Jemdins

  The 6 Elders.

  Some would think that with such titles they would be the leaders of the vilge, while such notions aren't wrong, they aren't quite right either.

  The Elders have left most of the responsibilities concerning administration and management to the role of the Chief, who is currently being occupied by Dahlia.

  Instead of leadership, the Elders are in a position both at the same level of the Chief, and below it. They are figureheads of each branch of the vilge's diverse professions.

  Sadin, the paranoid Elder, is a bcksmith and leader of defense and construction of the vilge, he oversees most if not all construction projects and mentors people in the arts of architecture and is the most experienced when it comes to strategy. In the past, he was one of the people to help in building the barrier that surrounds the vilge today.

  Caule, the gentle Elder, is a gardener whose main activities range from monitoring the vilge's food supply and production along with decoration and pnning of events and holidays. Though his authority as an Elder is minor at best compared to the others, he is the backbone of the vilge that helps sustain their self-sustainability.

  Wein, the foolhardy Elder, works mostly as a brewer of a vast selection of spirits, wines, and other fermented drinks. He is the leader of the rangers, due to his combat proficiency and time as an adventurer in the past, he is recognized for his strength and experience. Though looking at first gnce he certainly doesn't seem like it.

  Argos, the Wise Elder, a reclusive librarian that keeps to himself. His main role is as an archive keeper and manager of the main library of the vilge, aside from that, he serves as a mediator of the mage popution of the vilge… mostly because Granny Piyo couldn't bother to do it and dumped the responsibility to him.

  Epoke, the serene Elder, guides the traditions and rituals of Daivette as a druid, the closest thing to a priest the vilge has. His duties revolve around education of the younger generation and being a spiritual leader. Although the elves do not worship a singur god, there are many facets of spiritualism, nature, and ethical edicts that they believe in. As a race close to nature, it could be said that they venerate the forest itself, but not with a retionship of worship, but of mutual respect and appreciation.

  Oberon, the eldest Elder, doesn't have any particur profession or duties to do. It's debated whether he or Granny Piyo are the oldest, but as the recognized eldest, he is particurly established with the older popution of the vilge, few as they are. Due to this, though he wouldn't call himself the wisest amongst them, he is treated as the final voice of reason, because as an Elder he has a right to veto the other elders in case he judges them to be unreasonable. He, however, rarely does ever participate in the meetings, opting to sit aside and observe the proceedings. Nowadays he passes time telling stories and fairy tales to anyone who is willing to lend an ear.

  The Elders have a mostly advisory position in retion to the Chief, who is responsible for leadership of the vilge as a whole.

  Officially, whether the Chief listens to the Elders or not is up to them, and in theory, the Chief alone should be able to know how to make decisions and gather information regardless of the Elders, making their existence as leadership obsolete. However, the position of the Chief serves another purpose besides leadership.

  The Chief is often if not always younger than the Elders, this is because the position is actually a way for them to nurture and test someone to either repce them or become a new Elder in the future.

  Such is the existence of the Elders and the Chief in Daivette.

  Therefore, it is because of such symmetrical retionships that both the Chief and the Elders may or may not be above each other in the hierarchy. Because while the Chief is a leader, the Elders are their mentors at the same time, with people supporting more one side or the other it's natural that many confrontations appear if they disagree with each other.

  A strange system where people who value those with experience and those with skills csh. The oldest are respected and the powerful are admired.

  In a pce like this, the elves could somewhat dodge becoming stagnant with time and compcency. Although innovation is scarce since they already live content lives, making the existence of elven researchers truly exceptional, basic skills and fundamentals have been honed for centuries. Even if elves are behind in technology and conveniences, it is indisputable that their craftsmanship and techniques are some of the finest.

  Unfortunately, perils that render skill and quality null are many and widespread in the world.

  ——— –– –– -- - -

  2 Years since the death of █████ ██████████

  A gathering with the vilge's leaders is happening once again, only, this time there are many more people other than the elders.

  These participants for the most part were looking anxious, and some were even sweating from nervousness.

  — "So… That time is coming closer…" —

  — "Yes… But, is it really alright?" —

  — "I get it that we can't avoid it, but I don't like it." —

  They are the guardians of all the children and young ones of the vilge, parents, close retives, and caretakers alike.

  "I don't think any of them are ready, none of them are nearly as prepared or skilled in the ways that matter." Argued the wise Elder.

  In the vilge of Daivette, the children of the elves boast a good lifestyle free of responsibilities, being able to py and fool around all day. This is all thanks to the adults who cherish and protect them.

  However, this is only inside the confines of the vilge, a safe pce built with the sweat and tears of their ancestors. A pce that is home, but in a way, also a cage. As the children grow up, they are bound to wonder of the outside world. Some even are already thinking about going outside.

  "It's a blessing that they were able to live carefree all this time… but I suppose it's time to begin their education." Said another.

  The children will always yearn for adventure. In one way or another, it is detrimental to confine them inside the vilge forever.

  They have tried to convince them to stay inside, where it's safe, some agree, bound by their affection. But sooner or ter, they all are lured by the call. It is better to guide and teach them how to survive than to imprison them.

  It has already happened once in the past after all.

  Those that left on their own… their fate is unknown, and everyone has long since accepted that the worst has happened.

  Therefore, a tradition was born.

  Birds can't stay caged, and they must first leap out of the nest for them to learn how to fly. Despite their fears, and the desire to keep them close and safe, the parents of the children wish to see them happy. So they make their best efforts to safekeep their children's future safety in the case they decide to leave the vilge someday.

  When the children become of age, they wouldn't be encouraged, but they'll be permitted to leave Daivette, with the condition that they are required to pass a trial.

  To qualify, they must go through a long process of learning and honing the skills necessary to deal with dangers and to survive in the wilderness. Foraging, hunting, shelter, stealth, cooking, math, and most importantly combat. Along with magic for those with talent and will to pursue it.

  This is all done to increase the chances of survival.

  "Last time… Only half came back, I hope they are living well, but the reality can be…" This was one of the main reasons why so many children lived in the vilge. Some come back to leave their offspring in their hands, others… never came back at all, their fates unknown. And very rarely, a few come back to the vilge after finding love with another.

  Wild beasts and monsters, every elf learns how to deal with them. To live in the wilderness and prosper with the gifts of nature. If these were everything they had to worry about, there would not be a need to keep the vilge in such a remote and concealed location at all.

  However, reality is a much more unforgiving pce... Elves aren't the only intelligent race in the world after all. And dangers both subtle and grand that are far from being natural exist in the outside world.

  — "Humans are the worst."

  Everyone that has ever set foot outside agreed on that.

  The elves still remember, their wars and their sins are what brought them to Daivette.

  If they could, they would rather go somewhere else where they didn't exist. Unfortunately, humans are the most numerous race that has spread all around the world.

  "Adventuring outside is great for growth. Meeting people… Exploring… The dangers though…" Dahlia, the Chief, said.

  It is undeniable that a necessity for diversity and updating themselves about what is happening around them exists. Dahlia wasn't originally from Daivette, regardless of the hardships she endured in the past, she has no regrets. Otherwise how could she have met her loved ones?

  However an amount of reluctance is always present.

  "Is it not possible for them to have escorts? At least for their first time?"

  "Sadly no," Said the foolhardy Elder who was carrying a bottle of liquor, "I'd love to, trust me, but there aren't many people interested in going that far outside the forest, even with the young'uns' lives at stake. Especially the parents of children who are rangers, that lot believes in fostering independence in their kids, so they are definitely not going to help much."

  "And if we did order them to, the vilge would be left unprotected." Said the paranoid Elder. "We can't eliminate the dangers human cities might pose, so it is for the best that we trust in our methods. We already possess a stockpile of protection charms and equipment to give them. The dangerous state the outside poses is unfortunate, but the benefits outweigh the risks."

  "Egh…" The foolhardy Elder made a sound of distaste. "I don't like how you put it, but yeah, that's pretty much it. Unless someone makes some sort of miracle enchantment or all the kids turn out to be super skilled there's not much to do."

  "Still…" Dahlia sighed.

  "It has been so long, the short lived races' disputes rarely st too long for us. Perhaps their nations aren't as perilous now in comparison to our youth?" The wisest Elder said. "I understand your reluctance, but not all of humanity is tainted."

  "Pshh, yeah, maybe, once every ten years." Replied the foolhardy One.

  "You only care for the beverages they come up with," The paranoid Elder added.

  "Damn right I do." The brewer admitted without a shred of shame.

  "Come one now, don't fight…" The gentle Elder, usually a quiet one, spoke up.

  The oldest Elder and the serene Elder remained silent, as they usually did.

  。。。

  "...With this I conclude this meeting…" Dahlia said, her voice a little tired from the whole ordeal.

  "Ah," Mouthed the druid, remembering something "There is one concern yet to be addressed…"

  This caught the attention of many, usually, the old druid did not interfere too much in their meetings unless it concerns the shrine or something urgent regarding the Children. In This meeting he'd spoken barely any words, having already known where the rote discussions would lead to nothing changing. So his abrupt remark came as a surprise.

  "The foreign child… she is to become of age soon is she not?" Turning to a certain woman in the crowd, he addressed her. "Samyra… As it concerns you, who has deeply bonded with that child… Perhaps you should consider your future."

  Samyra, who, despite not being properly or officially a parent or guardian, was attending the meeting. Instead, her presence was justified because as a lorekeeper and assistant to Argos, the librarian Elder, she often volunteered herself to help with their younglings' education together with the Druid's apprentices.

  "B-but!" She stammered out nervously, recognizing the underlying meaning. "She's still only a baby! There is no need, right?"

  Epoke, the druid Elder shook his head, "Do not lie to yourself" he reproached "The child is not an Elf, her race…" the man tilted his head in consternation for a moment. "...whatever her race is, it is with certainty that she does not have the same longevity as us, she is already growing, very soon to be an adult in the eyes of the short-lived races. I speak this for your own good Samyra, but eventually she will leave this vilge whether by her own will or not. "

  The druid never met the child in question, though that tiny bringer of joy has come to grow into the hearts of many people, she was never supposed to remain in the vilge for long in the first pce. It is unfortunate that the child has no family left. And perhaps a different story would happen were she an Elf, but as, she needs to go.

  "You will bear witness to her aging body, and then you shall fall into despair the day she dies here. You, her captor, after confining her here because of selfish desires." Epoke spoke with kindness, and yet his tone was harsh. "You will only end up hurting yourself should you keep her here. Now, 'only a few more years' you'd tell me, waiting for her to become an adult, and when that time comes, when you either try to confine her longer, or that child decides to leave herself, what will do?"

  Caule pced a hand on the druid's shoulder, "Epoke, I know you mean the best for her, but do you really…" The gardener Elder cringed, he did not want them to sour their retionship, and feeling the acrid atmosphere growing he felt the need to intervene somehow. "...your words, aren't they too harsh?"

  "You all shy away and stand there looking at me with reluctance, fear clouding your judgement. And yet I know you agree with me." Rebuked Epoke. "All of you, do." He threw a piercing gaze that bounced towards all the Elders present.

  The librarian Elder sighed. "While I concede your point, must you sour the mood so?" argued Argos.

  "I am simply nipping the disaster in the bud." The druid huffed. "With how smitten Samyra has become… It is best for her to face reality sooner than ter." He spoke softly. Regret cing his voice.

  He knew the values that all the elves here held in their hearts. Family and protecting their young being one of those important values that defined many of the people in the vilge. But here, a dilemma is forcing their hands to make drastic choices. It is essential to grant the children freedom and space for them to grow, but where does that unofficially adopted child enter? And Samyra, who is simply a young person to the eyes of the Elders, should they let her deal with the consequences of her actions, or try to prevent the bitter future she is heading towards?

  Epoke understood such things. And decided it was best to let the child go with a good note rather than the possible resentment that could stem from these conflicted people.

  Argos nodded, a pensive expression on his face. "I suppose. This conundrum has already occurred once before…" Daivette, in the eyes of the elves, is a retively new vilge, but old enough for generations to pass to other races. Very rare visitors and friends from outside have come in the past, friends and partners from the elves who had ventured out. And simirly, they have long since faded away.

  Samyra, the subject of the matter, could only be feeling a gradual fall into utter helplessness.

  Deep down she knew already… But the savory and sweet taste of those happy moments she has experienced were intoxicating. It felt nice, great even, her time with Syuufarin is filled with precious memories unlike any other.

  This was one of the times she cursed the longevity of her race. When it comes to the short-lived races, all becomes nothing but fleeting.

  Their time together was great, unfortunately the decision was already made. Samyra, devastated, left the meeting with a bitter smile.

  To the eyes of the Elders, it is no good for them to mingle too much with other races.

  Just like Samyra, they too had suffered much from such a disparity of age. Were the child actually an adult, they would allow her to stay, or send her back to their own civilization, they would have the right and maturity to make their own decisions after all.

  It is impossible to completely safeguard the child's safety in the outside world, but they agreed it would be for the best that the Child learns to live inside where she belongs. And they already had indulged Samyra's wishes enough.

  ——— –– –– -- - -

  Samyra's been strangely gloomy these days.

  When I tried asking her about it, she deflected.

  'It seems she and Curen are hiding something… but what could it be?'

  I tried asking Gaviel about it instead, but…

  "Hmm, I may have an inkling about what ails them. " He said. "But I believe that they will tell you in due time, those two hardly keep secrets for long after all."

  "Grr…" I angrily whined "If you say so…"

  I was someone who disliked surprises, when you are caught off guard it is really hard to adapt or respond properly. Unexpected things are burdensome and shatter any sense of peacefulness that could have existed prior. And even if it is with good intentions, if you don't answer with what they expected the other party gets sad.

  'When it comes to presents, food is the best.' I thought to myself, silently brooding over the past.

  "For one as young, you are surprisingly patient." Gaviel said.

  I don't know what was in what he said that was wrong, but somehow his tone made me angry.

  "For someone so old, you are very…" I went silent. Honestly I did not have anything I could come up with to jab him in any way. For as long as I've known Gaviel he has only been a good person, or at least I never saw him do unpleasant things. "...Um…"

  I looked at him, given that he is an elf he did not look old at all, his youthful but mature face filled with charm was not something that anyone could properly remark with mockery. "...I don't know, handsome?" I ended up grumbling.

  'What kind of reply even is that? Ahhgh!...'

  At that, Gaviel ughed loudly. Enjoying my embarrassment.

  "I see, thank you for the compliment. But you are mistaken, I am merely 100 years old."

  "..." I blink twice.

  "...That's still old… right?" This hunk is surely older than Curen and Samyra, otherwise I will begin to question everything I learned about elven biology.

  "Not at all, I am only 40 years older than your friend, Sedia."

  "No way." I interrupted him. "Then what does that make Curen, or Samyra?... You look to be… whatever age elves consider middle-aged."

  Gaviel ughs again… though this time it sounds hollow.

  "My youth was beaten out of me when I became a ranger…" He says in an airy voice with his eyes looking at something imperceptible in the distance.

  He shakes his head, recomposing himself. "I am very far from growing grey hair yet. But yes," he sighed "I am aware that I look older than my age. If you did not know, that couple has lived for around four centuries, give and take some decades."

  "..." I close my eyes, lean back and take a deep breath.

  I exhale out. Slumping down in an act of me being utterly fbbergasted.

  Gaviel pats me on the back. "Yes, they certainly often act like fools, but I assure you that they are much more experienced than what they may appear to be."

  A thought pops up. "Wait, then how old is Granny?" If 2 people can look like that at four centuries of age, just how long has that hag lived? A thousand years? Even more? I thought the average lifespan of an elf was one millenia.

  "That… is something unknown even to me."

  ——— –– –– -- - -

  Dahlia, Curen, and Samyra surreptitiously met while Syuufarin was being kept busy by Granny.

  Curen hadn't attended the meeting regarding the rite of passage of the younglings. It was only ter that Samyra had delivered the news to him, and now both of them are meeting with the Chief at the request of Samyra.

  He went along with, clearly simirly worried. But not for the same reasons as his partner.

  Samywa was vehemently against the notion of sending Syuufarin away. In her eyes, the little girl was barely even a baby. Someone with a miniscule fraction of a fraction of her lifespan couldn't be remotely close to being able to pass the rite of passage.

  Curen… He was sad to see the child go, but his main feelings on the problem were on Samyra, who he has known for far longer than the little girl.

  The prospect of getting a free b assistant aside, as her one and only doctor who was monitoring her health. He knew, more than anyone, that the girl is growing older. And growing older means that one day she will die, and that day is much closer to her than it is for elves who live for centuries if not more.

  Cold hearted of him, he knew well enough about what he was doing and its consequences.

  But as elves with long lives, they knew that hope is one of the greatest drugs there is. And when you stop having it, the downfall can crush the spirit of even the most hardened people.

  Curen does not want to see Samyra suffer like that.

  Therefore, the lesser evil was chosen.

  And then it came the time to break the news to Samyra…

  "..."

  "Come on honey, look at me…" Curen said. Samyra was absolutely livid with him. "It is… we both know how this was going to end from the start. Look on the bright side! Syuu is already very good at magic, if she can get past all the trials there will be not one thing that will be able to hurt her outside."

  "That doesn't mean it won't be dangerous…" Samyra said back, pouting.

  Curen sighed. Nothing he said is going to pcate his wife.

  Dahlia approached the pair and put her hands on Samyra's shoulders.

  "Samyra, rather than compin to me… shouldn't you be spending time with that child you love so much?"

  She shook her head. "I can't change the Elder's orders, and even if I could contest, I agree somewhat with their views. We cannot prevent dangerous things from happening, but coddling the kids forever is bad for many reasons too."

  "So, instead of talking to me, go talk to Syuufarin. Spend time with her while you still can."

  Samyra sniffed "...I suppose you are right."

  Curen gave a look of thanks to Dahlia, though he was a smidgen miffed that she calmed down Samyra so easily after all his attempts.

  "Even so… I can't help but worry." Samyra continued. "That child… She rushes as if believing she must handle everything on her own, or else she will be abandoned."

  "I.. I like to believe we dissuaded her from such notions… But it certainly doesn't feel like that sometimes." Even as they discussed this, the person in question was learning skills that no elf would bother themselves to learn. Contrary to those that specialize in one thing and stop at that, the girl was visiting people to learn magic, carpentry, cooking, farming, alchemy, smithing and all sorts of things.

  What scared Samyra the most was that Syuufarin was becoming good at all of those, despite stretching herself so thin all the time. The physical and mental fortitude the child has to do so much work without rest both appalled her and made her worry.

  "From what she had told us, it doesn't seem as if she had lived in a particurly bad pce. She had… a good family from what I understood. But what sort of life did she have, for her to develop such strange habits?... I can only specute."

  A minute of silence passed between them.

  "Well… at least she seems happy. Despite being a workaholic."

  Dahlia sighed. "That may be true, but there was one time she had even come to me to ask if she could help with something… I only came to know about the situation after that." She ended up being persuaded to teach the girl one thing or two about her work. Though Dahlia avoided giving anything for the child to do after that, not wanting to add another thing to her pte.

  Gods knows how much she wanted to rex every now and then… And then a child comes that works even harder and even more than her, the Chief?

  Taking a break while a child of all things is working harder than her so earnestly… her pride wouldn't allow it.

  And it wasn't only her, during Syuufarin's stay, the whole vilge saw an increase in productivity.

  "Honestly speaking… you aren't the first person to come to me with this issue." Dahlia said, rubbing the back of her head. "Syuu has become cherished by many other people too, haha." She ughed sheepishly.

  Samyra and Curen sighed in unison.

  "Knowing her, she will be more thrilled about it than otherwise, right?" Said Curen. "She had that promise with Gaviel didn't she?"

  Samyra just rested her head in her palms and sighed again in resignation.

  It all seemed inevitable now… At least she would be able to savor what little time she still could spend with Syuufarin until she decided herself to leave the vilge or grew too old.

  She simply wasn't expecting to get confirmation of her fears so soon.

  ——— –– –– -- - -

  Jemdins