Graybark stretches his hand playfully toward Armor, but Armor shakes it off.
Alf approaches from behind, silent as shadow.
Alf: (Crouching before Armor) You complain of oppression… yet you oppress another.
Armor: I never bullied him! If I do, it'll make me no better than those I hate.
He ends with a grit of teeth.
Alf: (A faint negative aura curling around him) Then get back at them.
Armor: Eh?
Alf: Menaces are like insects. And what do you do to disturbing insects…?
Graybark: Chase them away!
Alf: (Mischievous smirk) No, Graybark.
He places a hand on Armor's shoulder, gaze fixed on the small stone resting in his own palm.
Graybark: (Surprised) How did Mister know…?
Alf: (Eyes still on the stone) Such insects should be crushed.
With deliberate slowness, Alf closes his fingers.
The stone shatters in his bare palm with a sharp crack.
Alf: (Opening his hand, letting the dust slide away) Or, if merciful… just teach them a lesson. Don't you think, Armor?
Armor: (Tempted, voice small) Ah. Yes… I-I should do just that.
Alf: Je Ũra.
NOTE: "Je Ũra" (FõLa) means "Good Boy".
In an instant, Elva sweeps in—brushing Alf's hand from the boy's shoulder with a firm flick.
She squats, fixing Alf with a keen, warning glare before turning a loving gaze to Armor.
She takes hold of the child's upper arms.
Elva: Hey, kid. Snap out of it.
Her thumb presses gently to his forehead.
A soft silver glow flares—brief, cleansing.
Armor blinks, clarity returning.
Elva exhales in relief, head lowered.
Elva: Did you think of the consequences of what you just did?
Alf: (Silent).
Elva glances at him, then scoffs and looks back.
Elva: So you did. And yet…
Alf: (Innocent tone) What wrong have I committed?
Elva: Are you seriously asking me that…?
Alf: (Firm) Careful, Elva. I was only trying to relieve a soul from its vengeance.
Elva falls quiet for a few seconds.
Then she steps close—very close.
She taps his right chest lightly but pointedly.
Alf exhales softly, eyes darkening with a slow, seductive stare.
Elva: Don't ever try absorbing negativities when I'm there again. (Standing) Go play now.
Armor bolts off, grudges already forgotten in the wake of Elva's light.
Elva turns her back to Alf.
Alf lifts Graybark into his arms.
Then—unexpectedly—he leans in behind her, lips near her right ear.
His gaze lingers on the curve of it; his voice drops to a tempting whisper.
Alf: You command me not to anymore… but can you make me?
Elva: (Breath catching, about to snap).
Lead Coachman: The Flight Carriages are ready, Sir.
Wendi: Wow, Mister must be very rich to have Flight Carriages.
Ũra: (Amused).
Elva: (Clapping her hands) Alright, Hinan—it's time to go.
Most obey at once.
The stubborn ones linger, even scooping mud to fling at her.
The clumps freeze mid-air.
Alf: (Voice lethal, stern) I wonder if you are deaf… or merely wish to be. Must you be begged to board the carriages… (the frozen mud twists into long, glistening whips) …or be forced?
Short, frozen silence.
The stubborn Hinan scramble aboard.
One bursts into tears.
Stubborn Hina: Eek! What a terrifying presence.
Stubborn Hina 2: He is harsher than my kapa.
Two hide behind Elva's legs.
Elva: (Giggling under her breath) Well, that scared their butts off.
Even Graybark looks wide-eyed.
Elva gathers the two clinging Hinan.
Elva: Alright, let's go.
She guides them toward the carriages.
Elva: Serve them biscuits and cakes.
Coach Attendants: Yes, Miss.
Alväin-Central – Beyond Border
A lone gravestone stands etched with the name Berry Willer.
General Tyrên has crouched before it for more than an hour, head bowed in silent respect.
Footsteps approach from behind.
Commandant Philip: I thought you had long forgotten her—just as you did me. (Snorts a faint smile) I guess I was wrong.
General Tyrên's fingers clench into a fist at the voice.
He keeps his composure with effort.
He bows once more to the stone, blows a soft kiss toward it, then rises.
As he passes Philip—
Commandant Philip: Brother, we need to talk.
The General's boots halt.
General Tyrên: Royal Commandant Philip. All matters of urgency were discussed before the Elflord. Please excuse me—I have a duel to prepare for…
Commandant Philip: It's about Berry.
General Tyrên: (Fingers tightening) Sincere apologies, Commandant. (Glancing over his shoulder) But I am an elf who does not revisit already-settled conclusions—especially with the one who caused the fault.
Commandant Philip: (Turning fully to face him) Beī kakan me kan'phatë, lēofa përe.
General Tyrên: (Eyes closing, throat working on a hard swallow) Do not refer to her like that again…
Commandant Philip: How long are you going to keep blaming me for her death when I have already blamed myself far more?!
Silence stretches taut.
General Tyrên: (Walking away) Your question— is irrelevant.
NOTE: "Beī kakan me kan'phatë, lēofa përe." (FõLa) means "Berry was my bride, dear brother."
Laurel Village – Last Stop
A mile from the borders of Cavens Cave.
While Elva and the attendants help the young elves reunite with parents and guardians, Alf strolls the desolate, ruined village.
A Deceptive Hood conceals his features.
Elva finishes her duties and begins exploring alone.
Alf pauses before a collapsed water-metal mill, the rusted wheel still half-submerged in a stagnant channel.
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EXTRA
What is your favourite FõLa statement?
Write in the comment section.
The first three FõLa statements shall I write in FõLa Inscription.
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