(The following information was gleaned during a series of interviews from several of our Elvenkind population.)
The known Elves, which are Tristan, Aerith, Sage, Jude, Rowan, Aine and Rane, keep mostly to themselves. They interact, of course, but do not let on or draw attention to their differences. The only true physical difference is that they share the same appearance: silver hair and lime-green eyes. They clothe themselves in what nature has to offer: garments woven from golden leaves, thick moss, pearly seashells and a rainbow of vibrant petals. This, held together with tree-sap and pliable vines. They live in what they call the Spires: great towers that have the appearance of conch shells, made entirely of tangible mists and seasalt. The Spires are situated near the Twilight Cove, against the backdrop of the steep cliffs there. It is nearly impossible to catch a glimpse of the Spires, as the heavy fog obscures them so.
The Elves do not perform magick, even though some admit to knowing spells. They say magick is not necessary here, and they are able to live their lives without it. They do seem to have an otherworldly quality to them; an incredible agility and remarkable speed, sometimes too fast for an eye to catch, if one is not paying close attention. Their movements are deliberate and gentle, with almost a feline quality. It is said they feel out of sorts with humans; who, according to them, seem entirely too judgemental and quick to overreact. Most Elves, I am told, look down upon conventional medicines and technology. They believe that the earth produces all that is needed: food for nourishment, herbs for healing, a mind with which to think, a heart to show compassion, and hands to do their work. They disapprove of computers and television, for the most part, and foods that are genetically-altered or filled with preservatives. They also shy away from eating meat.
The Seven Circle Nine is the Council of the Elves. It is to this Circle they report any complaints or suggestions. It is also where all Elven disputes are settled. All Elven members gather annually for the Naming Ceremony, in which any newly-born Elf is given a proper name and amulet. This amulet is a tangible representation of the Elf, much like a social security card used in the Outside. It is the only way an Elf has to identify himself to others with whom he is not acquainted. A young Elf always knows not to let the sirenes see an amulet; they are very in love with any sparkling or shining items. It is not unheard of to see a sirene sunning herself on a rock, with an Elven amulet around her throat.
I asked about the sirenes, seeing as the Elvenkind have an almost exclusive relationship with them. I was told they were cheeky and recalcitrant; I got the distinct impression that they do not necessarily get on well with one another. However, I sensed that they needed each other...as if they were tolerating a necessary evil within the other to maintain their lifestyles. No Elf would comment on that, and the sirenes simply laughed--the laughter of a windchime--flipped their tails at me, and dove beneath the waves.
As Elves are forever curious, they often go on sabbaticals and try their hand at living with the humans. This is the case with the Elvenkind in our Collective. I wondered why young ones, such as Jude and Sage, had been allowed to explore on their own. It was pointed out to me that they had not been alone: Sage had Aerith's companionship, while Jude had found the home of Valkyrie and Niven fairly early in his journey. Not to mention that Elves are taught a measure of discipline and self-sufficiency at a very young age.
I am not positive--nor would anyone care to say--exactly how many Elves are present in the Spires. I believe ours would have been overjoyed, had we never learned of the existance of any Elvenkind other than themselves. It was at about this point they had decided they had told enough; knowledge is sacred, they told me, and if it is given so indiscriminately, it will lose all meaning.
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