Jax headed back into the bedroom, walking towards the wardrobe carved out of tree bark, grabbing the clothes provided for him.
He selected a heavy, black silk robe that seed to swallow the morning light, the material settling over his broad shoulders and muscular fra, the belt cinching at his waist with a soft tug.
Once the robe was on, he imdiately headed for the door, yanking it open without a sounds. Imdiately, he was bombarded by the early morning light that filtered through the leaves surrounding the outer walkway, casting soft bands of gold and green across the polished wood.
The air beyond the threshold was cool, clean, and layered with the natural mana of the Dark Elven settlent.
Standing in front of the door was Lyla, who was dressed formally this ti, no longer in the lighter, mobile attire of patrol and crisis response.
Her robes were deep indigo threaded with silver runes that marked her authority as Clan Head, the fabric draping elegantly over her tall fra. A circlet of living crystal rested upon her brow, faintly glowing in harmony with the great trees around them.
Her expression was composed, but her eyes flicked over him in a single, efficient glance.
"Good morning, Demon King," Lyla said evenly, once again bowing her head out of respect.
Jax inclined his head, "Lyla, what is it?"
"Don’t forget why you ca here. The issue with Eileen is being handled, so now, it’s ti for you to introduce yourself to the Clan. Everyone is already assembled, from Elders, Wardens, Alchemists, Rangers and even the Treants,"
Jax nodded once, calm and unhurried, "I’ll be out shortly."
Lyla started to turn, then stopped.
Her gaze returned to him, sharper now, tinged with dry amusent. "Before you do," she added, tone low enough that only he could hear, "you may want to... adjust yourself."
Jax’s lips twitched faintly, already sensing where this was going.
"The forest is sensitive today," Lyla went on, "And while Dark Elves are not prudish, walking into a formal gathering carrying the unmistakable scent of... intimacy would be morable for the wrong reasons."
She t his eyes directly. "Particularly given who you are, my King,"
Jax chuckled quietly, unconcerned, "Noted."
Lyla allowed herself the ghost of a smile, "I’ll give you ti. When you’re ready, follow the central walkways. You won’t miss us."
She stepped back, turning with smooth grace and walking away, her presence fading into the layered sounds of the settlent.
Jax closed the door. The wards sealed softly, restoring the private hush of the treehouse. He exhaled once, then turned back toward the inner chambers.
Hydra was exactly where he’d left her.
She sat at the edge of the sleeping platform, towel wrapped securely around her, erald hair still damp and cascading over her shoulders. The nervous energy from earlier hadn’t vanished entirely, but it had softened into sothing quieter, more contemplative.
She looked up when he entered, eyes imdiately finding his.
"...That was her, wasn’t it?" Hydra asked.
"Yes," Jax replied. "The timing was intentional."
Hydra huffed softly, "Of course it was."
She shifted, fingers tightening slightly in the towel, "So. This is it. The big introduction."
Jax approached her, stopping just in front of the platform. "It is."
She tilted her head, studying him. "Are you nervous?"
"No. I handled the Dragons, you think I can’t do the sa to the Dark Elves? This is my Kingdom, I’ll find a way to make everyone acknowledge ,"
She smiled faintly as he heard that, and then Jax reached out, brushing his knuckles lightly against her cheek, "I’m focused."
That earned a small laugh from her, "That’s worse."
Jax straightened, "Lyla made a valid point. The forest doesn’t need... distractions."
Hydra’s cheeks darkened a shade, "Oh."
"Yes," he said dryly. "So we’ll prepare properly."
He moved toward the wash basin integrated into the wall, drawing water infused with cleansing enchantnts. The magic was subtle but effective, designed to neutralize lingering traces of scent and energy without stripping mana entirely.
As he worked, Hydra watched him quietly.
After a mont, she spoke again, voice softer. "You don’t have to take with you, you know."
Jax glanced back, "I want you there. Aren’t you my primary Mount, I’ll need to make a Grand Entrance after all!"
Her breath caught just slightly.
"This is a political mont," she said, "A delicate one. The Dark Elves are proud. Suspicious. So of them already see you as... overwhelming."
"And you?" he asked.
She smiled, small but genuine, "I see you as steady."
Jax turned fully then, studying her. "Then stay with ."
The words were simple, but the intent behind them was unmistakable.
Hydra nodded once. "Okay."
He finished, drying his hands before stepping back to her. With a careful touch, he adjusted the towel around her shoulders, ensuring it was secure.
"Get dressed," he said gently. "Sothing comfortable. You don’t need to impress anyone."
She snorted softly. "Coming from you, that’s rich."
He leaned down, pressing a brief kiss to her temple. "I’ll be waiting."
Jax moved back into the outer chamber, selecting the remainder of his attire. Beneath the robe, he donned fitted dark garnts reinforced with subtle enchantnts, nothing overtly martial, but unmistakably authoritative.
He secured the Demon Emperor’s insignia at his collar, its presence enough to quiet the surrounding mana.
By the ti Hydra erged, she had changed as well.
She wore a flowing erald dress grown from magically treated silk-leaves, the fabric clinging lightly to her form without restricting movent. It was elegant but understated, her draconic heritage hinted at rather than proclaid.
She paused when she saw him, eyes tracing his form.
"...You clean up well," she said.
"So do you," he replied.
She stepped closer, lowering her voice, "Whatever happens out there... stay near ."
Jax arched a brow, "Worried? I can handle anything y’know,"
"Protective," she corrected.
He smiled faintly, "I like that."
Together, they approached the door.
As it opened, the full presence of the Dark Elven settlent washed over them.
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