Chapter 100: A Meeting With The Elders
Reik, Delka, and several other young elves, all below 400 years old, perched on the tree's branches arranged in a circular manner, with the youngest sitting closest to the center and nearer to the ground, while the elders occupied the higher branches. The tree could easily hold up to 60 elves, including 20 elders who surpassed 1000 years in age.
Czesk, the eldest of the elders at a staggering 1467 years old, moved with a slight stoop, relying on a gnarled staff for support. Yet, when the need arose to ascend the tree, his frailty vanished in an instant, replaced by a nimbleness that belied his age. With fluid grace, he ascended to the zenith of the tree.
"Elder Czesk has joined us! Let the meeting commence!" proclaimed Reik, taking charge of the gathering.
"Greetings, esteemed elders. Today, we confront a matter of grave importance," Reik proclaimed, his words capturing the undivided attention of those assembled.