Elder is such a crappy title made by small minded people. In all her several thousand years of being an ‘Elder’ of the Great Elven Forest today stood out as one of the worst.

Not the absolute worst, definitely within the top 10 though.

Emerald Ash stared at the Tree that was the cause of all the commotion.

Sixty years ago when it had been found in the remains of the Calamity, there were those that forgot the old ways.

They spoke of destroying a Tree like it was a stick of kindling instead of a sacred creature deserving of respect.

Even the World Tree had started out as a mere seedling so many years ago, who knows if one of its many title was ever ‘Seedling of Destruction’.

Therefore, she’d argued against genocide, not just for the teaching of the ancients she followed. It was also for a deep abiding belief that the very destruction of any Tree was simply, wrong.

It went against the fabric of her very being, and therefore she’d proposed a compromise.

The Mericite Dungeon was at least a 100 floors, if not more by now. Throwing the Tree inside was a method of ensuring the fanatics among them were placated.

If the Tree died inside, well then, it wasn’t a very good specimen.

And now it had returned.

In the hands of Lord Azvril and his daughter no less.

Emerald frowned, it was clear the Tree was much stronger than before. She couldn’t place her thumb on exactly where the feeling came from though.

Attempts to use Appraisal, Inspect, Identify, or Observe were all being blocked by the sheer amount of mana flowing around it.

Suddenly, tons of bright shiny orbs the size of small golden coins started appearing around the two fox beastkin.

Elder Emerald felt another migraine rising up.

+++

Azvril was annoyed.

Out of all the forces arrayed against them perhaps only the Elven Elder, Emerald, could be a true threat. The rest of this garbage was merely there to make up the numbers. His muscles flexed as he drew upon the energy of his crystalline armor, preparing to take the Elder out in a single strike if she interfered.

His daughter beside him quietly drew upon air mana shielding them within a small space to prevent noise from being overheard.

“Father, could this turn into a diplomatic issue?” Tevril asked him, her brow crunched up cutely in worry.

Her new shape was easy on the eyes for sure. Although, if he caught any of the young men back home staring at her, well, they might lose their eyes.

After a short thought Azvril replied, “Doubtful. You know Emperor Leon the Fifth won’t trouble us over something minor. Mother would be irritated if he did, besides, I don’t see anyone of actual critical importance in front of us. With the exception of Elder Emerald the world could swallow the rest up and no one would notice.”

“Too bad.” His daughter said, her eyes glowing bright green.

“Indeed.” Azvril replied, his bloodlust rising.

Suddenly, tons of bright shiny orbs the size of small golden coins started appearing around the two fox beastkin.

“Father…don’t move.” Tevril said, cold sweat beading on her forehead.

Azvril froze the hand he had reaching for one of the shiny orbs. The tone of his daughter’s voice had only been so afraid once before.

Yes…

When his Mother had decided to take her Air Magic training in hand.

It was a voice of complete and utter terror.

+++

I am actually a reasonable person.

Recently though, I admit, I think I might need to look into getting a balanced amount of Elemental Roots.

I mean, Fire is just too…

Angry.

What is the saying again?

Peace is a lie.

There is only peace when people understand that both sides have a big stick.

Now, I apparently need to demonstrate a simple principle.

Trees have the biggest wooden sticks.

Wait, wait, that came out all wrong.

We have the biggest stones.

Eh…somehow that’s not much better…

Ah, ah! I have it now.

We have the best, toast.

Rustle!

What? I only said wood joke weren’t allowed. Puns are completely different!

Ah well, I’m getting tired holding these Sun Orbs back.

Vwhoosh.

Oh, wow, even their shadows melt.

That’s so cool!

Rusttttttleeeeeeeeeeeee.

Yes, yes, I made sure not to target the nice Elf. So much nagging, sheesh!