Word quickly circulated across the vast desert lands about the Persians triumphing over the Median Empire. Cyrus sealed the newfound alliance through marriage. He wedded Amytis, the daughter of Astyages, thereby uniting the Medes with the various tribes under the banner of the Persian Empire. Following this momentous unification, Cyrus embarked on a journey to Pasargadae, accompanied by the esteemed royal house chiefs. It was there, amidst the awe-inspiring landscapes, that he laid the foundation of the Achaemenid ceremonial capital. Leaving behind his home in Anshan, Cyrus embraced his role as a visionary leader in the creation and expansion of this grand new capital. With the support of his trusted allies, Cyrus spearheaded a wave of architectural innovation within the city walls. Together, they brought to life magnificent structures that would stand as a testament to the empire's power and prosperity. Additionally, under Cyrus's guidance, lush and bountiful gardens flourished, adding a touch of natural beauty to the majestic splendor of the capital.

Cyrus, Spero, and Darius gathered in the war room. Spero's keen eyes roam over Darius, noting the subtle changes. It has been months since they last met face to face. His once brownish hair now bore a blackened hue, and his sun-kissed skin had deepened to a shade tinged with grey. Spero can sense the dark magic coating his skin.

"As we secure control over these new territories, there may be challenges," Darius begins, his voice tinged with a steely edge. "The vastness of these regions makes it difficult to monitor them effectively."

Cyrus ponders. "I will assign leaders to govern these provinces, much like the rule of Anshan under Media, which may provide the stability we seek," he suggests.

“Wouldn't delegating authority to local leaders leave room for smaller factions of rebels to form?"

Cyrus instructs, “Each satrap will report to my generals, and they will report to me. Now that you and Spero are officially generals of the Persian army, you will be responsible for keeping eyes on them.”

Spero chimes in, “What about the established trade routes? We might need to make alterations to the path. Some factions under the Medes refused to join our rule, they still contain intel.”

Cyrus ruffles his beard between his fingers. “Yes, that would be wise. I will coordinate this with Harpagus and perhaps ask your shopkeeper, Ramin, for some input.”

“If we can get the dwarves to officialize our allegiance, then they can ensure that our trade routes are beneficial,” Darius suggests.

Spero hesitantly shares, "I have an old acquaintance in mind—someone who could assist me in the mission the dwarves handed me. He also holds connections with Maka,"

"Who?.... Oh, HAHA," Cyrus bursts out, barely containing the laughter bubbling up within him. "Are you truly considering working with him again?"

Darius observes the interchange while Spero lets out a weary sigh, filled with apprehension at the thought of revisiting past actions.

*****

image [https://img.wattpad.com/42d8a2d4bb195804e695e6bfb881ba94a9cc31ba/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f327777593142366d4276757550413d3d2d313531383333303737362e313832343538356165613963323762653538373930393539393534342e706e67]

In the vast city of Maka, a group of nobles stroll casually through the grand plaza. Laughter fills the air as they marvel at the opulent displays of wealth surrounding them - gleaming gold, shimmering silver, and precious gems that sparkle with allure. Their fingers eagerly exchange coins for the exquisite jewelry, their eyes alight with the thrill of indulgence. Yet, an unseen observer shadows their every move, a shroud of mystery enveloping their presence. The mysterious presence trails the nobles through the streets of the city. And then, a golden bracelet seems to defy gravity as it floats itself from a noble's pocket and disappears in thin air. A soft chuckle sneaks out from the depths of a dimly lit alleyway. Suddenly an ethereal outline takes over - a translucent elf appears.

Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

VROOM

His dark hair appears fully, framing a face adorned with a small scar beneath bright green eyes.

"Oh, this is good!" the elf exclaims excitedly as he dangles the bracelet in the air. The glinting jewelry catches the light, drawing attention to its intricate design.

SNATCH

Without warning, the bracelet is yanked from the elf's grasp, “NO, WHAT!”

As the elf looks up at a small ledge, his expression twists with a mix of horror, annoyance, and recognition as he lays eyes on the culprit.

"God no!... Not you!" he exclaims with a hint of disgust.

Seated nonchalantly on the ledge, Spero holds the stolen bracelet, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

“I stole that first, give it back” the elf demands.

"We both know you don't follow such rules," Spero adds mockingly, his face dripping with a smug expression.

The elf kicks a nearby rock, "I was hoping I'd never have to see you again," he mutters through gritted teeth.

Spero descends from the ledge and lands in front of the elf.

"Is that any way to speak to an old friend?" he teases.

The elf's expression hardens as he points a finger at Spero's face.

"We were never friends!" he retorts sharply, lunging forward to reclaim the bracelet.

However, Spero yanks the prized possession out of reach with ease.

“It's been half a century since we last worked together, Lorien," Spero shares.

“Not long enough. Wait, work together? No, no, no, nope, not going to happen.”

“If you want this back, I suggest you hear me out.”

Lorien scoffs dismissively and turns to walk away, waving his hand, “You can keep it, I can find another."

Spero dashes in front of Lorien, blocking his path. “Oh really? Then how about we discuss your last job with the Elves of Elam.”

Lorien's demeanor shifts slightly, “What are you talking about? You know me, I don’t like messing with my kind,” avoiding Spero's piercing gaze.

Spero stares down Lorien with eyes of disdain. “I do know you, that’s exactly why I know.”

Lorien takes a hesitant step back. “Fine, yes, I may have worked with them.”

“So, it was you who was spying on our kingdom and sent their armies with Dalu?” Spero's voice is sharp as he closes the distance between them, refusing to break eye contact with the elf.

Lorien gulps hard, his composure starting to crack under the intensity of Spero's scrutiny. “I'm guessing you're the one who… killed Dalu?” his voice trembling slightly.

Spero's features soften into a chilling smile. “You know me all too well.”

Of course, we didn’t notice the spies back then. Lorien was the only one present. His invisibility is almost undetectable, even to me.

“I have a job proposal for you” Spero states.

Lorien lets out a heavy sigh before giving in, "Fine, fine, go ahead."

"This is a mission for the dwarves down south. They want a special ore high in the mountains."

“Hell no! Work with dwarves, I’d rather die than help those hairy gnomes.”

Spero draws his sword and points it at Lorien's face. "That can easily be arranged."

Feeling the cold metal of the sword against his skin, Lorien reluctantly concedes, "Okay, okay!" he grumbles, ruffling his hair in frustration, "Fine, I’ll help you."

Spero sheaths his sword with a confident grin. “Excellent choice.”

“So, are you going to share the rest of the mission?”

“Later” Spero responds simply as he begins walking away.

Lorien trails behind. "Vague as always..." the elf mutters under his breath, his gaze fixated on the bracelet that partially protrudes from Spero's pouch.

"Since I will be assisting you on this mission, perhaps... I don't know, you could return to your old friend, what he rightfully took?" Lorien suggests.

Spero halts in his tracks. With a sly grin, he retrieves the bracelet and tosses it towards Lorien. Just as the gleaming gold is about to land in Lorien's outstretched hand, Spero snatches it back.

"We aren't friends, remember?" Spero quips playfully before striding off.

Leaving Lorien awestruck and contemplative in his wake, he hesitantly follows suit.

image [https://img.wattpad.com/53fda2e635e09630f05bfff366ea36f3619b0ff9/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f3467716d4c34505461684b684d413d3d2d313531383333303737362e313832343538363036313638346339343737353131333833363232392e706e67]