There were various advantages to befriending their neighbors beyond the obvious of not wanting an aggressor at your doorstep. The elves had an extensive shipyard. Currently, their ability to ride the river they had created consisted mostly of canoes or rowboats. A large ship simply didn't have the infrastructure.

They were very skilled workers. And with another goblin mother possibly and refugees, they simply couldn't keep up.

The elves also had many more abilities. The spellblade and other enchantments of the elves in Wellspring only went so far. Clan-specific techniques and spells, as well as certain crafting techniques.

He had also decided to bring Talia on this official trip. He imagined there would be more music and sights that would give them a little more time together.

There was a small assortment of goblins. The shamans were still needed to translate for them. Hank, Tom, and Joe were running their normal duties.

It was definitely in the way of everything. He had so many facets and moving parts. Betsy was still trying to negotiate with Lake LongBow and Dakota Spring for rights.

Kurt wasn't sure what to expect. But the ship from Sylvain had started to come close to Pillar, getting ready for people to board.

Jacob looked a bit uncomfortable in the more traditional Elvish wear. It didn't seem to fit right, or at least was meant for a human. But Stacy was wearing a fine dress, and she wore a veil.

The veil was to indicate her banishment when around the other elves. Though she could come she wouldn't necessarily be allowed to address anyone outside their own party. She could clarify or act as a translator, as the spell could be imprecise, or unnecessarily rude at times.

The elven ship was large and beautiful, with large sails and a cabin. The elves had designed a way to do some wind magic to allow optimal travel no matter the wind. Though strong gusts would still happen from time to time.

Kurt had never actually been on a real ship. Having spent his life in Hamlet and traveling to Edlodia had happened via the gates in Valentine. He had never actually spent much time near the water.

The ship was majestic from a distance, the waves crashing at its sides. Coming straight towards them.

So generally Kurt was excited even though technically he could fly. The elves were attempting to show off their ship. And bring him themselves. So to fly by himself would have been seen as an insult, and Kurt did enjoy trips sometimes. He was happy he was going to be able to walk around Ont he deck and not be stuck in a carrage the whole time.

Eventually, they were all welcomed aboard the vessel. With Carson the elf who had been part of the envoy taking care of their trip. The Kitsune was being guarded by two Minotaurs and Maliki

The crew and captain continued their work, and all of the tops and parts made Kurt confused.

"Good to see you again sir," said Carson.

"Yes, thank you. I apologize for this trip taking so long, we have been having a rather busy time in our Kingdom."

"Nothing to worry about now we are to depart. Soon we are waiting on the captain's order."

From there, a series of circles started to activate near the ship wheel. The winds had started to pick up from their magical creation.

They were off.

Kurt had never really gone too far down the canyon before or after it had become their river.

"This is nice," said Talia as they watched the canyon pass by flowing down the water.

"Yeah," said Kurt, "you've done this type of thing before?"

"I met you doing a thing like this, remember."

"Well, I don't think we have the same intentions here."

"I would think not, but a formal meeting, welcome."

"It all seems so pointless."

"It shows unity to the citizens," said Talia, "and many discussions end up meaning a lot."

"Well, what should I expect?"

"I wouldn't know from the elves," said Talia. "Isn't that why you brought Jacob's friend?"

"I guess so," said Kurt, "I wasn't expecting her to be so shunned still though."

"Well, I still think it was wise, having someone who knows the customs is always advantageous."

He turned to see many of the elves' crew with shocked looks on their faces. The Litsune had decided to get some pets from Stacy. Which in itself was odd. And to the elves something that looked hard for them to process.

The mark above her breast glowed a little and that seemed to make even more waves among the crew. Of course, none would approach her. At least Jacob was with her.

They traveled along the water. Carson is taking some time to talk about the coming alliance. The normal boring almost useless words to Kurt.

After a few hours, they began to see something. Kurt had expected the Elven Kingdom to be a much bigger version of the elf village that had been made in Wellspring. Or perhaps some massive tree that grew in the center. He hadn't actually asked much about it.

In the distance, a structure started to form and take shape across the horizon. It was a massive step pyramid. It was not what he was expecting.

The Kingdom seemed to be placed mostly upon large steps of pyramids in front of them. Or at least the major center. He knew they had to have some shipyard past it, how would you make a ship on top of a pyramid?

"Ohh, wow," said Kurt, "not what I was expecting?"

"Did no one tell you?" said Carson, "the Pyramid of Sylvain."

"It is a little more constructed than the elf houses I've seen," said Kurt.

"Yes, their clan was well known for their forestry, not all elves live in trees. Not that there's anything wrong with it, once we get closer you'll see there is more to the pyramids."

They continued along the river lazily through the day. The pyramid rose above them as they approached it. Eventually, the horizon included the sea.

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