RISE OF EROS

Although the plan was to visit the places they had not been able to see the day before, the reality was that there was not much to see. The elven village was not small, but besides the tree houses and the beautiful flowers that adorned the place, there was not much to see.

The village is beautiful but with very few iconic or interesting sights. During their trip, they visited a nearby lake and Andrew was amazed at how crystal clear the water was.

They could even see fish swimming there. They also visited what looked like a farm of a grape-like fruit. The difference was that it was red and its seed was large.

Andrew pegged it as a cross between a grape and a plum, but that was only a passing thought in his mind. This fruit is called Kipá and is the only crop that the elves actively grow.

According to Ifiris, this fruit is used to make wine and as Elvish wine is highly sought, so they plant them, but Andrew and the others, were not fools. They were convinced that it was one of the ingredients for the hunger-relieving pill Ifiris had mentioned earlier.

Although they all thought this, none of them said anything. It was not good to pry into other people's secrets, especially when you are in their territory. Ifiris was no fool either, he knew that Andrew and the others must have suspected that the fruits were good for the pill, but he played ignorant.

After seeing the Kipá's crop field, they went to other natural beauties, of which there were not many, and then returned to the village. After returning, Ifiris invited them to eat.

Apparently, there were some employees at Ifiris' house because food was always at the appointed time, and dust never accumulated in the house, yet they had never been seen.

Again, Andrew and the others did not ask. They felt somewhat self-conscious in this place because it seemed that everyone was acting in secret and that made them uncomfortable.

Taking advantage of tea time after lunch Andrew said, "Ifiris, we plan to leave tomorrow." Andrew's words surprised not only Ifiris but Oliver and the others because they had not discussed it.

Still, Oliver internally approved Andrew's move. He as a person of experience had noticed that the elves wanted to hold them even though it had only been a day, the signs were obvious.

In addition, there was the issue of divinity. When Andrew had told them about this, he had already imagined some movement and the fact that the other elves were not coming over to interact with them was strange.

Because of this, he also wanted to get out of this village. He even planned to bring it up in the evening when they reconvened, but since Andrew had said so, he wouldn't have to make a move.

Ifiris remained silent for a moment and then smiled saying, "The elders want to talk to you, but because of the attack they have not been able to meet you", Andrew knew this was nothing more than an excuse so he replied determinedly, "It is a pity, but our path is long and we have gone astray. Please inform the elders of our decision and if it is possible for us to talk today no problem.

We will leave tomorrow at dawn."

Ifiris again was taken aback because Andrew had so far been polite, but now he seemed somewhat annoyed. He understood the reason, but could not agree with him because he was only carrying out orders from the elders.

The night before the elders had approached him and told him to hold them back as long as he could. They had not told him the reason, but it was not the first time he had received an order from the elders without explanation, so he had simply followed it.

However, now Andrew had told him he would be leaving and it had only been a day. He wanted to make an excuse to hold them back, but seeing the look on Andrew's face, he understood that he couldn't stop him.

"Okay, I'll get back to them," was all Ifiris could say. After tea, Ifiris excused himself saying he would go notify the elders about Andrew's decision, and left them alone in the house.

Andrew and the others gathered in Andrew and Aki's room to discuss their departure from the elven village. While the room was not the safest place, it was the best thing they had on hand.

In the room, Andrew asked, "Oliver, what do you think they will do?" to which Oliver replied, "They have two choices," he paused and added, "One, they will meet us today, or two they will hold us by force."

"Which do you think is more likely," Andrew continued to ask and Oliver replied, "Elves are a race, usually peaceful, so even if they choose to hold us by force, I don't think they would treat us badly."

While Oliver said that, none of those present were relieved because the fact of being held was problematic. Meanwhile, Ifiris had reached the tree where the elders were congregating.

"Elders, young Andrew expressed his intention to leave at dawn tomorrow," he said bowing respectfully, and added, "From what I can tell, I don't think he will change his mind."

All the elders were surprised to hear this but did not look upset or annoyed. Then one of the elders said, "What should we do? And Elder Vilmon spoke up, "Ifiris, tell him to come. I want to talk to him."

Ifiris bowed again and left. After his departure, the elder who asked the question earlier asked again, "What do you intend to do Elder Vilmon?" to which Vilmon replied, "Whatever it is, that young man alerted us about the attack, so we cannot repay his kindness with ingratitude."

The elder paused and spoke again, "I will be direct and ask him what we want to know if he responds he will be the most distinguished guest, if he doesn't, he will just be a young man who helped us and we will treat him as a normal guest."

All the elders frowned at Elder Vilmon's words. Many of them did not share Elder Vilmon's vision because they wanted the secret of divinity.

Unlike Elder Vilmon and Elder Afilis who were demigods and had divinity, they had failed to attain it and desired it. Not only because it would strengthen them in power, but it would help them to extend their life.

It is known that the more powerful you are, the longer you can live and the stage of a demigod is the highest known. Many of them, despite being powerful, were at the end of their useful life and were already beginning to feel death breathing down their necks.

Although elves are a long-lived race, they were not immortal and all those present were at least 5,000 years old which is no small thing, even among the demigods that was a long life.

Elder Vilmon, noting the expressions of his companions and releasing a bit of his aura said, "Don't do anything stupid. I understand your problems, but if you disgrace our pride, believe me, I will send you to the other world myself".

Elder Vilmon's words, made those with nefarious ideas tremble because they knew that this elder did not play games. Elder Afilis was the only one who was undeterred as if the subject did not concern him, but he had the same thoughts as Elder Vilmon.

Elves are known for their beauty, love, and affinity for nature, especially plants, but also their loves and grudges. If you earn the gratitude of an elf, they will be your friend for life, but if you earn their hatred, well even in death they will haunt you.

That is why the elder Vilmon, made it clear to them that they would not disgrace their pride. Regardless of the reason, Andrew was their benefactor, so they could not repay him with ingratitude.

Ifiris returned to the house and informed Andrew that the elders wanted to see him and he agreed. While they did not allow Oliver and the others to accompany him, he was not worried, as Fluffy gave him his guarantee to get him out of there if things turned ugly.

Ifiris led Andrew to the tree where the council of elders was. The tree was old, but full of vitality. Andrew still couldn't understand how these trees could have such vitality even though their insides had been removed.

After a brief moment of admiration, Andrew and Ifiris entered and met the elders there. "Elders I have brought young Andrew," said Ifiris bowing.

Andrew was not impolite either and making a small bow said, "A greeting to the elders." Elder Vilmon was the one to take the lead and said, "Welcome young Andrew. I hope your stay is pleasant."

"It is pleasant. I thank the elder for the attention," Andrew replied cordially. "Ifiris, leave us alone please," the elder Vilmon spoke again and Ifiris withdrew.

After Ifiris left, there was silence for a few seconds and Elder Vilmon spoke again, "Young Andrew, I won't beat around the bush. The reason I wanted to talk is to know how you obtained your divinity."

The elder paused and continued, "I know you are not a demigod, but your divinity is purer than any demigod I know, so I am curious." Andrew was silent for a moment, trying to come up with an excuse, but nothing came to mind.

Out of options, Andrew decided to respond, "I'm sorry elder, but I can't reveal that." All the elders furrowed their brows except for Vilmon and Afilis, as they were expecting such an answer.