Virion watched the intriguing Elf and servant leave, traipsing up toward the main forest of Elgelica.

  He would, of course, send scouts to inspect the site. That Mor’Orcs had been found on Elven soil was itself worrisome.

  They would have to increase scouting posts all along the East coast up to the Dwarven territories. Nay, should the report be accurate, it was expedient to inform the Highland Dwarves as well.

  Her servant being a fire mage—and a skilled one at that—lent credence to their story. Besting an Orcish troupe was difficult, especially outnumbered. Elves, having their homes intertwined with growing forests and plants, knew well the dangers of a burning cabin. A mage who thought to use poisoned air, instead of burning enemies directly, like a typical brute, was a menacing spell-weaver indeed. Kay Luren was verily fortunate to have such a great talent at her side; he would have been a much-prized male were he elven. Still, even half-breed fire mages could be of some use to the kingdom; if not for their stock, then for their service.

  Elves aged quite slowly compared to the mortal races, but Virion being an older elf himself, had an eye for such things. She was likely within her first century, perhaps even half-century.

  Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

  Naturally, the Seykho Bow expressed as much, but that could be a lie. Female Elves were oft unnecessarily obtuse with age.

  Her youth, escort, and the outlandish craftsmanship of the bow spoke of powerful connections. Well-spoken and holding herself in proper comportment even for a foreign-born Elf; Virion had little doubt she was an individual of indispensable value to the people of Elgelica. She might well make a great matriarch someday.

  He watched the pair depart, leaving the valuable Mor Horses in his care. That spoke further volumes of Kay Luren’s attachment to wealth.

  They wore unassuming clothes attracting little attention, which made their breadth of acumen even more glaring.

  The message was clear: powerful potential allies had sent their emissaries.

  He returned to his chambers and scrawled a note to be sent by pigeon to his sister in the council. She was still young, but these newcomers might assist her in rising to her new post. Elevating the family name was of great import after the recent passing of their matriarch. Fear not, Mother, we Shalen’s prevail always. I shall cast my net for every opportunity, and your daughter shall pull your bow in due time.

  Comments & Calculations

  much longer. So what does that mean to the family unit? Well, for one, I think male life expectancy would decrease significantly relative to women. Wars, fighting, and general masculine risk-taking would kill a lot of them, even if their genetic longevity is the same on paper. So many women would lose their husbands long before they become infertile (Of course, I’m assuming a relative extension in menopause. FYI immortality would necessarily include an increase in selective shadow, were it to be considered evolutionarily stable.)()