The Everflowing Blackwood forest
The Everflowing Blackwood Forest shimmered beneath the pale breath of dawn. Shafts of emerald light filtered through towering trees whose leaves whispered secrets older than time itself. The air smelled faintly of moss and moonlight, heavy with the presence of magic.
Kael stood within the elven village—Elarion, a sanctuary hidden deep within the living heart of the forest. Crystal streams wound between the roots of ancient trees, and glowing orbs drifted lazily through the air like wandering stars.
He found himself speaking to a young female elf whose eyes gleamed like polished jade. Her silver hair caught the light, reflecting faint traces of the forest's aura.
"How many clans dwell within this forest?" Kael asked, his voice calm but filled with quiet curiosity.
The elf turned her gaze toward the canopy, as though listening to the forest itself before answering.
"There are four clans in the Everflowing Blackwood," she said, her tone carrying the grace of wind through leaves.
She lifted her hand, counting them one by one.
The Elderglan Clan," she began, "ruled by Queen Salix Alba, guardians of this sacred forest. Their task is to repel all who dare trespass upon Elarion's borders.
The Spruce Clan," she continued, "led by the high elf Taxus Baccata. They are hunters of monsters—those who cleanse the shadows before they grow too bold.
Then there is the Cypress Clan, commanded by Mangifera Odorata, the dark elf the clans call Rata. They are wild and untamed, but the lifeblood of nature itself flows in their veins. They preserve the forest's balance.
Lastly, the Ginkgo Clan, under Tamarindus Indica, or Indica as she is known. They are the silent watchers—the gatherers of knowledge and secrets, the ones who see all that moves beneath these trees.
When she finished, her voice faded into the soft rustle of leaves.
"You now stand upon Elderglan soil, traveler," she said, her tone both proud and protective. "We keep this village safe from the touch of outsiders."
Kael nodded slowly, his crimson eyes flickering with amusement.
Even elves have their pride, he thought. Seems every race has its share of politics.
The morning light danced upon the crystalline leaves of the Everflowing Blackwood, scattering silver beams through the tranquil elven village. Kael stood at the heart of Elarion when a familiar voice called from behind.
"Kael! There you are," said Elian, the elf with sharp emerald eyes and a bow slung across his back. "The Queen wishes to see you. We're leaving in two days, remember?"
Kael nodded, brushing a strand of hair from his face. "Alright. Let's not keep her waiting."
As they walked through the glowing pathways of the village, Kael glanced at Elian. "Where are the others?"
Elian smiled lightly, his pointed ears twitching. "Well, Amara is with Elder Citrus—learning elemental magic. Lyra is playing with the elven children down by the Streamflow waters. Arden and Thorne went scouting with the elves who brought us here. As for Zephyr, your pet… I've got no idea where he's gone, but he's around somewhere."
Kael raised an eyebrow and grinned. "And you?"
Elian stopped and looked at him sharply. "Don't start, Kael," he muttered, his hand twitching toward his bow as if tempted to smack him. Kael's grin only widened, teasing silently.
When they reached the Queen's residence, a magnificent structure woven from living trees and silver vines, Elian suddenly hesitated.
"You go in alone," he said quickly. "I… have something else to do."
Kael smirked. "Scared of your queen?"
Before Elian could answer, a gentle yet commanding voice echoed from within.
Both of you, come inside."
Kael burst out laughing as Elian groaned, his face reddening. "Oh, this is going to be fun," Kael whispered.
Inside, the hall glowed with ethereal light. The Queen sat upon a throne of roots and crystal, her silver hair flowing like moonlight. Her eyes, deep as ancient rivers, turned toward them.
And where do you think you're going, Elian?" she asked, her tone sharp yet maternal.
Elian froze. "M-Mother, I was only trying to help around the village."
Kael blinked in shock.
Wait… did he just say Mother?
He glanced between the two, realizing with disbelief that the elegant elven queen—Queen Salix Alba—was Elian's mother.
The Queen sighed and gestured gracefully. "Leave us, Elian."
"Yes, Mother," he muttered, bowing before casting a deadly glare at Kael on his way out. Kael barely held back a laugh.
When the door closed, the Queen's eyes softened.
Kael Eldrath… son of Aelric," she said, her voice filled with quiet power. "Tell me—have you awakened your system?"
Kael bowed slightly. "Not yet, my queen."
She smiled gently. "Do not be troubled. You will awaken it soon. Perhaps the criteria have not yet been met. But it will come."
She rose from her throne, her aura filling the chamber with serene light. "Let me teach you something, young one."
For hours, Queen Salix spoke—her voice weaving through the vast halls like music. She taught Kael of the Systems:
The Nor System, the path of wisdom and understanding.
The Aken System, the balance between body and mana.
The Supreme System, linked to divine will.
The Tempest System, forged from chaos and storm.
"All systems," she explained, "are born from one source — the Pantheon. It is the divine core that connects mortals to the gods themselves. Through it, the systems draw their strength, purpose, and fate."
She then spoke of spirits, healing herbs, trees with ancient souls, and the nature of monsters that lurked beyond the borders.
Kael tried his best to listen, but after four hours, his thoughts began to drift.
She called me here just to lecture me? he thought with a tired sigh. Mom and Dad already teach me all this stuff.
When she finally paused, she smiled faintly. "Now, Kael Eldrath, before I grant you my blessing… is there anything you wish to ask?"
Kael hesitated, then nodded. "My queen… how did you know my father?"
At that, the Queen's eyes softened, and a small, nostalgic laugh escaped her lips.
Your father, Aelric Eldrath… was a troublesome man. Brave, proud, and endlessly stubborn."
Her gaze drifted toward the window as if seeing a different time.
Memories flickered before her eyes—a younger Queen Salix, her hair glowing like starlight, fighting beside Aelric and his comrades deep within a dungeon. The clang of steel, the roar of a monstrous beast, and the blinding light of Aelric's sword cutting through the darkness.
We met during a royal escort mission," she continued softly. "He was assigned to protect the Second Princess on her journey to the palace. We were ambushed by goblins, and he… well, he did most of the fighting, as usual."
Her lips curved into a wistful smile. "Aelric was the kind of knight who drew people toward him. Even then, he shone like a beacon in battle."
Kael listened silently, a quiet pride welling within him.