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Elven Forest (5)
As a consequence of what transpired during the Deer Hunting Festival incident as well as the anthropoids’ invasion, the eastern forest suffered heavy damage. Mom sealed it off long ago to ensure that it could eventually return to normal. The night patrols were conducted because elves revered forests. For that reason, not even Mommy Vyvyan interfered with the rate of growth of elven forests and allowed them to recover on their own accord, instead.
I didn’t know how the forest recovery was coming along. The last time the anthropoids invaded, they severely damaged the forest to the point that the White Deer King had to take the initiative to seek me out. Perhaps the forest could never recover. The incident might’ve been the result of having the forest cut down. Mommy Vyvyan only mentioned a change in mana; she hadn’t stated the reason behind it. She needed to enter the forest to get to the bottom of the cause.
I didn’t have enough time to bid the White Deer King goodbye. I didn’t want to disturb her until her trauma subsided somewhat. I galloped to the forest on horseback. Mom extended her hand out to temporarily stop me and stressed, “Son, remember to stick to Mommy in the forest. Do not act on your own accord no matter what happens. The forest is a dangerous place to begin with, and now there’s an unconfirmed mana disturbance. If it’s a natural disturbance, then it’s no big deal, but if another elf deliberately instigated it, especially one researching black magic, then it’ll be dangerous.”
Mom’s last statement echoed in my mind. I pointed out, “Black magic is still practiced? Mom, dark elves… practiced black magic, didn’t they? I personally killed the last dark elf. There are no more dark elves.”
“That may not be the case, Son. Bear in mind that you only killed the last dark elf we know of. There may be other dark elves who are still alive. Didn’t somebody live in the dark elves’ district just a few days ago? That individual might be a dark elf. Someone sent them there and retrieve something or some things.”
I paused for a moment before replying, “Oh? I honestly didn’t know about that. I did know that somebody was there, but I didn’t know they were there to grab something. There’s nothing left there, though, is there? Mera’s house is the only home with items left inside. The things in other properties must’ve worn out by now or taken, right?”
When a sudden terrifying realisation seized Mom, her expression stiffened: “Mommy doesn’t have any ruthless ideas. I’ve never thought of robbing the dead. Things there have basically been damaged or abandoned. If they were lucky, they would be able to get a fair number of things. According to the testimony, there weren’t many things worth money. Lots of things available there were also available outside of the area. With that said, it was pointed out that their objective was things specifically from the area. Logically, if they’re after things there specifically, then this must have to do with dark elves. Thus, we must be careful. The reason black magic is magic is due to them requiring elven bodies to act as primers. If you’re captured, then there’s bound to be danger. Stay alert.”
“I’m now covered in dragon scales. I think I should be immune to magic, so black magic is practically useless on me, isn’t it?”
“No, Son. If Mera wanted to harm you now, what would you do if she used a mana dissolving agent? Dragon scales are just flakes once the mana dissolving agent removes the mana covering your scales. Mana dissolving agents are something that dark elves came up with. If there are still dark elves who can use them around, then you’re still exposed to a big risk. Don’t ever underestimate the viciousness of dark elves. After all…”
Mom pointed at herself and me. She narrowed her eyes and softly laughed. What she signalled couldn’t have been any more obvious. The Galadriel Tribe was a tribe of dark elves. The Galadriel Tribe wouldn’t have such pure mana, otherwise. Due to development, however, we became indistinguishable from ordinary elves and dark elves. The soldiers guarding the elven spring were an example.
I nodded: “I’ll stick with you, Mom.”
“Good boy. You’ll be absolutely safe by Mom’s side, so don’t separate from Mommy.” Mommy Vyvyan caressed my head.
We resumed, passing under the virescent canopy, grass and wilted leaves. The air was clear and moist smell as expected from forests. We were deep in the elven forest. Moss seizing the tree trunks continued to grow. Birds twittered at us, as we disturbed their peaceful lives. Our horses walked side by side, but it soon became squishy. As a result our legs kept rubbing up against each other.
Mommy Vyyan didn’t seem to consider it squishy. She, to the contrary, looked  happy. She pressed her hand on mine. That was a dangerous behaviour. We came to investigate what happened in the forest, yet Mom was relaxed as though we were there for a vacation. Just moments ago, she was warning me about how frightening the dark elves were, yet she wasn’t worried whatsoever.
I looked up at the trees overhead and peered to the deeper part of the forest. It wasn’t particularly dark in the forest. The trees weren’t towering tall, and the animals ran around in the shrubs on both sides. There were no oddities to be seen at first glance. In fact, it felt amazingly peaceful and soothing.
“Is there really a problem here? I’m starting to feel that there isn’t anything serious. Something might have happened to the white deer, but they’re still well, while the forest doesn’t show any signs of negative changes. I can’t see a problem even if the trees showed signs of problems, let alone the forest. There’s barely a noticeable change. We just need to get rid of it and all is well. Mom must consider something this simple and relaxing to be a happy trip, and she can improve our mother son relationship while she’s at it,” I mused.
I had to remind myself to keep my guard up and stay vigilant. There was indeed nothing around when I looked. In saying that, there might’ve been darkness moving behind me. I planted a “seems it’s safe” flag for myself, which meant that I really might go through some major crisis. Therefore, I should be cautious.