Gaia.
It is a cave, but more of a cross between a den and a castle. With the perfect mystical defense of only allowing elves inside, it is nigh impregnable, and not a mortal can visually infiltrate it.
For the human race, they will need a betrayer elf first if they wish to find an iota of success. Even with that, it will be impossible to nullify the mystical defense of invisible mazes that muddle perception.
Varen engages in various experiments for some time. From the accounts of the human guinea pigs, it is impossible to get inside Gaia without an elf's guidance.
As a ruin, Gaia is an incredible asset for their race. Many times Hans suggests that the royal elves reside here and make this place the capital city, however, the princess insists that they do not.
Varen understands.
Gaia has one glaring weakness. It is susceptible to being choked to death. By surrounding them with soldiers and outlasting them through the right usage of supplies, it will become inevitable that the elves inside Gaia will die from starvation.
There is a lot for Varen to do. Hiring humans to build a castle around the Gaia Ruins to complete a more functional castle is just among a few of his responsibilities. However, his highest priority remains the organizing of tomes and artifacts from Gaia.
"Saul, how is the library?"
"Young master, it is almost complete. It will be done by the time the Gaia Castle is halfway complete.
"Make sure there are elves to supervise the humans."
"Yes, sir."
Aside from this, Varen also spends precious time training a few selected students from the Academy of Hunts.
"Remember, a Ratatoskr has three weapons, the short bow, crossbow, and daggers. The short bow allows us extreme firing speed and arch shots. The crossbows allow us to range and fatal linear damage. The daggers allow us versatility. Using just the blunt of your knife, you have to learn how to light a fire. There are many things to learn to become a Ratatoskr."
Except for the students of the Academy of Hunts, Varen also gives a crash course to elves who are combat-ready and capable.
"Your stance is too soft, don't be a wuss if you see an opportunity." He reprimands as he drives that wooden mock knife to his sparring partner's abdomen.
There are a lot of things to do for him, but it is getting annoying lately. Varen is a hands-on guy just like Trudviar and Lafira. This is quite evident to most warriors. However, the nature of Ratatoskr is more of a behind-the-scenes kind of thing.
In fact, Varen has plans for making Opina his deputy and have her do deskwork in his place. He is only delaying it until he finishes learning all of the important things he must learn to be the leader of Ratatoskr. Reading, writing, and judging— these are all important aspects he must learn.
Varen recalls the Stalker from the empire. In terms of information gathering, Ratatoskr will clash with its competition someday. Varen has to prepare for that day, and that is why he trains. He must be versatile, flexible, and resourceful.
"How are you doing? Thanks for the hard work!" Greeting Varen is a jubilant cry from Naya. If not for Varen remembering her breathing and weight in each step, he will not be able to recognize her.
Varen smiles, his eyes, remaining closed. "I am doing fine. Thank you for the hard work too."
He hears the scraping of quill to paper. Lately, the elves are able to manufacture paper all thanks to the records from the murals. In comparison to Varen, Naya can see a lot better than him.
Every free time Naya gets, she travels to Gaia to rewrite the books that contain technological advancements and paper is just among the few advances the elf society is engaging with enthusiasm.
Lately, paper is becoming more of a common commodity that few elves are starting to develop hobbies like writing or painting which is a big welcome for the usually 'useless' elves. At least, there is a development in the cultural aspect of the elves which in turn motivates the members of the kingdom.
"Did you see the message?" Varen asks Naya curiously.
Even now, Varen remembers that message, of an elf from a different timeline, and despite this is the nth time he is asking this to Naya, her answer remains the same.
"No, I don't. I can see what is in the mural but I haven't been inside the dark world you describe so I am sorry…"
"No, it is fine."
Naya remains seated and continues to stare at the mural as if she is reading something. Lightly writing over the paper with her quill, she casually addresses the Pilgrim beside her who is also serving as a translator. Naya also knows Elven Runes, but the symbols hidden in the mural that she sees are far more archaic than what they have now.
"What is this symbol? Do you know? I think it is behind or before… I cannot tell…" She asks while drawing the symbol on the sand idly lying on the wooden table.
"Clairvoyant Naya, I believe that this means beneath."
"Thanks, let's see…"
The mural's value is inestimable. It possesses years and years of history, and also various technologies starting from paper. There are even a few ancient conveniences that they learn from the mural like how to dig wells, easy ways to light fire, how to make threads, how to cast bronze, and more dull stuff that makes living easier.
Some of the knowledge from the murals is either the humans already have it or maybe even have better developed it. Though it speaks of how much they are being left behind, Varen feels fortunate enough that they are able to relearn their roots and benefit from their past civilization.
One day, they might get lucky and might unbury a unique technology that humans don't have yet. The crossbow of his majesty is a good starter. To this, Varen comes to enlightenment.
"Saul," He calls to his temporary assistant. "Write a missive to her highness. We should have a research division for weapons. I believe they already have one, but I think it is insufficient. The Academy of Hunts should also have a facility here, and in other places. Hmmm… It will be great if more production-related knowledge circulates among the elves."
"Yes, young master." Saul speedily writes on a parchment that is becoming a bad stock.
Varen addresses the busy Naya from the side. "Clairvoyant Naya, I ask of you to please kindly refer my letter to Her Highness. I also request your assistance to show favor on my requests."
"Yes, I will…" Naya gently nods at him and proceeds to write on the knowledge from the mural. "I will be returning to the Dark Forest tomorrow, so I hope this can wait."
"No problem. It is my fortune to have you here."
When Varen is about to turn around, Naya suddenly calls to him.
"If you don't mind, can you tell me about Trudviar?"
"…Sure."
Varen leaves Naya to her own entertaining the thought as to how the relationship between Trudviar and Naya is alike. Not overthinking the matter, he returns to his office to meditate on the plans for the Dark Lands.