The Elven Princess

Ally

A cold sweep of air passed through as the she-creature sat on the throne, looking down at the group, her face devoid of expressions. Wondering if any of it is a threat, Aelanor and Nimuel looked at each other.

"We understand that, Princess," Haz'th addressed her.

"Yes, we do," Aelanor looked at her, "and we can ship gold, or jewels, from our lands."

"I have no use for gold, Princess Aelanor," Princess Saayan replied, her voice devoid of emotions. She looked at the trio in a appraising manner before continuing, "But I do need a personal favour."

"But, we will come back to that later. First, tell me, Princess, what is it that you need, and have travelled all the way to this notorious land for?"

Aelanor looked at Nimuel, who gave her a nod.

"Princess, you must be well aware of the curse that is going on around the Immortal Lands, hurting and destroying the immortal beings."

Princess Saayan nodded.

"My own mother, Queen Gaelemar of House Zauarn is in peril, and so are the commonfolk of The Eternal Utopia. We were hoping you could help us," Aelanor said.

"Ah, yes, my advisors were quite certain that this is a rumour," she looked- her eyes seemed to move towards the courtiers- rather haughtily- and continued, "but I have reached out to our people, and they are suffering. We weren't quite sure how to proceed about it. Also, neither of the surrounding lands would help us."

"Have you... asked for help?" Nimuel asked timidly.

"...No."

There was an awkward pause, then Princess Saayan went on. "So, what kind of help is it that you need, Princess? Do you have an inkling of the origin of the curse?"

Nimuel and Aelanor looked at each other. Knowing it was better to be honest, Aelanor replied, "No, Princess, we do not. However, Nimuel's mother and my aunt, Lady Saelther, a renowned scholar, guided us towards a path that she thinks would help us. 'Tis a path we intend to take on, with whoever you choose to be our fellow traveller, and I believe..."

"I will risk none of my citizens to an unknown journey." the Princess said, and Aelanor's heart sank; she was afraid of this.

"I will be accompanying you instead."

Everyone's eyes looked up as they registered what Princess Saayan had said. The courtiers started murmuring amongst themselves, and all that sounded to the elven ears a breezy wheeze.

"But you are a Princess..." Aelanor began.

"So are you, Princess Aelanor. But I don't see you running away from your duty to the Kingdom," Princess Saayan said.

"It's different, though. You have a Kingdom to run, whereas I don't."

"My people are more than capable to function by themselves in my absence. I will be the one to go, and I wouldn't have anyone else from my Kingdom coming with us," her eyes lingered on Haz'th as she said this.

The Princess and the child looked at each other for a moment.

"That is not your decision to make, Your Highness" Haz'th commented in a would-be-respectful voice.

Aelanoor looked at Haz'th, concerned. She was sure Princess Saayan would punish him for being disobedient and disrespectful. But she merely glared at the child, and said nothing.

"So, when shall we leave?" Nimuel asked in an attempt to diffuse the tension.

"Soon," Princess Saayan replied, "but first, you all are invited to the Evening Ceremony today."

"When is that?" Aelanor asked.

Princess Saayan looked at her, sighed, and replied, "In the evening."

Aelanor looked flustered, and hastened to explain herself, "I mean, there is no light, so we wouldn't know..."

"I'm sure Haz'th will tell you when to be ready. In the meantime, prepare yourselves for the journey forward."