Hougan continued to brew over his anger, it only growing more intensely as the days passed on by. It was so bad, that he completely missed the other seeds Night Silver managed to sow into this settlement that he had been developing. Though, to be fair, even if he did notice them, he wouldn't ever be able to understand what they meant, or even what they would do.
It had been a couple of months after the mass exodus of the elves, their return to their proper home with their mother, when a rather worried ranger elf from the far off settlements that had yet to be overrun by Hougan's insidious designs came to the outer ridge where he was able to gather quite a bit of intel.
Hmm, there's substantially less of my fellow elf here… Did Mother do this? He asked himself, then he shook his head lightly. No, she wouldn't have left even one of our hairs behind… She loves us far too much to expose us to danger like this… This means… The elves that remain have turned their back on her completely. His eyes narrowed. How dare they do something so stupid… He shook his head again. Shit, there's more to this situation than what I see. Perhaps that evil elf man over there really is controlling the others?
The elven ranger cloaked his presence. It was a combination of his skills as a ranger, and the items he wore. Even if he was only around level 12 in terms of ability right now, he could hide from any lvl 40 or below.
However, there was one more he could hide from, that was Hougan. A secret prayer to his Mother gave him divine protection, which increased his undetectability from evil. It was so strong, that even a level 70 would have a hard time locating him.
But Hougan is a high level 90 right now, so he should be able to perceive the elf just fine now, right? Wrong, Hougan is still in his craven, rage blinded state thus, Hougan's perception is roughly around that of a level 60. Focus is really important in everything that one does. And the Elven ranger had to capitalize on this moment to learn more.
Weaving his way through the city and bouncing across the roofs of buildings, he searched for anything he could find. However, one thing he didn't expect happened to him so suddenly it took him for a loop. Shit, gotta focus! He recovered before he would be found out. He perched himself in a hidden position, and peered through a window…
An elven woman, holding what looked to be her newborn, she cried. Her lips moved to the rhythm of an extremely familiar sequence, any elf worth their life should, no, would know it. It's mother's lullaby she handed down to us unworthy ones. But, those tears this woman sheds… Why? Her mate is clearly sitting with them. Wait, he's crying too?
Suddenly the couple stopped with the lullaby, and seemed confused about something. Are they confused about where that lullaby came from? Or are they confused about the power of our mother following through them when they sing? Either way, it looks like they are struggling. This Hougan asshat is no elf. He's a demon wearing our skin.
The elven ranger, noticing that his anger was about to take control, decided to banish the thoughts that crept up in his mind. Using his remaining time he looked around the city and found several similar sights. Some couples were making love while they sang the lullaby. Others were simply singing it while they walked. It turned from a lullaby, into something… Something else. Almost like a drug, one they couldn't get enough of. That's what happens when you turn your back to her warmth, once you feel it, and turn on it, you'll always feel a deep sadness… One that words could never accurately express.
He kept walking, doing some light analyzing of the situation. Everything came to a head when he overheard several people talking. Hmm? That…
"...Hougan…"
I'd better listen in.
"King Hougan said that lullaby was something he created."
"That can't be right. It doesn't have the same ring to it."
"Yeah, and when we sing, I feel like someone out there is crying for us. As if we were children who'd lost their way."
"But who other than King Hougan could possibly pull something like this off? He's the strongest elf, and the father of all elves, right?"
The elven ranger, still a loving follower of his mother, hearing other elves not only question their belief in mother, but question her existence, and even go as far as to replace her… His anger was rising. A well spring he could no longer continue to suppress. I have to go now. And so he made his way out of the city, when a carving, emanating his mother's godly power, caught his eye. He approached the carving, and read the words, a smile appeared on his face, and a wave of calm rushed over him.
Mother, I am unworthy, thank you for looking out for this child who left your embrace. He reached out, and touched the stone carving, vanishing from the city, and appearing just outside the city's edge. I'm not sure I would have made it out of there without her aid. Thank you, mother, I, and all my village love you. We will never forget what you sacrificed for us.
Elsewhere, Night Silver had a single tear roll down her cheek, and wore a smile on her face. I'm sorry my child. I can not do more for you right now… Know this, my arms, and bosom will welcome you home, whenever you wish to return.
The ranger, unaware of the depth of the pain the elves in that city caused his mother, continued his return to his village. This city… We need to get as far away from it as possible… Else we may suffer the same fate…
Welcomed back by an older elf woman, she noticed the tears… "It's bad then, isn't it."
"They turned their backs to mother, and replaced her with that rotten demon, wearing our kin's skin." He reported, his face a total mess, emotions he barely managed to suppress were now on full display.
"Give me a detailed report, take your time… I know anything regarding mother is an emotional topic for all of us."