Within Silvermoon City, Leylin felt the festive atmosphere today. Grand Magister Belo'vir had traded his usual casual attire for a formal outing.
Following his teacher's vibrant attire, Leylin wore the mage's garb given to him today. Leylin was slender, of medium build, and to a close observer, one wouldn't have guessed he was human.
Today, everyone in the elven kingdom of Quel'Thalas, from the Thalassian Army, Farstriders, Magistrates, the Silvermoon Council, Royal Guards, and Thalassian Navy to ordinary civilians, elven merchants, and students from the Falthrien Academy, would gather to witness this grand event.
For millennia, elven rangers have been the backbone of Quel'Thalas' defense. The Windrunner family is a leader among rangers. To this day, the Windrunner family remains active in the kingdom's politics, military, and decision-making, relying on their position as Ranger General.
Even though the Windrunner family no longer has many descendants, the ceremony took place at nine in the morning, when sunlight streamed down onto the square of Sunfury Spire.
Grand Magister Belo'vir ascended the steps to the Sunfury Spire, with Leylin following closely behind. The surrounding elves were curious as to why the Grand Magister was followed by a human, carrying a quiver full of arrows.
Despite the strange looks, Leylin remained composed. Mentor and student ascended the stairs safely.
Grand Magister did not enter the Sunfury Spire, the home of the Sunstriders and the elven kingdom's royal family. Leylin followed closely behind Belo'vir until he stopped to speak with another magister.
The magister before him wore a dark crimson tunic, notably with a high collar that covered half his face.
"It's not time yet. This isn't your style," the magister bluntly said.
"Come on, Rommath, you're a magister already. If you want to tease me, now's not the time," Belo'vir said jokingly, shaking his hand.
The Magister named Rommath, made a gesture and continued, "All the members of the Silvermoon Council are here. You should go and see the new members."
The Grand Magister tilted his forehead, motioning for the lead. Following the magister, Leylin arrived at the center of the square. Several rangers, mages, and priests stood outside the central fountain.
The members of the Silvermoon Council naturally saluted Magister Rommath. They also saluted Grand Magister Belo'vir, though their gestures were somewhat awkward.
As a Magister, Rommath was relatively young, but his cold, assertive and blunt personality could be alienating to some.
The Grand Magister paid no mind, immediately identifying a new face among the councilors.
"I know this person, Dar'khan Drathir. A Magister."
"Yes, he got his wish today. Without your hindrance, he successfully joined the Silvermoon Council this year." Magister Rommath said.
Dar'khan looked at Belo'vir confidently, his eyes filled with mixed emotions. Belo'vir simply nodded to him, not even glancing at him.
"This young elf, is she a priestess?" the grand magister's tone softened.
The elf bowed generously and said, "Yes, I am Liadrin, my Mentor is High Priest Vandellor."
"Oh, that old fool, may the Holy Light bless you." The grand magister nodded.
After getting acquainted with the two new faces, the Grand Magister led Leylin out of the square, leaving Magister Rommath to discuss matters with the council members.
After walking a few dozen steps, the Grand Magister stopped and said to his student, "You must be more outstanding and more loyal than these people. Loyal to the Kingdom of Quel'Thalas, and only the Kingdom."
The grand magister's words deliberately avoided mentioning the Sunstrider Court. Leylin heard it clearly, but he didn't say it explicitly, simply agreeing, "Understood, Teacher."
It was exactly nine o'clock, and at the Court of the Sun was filled with elven people in an orderly manner.
At the entrance of the court, an elderly high elf dressed in rich attire, with a golden phoenix carved on his chest, flanked by two elven maidens, walked slowly out of the palace hall and looked kindly at the people below the Sunfury Spire.
Leylin stood at the outskirts of the court. He was merely a "mage apprentice", unworthy of standing alongside his teacher. Though the grand magister knows his power is already equal or even greater than an average magister, he respects his students' privacy.
Though distant, his vision was clear, and Leylin imprinted the face of the aged elf in his mind. This was Anasterian Sunstrider, high king of Quel'Thalas.
Unlike the other elves around him, this king's features were slightly gaunt, his pale complexion devoid of color, and wrinkles formed at the corners of his eyes. He was like a towering tree, its bark shed, leaving only a hollow shell.
Only his eyes retained their youthful spirit. Within those blue eyes lay a wealth of wisdom and experience. They were bright and insightful.
The ceremony proceeded with unwavering grace. Ranger General Sylvanas and Ranger Captain Alleria, leading twenty newly minted rangers, entered the square outside of Sunfury Spire. This was their grand ceremony.
The old king was gracious, handing each of the rangers' longbows, blessed by the high priests. The old king did this kind of action not less than a thousand times, but he was so sincere every time.
The king's wisdom told him that these rangers could ensure the long-term stability of his kingdom. Mutual respect is the most basic and most important thing in this ceremony.
After handing 20 longbows with golden phoenix carvings to the rangers, the old king invited all the rangers and even all his subjects to pay respects devoutly in the direction of the Dath'Remar Shrine in the west.
The following holy work was dull. Similar to the human church, a lot of polite words and official explanations did not arouse any interest from Leylin.
Leylin kept his eyes on Vereesa. Today, she was dressed in a tight outfit, the formal attire of a ranger. Vereesa had a tall and tight figure. Although her chest was not that endowed, her hips were very curvy.
But no matter what, Vereesa always held the position of the most beautiful elf in Leylin's heart. Vereesa also noticed Leylin's gaze, but she avoided it, ignoring his presence.
How many days had he not come to see her? Magical fireworks exploded in the sky, and the celebration concluded.
The newly minted rangers' families and friends offered their well wishes, including Leylin.
Several rangers and elves approached Vereesa, only to be repelled by Ranger General Sylvanas's stern glare.
But Leylin didn't stop. He ignored the Ranger General and took Vereesa's left hand. He said tenderly, "Congratulations, Vereesa."
Vereesa shrugged, still not turning around. She angrily said, "I'm very unhappy, very unhappy. You know that, you fool Leylin!"
"You're a ranger now. You have to take on responsibilities. You can't keep acting like a child," Leylin said.
Sylvanas rolled her eyes at Leylin, swung her longbow, and drove away all of her younger sister's suitors. She walked towards Alleria.
The younger sister hurriedly pulled Leylin out of the crowd and came to a deserted place, a small path between two attics.
Leylin took off the enchanted arrows on his back and said, "I made it for you. There is a fire explosion spell on the arrow. It was taught to me by my mentor."
The younger sister blushed and her eyes reddened. She whispered, "Do you know what this enchanted arrow means? Silly boy."
"Of course I know. It represents my love for you. You will officially go on a mission tomorrow. You must be careful." Leylin said in a long-winded manner.
"Don't say that!" The younger sister put her slender arms around Leylin's neck. She naturally tiptoed and brought her pink lips to Leylin's face.
When their lips met, Leylin felt the sweetness of her lips.