That same day, a somber memorial was held for the fallen soldier. I had wondered why they hadn't retrieved her body from the battlefield, but I soon learned that this was their custom. Elves believed that leaving their fallen to rest within the embrace of the forest allowed their spirits to return to the Mother Tree, the source of all life. While their physical forms might fade, their essence would become one with the forest, forever a part of its vibrant energy.
Though there was no body to mourn over, the ceremony was no less poignant. Elves gathered in the central square, their voices raised in mournful chants, their faces etched with grief. I didn't know the fallen elf personally, but she had been my comrade in arms, and I felt a pang of sadness for her untimely fate. I joined the mourners, offering my silent respects.
