Crime, Punishment, Forgiveness, Healing

I must say, human architecture strikes such a well-measured balance between functionality and aesthetic merit. And in spite that it does not much prioritize synergy with the natural environment as the structures of my homeland do.

Nevertheless, the contrast only makes it all the more inspiring, wouldn't you say?

I'm just amazed by how knowledgeable you are on so many different subjects, Veina.

I would hesitate to say "knowledgeable," but I have always been a passionate student of any and all facets of the outside world. While others of my kind studied the bow, I spent my days in solitude studying books that told of what lay beyond our borders.

That is why I am so overjoyed to be travelling with you, Aldo. Now I can finally experience those stories for myself.

Really? I'm happy to have made your dream come true, then.

You have done more than that. I have learned far more than I ever dreamed. Your culture and mine share many unexpected similarities.

Oh, really? Like what?

For example, the importance our societies place on empathy and cooperation. From what I have seen, humans are primarily driven by the desire to help one another, just as elves are.

Now that you mention it, I think that's true.

AHH! An elf?!

O-O Great and Powerful Elf! I swear, I didn't realize it was that time already! Just hold on a moment, I won't take long to get you that tribute, I promise! Say you'll spare me, please!

Um...Forgive my ignorance, good sir, but what in the world are you talking about?

Calm down. I think you've mistaken us for someone else.

Really? Th-Then...You're not an associate of our glorious elven overlord?

No. Pray tell, who is this so-called "elven overlord" of whom you speak?

Got it? You will gather all your gold, silver and jewels and present them to my kinsman before the date I have specified.

My lord! B-But, !

If you fail to do so, your whole village and everyone in it will fall before the biggest disaster you've ever seen! Heh heh heh! As the ancient rites of the elves have foretold, so shall it be! Ahahaha!

What?!

ACK! NO! Mercy, my lady! Mercy, please!

O-Oh, apologies. That was not directed at you.

What was that about ancient elven rites? Whatever it is, it can't be that bad, right?

Hmm. I suppose we did possess quite a number of rites with the power to single-handedly demolish the world several times over...

AHHH! Heavens help us all!

I was going to say that most of them should have been all but forgotten by now!

("Most" meaning... "Not all," maybe?)

Anyway, that is besides the point. An elf would never demand any sort of tithe or tribute from humans, ever! To do so would violate our motto: "The bounties of the earth belong to all."

Hold on. You said you never saw this guy's face, right? How do you know he's really an elf?

Err, I mean, I guess that hood of his was pulled pretty low over his eyes, but...

So it's possible that he was only pretending to be an elf.

There you have it! The fiend is naught but an imposter using the moniker of elf for evil!

I cannot stand for this. We will take this matter into our own hands, if you, sir, will allow us.

You...You'd do that for us?

Absolutely. Send word to your village that you will not comply with this extortion. Tell them that a real elf would, under no circumstances, threaten a human for personal gain or otherwise.

Th-Thank you, my lady! I will! And I shall also tell them that it was a real elf who granted us this kindness!

Where did this fraud say you could find him?

The Derismo Highroad. That's where he said I should take the tribute once it was ready.

All right. You can count on us.

Thank you truly, kind sir!

What manner of debased reprobate would stoop so low as to impersonate an elf? Oooh, he is in for such a stern talking to. My anger can barely contain itself! To the Derismo Highroad, before I break something!

I'm pretty sure this is the place.

Oh! Over there!

Hm? Who might you be?

Are you the elf who asked for a tribute, by any chance?

So, you have finally come.

Ah! You must surely be the wicked impersonator who defiles the name of my people with your shameless daylight robbery!

The name of your people? What is the meaning of...

Oh! OH!

Hm?

An elf! You're an elf, right?

I am indeed. And I will not tolerate your shameless mockery of our namesake!

N-No, no! Look!

...A kid?

No! It really was, !

See? I AM an elf, like I said! Boy, I really never thought I'd ever run into anoth...

WHAT in the world do you think you are doing?!

Our ways are sacred, and yet you may as well spit on them with this wicked conduct!

W-Ways? What ways?

Do not play innocent with me. You know very well that the life of an elf is inseparable from our rules. Are you intentionally trying to ruin your life? Well? Are you?!

B-But...I... Oooh...

Shut it, y'old hag!

"O-Old hag"?!

Yeah, you heard me! You and your "sacred ways" can go get stuffed for all I care!

I beg your pardon?! To reject the teachings is... Is utter blasphemy!

"Blast fur-me"? You havin' a stroke or somethin', grandma? Like I'm gonna listen to a grownup who can't even talk properly. Besides, it's my life and I'll live it how I wanna!

So get lost and take that armored hedgehog with you! Blehhhhhh, take that, ya squares! P-TOOOEY!

Ah?!

Gross! Is that, ?

Never in my years have I encountered an elf so wild...so savage... so...dwarf-like!

Hey, I know he was out of line. But he's still just a kid. Sometimes that's just how they are. Boys especially go through these kinds of phases, you know?

I...I suppose you are right. He cannot be much older than 50, after all. At that tender age one is but a babe.

Wait, what?!

Yes. Now, listen to me, Aldo, and listen well. In elven years I am still quite young enough to be referred to as "young lady." I am, in NO WAY, an old hag! Do you hear me?

Y-Yeah, don't worry, Veina. I hear you.

Good. Now that I have made that clear, let us give chase to this young upstart. Allowing him to continue running riot would be a violation of my people's code.

Right. It looked like he was headed to Acteul. Come on, let's head there too!

ACK! You losers again?

Yes. For I would be remiss if I simply left you to run amuck.

Oh, frick off, ya goons! Why don't you go jump in Lake Tiilen or something, huh?

I shall start with your vocabulary. Those of elven lineage are naturally obligated to avoid obscenities. As for why that is, one of our many gifts is the ability to tap into the power of words. We call this boon the "Argent Tongue."

Why do I feel this...this creeping sense of dread all of a sudden?

"Our Gent" whatnow? Never even heard of him, ya shrew!

Well! That certainly will not do. We shall have to fix that right away. The Argent Tongue was discovered in...

Oh, for crying out, !

...You see? And that is precisely why you must never refer to me as "old hag" ever again.

All right. Now it's my turn to speak!

Listen up, lady. You can yammer on about silver tongues and "brass flay meese" all you like, but...

You're still an old hag! And you never explained what the "fast sleigh key" was anyway!

To blaspheme is to be subject to mortal penalty, to pay the heaviest price for one's transgressions. In essence there are...

There. I do hope that explains it clearly and concisely enough for you.

Well, guess what? It! Didn't! Ain't nobody got time for all them big words and boring stories. And another thing! You're still old!

Very well. I shall explain it again in different terms.

Hah, you can try! Go on, granny! I'll wait for ya!

While we often speak of thirteen blasphemies, those are but the few that the historical events known to us have confirmed thus far. We know not yet whether there exist more, though much philosophical and academic discussion has been afforded to the topic.

Moreover, the details of what precisely constitutes these blasphemies have lost clarity over time, resulting in conflicting theories.

Then where's the point in 'em at all? 'Sides, I've done what I want my whole life and I'm fine, aren't I? That's all the proof I need that your stupid rules aren't real, so beat it already!

For heaven's sake, I am just trying to help you! Can you not understand that?

You mean you're trying to trick me, that's what! With all your made-up "teachings"!

That is not true. We elves are taught that "To reap a prosperous morrow you must sow the seeds of verity today."

Ugh, shut UP! Loser! Loser! Looooooser!

As an elf, your parents must have taught you the importance of observing our sacred rules. How do you think they would feel if they saw you behaving like this? They would be hurt and disappointed, would they not?

*mumble* *grumble*

...I-I'm sorry.

What?!

*sniffle* *sniffle*

Uwaaah! I'm sorry, miss! I really am! I really do care about the teachings, I promise! I didn't mean to act like this! I mean, I'm an elf! Right?!

O-Oh, yes, of course. Then your reason for such behavior was?

My...my parents were kidnapped! And I just...I...

"Kidnapped," you say?!

......

That explains everything!

And the bad people who took them said they'd hurt my family if I tried to help 'em.

Oh, my. And to think I was so harsh on you, blissfully unaware of your harrowing circumstances...

It's okay, miss. You were just worried about me. *sniff*

Your understanding is appreciated, dear child. Do not worry. We will rescue your family.

Really? After all the mean things I said to ya?

I cannot rest knowing that any kinsmen of mine remain in harm's way. "To forsake another is to forsake yourself," as we elves say, after all.

Gee, thanks!

They're somewhere inside the Nadara Volcano! I'll go ahead and meet you guys there. See ya soon! I can't wait!

What a relief to know that he was on the right path all along.

Come, Aldo! We must hurry to his family's aid!

Sure, but hang on a minute. I'm all for saving hostages, but...

Don't you think the sudden 180 in behavior is a little TOO sudden? What if he's just luring us into some kind of trap, or worse?

That is impossible. While you, a human, may have such doubts... I, an elf, know that could never be true.

How come?

What you are suggesting is the single greatest taboo amongst us elves. Even children are made fully aware of it.

The "single greatest taboo," huh?

You know this stuff better than I do, so I trust your call. But say he did commit this "single greatest taboo" anyway. What's the penalty?

......

Is that you become a dark elf.

"Dark" elf?

Yes. An exceedingly rare breed of elf, seldom encountered by anyone.

Huh. Okay.

Isn't Breeno a dark elf? How are they different?

It is said that in addition to losing all elven abilities, they are stripped of our uniquely long life. I know not, however, if that is true. We tend avoid them at all costs thus I have not had the chance to ask one.

Now, Aldo, let us delay no longer. Those poor captives in the Nadara Volcano need our help!

We have come to rescue your family, as promised. Will you take us to them?

Are they further inside the volcano?

...Pffft!

Pahahahaha! Losers! Looosers! Gotcha right where I want ya, suckers!

Bwahahaha! How's this for a lesson, y'old crone? Better pay attention, 'cuz it'll be your last!

Get 'em, guys! Get 'em real good!

Aaargh!

Veina!

I-I...am all right.

Listen to me, child! You must stop this at once!

Hah! Says who? You, old bag?

Yes, but not for my sake!

Then for what? So you can give me another one of your stupid sermons?

Could it be? Do you really not know?! The greatest of trespasses amongst our people is "to take the life of another elf"!

Don't know, don't care, And that goes for all of your boring lectures! Now, die!

No! Stop, I say!

...Ngh? Agh!

Heh... Whatever weird tricks you're using on me, they won't take me down...

You're having roasted elf tonight, boys! Go on, eat up!

Th-This voice, wha? "Don't...kill"?

No! Shut up! Shut up, shut up, shut up! I...I...

Aaaaaargh!

No! I WILL not allow this child to come to harm, no matter what!

What was that?! A voice from somewhere deep inside my mind...

No! I will not heed it! "To forsake another is to forsake yourself." Now more than ever, THAT is the guidance I should follow!

Veina?! What's happening to you?

O shifting breezes and blustering gales... Hear my prayer! Lend me your strength so that I may save this wayward child, I beseech you!

Thank you!

O-Old...lady...

Fear not, child! I shall purify you of this pestilence!

Winds! Anyone! Please...!

Veina!

Are you okay, you two?

I... I am fine.

Me... Me too.

Was that what happens when an elf breaks the rules? That...That looked awful.

Indeed. I was quite taken aback by just how terrible it was, being the first time I have seen and felt it for myself.

But you need not worry. We elves have a way to protect ourselves from ever having to experience that. That is what our teachings are for. We use them to protect ourselves and then hand them down through the generations, that our kin and loved ones may be safe too.

But I don't... I don't have any.

What?

I don't have any kin. And my loved ones were human. So eventually, after a short time, they...

...Oh. I get it now.

Little by little I watched them get old and gray while I never grew up. And then they died, leaving me all alone! And that was a really long time ago so I don't know anything about the elves, and I...I... Uwaaaaaaaaah!

There, there. I see now. You've been terribly alone and afraid, haven't you? But you are alone no longer. I promise.

Uwaaaaaah! Waaaaaah!

Well? Do you feel a little better now?

*sniffle* *sniff*

Uh-huh...Thank you.

Well, Veina? What should we do now?

Well... We cannot simply leave an elf who has transgressed so gravely to his own devices. To do so would be a transgression in itself.

W-Wait, are you saying we should...

Exactly. We must take him to the Zol Plains!

Yes, the wind should carry well here.

Far-reaching zephyrs, to you I offer this simple dispatch. Ferry it every which way you go, that it may find its true heir.

So...what did that do?

You shall see soon enough. For now, we wait.

Wait? F-For how long?

...Um, Veina? Do you think we're going to have to wait much longer?

But of course. We have only just begun.

Wait, what?!

Yeah, she's right. Man, your attention span really needs some work, Spiky. Heh, kinda like my Mom and Pops.

You've got to be kidding me!

I'm starting to think elves and humans will never bridge the gap between their different perceptions of time...

Veina! Ho!

My! That was quick.

Well, I happened to be in the area. It didn't take long for the winds carrying your message to reach me.

Who's this guy?

A friend from our home.

"Our home"? Huh.

Now, a brief recounting of the matter at hand is in order. I...

Save your voice, Veina! I'll do it!

So...

...Is that so? I see.

Heed these words well, child. We elves are creatures of community, not solitude. The teachings we hand down through the generations, that we observe as a community, are what define us.

Does that mean... I'm not a very good elf?

At this moment in time, perhaps. That is why you must go to our home.

I agree. And I shall see to it personally that you get there safely.

Really?! REALLY really?

Really really. See? You are not alone, not anymore. "Love thy children whomever they may be." So we people of the elf village were taught. They will take good care of you, be assured.

O-Okay! Um, thanks...lady.

Come along now. Let's be off.

To him, being raised by humans may be nothing but a trauma now, but... I believe that one day he will realize that irrespective of race, lifespan or creed, his mother and father truly loved him. They must have, don't you think? After all, despite everything they still chose to have him in their lives.

I think so too. Given time, he'll probably make a fine elf.

Indeed. In 500 years or so he shall be quite unrecognizably mature, I am sure.

500?!

Oh wait, I forgot about the elf thing. Since you live so long, it's probably just a short while for you guys.

No, I would say that 500 years can feel like quite a long time.

B-But...! Ugh, forget it!