To say that the humans were surprised at this information was a massive understatement.
They knew by now that this child was a very important person, not only to elves, but they had no idea that she would possess the power to rival the emperor if she successfully transformed.
-Is it true?
Suddenly, a group of elves clad in golden armor rushed into the council chamber, and the first one in asked, in a demanding and urgent voice.
-It is, but you need to wait for the transformation to finish before greeting her.
The elder said, while shaking his head, not knowing if he should laugh or cry.
The elves that just entered stopped in their tracks, hearing his words.
-Where is she?
The same elf asked, looking around.
-Where is our lady?
-Calm down, Laira, your lady is here.
The elder said, pointing at a child lying on the table.
- Since you are here now, make yourself useful and call in the rest of the golden guards.
This child needs to be protected at all costs.
-As you order elder.
The female elf bowed deeply.
-We shall not fail again.
She added, before turning to the other guards and ordering the six of them to stay there and protect the lady, before she rushed out to inform the rest of the golden guards.
-Elder, what just happened?
Paul asked.
The Golden Guards are personal guards of the Dryad Queen, as well as the protectors of the Elder Dryads.
Thousands of years ago, they were united, protecting the last Elder Dryad, and they were almost totally wiped out in her defense.
Only two of them survived with heavy injuries, but they still blamed themselves for failing in their task.
These two restored the Golden Guards in hopes of another Elder dryad being born, and now their wish is close to being fulfilled.
The two of them are long dead, but the guards are still here, and they take their duties extremely seriously.
The elder explained, pointing at the six elves surrounding the child and ready to destroy anyone threatening her.
-So, my daughter has her own guards now?
The assassin asked, finally getting over the shock.
He was surprised so many times in one day that he was slowly getting immune.
-Exactly, and not just any guards.
The Golden Guards will happily lay down their lives to keep her safe, and the moment they fall, there will be a thousand elves ready to take over their responsibilities.
Not that it's easy to kill them, as they are chosen from our best warriors and mages.
The elder explained.
He could not blame the humans for not knowing about it, since not many elves knew about it as well.
Not long after that, the clan leaders from other clans started arriving, surrounded by their best and most powerful mages and healers.
Alongside them, more and more Golden Guards arrived as well.
Some joined the original six, standing guard, positioning themselves alongside the walls and entrances.
Others took positions outside.
This was an extremely important matter for them, and the chance to correct their predecessors' mistakes.
Soon after, a group of female elves wearing white robes adorned with golden threads arrived.
-Elder, has our lady truly returned to us?
The elder Elf asked.
-It is true, but she needs to complete her transformation.
The elder answered with respect.
-Very well, we shall start preparations for the ceremony at once.
The woman said and left two of the elves accompanying her to tend to their lady.
-These are the Lady of the Forest priestesses.
The elder explained, before the humans asked.
-Their main purpose is to serve her, as well as tend to her tree.
He added.
-I can hardly believe that my daughter is such an important being.
The assassin said, trying his best to understand everything that was happening right now.
-She is, and so are you.
The elder said.
-As her father, you will need to remain here with her, for her protection, as well as for your own.
-I can't stay here, my organization won't allow that, and I don't want to endanger my daughter.
The assassin answered.
-I think that they might allow you to stay here.
Paul chimed in.
-You told me yourself that they wanted to protect her as well, and who better to protect her than her own father?
He added when the assassin looked at him, surprised.
-This young man is right.
Additionally, in the past, many ladies of the forest got lured out into danger when their families were threatened, and we don't want this situation to repeat itself.
The elder added.
-Also, if you don't mind, I'd like to know where her mother is, so we can bring her back.
-Her mother is dead; she died giving birth to our daughter.
The man said, his voice filled with sadness and regret.
-I'm sorry.
The elder said apologetically.
-It's fine, you couldn't have known.
As they were talking, more and more elves arrived, and all of them asked the same question.
-Is it true?
-You might want to get some rest; it will take a while before all the clans arrive, and you must be tired after everything that happened today.
The elder said a few hours later.
-I'm staying with my daughter.
The assassin said, not leaving any room for discussion.
-Of course, and she will be moved to her own room soon.
I'll make sure that your room is right next to hers.
-Thank you.
-As for the two of you, we have prepared a guest house for you.
The guards will show you the way.
The elder said, turning to Paul and Elaina.
-Thank you, elder.
-Don't mention it.
I'm sure that the two of you would like to see the transformation ceremony, and Elaina might want to see her family when they arrive.
The Elder smiled.
She nodded, but her expression was not happy at all, since she would need to explain a lot of things to her family, and it was doubtful that they would see things from her perspective.