Jake woke to the pleasant feeling of all the air in his lungs being forcefully expunged by a hard object slamming into his stomach. Gasping violently in a vain attempt to regain his stolen air, Jake flailed around wildly, trying to stave off his attacker. Rolling away, Jake was able to regain his feet and look around for his assailant, purple flames tracing around his arms.

A snort drew the angered and still half asleep human’s attention, and he saw the Old-Elf staring at him with one of his eyes, his rune-carved staff in hands. When the Elf saw that he had the humans attention, he snorted again. “God-ling wake? Come, meet leader.” And with that, the Elder began to totter away, cackling to himself.

Jake blinked the rest of the sleep from his eyes, and looked around. He was still where he had fallen asleep next to the bonfire, the two Beast-Kin having disappeared. Mizutsune, on the other hand, was shaking his silver pelt with barely contained laughter, his sapphire eyes filled with tears. Jake glared at the fox. “Shut up. I hate mornings.”

Mizutsune’s cold conscious flooded into Jake’s mind, waves of mirth flowing through the link. “You had best hurry along, Master. I would hate for you to be attacked by a frail Long-Ear with a stick again.” With that, the fox began barking in laughter.

Jake grumbled to himself and slowly followed the tottering Elf, grabbing and lighting a cigarette as he went. Catching up to the Elf after a few moments, Jake let out a puff of smoke with a sigh. “Hey, old guy, why does your leader want to meet me?”

The Elder’s walking stick tipped forward and slammed into the flat, the clacking of wood on wood resounding through the darkness around them. “Leader want. Tell Elder. Elder bring God-ling.” The Elf nodded, agreeing with himself.

Jake placed both hands to the small of his back and leaned into them. His spine popped and snapped with the movement, and Jake sighed in approval. “And they didn’t tell you why?” Jake took another drag, feeling the nicotine rush through his system.

“Leader want. Elder do what Leader say.” The Elf nodded again, letting his nictitating membrane dance over his eyes.

Jake nodded as well. ‘It rubs the lotion on the skin or else it gets the hose again’, huh? So either he really respects the leader, or he can’t do anything besides follow the orders. Weird.

_________________________________________________________________________

Within an hour, Jake had found himself in, for lack of a better word, the throne room of the Elves. A circle of torches ringed the entirety of the flat, making this the most lit area in the entire Enclave. Raised platforms were carved into the bark and trunk of the Elderwood in a semi-circle, and glyphs and sigils were spread throughout the trunk, pulsing slowly like a heartbeat.

Five female Elves stared at him, their ten pairs of eyes glinting in the firelight. Each was wearing a simple dress, only accentuated by a small metal medallion placed on their chests. The Elder had scampered off as soon as Jake had stepped into the semi-circle, saying ‘Elder bring God-ling. Elder leave.’

The female Elves were silent, small runes dancing over their blue flesh. Two of the Elves, specifically the second and fourth from the left, were staring at him with hunger dancing in their eyes. Jake shivered involuntarily, and moved his gaze around the Elves.

He was intrigued by the emblems that were the only things on the clothes that they wore. If he had to guess, they were symbols of either their status or jobs. Starting from the left-most, he worked his way through the Elves in an attempt to figure out what they were. So, we have two hands shaking, probably trade or communication with other races, maybe? Twin sticks with a circle would be… combat, or defense? I have no clue what the giant tree is supposed to be, but since she’s in the middle she’s probably the leader. A hand holding a plant would have to be agriculture, and the one with the… deer-thing is hunting, I think? Why would they have both hunting and farming? That makes no sense…

The Elves continued to stare at the human, their slit eyes gazing into his soul. Coughing awkwardly, Jake nodded his head at the center Elf. “Good… evening. My name is Jake, and I was told that you wanted to speak with me?” I think it’s evening, at least.

The Elf on the far left with the arm-wrestling emblem raised her hand, drawing Jake’s attention. “We welcome you to our humble Enclave. Please, tell us how you fare in our fair home?” Her voice was warm, and Jake could not help but be drawn in with the words. Oh yeah, definitely foreign relations. That was way too smooth for anything else.

Jake cleared his throat, and smiled at the Elf. “Very well, thank you. There is something magical about this place that draws me to it, and I am shocked at the simple beauty of your majestic city.” His smile grew wider at the Elf’s slightly raised brow-ridge. Wow, that sounded really good. I’m surprised that flowery stuff was in me.

The Elf of Foreign Relations quickly mastered her face and slipped an easy smile at the human, her needle-like teeth glinting in the firelight. “We thank you for your kind words, Master Jake.” Before she could continue, one of the other Elves raised her hand, the one with the plant-holding emblem. Foreign Relations-Elf closed her mouth slowly, her eyes flashing with irritation before she controlled her emotions.

“We have been told that you have affinities with three different elements, specifically those of Dark, Fire and Air. Would this be true?” Her voice was cultured, although she spoke very quickly and with passion. The Elf blinked at him rapidly, her third eyelids darting back and forth.

“… Yes?” Jake was a little taken aback at the question. What the hell does my magic have to do with farming? “Umm… would you like me to demonstrate?” Seeing the Elf of the Plants nod excitedly at him, he slowly raised a hand. Concentrating, Jake created a ball of purple flame, which glowed cheerily in the firelight. From his back, tendrils of shadow slowly extended and wrapped around the human. A small cyclone of wind picked up beneath his feet, kicking up dust and making the flames dance. Letting the magic run its course for a few moments, Jake flicked his hand and snuffed out the flame, the shadows bursting into black smoke that drifted away on the falling wind. Letting out a sigh, he returned to his ‘at ease’ stance, standing with his feet shoulder width apart and his hands clasped behind his back.

He looked back at Plant-Elf, nodding his head slightly. “Would that be enough?”

The Elf had leaned backwards, the spines jutting out of her spine quivering slightly. She smiled brightly. “Yes, thank you. That was perfect.” She glanced at the surrounding Elves, who either shook their heads or waved a hand. The one with the twin spear emblem mumbled something that sounded awfully close to ‘wanted to fight him’ before she too waved her hand.

The center Elf leaned forwards, placing her arms on her knees. “Master Jake.” Her voice was quiet, like a breeze blowing through the trees. “The Elder has claimed that you are a ‘God-ling’ along with his claims of your magic. Is this true as well?”

Jake blinked, trying to keep track of the conversation. “Yes, it’s true. My Patron is the Goddess Lilith.” So, they wanted me to prove that I have magic and that I have a god patron? What, they didn’t believe Grandpa Elf?

Middle Elf looked downwards to her hands, before slowly nodding. “Very well. Please, God-ling.” She glanced back up to the human, her eyes blazing. “What has the All-Mother tasked you with? If it is within our power, we will assist you in this endeavor. I understand that most Patron Gods do not allow their chosen to reveal any details, but we will be grateful for any guidance that the All-Mother would deem to grant us.”

Shit. “I cannot tell you of any details, and for that I apologize. Lilith has sworn me to secrecy, and her task is between myself and her.” Jake thought quickly. “As for guidance, the All-Mother has deemed that all races should work together, and she has allowed me to tell the Elves that their treaty with the Beast-Kin has her blessing.” Giggles, can you bless things? Or am I just pulling this out of my ass?

A blue screen appeared over his vision, blocking the sight of the Elves whispering to each other.

You know, you should really stop slandering my name like that. If I wasn’t as awesome as I am, I would have smote you with fire, brimstone and stuff like that. But, as I am an awesome, benevolent and beautiful goddess, I won’t.

… Seriously?

Yep! As for the blessings and such, you’re just pulling that out of nowhere. If anything, it will tell them that I am ok with their trade and such. I do like how you pointed out what I wanted without giving away the big plan. Pretty smart, for a human. Thanks for keeping me entertained! ~ Giggles

Jake flicked away the message just as the Elves turned back to him. Middle Elf nodded her head towards Foreign Relations Elf, who cleared her throat slightly. “Thank you, Master Jake. I will take the matter of the Half-Beasts into my own hands, now that we have gained Divine Insight.”

… Is divine insight a thing? She said it as if it’s a thing.

Sure. You just changed the fate of these Elves for the rest of their lives. If this was more RPG than literature, you would have gotten an achievement.

What the hell are you ta-

Jake was interrupted by Middle Elf standing, shortly followed by each of the other Elves. “Thank you, Master Jake, for telling of the All-Mother’s plans for our people. ” Middle Elf turned and nodded to her counterparts, who nodded in return and walked away swiftly. Jake blinked in confusion at the sudden turn of events, and raised an eyebrow at the Middle Elf. She made a placating gesture, and watched the other Elves walk slowly away. When the last of the Elves had left the flat, Middle Elf let out a sigh and leaned against her pedestal.

“Forgive me, Master Jake, but I absolutely abhor formality when it is not required.” The Elf looked at Jake, a slight smile on her face. “If it would please you, we can dispense with all of the flattery that befits those of our standing.”

Jake blinked again, before nodding slowly. “Sure. You can just call me Jake, though.”

The Elf’s smile grew. “And you can call me Triana.” She blinked at him, her third eyelids dancing across her eyes. “I am honestly surprised, Jake. You have held yourself with dignity while in the presence of my court. I would not expect an outsider to feel so at ease.”

Jake shrugged, relaxing his stance as he did. “This isn’t my first time being in front of influential people. And this one was easier than the others, since you weren’t yelling at me and calling me worthless.” Jake shuddered slightly at the thought. God, I hated those Review Boards.

Triana tilted her head, a frown appearing on her face. “May I ask the reason why they would accuse someone of your standing as worthless? And why did you allow them to live after those accusations?”

Jake waved away the question. “I apologize, I shouldn’t be talking about my past. The Goddess has forbidden me.” Sorry I keep throwing your name out there, but these people seem to revere you and it helps when I keep digging myself a whole.

You’re good.

“Ah, my apologies.” Triana nodded at the statement. “If I may, I would like to ask you some questions. I would like to know more about you. I am a follower of the All-Mother, myself, and meeting Her personal paramour is intriguing.”

“Uhh, sure. I don’t like talking about myself, but I’ll do my best.” Jake was a little surprised at the question, along with the information about her faith. Deciding that it couldn’t hurt, he went along with it. Just have to figure out what I want to reveal… And why do they keep thinking that Giggles is my lover?

… I have no comment.

…You play around a lot with the mortals, don’t you?

N…No! Of course not!

… Well, you learn something new every day.

Shut up!

Triana smiled at the human, her needle like teeth glinting in the firelight. “I was wondering how someone like you came to be. From what I saw, and am currently feeling, you are at least an Expert with your magic, possibly even higher. If you can tell me, how are you so powerful?”

Jake scratched the back of his neck, thinking. “I’ve always been strong with those elements, and I’ve been teaching myself how to use them for a while now.” I mean, it’s technically not a lie. Just not the full truth.

Triana blinked at him with all four eyes, then quirked her head. “You are a Wildling? A self-taught mage?”

Jake blinked in return. Wildling? “… Sure, I think.”

The Elf stared at him for a few moments, before bursting into light laughter. “Oh, Puilla is going to love getting to know you.” Chuckling still, she smiled back at Jake. “Ah, I forgot to tell you about her. Puilla is our Matron of Magic. She was the one to ask you to display your magical prowess. She seems to have it in her head that you would want to trade magical knowledge with her. To learn from a Wildling is a very rare treat, since most mages learn from an instructor.”

Huh. I think that might be interesting. I still want to know what the hell is up with all these runes. He smiled back at Triana. “I think that would be mutually helpful, for both of us.” So the Farm Elf was really the Magic Elf. So why was she holding a plant? I’m still confused.

“I am sure that she will be pleased.” Triana glanced upwards, her smile transforming to a slight frown. She looked back down at Jake, and bowed her head slightly. “I apologize, Jake. It has seemed that we have spent too long talking. I will send someone to escort you back to the flat that the Half-Beasts are located on.” She smiled at Jake again. “I will hope that we can continue this conversation at a later time.”

Jake glanced upwards as well, seeing nothing but leaves far above him. He glanced back at the Elf, and returned the smile. “Of course, it would be my pleasure.” How the hell was she able to tell the time? There’s no sunlight. This place is really confusing me.

_________________________________________________________________________

Two hours later, Jake had was still being brought back down to his original flat by a pair of Elven males, who chittered back and forth constantly. Jake had lost himself in his thoughts and speaking with Lilith, barely paying any attention to the two as he followed behind them. During this time, Lilith had explained that she had multiple different factions of worshipers throughout the world, but there was no specific race that worshipped the All-Mother in their entirety. Jake had thought that this was an interesting concept, but didn’t question it. His own world had multiple religions that spanned different races.

So, with these worshipers of yours, can we use them to help with our goal of world domination and general asshat-ery?

… Maybe. You could use them as minions, so that they further our ends while you’re doing larger stuff. I don’t know. I’ll get back to you on that.

That could work. What about a religious war against the other religions? Have your people fall under my ‘banner’ and strike out against everyone else? That should generate enough hate to make them band together.

I doubt that would work. I don’t have enough followers to be able to pull off a large scale crusade like that. Sure, I might if they are all together, but they’re spread pretty far among the general population. And even then, most of my followers are the common person, with no skills in combat.

Jake sighed, scratching his chin. Well, that doesn’t really help. How about-

Jake bumped into the Elf leading him, cutting his thoughts short. Looking around, he found himself back on the flat with the Beast-Kin, and the Elves that were leading him bowed and quickly scampered off. I’m never going to get used to them running away like that. He sighed, and moved to his group that was currently sitting around a bonfire.

Mizitsune cracked one of his sapphire eyes open at his approach, the fox’s cool voice entering into Jake’s conscious. “Welcome back, Master. I hope that the old Long-Ear was gentle with you.”

Shut up. Jake grunted as he sat down, and pulled a cigarette out of his inventory. Nodding at Serena and Felicia, he lit up and inhaled the toxic smoke. Letting it out with a sigh, he looked at the Beast-Kin. “Did anything interesting happen while I was gone?”

Serena nodded, her eyes never leaving Jake. “Yes, Jake. Apparently, one of the Matrons has taken an interest in our trade, and has personally taken it upon herself to set up a trading agreement with us.” The Owl-Kin smiled, seemingly lighting up the night, “Do you know what this means?! We’re making progress! Soon, we can go back to Trentshire!”

Jake blinked at Serena. … Does she think it’s because of her? Jake cleared his throat, smiling at the Beast-Kin. “That’s great. I’m happy for you.” Seeing her smile even wider and blush slightly, Jake had to agree with his thoughts. Yeah, she definitely thinks that she is the reason why Foreign Relations Elf took an interest in her.

Serena’s smile fell slightly, and she moved around the fire to sit closer to Jake. “And how about you? Have you found some way to cure your sister?”

“Huh?” Jake thought for a second, trying to figure out what she was talking about. I don’t have a sis- Oh wait! Jake sighed, slowly shaking his head, his gaze moving to the dancing flames. “Sadly, no. I haven’t been able to find anyone who is able to cure a curse of that level. But, I won’t give up. Thankfully, she is not in any pain from the transformation, and I have made sure that she is safe.” Does she still think that I wasn’t lying about that? Even after I basically told them the truth? How dense is she? He took a final drag on the cigarette and flicked it into the flames.

Jake heard some movement from beside him, and then a pressure was placed onto his shoulder. Jake flinched, and looked at the Owl-Kin who was resting her head on his shoulder. “I am so sorry, Jake.” Serena whispered, her eyes tearing up. “If I can do anything to help, please let me know.” Her wings expanded and hugged the human, causing Jake to fidget in discomfort.

Mizitsune snorted, a cloud of frost expelling from his nose. “I still do not understand why you are so self-conscious about the owlet, Master. From what I understand of her species, she will not give up on the hunt easily.” The fox’s eye glinted in the firelight, and a small grin was forming on his face. “If I did not know any better, Master, I would say that you actually enjoy the attention.”

I do not, shut up. Jake growled back at the fox, but didn’t push away the Owl-Kin. … Her wings are really soft, though.

Felicia huffed, and stood up. Glaring at Jake, she began to walk back towards the hut that she shared with Serena. “I believe that I will retire for the night, My Lady. I am sure that the God-ling will protect you in my stead.” Felicia shot over her shoulder, giving Jake a last glare, before entering into the hut with a rustle of leaves.

“Have a good night, Felicia!” Serena called, and snuggled in closer to Jake. They remained silent for a time, Jake occasionally fidgeting. After a few moments of the awkward silence, Serena readjusted her head on Jake’s shoulder, and began to speak softly. “… Jake, what are you going to do? Once we finish this, I mean. You have nothing keeping you here with m- my people.” She stuttered on the last word, changing it to something else. She removed her head, and stared at him with her large brown eyes. “What are your plans? Where will you go? What will you do?”

Jake was still nervous about the contact, and took a moment to think of his answer. “… I don’t know. I guess I’ll see what else this world has to offer me. Hopefully, I will find what I’m looking for.”

The Owl-Kin remained silent, the two staring into the crackling flames, watching the fire move in a hypnotic dance of light and sound. Then, she spoke, her voice barely above a whisper, almost unheard over the sounds of the wood crackling in the fire. “Can… can you take me with you?”