I've a few ideas, which will also help develop other areas of characters:
An armorer requires ingots/gems/whatever of whichever metal/material, and will pay gold/xp for their collection.
This will make players actively search for resources, and learn the basics of crafting these items.
Somewhere in the wilds is a predator (name animal) that is killing the wild creatures that the elves care for. The group must go forth and battle said creature, handing in it's head for a reward.
Perhaps this creature will only spawn if the quest is made active?
A wizard is lost on his way to Wayreth, guide him for a small reward
An elven hunter has lost his bow and needs someone well equipped to find it. He was hunting (insert critter) when it was lost and can give vague directions.
Perhaps the weapon can only be found by passing a spot check (insert DC)
Someone is missing, kidnapped by bandits on the road to solace. PC's need to track down the bandits and rescue the kidnappee
There's a few, though many more are quite easy to come up with, as long as you don't ask me to script them!!