"The old Scarlett is going to remind you that even the weakest of humans can deny your wishes just by saying no. That despite all your power and knowledge, you have no right to force others to think and live the way you see fit.
"Dealing with children is the perfect way to get ready for your new life. You'll deal every day with stubborn people who have no idea what they are doing yet refuse to change their ways, no matter how dumb their mistakes are or how hurt they get.
"They'll cry, whine, and beg you to give you things that would harm them while ignoring what they already have and should treasure. People who won't do sothing just because you say so and, most of the ti, it's because they simply don't understand what you are saying"
"Are we still talking about children?" Scarlett looked at Valeron who giggled and nodded at her as a thank you.
"Let's be honest. Almost everyone who's not a Guardian will look like a child to you. They are ignorant, short-sighted, and seek imdiate reward with no care for long-term consequences." Tyris replied. "So, yes. We are talking about children." "In other words, you are going to teach humility." Scarlett sighed.
After Verendi, collecting the fragnts of the World Tree in the Gorgon Empire and the Griffon Kingdom was a breeze. Feela and Lotho had already prepared the field and the essence in Lith's possession had grown to the point the Saplings had no voice in the matter.
The fragnts wanted to be whole again and even the strongest willpower could only slow them down once they started to leave. Even when that happened, a punch or two was enough to seal the deal.
Much to Lith's surprise, as he collected the final fragnts the light grew brighter but smaller. Once he was done, the essence of the World Tree turned into a life-sized golden acorn.
"I can't believe sothing so powerful can be contained inside sothing so small." Lith said in surprise.
"I would have said the sa before Elysia was born. Now it's kind of obvious to ." Solus chuckled.
"Thank you for bringing along." Aalejah gave Lith a deep bow. "Let know whether you decide to plant it or destroy it. My people deserve to know the truth instead of wallowing in false hope."
"That's supposed to be my line." Lith checked there was no trace of the old Tree's
madness one last ti and handed the acorn to Aalejah. "Just allow to give you an unsolicited piece of advice.
"I don't care what the Guardians say. Zima seems wonderful this ti of the year!"
"Are you sure?" Aalejah held the acorn with both hands, chuckling at the
not-so-obvious suggestion to pick the farthest Sapling from the Kingdom as possible. "I an, this is a huge responsibility."
"And that's why I can't be the one shouldering it." Lith replied. "I hate the World Tree. If it were up to , I'd see them burn to the end of ti. Yet I know how important this is for your people and Mogar itself.
"While we traveled together, I t plenty of Saplings who were smart, kind, and had a terrible sense of humor. I still hate the Tree but now I've co to realize that Saplings are just like humans. There are good and bad ones.
"Hence, I can't let my personal feelings interfere in the matter. You know the elven traditions. You've lived as an aspirant Chronicler long enough to know what your people need and the qualities that would make a Sapling a good World Tree.
"You've also t the Saplings with so I consider you the most qualified person for this job." Lith closed her hands around the acorn and pushed them to her chest. "This is yours now. Don't worry about and do what you think is right."
"Thank you so much." Aalejah sniffled as warm tears streaked down her cheeks. "I didn't expect you to trust so much Lith. You are much kinder and more generous than I thought. I promise I won't let you down.
"I'll do everything I can to ensure the next World Tree will be the best one ever,"
"I know you won't let down, Aalejah." Lith shook his head while patting her shoulder. "Take all the ti you need and do your best. It's all I ask of you."
"Really?" The elf felt her heart swell with sweet emotions.
"Really." Lith said, his expression full of confidence. "Even if your best isn't enough, from this mont onward, everything that goes wrong with the Tree is on you. From absolute power cos absolute responsibility so I expect you to deal with any future issue without bothering ."
"You son of a-" Aalejah's tears dried up and her expression hardened, "Wait, your mother is innocent in this. I an, I take back everything nice I said about you! You just wanted to dump the responsibility on soone else."
"Not the main reason but one of the main reasons." Lith shrugged. "I wish you the best of luck. You are going to need it. Bye!"
A Warp brought him, Solus, nadion, and Zoreth away from the still-cussing clf.
"Ti to go ho." Lith sighed. "I can't wait to have a mont to sit down and relax. We didn't stop traveling for over a week."
"I can't believe you threw the biggest hot potato on Mogar to Aalejah and abandoned her without a second thought." Solus threw him a disapproving look.
"That's not true. I do have one." Lith replied, sounding offended.
"Which is?" Solus furrowed her brow without lowering her guard.
"I can't decide between pork and beef for dinner. I'm open to suggestions." Lith said as
if it was a matter of life or death.
"I knew it was sothing incredibly dumb." Solus sighed while Ripha burst into
laughter.
"Can I co with you guys?" Zoreth asked. "We've been away for a while and I want to spend so ti with Valeron and Elysia before getting back to work."
"Sure" Lith nodded.
"Thanks. Can I call Byt too?" Zoreth asked Solus with a bow.
Solus in turn looked at nadion who nodded.
"No problem, Zor. You'll be our honored guests." She replied.
One mana geyser and one Tower Warp later, Lith rejoined his family.
The Blood Desert was safe and everyone was happy, yet he couldn't stop thinking
about the warning of Esor the Sapling.
"What the fuck are you?" He asked to his hands, the left wreathed in silvery flas and
the right in blue ones.
***
Even though Lith would have liked to rest for a few days and then disappear again inside his lab, life had different plans, and no qualms about setting them into motion.
He was just done catching up and spending quality ti with his family when his amulet drew his consciousness.
"I swear that if Aalejah fucked up already, tonight I'll dine on roasted elf!" Lith took the amulet out of his pocket with a snarl. "Damn, this is much worse than I thought."
He pressed the communication rune and wore his best smile.
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