Elves are inherently lazy. It is in their DNA to move slowly and do things the easy way. They are too far off from the term 'energetic' and the other races might even go as far as describe them as boring. The elves don't fault these 'other races' though, as the elves themselves are too aware of these flaws.
That doesn't mean though the Elves lack entertainment. Except for their penultimate hobby of sleeping, they too have other extracurricular activities mainly storytelling. Elves are very fond of fairytales… especially fables.
It is sad how the most recent modern elves are forgetting the importance of literature. This is one of the reasons why Yirlung admires the Elf King and the Elf Princess so much. Even in Yirlung's youth, the art of writing and reading is slowly becoming a dying profession.
There are too few elves who barely know how to read Elven Runes, not to mention write them.
Of the many tales that pass through word of mouth unique to their Elven lineage is the tale about the Guardian Tree. It is a fable about a 'conscious' tree saving a young starving elf… Yirlung is an orphan in his youth, and he has similar experiences with the 'starving elf' in the said fable.
Yirlung can still bitterly recall that memory of a long season of famine. "I wonder if I can also become a tree for others to rely on…" He gazes at the busy Kara who is delegating various tasks to the few elves who have experience with construction.
A Guardian Tree is something that protects, and that is what Yirlung shall do. He recalls the half-elf who is the Elf King's bodyguard. Yirlung can identify 'Zeraya' as someone like him in a sense— a guardian— now, this is Yirlung's new calling.
"Sigh…" Yirlung scratches his head feeling the prickling gazes of Trudviar from his back. "What is it?"
Trudviar lightly jumps off from one branch to another until he arrives just beside Yirlung. "Nothing, just curious…"
Deep in the Dark Forest, not so far off from the Great Anisia River are the elves gathering on top of the many trees. The construction of Tree Houses is in fluid development. The idea to build 'huts' on trees are too crazy for them.
It is easily acceptable for their ancestors to abandon their nomadic lifestyle, and choose to settle down in villages, but it is an entirely different story for the current elves. The idea of building huts on trees is insanity for them. This is too out of the box!
"What do you think is the feasibility of this project?" Trudviar voices his doubt to Yirlung who is keeping a sharp eye on their surroundings.
Yirlung just loudly scoffs at Trudviar's anxiousness. "Ha~! Is there really something we should worry about? There is not anything different though. It is like when his majesty is giving his damn orders. You can pretty much just surmise any ideas coming from the Elf King's head as crazy. What do you think his direct apprentice would have if not crazy ideas?"
A boastful expression unbefitting of his age appears on his face. The truth is Yirlung is not so confident either. In ancient times, elves lead a nomadic lifestyle of hunting. The grass and dirt are their bed, the leaves are their roofs, the barks of trees are their walls, and nature is their sustenance.
There isn't much to the Dark Ages even before the first millennia as its history is literally unknown. But that doesn't stop the elves to develop. Though elves are lazy, it is certain that they do move, and while they might not seek active development, it is inevitable that they will improve.
That is how the elves manage to adapt to a Village system after all, allowing a more stable lifestyle for the many elves across the continent. That is how elves become accustomed to the huts and chieftain government.
Kara overhears Yirlung's loud boasting and looks over the two idlers. "Yirlung, you are too noisy, shut up… And Trudviar, if you have questions, just ask them away. There is no need for you to sow 'doubt' among your peers." The young Elf Princess severely addresses Trudviar.
Yirlung awkwardly bows his head. He purposefully scoffs at Trudviar in a loud manner to attract the attention of the young Elf Princess. It is unnecessary as Trudviar doesn't mean any ill-will with his words, but as a loyal Guardian Tree, Yirlung feels that it is only right for him to do this.
"You sly elf…" Trudviar complains exasperatedly. "Your Highness… Please forgive me for my impertinence. I just wish for his majesty to remain safe. In my opinion, I would rather take the risk in Jamar Forest than here. The dangers of the Dark Forest aren't something we should take lightly."
Yirlung nods at Trudviar's words sharing the same concerns. "I feel the same as General Trudviar. Even the normally timid wild beasts in the Dark Forest have power on par with lower magical species. This place is literally a den of monsters."
The Dark Forest is a place where magical species notoriously comes from. The humans did excellently in fighting the magical species and claiming territories for themselves. The elves however aren't so confident to do the same.
There is a reason why the human race is a hegemon superpower.
"Sigh…" Kara shakes her head in disappointment. Though this is within her expectations, it is still hurtful to hear it so directly like this. "I know I am currently inadequate, and cannot compare to the Elf King. But please do recall. Did you just not rebel against the humans, and slaughtered their people like lambs?"
Yirlung and Trudviar grow silent.
If it is the Elf King that stands before them, would they dare question the King, his majesty, of his qualifications and abilities? No. Never. It just seems wrong for them to contradict the Elf King, so why does it feel right to confront Kara?
Is it because she is too young? Though over just 50 years old is 'old' by human standards, Kara is only a juvenile in others' eyes especially so to Yirlung who is a bit stuck-up as comes to age.
Kara with unyielding eyes stares at the two elves. "Just think of it this way, it is his majesty's decision to put me in this position, so just think of my every word as his majesty's commands. Moreover, the idea of building 'Tree Houses' are not entirely baseless."
Looking around, skeletons of 'Tree Houses' start forming on the trees. Yirlung understands how advantageous it would be for them to implement this housing system. It is a safeguard against monsters, and at the same time can even prove useful for their growing civilization. He might not be able to see it as he is too narrow-minded, but their future is bright.
Kara with an indignant expression shoos the carpenters away deciding that she is already done with them for today. With a stern expression, she scolds Yirlung and Trudviar. "We elves are naturally built for climbing trees. These 'Tree Houses' will be a strong foundation for us if we wish to rise as a nation!"
For the first time, Kara speaks up with emotion. The mention of the 'rise of a nation' touches Yirlung's heartstrings. For a Guardian Tree, someone who should be the humans' counterpart of Royal Knights, he feels bad for not seeing as her Highness does, Princess Kara Glt Zorun, already is seeing far ahead to the future.
Kara pouts at the unfairness of the sudden responsibilities on her shoulders. "Shit! That bastard of a King didn't really hold back! Do you know? That guy is barely able to climb trees! With this kind of living environment, no elf in our nation would end up cripple! What kind of elf doesn't know how to climb trees!?"
At Kara's sudden childishness and badmouthing to the King, Trudviar laughs boisterously. His laughter echoes in the Dark Forest dispelling the slightly depressing atmosphere in the air. The elves are tensed, and they are blameless. To this, Yirlung can only sigh.
"Tsk," Kara clicks her tongue finding Trudviar to be too annoying. "His majesty, the King, requested me to address you as 'bastard' so don't fault me. So, uncle bastard, I kindly ask you to just go away and vanish. Do busy yourself with your task."
Trudviar jumps off to busy himself with other tasks. "Yes, yes… young princess… Please be our hope!" His voice fades away as he leaves in the direction where Allenwood must be staying at.
Yirlung sighs again. "Please forgive him, your highness. He doesn't mean ill will. According to Allenwood, the Berserker Potion's few side effects are 'brain damage', and while it is not so severe, the elves who took the potion developed a rather volatile temper in exchange…"
"I know," Kara patiently answers back. "So, Grandpa Yirlung, would you please accompany me to my next appointment?"
"My pleasure," Yirlung jumps off to the semi-finished 'Tree House' where she is doing her office work usually. "Let's go." Giving Kara a piggyback ride, Yirlung jumps off to another tree and proceeds on their way to the Elf Princess's next appointment.
As a Guardian Tree, it is Yirlung's responsibility to chauffeur the Elf Princess.