There were three dark elves in the room.
The eldest of them: Raspberry Navarre.
The next eldest male: Peach Orbea.
The eldest female: Strawberry Pishcha.
✦ ✦ ✦
Only one topic on their lips: the new arrival, uncle to Aura—that incredibly skilled ranger.
They were all clutching their heads.
The reason—
“What in the world is a sawtooth oak? What possible meaning could there be in dropping that name?” Peach asked, wincing the moment the meeting began.
“No clue,” Raspberry said, shaking his head. “But we can’t exactly just ask. If it’s a sacred tree that’s part of their clan’s ancestor worship or sacred rites, then our ignorance could be considered an insult.”
Strawberry let out a long sigh.
“He clearly assumed we would know. The worst thing we could do was admit we don’t.”
“If we were different races, that would be one thing, but we’re all dark elves. And given the direction he came from, odds are high he dwells in the land our ancestors left behind. Our languages should not be all that different. It’s safe to assume that was a formal greeting based on well-established customs,” said Peach.
“All I could see was his eyes, so I can’t be sure, but those features suggest he may have some elf blood in him. Maybe that greeting comes from their influence?” asked Raspberry.
This was not their only basis for assuming the visitor’s relationship with regular elves. There was also his name.
Dark elves put their family names first, while other elves put their given names first. His name seemed to follow the latter style.
“…How am I supposed to know elf customs and manners?! I mean, do you?”
No one answered Raspberry’s question.
Frankly, they weren’t even all that familiar with dark elf practices. Many oral traditions had been lost when they came to this forest, to the point where they weren’t even sure what had been lost. That was why this got under their skin.
“At the very least, his people seem to refer to us as the evergreen oak tribe. Or perhaps it has some related meaning? For instance, if those oaks are propagated via cutting, I’m sure you both could see why our people splitting off might be referred to that way.”
“From what he said, I can imagine no other meaning. But I know nothing about either tree. Are they simply different names for trees we are familiar with? And what is the significance of choosing those specific species?”
Common sense dictated the selection must have some deeper meaning to it.
He would have to be a lunatic to bring up two oaks for no reason. Thus, determining the identity of those trees would enable them to decipher the meaning of his message. They knew many a tree and shrub but couldn’t think of any trees with those names. Especially not an evergreen oak.
Even assuming his people must have different names for the species got them nowhere.
“Hmm, if only we could ask him directly…”
“We would have if we could. But if he’s appalled that we don’t know, what then? He might mention it to those youths.”
The elders were perfectly aware the younger villagers had it in for them. But they believed that as that crowd got older, they would begin to respect the knowledge their elders had. Traditions—and the old ways—might seem meaningless at first glance, but the elders knew there was always a reason for them, and it would be foolish to thoughtlessly discard that. In time, those tenderfoots would also come to understand that knowledge was power.
But if those same villagers learned their elders were ignorant of even formal greetings—that the traditions they prized were lost—then what? That could widen the rift between them and the elders permanently.
That was why they were clutching their heads.
“I couldn’t see any emotion in his eyes at all, so maybe it was nothing more than a simple greeting… Eyes that blank are downright unsettling.”
“…So…what do we do? As much as I’d love to pick his brain on dark elf traditions…”
“……Too risky. Even if we swallow our pride and ask to speak in private, there’s no telling if he’d really keep it to himself. Which means… Yes, no use treading the path of thorns unless we have to.”
“Agreed. Best we maintain our distance.”
“Then…what about his gifts? They come from lands where neither elf nor dark elf dwell. They must be rare indeed.”
There were obvious advantages to deciding how those were doled out.
Of course, their decisions might sow discord, which might offset those advantages. But most of the time, anyone who grumbled about such things would never be pleased no matter what they did. Some of the younger hotheads would gripe simply because the elders had been the ones who made the call. As long as their choices were reasonable, the rest of the village would simply think less of the grumblers.
If the elders did handle the distribution, they would take none for themselves.
Acting the part of a selfless elder was more valuable than pocketing some precious gifts. Still—
“Like I said, let’s avoid the thorny path. If we’re distributing his gifts, we’ll have to thank him in person. And that means using the proper phrases that etiquette demands.”
“And if he takes what we say at face value, he might think we’re rude or, worse, think we don’t appreciate his gifts.”
Fiora’s uncle likely assumed the village elders were well versed in etiquette. Who could tell how he’d respond to any social faux pas? The higher the fall, the greater the damage.
Gifts this grand could not be received the ordinary way. The thanks would have to be enthusiastic.
“Then leave it to the young. Fortunately, they were there first. They should have a good idea what they’re dealing with, and we can just let them handle it.”
“Yes, that’s for the best.”
Raspberry and Strawberry were in agreement, but Peach looked less sure.
“That’s all fine and well, but should we offer any advice? They spurn tradition and might inadvertently insult his people.”
“Hmm.”
The others frowned.
“Perhaps we should have forced them to learn. Too late for that, I suppose. Fiora drove off that ursus lord so easily, and this is her uncle—his strength is likely considerable. We do not want to turn him against us.”
“But even if we say anything, I can’t see those blockheads actually listening. I suppose we should just issue a general warning, and if they mess up somehow, let it…be mud on our faces. I’d rather stay above it, but we are the elders.”
“Yes, we must take responsibility if it comes to that. There’s no other way.”
“Still…what exactly are we planning to do? Directly ask why this uncle of Fiora’s sought us out?”
“What if he came to learn the customs of our village? I really don’t want to engage him on that.”
“At the very least, we need to hold a banquet to welcome him. When Fiora arrived, we agreed to wait until her uncle caught up, and given how much she’s done as a ranger, if we don’t throw a proper feast, it’ll be a disgrace. And if we don’t make an appearance at the banquet, it won’t just be considered bad manners. That’s basically asking for a fight.”
“Sigh… Then we’ll attend the banquet but do our best not to approach him. Fiora’s uncle seems young. The village youths will keep him busy.”
“Yes. Thankfully, we can be sure they’ll try to pull him to their side.”
Their main discussion concluded, Raspberry turned to Peach. He’d been wondering something the whole time.
“What was that line about the vine? I’ve never heard the phrase.”
Strawberry’s eyes turned his way, too. She’d been just as lost. Neither had dared ask in the moment, but it was safe here.
Peach shifted uncomfortably.
“Sorry, I, uh…was just trying to match him. I made it up.”
“Ugh,” Raspberry said.
“The man had clearly never heard it before.”
“What now…? What if he asks about it the next time we meet?”
“I don’t know. I guess we should concoct some plausible explanation ahead of time. I can’t exactly say I was just trying to sound impressive. That would convince the youngsters the traditions we prize are all pretend.”
“Yeah, I suppose we have no choice. Don’t ever do that again.”
“Mm, sorry. I promise I won’t.”
“Then…overgrown vines, was it? Let’s decide what that means. We have to keep our answers straight if anyone does ask.”
Their meeting clearly far from done, the elders readied themselves for the work that lay before them.