The Elven Race

Third Pillar World

Sper Continent

Eternal Forest

Towering trees stood proudly with their thick branches covering the forest from the light of the four moons above, while their equally sturdy and powerful roots took place under the land. Eternal Forest was known as one of the most unique place on the Third Pillar World. Not only because of its size that was as big as Sper Continent itself but Magical Beasts living in it were very friendly and docile to normal people and Mages alike. It was worth to note that Magical Beasts were fierce creatures and would attack everyone it saw, on the other hand; the Magical Beasts living in Eternal Forest would even greet visitors and travelers. But none would want to capture Magical Beasts in the forest as they were protected by one of the most powerful race in the Third Pillar World—the Elves. Elves are the race closest to nature and every blade of grass, every leaves of trees, a single drop of water... Every forces of nature are the eyes and ears of Elves. Thus no one can fool them in their territory. They are good-natured race but they can be terrifying if one offended one of their brethrens and those who they protected.

In the innermost part of the forest was a tree that seemed to reached the sky with its crown engulfing the Eternal Forest. It had a jade-like texture, faintly shining with ethereal pale green glow. Its leaves rustles ever so slightly even without wind, as if little pixies were dancing around playfully. A refreshing and comforting scent kept releasing coming from the tree itself. You could see Elves flying around the tree, laughing freely while touching parts of the tree filled with complete adoration and respect.

Suddenly, a silhouette of a girl appeared on the top of the tree crown, she stood there and stared silently to the blue, red, black and silvery white moons above. The girl was wearing a light green long dress with wide sleeves. The dress reached her ankles, leaving her small and pale white feet open. Her long, straight and silky seafoam green hair was draped neatly behind her knees, while a butterfly with the same color of her hair could be seen on the right side of her head. She had a small face with crystal clear pale green eyes, a perfectly carved nose, long ears and pale red lips. Between her eyebrows is a leaf-shaped imprint, adding a different kind of beauty to her.

"Are you excited for tomorrow, Irina?"

All of a sudden, a voice sounded behind the young girl. Irina turned around and saw an intangible woman with perfect beauty, it just seemed like she's out of this world. But the most beautiful about her was her aura, so calming, so warm like a mother's embrace.

"Yes Mother Tree, I'm excited to see the outside world!"

Irina sat before she answered, voice filled with excitement.

Mother Tree sat beside Irina and looked into the bright face of the little girl who she saw growing up. As the Mother Tree of the Elves, who existed since Primordial Era; it's delightful to see her children growing their own wings. Elves were the type of race who would grow if they follow their heart. That's why after the young Elves reached sixteen, they will be given a chance to request something, even if they request to explore the outside world—outside the Eternal Forest. It became a tradition since the first generation Elves.

***

Morning came and the whole forest seemed to sing in celebration as all of the Elves located in every part of the forest were rushing into the center of Eternal Forest. It's the sixteenth birthday of Princess Irina and the other young Elves! So everyone must come and celebrate their special day. Even those outside the Eternal Forest came back.

Every Elves arrived and greeted their brother and sisters, everyone were just talking casually while sitting on the grass and on the tree's branches. Even the Elven Queens who were already sitting on the roots of Mother Tree were talking with each other.

After a moment, the spirit of Mother Tree appeared on one of the tree's branch. All Elves saw her and their eyes revealed their deep respect for her as their mother figure. She descended making all of the Elves became silent. They also already expected that the Mother Tree will appear as every Elves knew how much she favor Princess Irina since she was born.

Mother Tree glanced at them before speaking.

"Everyone is here, let us celebrate the sixteenth birthday of our younglings."

Then rows of young Elves emerged while holding different kinds of music instruments and started playing. Elves are also know for their talents in arts so it's expected that the sound they made were heavenly. Out of the blue, a female voice sounded among the Elves playing.

Irina looked up, continue singing while thinking about her past life, as Irina Carpio.

'So it's been sixteen years since I arrived in this mystical world.'

Irina's transmigration did not surprised her that much after she was given birth again in Third Pillar World. Since she always dreamt about the Eternal Forest since she was just a child until she died in her past life. She stared to those sitting on Mother Tree's roots, specifically to the woman with a headdress made of leaves, flowers and twigs. She's wearing a very long emerald green dress with dancing leaves as a design. Her mother in this world really looked like her dead mother on Earth without her majestic and immortal-like temperament. She knew it was her mother, she knew they have the same soul. She could feel it and their mannerisms were the same as she could remember but she was still finding the answer why she couldn't remember her past life.

After the birthday celebrant performed, all of the Elves danced without constraints while the other cheered for them and waved their hands—conjuring leaves. The celebration lasted for three days and ended with leaves fluttering in the air.

***

In the outskirts of Eternal Forest, a girl and a woman could be seen. They are both wearing green, the only difference was that the former's dress was without any design while the latter have some flying leaves patterns.

"Let Havu accompany you outside."

Emira said while handing a small jade black snake to her daughter. Her eyes filled with love, affection and worry. Her daughter has grown up and need to experience the way of life outside their home.

Irina accepted the Havu, her friend as well as her elder from her concerned mother.

"Don't worry mother, I will take care outside."

She said and hugged her mother tightly before she walked away, to her new journey outside the comfortable Eternal Forest. After some time, she looked back and saw her mother, still standing there while staring at her.

Irina waved to her mother before speeding up.