I just sit back and relax as I watch the reunion between the elves I freed and those that stayed free. There is a lot of laughter and tears as families are reunited after who knows how long. It is a very emotional and moving scene, at least until I see Silverstream and Stillwater heading towards me.

Stillwater says "Are you really going to let those humans live?"

"Yes, if they do a good job. I will give them enough food and water to walk back to the fort. Whether they make it or not is not my problem."

Stillwater says "Very well. We will abide by your wishes. What do you think we should do with the human children?"

"You need to either take them in, or give them a merciful death."

Stillwater says "Why do you say that?"

"They won't survive on their own and would die a miserable death. To spare them that, you only have the two options."

Silverstream says "I agree, but my vote is to take them in!"

Stillwater says "If we take them in, how can we be sure they won't betray us?"

"Just treat them well! Treat them as you would your own children and they will love you."

Stillwater says "Can we even do that?"

Silverstream says "Why not? We have and as slaves we have more reason to hate humans than anyone!"

Stillwater says "I guess that's true. Alright, we will take them in and see how it goes."

Silverstream says "Great!"

"Besides, once we leave they won't really have a way to betray you. Where we are going most of the humans are on my side."

Stillwater says "Humans are on your side?!"

It is a long story so I pull out some food for the three of us and then begin the telling. While I am at it, I may as well go all the way, so I start the story with my summoning. While the rest of the elves are having a party, the two of them sit quietly and listen to my story.

Even just hitting the highlights without many details, it takes hours to tell everything. When I finish the two of them just sit there staring at me like I am some kind of alien. Then again, to them I kind of am an alien since I am from another planet.

Stillwater says "That is an amazing tale! You sure are full of surprises!"

Silverstream says "It is amazing that you have survived this long with how reckless you are!"

"Most of the risks I take are calculated. That and I am a lot stronger than anyone gives me credit for."

Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.

Silverstream says "That is still no reason to take risks on purpose!"

"The more risks I take the better the rewards I get. Besides, it makes it more fun!"

Silverstream says "I have an irresistible urge to strangle you right now!"

Stillwater says "No matter how irresistible, you are not allowed to strangle our hero!"

Silverstream says "Aww, not even just a little? I promise not to kill him!"

"You can if you really want to! I can hold my breath for a few hours though, so it won't really bother me."

Silverstream says "Oh, great! Just take all the fun out of it, why don't you?!"

Stillwater says "Alright, that's enough! Go take care of your responsibilities!"

Silverstream says "Fine!" and leaves.

"Her responsibilities?"

Stillwater says "Before she was captured Silverstream was the head of the scouts and hunters. Now that she is back, she will be again, as well as an elder."

"In that case, who is in charge, you or her?"

Stillwater says "If we can't agree on the subject, then technically I outrank her. However, we try to agree on things, it gives a better impression to the people."

"Speaking of, you should probably go welcome back your people."

Stillwater says "You are right, but we need to talk later. I have some information for you."

"Sure, I'm not going anywhere."

When Stillwater leaves, I go back to sitting back and relaxing while I watch the festivities. As I watch I pull a tankard of mead out of my pouch and sip on it as I observe. The human kids have been brought over from the ship and are mostly being treated well.

There are a few exceptions, certain elves that try to be mean to them, but the other elves protect them. There are less than ten hostile elves that I can see, a definite minority. I am sure each of them has their reasons, but that is not my problem, I am staying out of it.

My only concern right now is the tree and all I can do is wait for it to grow. Hopefully, whatever Stillwater wants to talk about is something useful. I need something to keep me busy while the tree is growing, or I will find something.

If nothing else I can go mess with the humans or the orcs again, that is a good way to pass some time. Maybe I can even level up some more, that could come in handy later. Whatever it ends up being, I need to do something to pass the time or I will go insane.

Sitting around doing nothing is not something I can do, at least not without a computer. This world is seriously lacking in entertainment and boredom is not something I can tolerate. Even in my world with all the books, games, and movies, I hated being bored more than anything.

That is most of the reason behind my crazy plans and reckless behavior. However, that is not really something I can explain to the people of this world. So I will just have to keep coming up with things to keep me busy, even if it involves risks.

Luckily, before I get too bored of watching the elves, Stillwater finishes making the rounds and heads over. However, he doesn't come over alone, Silverstream and Brightfire are with him. As they sit down I provide food and drinks from my pouch while I wait for Stillwater to speak.

Stillwater says "While you were gone I went through all the records we still have. I found something that might possibly be of help, but I can't be sure."

"I've got some time while the tree grows. What did you find?"

Stillwater says "In our oldest records I found mention of a sacred spring located in the mountains."

"Alright, what is a sacred spring? And how will it help the tree?"

Stillwater says "According to the records it is a natural font of mana. The water from the spring should benefit the tree. At least if the records are accurate."

"Sounds like it is worth a shot. Where can I find it?"

Stillwater says "As I said, it is in the mountains. Our ancestors marked the path to it but there is a small problem."

"What problem?"

Stillwater says "Well, two problems I guess. One, the path is marked in the scout's way so you will need to take a scout with you. Two, the path starts from the north of the mountains which is in orc territory now."