The Spiritfolk Council Hall was built inside a living tree, hollowed and grown by spirit arts into a grand, circular chamber. Runes pulsed across the bark, glowing with calm authority. At the far end, three thrones sat on raised platforms.
In the center: Syldora, the elf elder—tall, ancient, with silver hair braided with blue crystal beads, and sharp eyes that seemed to pierce through souls.
To the right: Ursula, the female foxkin—her tails draped elegantly behind her, and her fierce amber eyes fixed on Jon with suspicion.
To the left: Dominic, the stocky dwarf elder with a thick beard tied in iron rings and a war axe resting beside his throne.
Jon stood before them, wrists still bound, flanked by spiritfolk guards. Despite the shackles, his back was straight and his gaze unwavering.
Syldora:
"You trespassed into our sacred domain, defeated our warriors, and now claim you came in peace. Explain yourself."
Jon looked up.
Jon:
"I came to return someone who belongs here."
He glanced to the door.
Jon:
"Asha. A rabbit beastkin who was captured by slavers. I bought her freedom and brought her back. That was my only goal."
Ursula (eyes narrowing):
"You expect us to believe that a human freed one of our own? For nothing in return?"
Jon (calmly):
"I'm not just a human."
He closed his eyes and focused.
The room shimmered for a moment. His features shifted—his black hair lightened slightly to a dark silver, his ears lengthened subtly, and a faint spirit energy pulsed from him.
Gasps filled the room.
Jon (quietly):
"My mother was an elf. My father was… complicated. I was born between both worlds. I've hidden what I am for a long time."
Dominic (gruffly):
"Hmph. A half-blood. Ain't seen one in decades. Explains the strength. But not the intent."
At that moment, the doors to the chamber opened.
Asha rushed in, eyes wide with worry. She held her swollen stomach with one hand and pushed aside the guards with the other.
Asha:
"Please! Let me speak!"
Syldora raised a hand and the guards stood down.
Asha walked to Jon's side and faced the Council.
Asha:
"He saved me. Treated me like a person when no one else would. He didn't lay a hand on me, didn't ask for anything. He fed me, gave me shelter… and when I told him I wanted to go home, he brought me here. Even when he knew it could kill him."
She looked up at them, tears brimming.
Asha:
"I don't care what blood runs in his veins. He's a good man."
Jon turned to her slowly, eyes softening.
Jon (quietly):
"…Thank you, Asha."