Chapter 2 - Alchemy

Sylvie smiled as she turned her face to the window. The warm breeze flowed gently through her hair.

‘It is a lovely day, ’ she thought, a tranquil smile on her face as she felt it was a good sign to propose to her parents about having the local alchemist as a tutor.

Observing her room, she once again found herself admiring Elven craftsmanship. Each house in the City, even the smaller and lesser-quality ones, was smooth and seamless, blending into a naturalistic style.

The housing materials were a mixture of wood and stone, and intricate carvings were frequently etched into the materials, providing a serene and magical atmosphere.

Sylvie found her thoughts interrupted by Yorik's raucous laughter, and she knew right away that it was likely because Ballen, who had turned fourteen, had just returned from his guards' trainee training.

Ballen considered Yorik his hero, and he had wanted to follow his path since he was a boy. From a young age, he frequently pretended to be a guard with his friends, using wooden swords as they practised.

Yorik was also a skilled hunter. He and other Guardsmen, professional hunters, and trackers often went out to keep the hostile monster population in check.

Her Father also earned an additional income and gained favour from the local alchemist for collecting magical herbs near the vicinity of his frequent hunts outside the City.

The Great Forest surrounding Falamel was dense with essence, and the plants often had unique, special properties that could be used in medicine or for other purposes.

Valuable plants were not the only thing the ginormous, dense Forest contained; it was filled with dangers and magical beasts.

Elves always built their cities in untamed lands, living amongst nature in its purest forms.

Wood Elves were extremely adept foresters, knowing the environment like the back of their hands. Despite this, they were not immune to risks; Yorik is an excellent example of this, as despite being as knowledgeable as they come, his outings frequently resulted in him needing regular armour repairs.

Though it was highly safe to Elves who remained in Falamel, the walls that protectively surrounded the City were lined with dense magics inscribed by powerful High Elven enchanters who owed a favour to the Triumvirate long ago.

High Elves are renowned for being the best enchanters in the lands, and outside forces have never breached Falamel since they were inscribed many thousands of years ago.

Since they were laid down, the enchantments have been frequently enhanced and maintained, and friendly relations with the High Elves remain today.

Sylvie could understand her brother's drive for adventure. Her Father had a way with words, and Ballen was told from a young age how impressive his Father was and that he, too, would grow into a strapping young man.

Exiting her bedroom, she approached the house's common area, where the father-son duo was engaged in an animated discussion whilst her Mother sat on the side rolling her eyes.

“Yeah! So I brought down my blade like this, and WHAM, hit the arrogant, cocky Liadon brat right on his back!” Ballen said with infectious enthusiasm as he even mimicked the gestures he made.

“Haha! Now that's my boy! Teach him to underestimate a Xilmenor!” Yorik said, patting Ballen on the back with a big grin.

Xilmenor was their family name. Her father always said they had Druid ancestry and used to be rather famous in the distant past.

“Dad! I beat him rotten after he said no way a Liadon can get beat by one of his father's retainers' son!” Ballen said, laughing away.

However, Her Mother, Mryna, was not amused at all, and Yorik sensed a chill when she looked at him as he changed body language completely and coughed to hide his former enthusiasm.

“I mean, son, well done on besting a young Liadon, yet next time you should show proper diplomacy! You may get your old man into trouble after all.” Her Father, Yorik, tried to do his best to discipline Ballen, but his actions were ruined by the silly grin on his face during the so-called stern lecture.

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Sylvie found her father's goofy behaviour endearing when he was around the family. Yet, her image of the man was initially ruined when her graceful and suave Father turned out to be a large child as bad as her brothers.

Upon noticing her, the father-son duo's faces lit up, and they simultaneously said, “Sylvie!”

Her Mother, Mryna, remained calm, though a friendly smile appeared as she said, “Hello, darling.”

Sylvie was about to propose that they head out to the market to see the alchemist, yet Ballen was already in front of her, describing his recent exploits.

“Haha! Isn’t your big brother impressive, Sylvie? I promise to be the best guardsman originating from our district, I bet I will even get promoted eventually!” Ballen bragged.

Her Big Brother seemed to love pointing out his achievements to her as if he was worried his sister might look up to someone else.

Her Dad was no better, as Yorik was already on his way to proclaiming stories about his adventures.

Both young and old prattling on, Ballen, in terms of appearance, was a miniature version of Yorik and was rapidly approaching his height. If he continued to grow like he had been doing, he would eventually surpass her Father in height, and her Father was already impressively tall even among Elves.

As much as Sylvie enjoyed their loving and doting behaviour most of the time, it could go on forever if she allowed it.

So, relying on her adorable features, she gave her best puppy dog eyes as she looked up and said pleadingly, “Can I go out today, Daddy, Big Brother, please? You can protect me like Noble Knights!”

Sylvie almost cringed at the words she was spouting, but over the last few years, when she began showing off her developing speech, acting spoiled and childish seemed to be both her Fathers and brother's weakness.

Father and son seemed to pause as if stricken by something, seeing her pleading. Sylvie almost thought something went wrong until they both started shouting like idiots as they said, “I’ll take you!” “No, it should be me, can’t you tell she was asking for her Big Bro!”

“Not just yet, squirt, your Father is far more…”

Sylvie was pleased that her Mother, Mryna, intervened and said, “Alright, you two just go together with Sylvie, I need a stack of materials anyway, go get me some and don't be back too late, I've got to pick up Lanren later!”

With things resolved, the Father-son duo conceded and, begrudgingly, both acted as her ‘knights’ as they left the house, standing guard on either side of her.

Her Mother wished her well and gently pecked her cheek before leaving. As they made their way to the market, her Father and brother quickly bought the materials her Mother requested. Sylvie then decided to mention heading to the alchemist.

Looking around, she found the market was as bustling and lively as it always was.

It was filled with shops and stores, many of which had emblems belonging to the Triumvirate, showing which noble family represented them. Most were House Browman, the crafters' clan.

Since the district was predominantly a haven for skilled crafters among the lower districts, many stalls were run by the crafters, who sold various things.

Sylvie loved coming here. The Wood Elves were generally very friendly, and she was greeted pleasantly every time she came.

There were many interesting wares, including medieval items that were outdated to her modern human perspective or unusual, bizarre, magical items that interested her.

The other Wood Elves resembled her Father in some ways; they were all tall, beautiful, graceful beings in general, but her Father and Mother were definitely above average in appearance, even among Elves.

Sylvie also found it interesting that she had yet to see others from another race. Looking over the summary of this world, she knew many other intelligent races, including humans, making her wonder just how isolated the Wood Elves were from the different races.

After they had been around the market for a period, her Father finally asked the question she had been awaiting: “We have done your Mother's errand. Is there anywhere you particularly want to go?”

“Can we go to Uncle Potions' shop, please?” Sylvie asked, doing her best to hide her blush.

Inwardly, she felt embarrassed again, but she knew it worked best on her Father, so she decided to do it for her future.

Not to mention, she was five, and Elves aged more slowly mentally and physically than humans in general; her Father would frequently refer to the Alchemist as the Potion Master to try and advertise what he does.

The alchemist was a good friend of her Father, his son was best friends with Ballen, and even his wife was close with her Mother.

“Of course! Good idea, Uncle Haryk would love to see you again!” Her Father said with vigour as they walked towards the alchemist.

Soon enough, they reached the building. It was similar to most Elven designs, with a seamless wooden and stone structure that oozed perfection and artistry.

There was a beautiful sign on the front with exquisite carvings and font that read, ‘Elaleth Potions and Remedies’

Haryk Elaleth owned the store, and his family had been alchemists for generations.

Entering the building, they were greeted by a big circular wooden desk operated by a fair, mature-looking Wood Elf with hazel eyes and long copper hair secured in a simple ponytail. He currently sported a perplexed look as if he was in deep thought.

Behind him were shelves after shelves filled to the brim with mystical glowing potions that were an assortment of glamorous colours.

Sylvie succeeded in bringing herself here; now it was time to push for her tutelage.