the third chapter
Half-elf Tannis was looking for his wife everywhere in the house. He finally found her in the library on the second floor. She sat near the window, trying to catch the last bit of the setting sun. Before he saw her, he had heard the sound of a quill scraping across parchment and could not help smiling at himself.
This time, he finally caught her.
He crept to the door and peeked inside. She was sitting in the sun with her head down, working very attentively. He knew that in this situation, even if he fell down the stairs, his wife would not notice. He stopped and admired his wife's beauty. She also found it unbelievable that their love had not diminished with the continuation of their marriage.
Her long, soft hair was uncombed and hung on her back. Usually these days, she would comb her hair back and make it into a solemn bun. This solemn hairstyle suited her very well. It gave her a kind of imposing aura that was very effective when communicating with humans. This was because humans usually treated elves, whose age was unpredictable, as children who were kindly involved in adult affairs.
However, this contemptuous attitude would only last for 15 minutes. After that, Rolana would be able to make them straighten their backs and listen to her attentively. How could they forget that she was once a famous general in the Spear War? How could he not know that she had once led her soldiers to fight a bloody battle? Well, maybe it was because twenty years had passed and humans had poor memories. However, when they left her side, they would all remember this forgotten fact.
She was the family's diplomatic envoy, and her husband was good at planning behind the scenes. Their teamwork was amazing, because Rolana could easily infiltrate the places where Tannisla was not humble. He could provide an in-depth analysis of human thinking patterns and reactions, which she had never been able to understand.
She was very beautiful, so beautiful that every time Tanis looked at her, his heart would ache. Moreover, they were already together. The human blood in his veins made the elven blood stir. He had lived longer than any human, but he could not enjoy the longevity of the elves. Some people had already started to mistake Rolana for his daughter. One day, someone would mistake Rolana for her granddaughter. He would grow old and die of old age, and Rolana would still be a young woman. Such a shadow would put a heavy burden on their relationship. However, to them, this shadow made their connection even closer.
And there was Jill. Their son, a new life born of love.
I caught you! Tanis shouted as he jumped into the room.
Rolana was shocked. Her face turned red, revealing a trace of guilt. She nervously covered the paper on the table with another piece of white paper.
What was that? asked Tanis, pretending to be serious.
It's just a list, Rolana said guiltily, piling more papers on the table. A list…of what we should do when we're at home, no! Tanis, stop!
He nimbly snatched the piece of paper from her hand. She giggled and tried to hug him and take the paper back, but he dodged quickly.
Dear Sir Tomas, he chanted, I must ask you once more to consider your opposition to the Tri-Nation Pact-Tanis shook the piece of paper at his wife. You're working!
"It's just a letter to Sir Thomas," Rolana protested, blushing even redder. His stance was wavering. They were almost on the verge of supporting our proposal. I thought maybe a little push-no pushing, Tanis said. He hid the letter behind his back. You promised. You promised me! No work. We traveled for an entire month and finally got home. This should be the time for the two of us to spend with Jill.
I know. When Rolana lowered her head, her beautiful hair was scattered around her face like a golden cloud. I'm sorry. She walked to his side and placed her hand on his chest, playing with the collar of his clothes. I promise. He wouldn't do it again.
She kissed his beard. He was about to return her kiss, but at that moment, she slipped behind him and snatched the letter away. Of course, he would not reject such a challenge. He grabbed her along with the letter.
The last letter fell to the ground, ignored.
The two of them snuggled comfortably in each other's arms.
Don't care so much! Tanis stroked his wife's blonde hair with his chin. Look-there's a stranger riding up the road.
Oh, please don't be a visitor! Rolana sighed.
Judging from the horse's armor, it should be a knight. We have to greet him. I should go downstairs-no, no! Rolana hugged her husband even tighter. If you leave, you must invite him to stay for a while according to tradition, and the knight must also agree to rest here according to etiquette. Look, Jill went to meet him. Jill could handle it.
Are you sure? Tanis was a little suspicious. Would he know what to do and what to say? The child was only sixteen years old.
" Give him a chance," Rolana said with a smile.
" Especially at this time, we don't dare to anger the knights…" Tanis gently pushed his wife away. I think it's best to--
It was too late. He had already left on his horse, and Rolana reported back.
See, didn't I just tell you? Tannis 'face darkened.
He didn't look like he was humiliated. Jill was about to return to her room. Oh, Tanis, we can't let him think we're watching him. You know how sensitive he is these days. Hurry up! Think of something!
Rolana hurriedly sat back down on the chair. She grabbed a piece of paper and started scribbling. Tannis felt a little foolish as he walked to the table and looked at a map of the Anselon Continent.
He was surprised to find that the words 'Quirinastri' had coincidentally appeared before his eyes.
This was reasonable, he thought. These few days, whenever he looked at his son, he would think of his childhood. This reminded him of Quirinesti, the hometown where he was born and raised.
It had been so many years, and the memories of more than a hundred years still had the power to hurt him. He became sixteen years old again and became an orphan living in the Sun Chant's house, a mixed orphan.
She was sensitive. Rolana described her son like this. Tanis was also very sensitive at this age. In other words, he was like a terrifying steam engine built by some kind of dwarf. Human blood was boiling in his chest. If he did not find an outlet to vent it, he would explode into pieces.
Tanis felt that he was not physically similar to his son. Tanis was not as weak as his son. Tanis was strong and powerful at that age. In fact, it was far stronger and more powerful than the elves. Tanis 'broad chest and strong arms were an affront to most elves, a constant reminder of their impure human blood. He could now admit that he had flaunted his human side back then. He deliberately provoked them to drive him away, and he himself was heartbroken at being driven away by the elves.
He saw himself in his son from a more subtle angle. He was also struggling in his heart. He didn't know what he was and where he belonged. Although Jill did not say anything to him, Because the two of them barely talked. But Tanis knew how Jill felt these days. Tanis prayed that his son would be spared so much struggle and doubt. It was obvious that his prayers were in vain.
Gilsus of the Sorastrim family was the son of Tanis, but he was also the son of Rolana. (Note: Generally speaking, in elf society, sons would inherit the name of their father's family. However, because the half-elf Tannis was not born from a legal marriage, and his bloodline was very suspicious, his son inherited the name of his grandfather's family, which was Solastrim.) Gilthas was named after Rolana's younger brother, Gilthas. Gill was tall and thin, with the fine bones of an elf, thick hair, and almond-shaped eyes. He only had a quarter of human blood. Moreover, under the attack of the ancient elven royal blood of both sides, even the remaining human blood seemed to have thinned.
For the sake of his son's peace of mind, Tanis hoped that the child could be brought up by the elves so that the human bloodline would not affect him. He saw this hope gradually fade away. At the age of sixteen, Jill was not a very obedient and easy to manage elf youth. He was rebellious, irritable, and untamed.
As Tanis still remembered his own situation, he was particularly strict with him, hoping to suppress his rebellion.
Tannis stared at the map, pretending not to notice Jill entering the room. He did not look up because he knew what he would see. He would see his younger self standing in front of him. It was also because he knew himself and knew his past image that he was even more afraid of seeing the exact same image of himself in his son.
Because of his fear, he could not talk about it, could not admit it.
Therefore, he remained silent. He stared down at the map, at the place marked with Quirinesti.
The moment Gilthas walked into the room, he knew that his parents had been watching him from the window. He could tell from his mother's slightly red cheeks, his father's action of staring at the map that he claimed to be outdated, and his parents 'deliberate attitude of not looking up at him.
Jill didn't say anything, waiting for her parents to stop. After a while, his mother looked up and smiled at him.
Who were you talking to outside, Little Treasure? Rolana asked.
The sadness and churning emotions gripped Jill's chest again. Little Treasure? This was a nickname used to address children!
When Rolana didn't hear an answer, she immediately thought about it and realized that she had made a mistake. Um…are you talking to someone outside? I heard the dog barking…
" A knight or something," Jill answered. I can't remember his name. He said-
Rolana put down her pen. Her attitude was very calm, and so was her voice. Did you invite him in?
Of course he did, said Tanis abruptly. Gill knew that he couldn't afford to be rude to the Solanic Knight. Son, where is he?
Admit it. 'You guys watched the knight leave,' Jill said in her heart. Do you think I'm that stupid?
Help, Dad! Jill lost control. Let me finish. Of course I invited the knight in. I'm not an idiot. I know what to do. He said he couldn't stay any longer. He was on his way home. He just dropped by to give you and Mother this.
Jill took out a box. This is from Caramon Malzeri. The knight was once a guest of the Last Return Inn. When Caramon found out that Sir William was going in this direction, he asked him to bring the letter.
Jill handed the box to her father coldly.
Tanis glared at his son in frustration, then looked at Rolana. His wife shrugged and smiled patiently. Obviously, it meant that they had hurt him again.
Jill was as sensitive as his mother would say. Alright, he did have his reasons for being sensitive.
Although he was the Lin 'er that everyone had been looking forward to for a long time, Jill's body was very weak and sickly. She had been in pain all her life. When he was six years old, he almost died of illness. After that, his nervous and doting parents protected him in their hands. No contact with the outside world.
He was no longer in pain, but he still had intermittent headaches. There would be a sudden flash of light in front of his eyes, followed by a sharp pain that seemed to be tearing apart, and finally, he would usually fall into a semi-conscious state. There was no cure for this disease. Even Mishakai's priest had tried but failed.
Tanis and Rolana spent most of their time traveling, working hard to establish a precarious alliance between the races after the Spear War. To the two of them, Jill was still the child who almost died of a high fever.
Because of his body, Jill couldn't play with other children. Moreover, there were no other children around where they lived. Half-elf Tannis liked privacy, so he deliberately chose such a place to stay away from the crowd. Jill's imagination often wandered alone. One of the thoughts was that the headache came from the human blood in his body. Under the extreme pain, he even fantasized about cutting open all the blood vessels and sucking out all the blood of the foreign races. Then, the pain would stop. He had never shared this fantasy with anyone.
Rolana didn't think there was anything shameful about marrying a half-elf. She often teased Tanis for his beard, which was not something that male elves could grow. Tanis no longer felt ashamed of having impure blood.
But his son was ashamed of it.
Gill often fantasized about the elven homeland that he had never had a chance to have a child, and might never have a chance to see again. The trees of Quirinesti were more real to him than the trees in his father's garden. Jill could not understand why his parents did not visit Quirinesti often, and even if they did occasionally, they never took him with them. But he knew (or thought he knew) that it was his father's fault. So the young man began to treat Tanis with hostility that sometimes scared him.
I don't look like my father at all! Jill kept comforting herself every day when she looked in the mirror, afraid to see the ugly human hair sticking out of her chin.
Absolutely not, he would say, looking at his smooth, clean chin with satisfaction.
The only exception was bloodline. Human blood.
Because Jill was afraid of all this, he did not dare to mention it or admit it.
He could only remain silent.
Over the years, the wall between father and son had gradually been built like this. Now, it had become a wall that could not be easily broken through.
Dad, aren't you going to read the letter? Jill questioned.
Tannis frowned. He did not like his son's tone.
Jill waited for his father to scold him. The young man didn't know why, but he just wanted to anger his father. The words that should be said…the words that should be said
However, Tanis put on a patient smile that was unique to his son and took the scroll out of the box.
Jill turned around. He went to the window and looked down at the garden. He wanted to leave the room, but he also wanted to hear from Caramon Mazuril.
Jill didn't have a good impression of the humans he often met, those who often came to visit his parents. He thought they were noisy, clumsy, and stupid. But Jill liked the tall and cheerful Caramon, his amiable and generous smile, his forthright laughter. Jill loved to listen to the adventures of Caramon's sons, especially the stories of Stone and Tenny's adventures on the Anselon Continent. They wanted to become the first non-Solanians to become knights.
Jill had never seen Caramon's sons. A few years ago, after Caramon and Tannis completed a secret mission, he invited Jill to stay in the hotel. Tannis and Rolana were not willing to consider this possibility at all. Jill was so angry that she locked herself in her room for a whole week.
Tannis opened the scroll and scanned it quickly.
I hope Caramon is all right, Rolana said. She sounded a little nervous. She did not continue writing, but watched the change in Tanis 'expression as he read the letter.
Jill turned around. Tanis did look preoccupied, but when he finished reading the letter, he smiled. Then he shook his head and sighed.
Caramon's youngest son, Palin, had just passed the trial of the Archmage's Tower. He was now a white-robed Wizard.
The glory of Paladin! Rolana said in surprise. I knew the young man was studying magic, but I never thought he was serious. Caramon always felt that it was just a temporary fantasy.
He always hoped it was just a passing fantasy, Tanis said.
I was surprised that Caramon would let him take part in the trial.
He did not. Tanis handed her the scroll. You'll know when you see it. Dalama has taken Caramon's leadership.
Why didn't he let Palin accept the trial? Jill asked.
For example, the trial could be deadly, Tanis said coldly.
But Caramon planned to have his other two sons tested by the Knights, Jill argued. It was also possible that he could reach his life.
The knight's test is different, son. Caramon understood the battle between sword and shield. He didn't understand how to use rose petals and spider webs to fight.
And there was also Raistlin, Rolana added, as if this was the final note.
What did his uncle have to do with this? Jill asked, but he knew exactly what his mother meant. These days, he liked to play the mouth with people.
Seven Brahmon was naturally worried that Palin would go down the same dark path as Raistlin. Although it seemed unlikely now.
Mother, father, what path are you afraid I will take in the future? Any path? It didn't matter if it was dark or bright. Any path that can allow me to leave this place! One day, Mother…One day, Father…
Can I read the letter? said Jill rudely.
His mother silently handed him the scroll. Jill read slowly. He was proficient in both Elvish and human languages, but he had difficulty deciphering Caramon's excited handwriting.
Caramon said he had made a mistake. He said that he should respect Palin's decision to study magic instead of forcing him to live according to other people's ideas. Caramon said he was proud that Berlin had passed the trial. Of course Caramon said so now, Tanis replied. If his son had died in the tower, he would not have said that.
At least he gave him a chance, which was a lot more than you would have given me, said Jill disdainfully. You've locked me in here like some kind of exotic beast-
Tanis 'face darkened.
Rolana hurriedly interrupted. Don't be like this, Jill, don't bring up the past. It was almost evening. If you and your father hurry to wash your hands, I'll tell the cook we're-
No, Mom, don't change the subject! It was useless this time! Gill gripped the scroll tightly, obtaining the power to stand firm. Berlin isn't much bigger than me. Now he could go on adventures with his brothers. He was trying something new! The furthest I can go is just outside the fence!
This is different, Jill, you know, Tanis said quietly. Palin is human-
" I also have a part of human blood," Jill complained bitterly.
Rolana's face paled and her eyes drooped. Tanis was silent for a moment, his lips pursed behind his beard. When he opened his mouth, it was the same calm tone that made Jill so angry that she almost died.
Yes, you and Palin are very close in age, but human babies mature faster than elf children.
I'm not a child!
The knot in Jill's body tightened, and he was worried that he would explode.
" You know, Little Treasure, you have a headache. You'll have to go on a long journey," Rolana said.
The knot exploded.
Don't call me that! Jill shouted at her.
Rolana's eyes widened in shock and shock. Jill regretted it. He didn't mean to hurt her, but he was satisfied.
You've been calling me that since I was a child, he continued in a low voice.
That's right, indeed. Tanis 'face, hidden behind his beard, was contorted with anger. Because she loves you. Apologize to your mother!
No need, Tanis, Rolana interjected. I should apologize to Jill. He was right. She revealed a weak smile. I shouldn't have used such a stupid name to address a young man taller than me. Sorry, son. I won't do it again.
This was a victory that Jill had not expected. He wasn't sure how he should deal with this situation. He decided to take advantage of the victory and pursue, not letting go of the enemy who had already shown weakness. I haven't had a headache in months. Maybe I won't have a headache anymore.
You can't be sure, son. Tanis tried his best to suppress himself. What if it happened when you were on the road, far from home?
Then I'll deal with it, Jill said disdainfully. I've often heard you say that Raistlin Mazuril was so weak that his brother Caramon needed to help him. But that never stopped Raistlin. He was a great hero!
Tanis prepared to defend himself. Rolana glared at him and told him to shut up.
Where do you want to go, son? she asked.
Jill hesitated. The crucial moment had arrived. He had not expected this question to appear in such a situation, but it had indeed appeared. If he did not seize the opportunity, he would regret it for the rest of his life.
My hometown. Quirinastri.
Don't even think about it.
Why, Father? Give me a good reason!
I can give you dozens of reasons, but I doubt you can understand. First of all, Quirinesti isn't your home at all-
Please, Tanis! Rolana turned to face Jill. Who instilled this idea in you, Little Treasure's son?
I received an invitation letter. It was very formal and suited my status as an Elven Prince. Jill emphasized the last few words.
His mother and father exchanged vigilant glances.
Jill ignored them and continued. This invitation came from a Senator of Taras Ansia. My countrymen are holding a celebration to welcome Borshavin back from Sylvanasti, and the Senator thinks I should attend. He said that many people had noticed my frequent absence from formal occasions like this. People began to discuss whether I was ashamed of my elven blood.
How dare they! Tanis managed to suppress his anger. How could they dare to interfere? Who was this Senator? Nosy bastard. I'm gonna--
Tancyrus, listen to me. Rolana only calls him by his elven name when the situation is serious. I'm afraid that it's not as simple as it looks.
She leaned closer to him and the two of them whispered to each other. Whispers. It was like this every time. Jill tried to pretend that she was not interested in the situation at all, but in fact, she was listening attentively. He only managed to hear about politics and the need to be more careful. The rest did not enter his ears.
There's something that worries me, Father, Jill said suddenly. You weren't invited.
Don't talk to me like that, young man!
Jill, dear, this is very serious, Rolana said to her son in a soothing voice, patting her husband's arm. When did you receive this invitation?
A day or two ago, when you were both in Palansus. If you were at home, you would know.
Once again, the two of them looked at each other.
I hope you can tell us earlier. How did you answer him?
His mother was obviously very nervous, and her fingers kept twisting. His father was furious, but Tanis remained silent. He was forced to remain silent.
Jill suddenly realized that for the first time in his life, he was in control of the situation. This comfortable feeling loosened the knot in his heart.
I haven't replied, he said coldly. I know this has something to do with politics. I know this is serious. That's why I've been waiting to talk to you two.
He was pleased to see his parents ashamed. They had once again underestimated him.
You did the right thing, son. I'm sorry we misunderstood you. Tanis sighed, scratching his beard in dismay. Not only that, but I'm also very sorry to have dragged you into this. But we should have expected this.
" Both of us should have thought of it first," Rolana added. Jill, we should have prepared you earlier.
She lowered her voice. She was talking to Tanis again. It's just that I didn't expect it at all…After all, he has human blood. I don't think they would…
Of course they would. It was obvious that they wanted to…
What was that? Jill questioned loudly. What did they want?
Tannis did not seem to hear him as he continued to speak to Rolana. I hope he doesn't have to suffer this fate. He doesn't have to go through what you and I have gone through. If I could decide, he wouldn't need it.
He turned to face Jill. Son, bring us the invitation. Your mother will draw up a suitable rejection letter.
So that was it? Jill glared at the two of them. You won't let me go.
Son, you don't understand-Tanis's temper was rising.
I really don't fucking understand! I-Jill paused.
Of course. It was actually very simple. However, he had to be careful. He couldn't reveal his secret.
He had only said half of what he had said; it had been a rather stupid move, and they might have wondered how he could make it up to them.
He had learned diplomatic tactics from his mother.
Sorry I yelled at you, Dad, said Jill weakly. I know you only want what's best for me. It was foolish of me to think that I would go. I shouldn't have visited my mother's hometown.
Maybe another day, son, Tanis said, scratching his beard. When you grow up a little…
Of course, Dad. I still have to do my homework, so I'll take my leave first. Jill turned around and walked out of the room proudly. He closed the door behind him.
He hesitated outside the door for a moment, listening to the voice inside.
We knew this would come sooner or later, his mother said. It was only natural that he wanted to go.
That's right, but when he faced so many hateful gazes, contemptuous smiles, and hostile attitudes…
Perhaps it wouldn't be like this. The elves were different from before.
Is that so, dear? asked Tanis sadly. Had they really changed?
Rolana didn't answer, at least Jill didn't hear her.
His decision began to waver. After all, the two of them were only protecting him.
Protect him! Yes, just like Caramon tried to protect Palin. He had passed the trial. He had proven his worth to both himself and his father.
Jill made up her mind and rushed up the stairs to the room. When he entered the room, he immediately closed the door and locked it. He hid the invitation letter in a small gold box. Jill read the invitation again until he found the paragraph that he thought was important.
I will be staying at the Black Swan Inn, which is about a day's journey from your parents 'residence. If you're willing to meet me there, we can go to Quirinesti together. Prince Skulthas, I promise you that it will be an honor for me to have you join us. I will also give you the opportunity to join the top of the elven society.
Your servant, Lasha of the Alangsuras family.
That person's name meant nothing to Jill. It was not important anyway. He threw down the invitation card and looked out of the window, staring straight at the road to the south.
The road to the Black Swan Inn.
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