A lady druid and a nomad from the Old World with a connection to the central tribe in the Allied Kingdoms... You were right to assume your guests were distinguished.

''I've learned something important yesterday, I think it could help you, Shigeko.''

''Are you sure, Rey?'' Your father's question isn't stern. You'll have to measure your words carefully, that business with the Pearls of Power -is- a road to perdition.

You nod; he nods back.

''Our meeting with the baron yesterday revealed that the big shrine of a tree they've used to honor Mother Earth is a grown sprout of the Elemental Tree of Earth.''

''What!?'' Canaan nearly screams, Rikard grabs her arm to stop her from grabbing your shoulders. ''That one was slain by Demon Lord Damian! You're telling me it's back!?''

''Yes, mom.'' No lie, no deception, the wild inferno of disbelief in her eyes quickly lessened to a quiet ember of emotions. ''Dad knows everything too... I hope that won't be ruining your date.''

''Don't worry about that.'' Your father gently pats your mother's head, a gesture that always succeeded in calming her; it doesn't fail now.

The two Mamonos share a look of suitable surprise. Your mother's outburst likely mirrored their internal feelings.
''I-''
''Hold on, let me continue, please.'' You interrupt Shigeko, pulling the silver ring off your finger.

''I've learned about Mother Earth's duties toward the Trees, she and her daughters wish to...'' It's not a long explanation. Relating everything about the Trees, their connecting tunnels that can be accessed with your new ring, holds everyone's attention. Your father, of course, doesn't note the missing details about the pearls and Usha.

''A daughter of Mother Earth in hiding, saturated leyline...'' Seyraphal whispers, struggling with processing this information. Avoiding the truth about Usha and the business with the pearls was easy enough, but there was no way for you to also conceal Nyct's existence while explaining how you've learned about the elemental trees.

''The patrimony of my people is already finding new inheritors, huh?'' Your mother sounds bitter. ''Guess nothing will shake them out of that collective depression''

You were far too young to remember anything concrete about your time spent in the elven enclave, but your parents explained to you that elves have become largely lethargic following their near-extinction. People like your mother (and yourself, despite being half) -elves with genuine drive and energy- are rare amongst an already diminished race.

''I'm sorry, I knew about the circumstances around the Earth Elemental Tree in your ancestor forest.'' Shigeko lowers her head as she speaks, covering her broken horn with her hands. Goodness! ''For the Good Mother herself to somehow create pathways between sprouts is... amazing.''

''That means you'd be able to reach your friends and find the help we need for our monster community!''