The mood turned chilly as Adeline stared at the elven woman. Her beauty was unmatched, and she exuded a warm feeling and elegance. Melora, on the other hand, slightly bowed and paid her respects. She tugged Adeline, who did the same. With a smile, the woman accepted as she asked for forgiveness once more.
“Please forgive them for their behavior.”
“Your Highness, you should not reduce yourself to their pathetic selves.”
“Not another word from you, Joseph. I asked you to bring them to me as guests, yet you treat them as enemies. To think you would treat the goddess of life and nature’s champion in such a way.”
“You must be mistaken; a demon can never be the goddess’ champion. She is vile evil.”
That was when a sharp sp could be heard, Joseph was left in disbelief.
“You are still young, blinded by hate and pain. My heart aches for you and my people, but you don’t know the world.”
“I am sorry, Your Highness.”
“I will teach all of you something important. Demons are not simply evil; they were an important bance of this world. Our protectors but the humans have corrupted them, this one has the mark of the goddess."
“She told me some of her children needed help. I take it was you.”
“We are one of her many children, but yes, we need your help. Please come inside.”
The group was escorted inside. The building was lined with flowers and vines. It was quite beautiful; even Melora was in awe. Scales suddenly slithered away into one of the vines.
“She must have noticed him already, hoho.”
“Noticed who exactly?”
“Only a select few are allowed to enter the pace, so I took the liberty of taking in a hydra.”
“Hydra? Is that what Scales is?”
“Yes, they are very ferocious by nature but are very good guardians. You’re lucky you befriend her while still young.”
They soon arrived in an open area where four elves sat at a round table with three open positions left. They all wore white and had bck eyes. They all exuded an air of elegance and nobility. The elf who escorted them was first to take a seat. Adeline tried to follow suit but was stopped by Melora.
“Just imitate me, and we will be alright.”
Melora whispered as she stepped forward and slightly bowed.
“My name is Melora Stormville, daughter of the Grand Duke Lucius Stormville from Credoa. I pay my respects to the high elves.”
"My name is Adeline."
“My name is Gena, Mother of the Forest and Queen of all elves. I welcome you to Fiam, the capital city of the Elves. This is my council Please take a seat; we have much to discuss.”
The duo took their seats.
“I would like to ask a question: how did you know where to find us, and also about my interaction with the goddess?”
“I have a strong connection with our mother, even though she does not ever communicate back to me. Some nights ago, she left me with a vision; from there, I sent my best scout to find you.”
“I see. So, what need do you have of me?”
A silence fell in the room as one of the male elves cleared his throat as he stared at Melora.
“Our main issue is humans. They have been kidnapping elves in great numbers as they encroach further into the forest. We also received refugees from the East who were attacked and forced out of their homes.”
“When I return to the grand duchy, I will investigate and make sure it stops. I, for one, am against it. My views have changed after spending time with the orcs and Adeline. I believe it will be in everyone’s interest we find a solution.”
“It pleases me to know not all humans think the same. We look forward to your cooperation.”
Silence resumed as everyone turned their attention to Adeline, who was busy admiring the architecture. Melora nudged her as she returned to her senses.
“Adeline was your name, correct?”
“Yes, it is. You got a question?”
“Do you believe there are other solutions for our predicament?”
“War.”
Her answer was short but stunning. The elves stared at her with disbelief, but Melora was already aware of her character.
“Elves are not fighters; we are mainly gatherers who tend to the forest.”
The elven man shot up from his seat in complete dismay, but Gena remained quiet.
“You need to understand these people are not looking for diplomacy; they are not Melora. If they are hunting you down, that means you are of use to them, thus valuable. Ask yourselves, why should they stop?”
“Sadly, I agree with Adeline. The main discourse at the moment is that monsters are simply raw products. There are ws surrounding the sell and buying of living monsters and experimenting, but these things happen in the bck market regardless, and some nobles funt them openly.”
The elves were in despair as they simply stared at the table, silently thinking. Gena cleared her throat. All the elves stared at her, awaiting her thoughts.
“If we have to fight for our freedom, so be it. How should we proceed, Adeline?”
“I have a pn of sorts, but at the moment, just prepare by training their minds and bodies. Those who can’t fight can help build tools of war such as swords, armor, or whatever you make for war. Don’t you have a war general?”
“That would be me. Unfortunately, all I know is regarding the forest.”
That was when Melora had an idea.
“Can you control the growth rate of vines and roots?”
“Naturally, we can. We just ask for help from the forest spirits.”
“Have you thought of using that offensively? If you can conjure rge roots and vines, you can halt their progress. You can pick them off one by one from a safe distance while using a bow and arrow.”
“How haven’t we thought of that? We can also produce poisons and tip our arrows with them.”
Suddenly, the elves started discussing among themselves with enthusiasm as the entire group left, leaving behind Gena, Adeline, and Melora. She cpped her hands as elves entered with various fruits and meat. Melora started to teach Adeline some noble decurm. Adeline grew annoyed with all the rules, and she opted to just eat, but Melora was adamant as the two started a fight which made Gena ugh.
“Melora, I see your core is fractured, but you have started healing it. I can help you speed the process; it’s the least I can do.”
Retrothewise
