pride. They wore elegant green robes in the colors of the Forest, and the little ornaments hanging from them swayed as they walked with light steps.
The Guards stood around the Square. Beyond them, people stopped to stare at the elves in wonder and curiosity.
At the front of the delegation stood three Elf Elders.
The first, a female Wind Elf, had pointed ears that seemed able to hear the whispers of the wind. Silver hair fell softly over her shoulders and stirred in the breeze.
The second, a female Wood Elf, was petite, with fine dark-green hair that lent her an air of nimble grace. She wore a long dress woven from leaves and petals, and her small, delicate feet were bare. Merely by standing there,