According to Eluminon, Habascus Forest was once a land dominated by elves, and that remains as a fact to the Southerners today, which is the reason why there had been no incursions to attack the north.
The Elven Race was by far the most respected and feared race throughout the entire continent and the seas that surrounded it. Despite living in the north with the freezing environment, the elves were able to terraform the entire region to resist the cold, making the north similar to the climate of the south.
As for the reason why the elves disappeared, Eluminon said that the Elven realms had long since ascended the world, with some royals and great magi having become guardians and deities. The human tribes of Habascus Forest were once servants and serfs of the elves. When everyone ascended, freedom was restored to the humans, which established their own powers and lives.
The most prominent one, having settled near the Elven Capital, being fiercely loyal to their vanished masters, created religions out of them and established a place where they can worship to the fullest.
Horbid.
Eluminon said that he had been watching the development of the city for hundreds of years. The fact that they came from being fiercely loyal to the Elves into becoming power hungry for themselves allowed him to see the true essence of the short-lived race.
"The humans of old showed heroism and ferocity unseen by the elven eyes for thousands of years. They were able to gain my race's respect in doing so. But this?" Eluminon shook his head in disappointment as the elf and man conversed inside the simple wooden cottage. He then looked at Alexis before saying, "The image of the current humanity still hasn't changed, but my intrigue was piqued by the fact that you know my race's language. I'm now interested in what you are about to do in our land."
Faced by such momentous expectations from a member of an esteemed race, Alexis couldn't help but sweat. Still, being a man with dignity, he straightened his back and responded to the elf, "I appreciate your view, Great Elf. As a part of a race that is now deemed above that of the mortal coil, your presence in our humble abode greatly honors it. What can we do to be of service to you?"
Hearing how he spoke to him, Eluminon chuckled and waved his hand, "You need not address me with such formality. I am but a remnant of an ascended race, I am not worthy of such honor."
Alexis looked at Leisandra, gesturing to her to brew another cup of tea before facing the elf once more. "Pardon for my question, but my curiosity berefts me of not satisfying it. You have the right not to answer my question, but may I ask why have you not ascended yet?" He asked the ancient elf.
The elf went silent, his expression unreadable. After a moment, he spoke, "You see, the elves, despite our prowess and glory, humbles itself with the laws of the world and nature. We respect our surroundings, that includes the territory of a sovereign." He then looked at Alexis before continuing, "Although you still haven't reached the point where you can be called sovereign, the Goddess of Arcina has favored you and bestowed upon you her authority as her representative, therefore I shall treat you as such."
"There is only one reason why I haven't ascended yet. I will take up your offer of not saying what my reason is, but let's just say that I still haven't explored the world enough." At this time, Leisandra arrived with a wooden tray with a pot full of tea and some cups made from the same wood. With the tray tapping on the wooden table, the wife returned to her seat beside her husband.
"Thank you for this, Queen-Covenant." Eluminon bowed slightly before picking up the ladle inside the pot before pouring a ladle-full of tea on Alexis' cup. "I apologize, but you are saying a lot of things that are unfamiliar to us. I can surmise that the Goddess of Arcina that you are talking about is the Goddess of The Northern Light, but what is Queen-Covenant?" Asked Alexis as he did the same for the elf's cup.
"Oh, I am sorry. It has just been a long time since I heard the elven tongue, so my terms have regressed to the ages past." Eluminon had a peaceful smile on his face before explaining, "Yes, the Goddess of Arcina is the same deity that you worship. Queen-Covenant, on the other hand, is the term used to refer to spouses of a Divine Representative, pertaining to the recognition of the speaker towards the spouse's covenant with the latter that extends to the divine."
Alexis nodded in understanding. It seems that the Elven culture's vastness can be put to use in some ways. Funny how he was able to get all this just because he felt nerdy and used a word invented by an author from back in his world.
Although he now doubts whether that was really invented or discovered.
"Well, it seems that I have already overextended your time with me. Please know that the gates of Vinya are always open for you any time you wish to visit, Lord Eluminon." Alexis stood up, straightened the curled up woven fur skirt and placed his right hand on his chest before bowing and addressing the elf.
"You have no need to do so, Lord Alexis of Vinya. I enjoyed our discussion. One more question, though." Seeing Alexis stand, Eluminon followed and gestured the same way to him. "Oh? What is it?" Alexis smiled and welcomed the query.
"What is your purpose?"
"Hmm?" Alexis was caught off guard with the question, despite expecting it.
"What is your plan?" Eluminon asked, suddenly with a solemn look dawning his previously amiable face. "You have riled up the common men here in your town. Surely it's not because you just wanted to do so whimsically. So, what are you after? Do you want to upset the peace that has been long established in the lands of Habascus? Is chaos what you're after?"