7 Chapter VII

To the Elven Maiden,

Princess Elora Blaric,

[Attached: Photo of Rolant and Archie are posed in a tavern, posing with huge tankards filled to the brim with local ale that foams over. He's smiling with a large scar present over his face and his hair reaches to his chin, albeit unkempt with shining blue opals of happiness]

Do not mention to your father, but my father is not good at organizing. Here's a more accurate photo of what I look like today. You can keep it, I have another copy I plan on stealing from my best friend, Rolant – that ugly mug standing next to me. I quite agree, I knew I was going to be marrying a noble some time down the line in my lifetime, I just didn't think it'd be to you – that was a surprise. Do not be offended, I am only agreeing in the name of peace and prosperity. I've seen what wars can do to innocents simply trying to live.

I do hope we grow familiar with one another in the days to come. And if it helps in your curiosity, I do rather find you quite attractive – just don't let it go to your head. I was told you are strong headed, does that mean you know how to butt heads? Do elves have hard front skulls? I jest, if there are some things you should know;

I have a twin, though she's fraternal and her name is Anastasia. She's 6 minutes younger than I. I haven't seen her in 5 years.

Besides Anastasia, I have no other sisters. Though I do have 5 other brothers. Many of whom I've not come into contact with until recently.

Though I am birth into nobility, I find the local food and drink to fare better than the foreign foods served at the castle. I don't live at the castle, I live at the barracks where I help train the recruits and soldiers.

I grow to like this new form of activity that helps pass the time; Origami. Did you notice the bird shape this letter came in?

That's all I can write in the moment. My time training does not let me wander far from the fields or recruits. Don't be surprised if I can't send letters till late in the evening.

To your prosperity in health and prolonged life,

Your (Jester) Betrothed,

Prince Archie Lennox

P.S You don't have to be so formal. I hope we can become more informal, though that will be unlikely, right? I also find your middle name interesting. I wasn't given one.

Strolvac let the Elves work until nightfall, he watched as the human soldiers mocked their efforts. He couldn't blame them, the tension ran deep between the two nations. But, he also couldn't help notice the few that were kind enough to send smiles their way rather than glares. Strolvac knew from a few close friends in the military, that many Halflings roamed both countries. And they were the one most grateful for this oncoming peace.

Strolvac was sure by nightfall of the next day, the wall would be finished as well as the lodge, and all would be a rest. For the most part, he was just eager to see his beloved by the time this was over. Naexi had explicitly stated that she would be staying by her sister's side until the treaty had been signed. A loyal and kind sister to a fault, but Strolvac couldn't blame her. Naexi's caring heart was what drew him to her after all. He only hoped this prince would be as kind to Elora as he was to his dearest.

~

Alaisanna stared at the letters before her, "Requesting such old documents, what a bore. Here I was thinking he was ready for the meeting. I swear to Gaia Uluc chooses to send his son hoping the progressions move slowly." The Queen huffed and looked outside to the snow-covered mountains that graced her lands. She watched her soldier's train, the best soldiers in all of the kingdoms if she had to say so, and rubbed her temples.

"My lady, you shouldn't speak like that. I am sure Uluc is doing all he can, you worry for no reason. And, tend to be a bit impatient when it comes to things." Kedori, Alaisanna's only friend (besides the lords and their troubles) and handmaiden, spoke to her as if scolding her. The queen stifled a chuckled and turned to her friend.

"You sound like a mother scolding their child. I suppose I will talk no more ill of men and their qualms. Though I am interested in why Kolvar would need those documents. Though I have no problems handing them over to him, giving them to the same insects that would rather us dead bothers me." Alaisanna frowned and cracked her neck walking over to the large bookshelf that adorned her office.

Kedori gave her dear friend a half-hearted smile, "There is nothing that can be helped, you have already given your consent. You are bringing them to the summit are you not? May you decide once you arrive whether or not the human is worthy of such documents." This resulted in a wicked smile in the queen's ivory-colored eyes.

"Why yes. Kedori I must say you are brilliant."

~

"Is that a picture of your beloved prince sister?" Aiduin snickered teasing his sister and snatching the picture from her hands. Elora had been staring at it for quite some time. When her brother snatched it from her she scurried to stand hiking up her skirt to chase him.

"You are insufferable Aiduin! Give it back!" She huffed moving to grab it from her hands. He smirked and lifted it into the air out of her reach as he looked at the picture.

"Well well sister, it seems like you've caught yourself a soldier. And my oh my, you've been staring at this picture for hours do you fancy-" His words were cut short as Elora gave him a firm kick to the shin. He dropped the picture and held his shin hissing in pain. "Ouch! Have ya gone mad Elora?! I was only teasing you. Does your betrothed know you're a brute?"

Elora glared at him and went to kick him again before an all too familiar head of silver-red hair walked behind Aiduin. Her glare softened and turned into a wide smile. "Katyr!" Elora shoved Aiduin out of her way and ran towards her elder brother until he scooped her into his arms and spun her.

"Elora, my have you grown! It's been nearly three years since I last saw you." He placed her on the ground and she smiled hugging him.

"Have you come to visit again? Is Sarya here?" Elora looked around for her beloved sister in law and then back to her brother who had a smile on his face.

"I'm afraid not Elora, for she is with child. And much too fragile to last the long trip from our home." Elora's face lit up in delight, she had all but forgot about Aiduin until he spoke.

"Katyr, you must have come in response to the peace treaty. Our dearest little sister is betrothed to a pleb." Aiduin pricked the picture from between Elora's hands holding it out to Katyr, who tenderly took it and examined the picture. "Your dearest sister has been staring at the picture all morning, like a lovesick maiden." Elora's ears burned and she felt the urge to kick him again.

Katyr ruffled his younger siblings' hair and sighed, "I am sure Aiduin is just terribly afraid he is going to lose his sister to another man. You are the only one who will tolerate him." Katyr laughed and hugged his siblings, "He is not bad looking. But, he had better treat you with the utmost respect. Now come, let us go tell father my grand news!"

~

Grykail had come to visit his King in hopes to find out more of the darkness the humans feared. Walking into his meeting room he took a seat and smiled. "Hello, Kolvar, any news on this darkness the humans fear?" This simple statement resorted in a sigh that escaped Kolvar's lips, he folded his hands together and met his gaze with a serious look.

"The King has said it is the Seal of Orcus. I am afraid my dear friend that this is no simple matter. I have already asked Alaisanna to send up the records of King Azu's time for the humans to look over. But knowing her bitterness she will most likely take this as a game before handing them over...Strolvac is nearly finished with the building, as of this morning the wall is also nearly complete. I am afraid as the days pass its darkness grows. I have urged Uluc to take some of my men to help with the wall and construction. The sooner we finish, the fewer worries we can have for the strength of this darkness."

A grave look passed over their faces, a silent exchange as they both noted this. While their comrades were building walls, and pulling records. Grykail would gather his elite mages and Kolvar would pull his own Knights of darkness, though King Alistair could find the humans, finding their elven counterparts may prove to be difficult. But Kolvar knew precisely where to find them. The two men chatted more about their plans before Grykail took his leave. Once Grykail left he began his response, sending a maid to collect the letter he was sure his daughter had written.

A response to the Human's kind King,

The Shades of Orcus, I suppose I will start there. The queen of the western elves has agreed to bring the document. Though I will warn you she tends to jest, she finds humor in teasing people so please do not take it to heart. The Shades of Orcus is old darkness, a monster in a sense. In olden times, something far beyond our power had created itself. A demon of sorts, as though it dragged itself through the pits of hell. It is slow like poison, infecting its victim. We elves have curated a cure for such poison, though the process itself is no easy feat. I would suggest you warn your countrymen to stay far from this forest, the more it consumes the stronger it will be. According to Lord Uluc, the wall should be finished by this day's nightfall, if not early morning. My lords are holding their wits together in order to help.

I have taken my own measures on the elven side to gather the Knights of Darkness. In our Kingdom locating them does not prove nearly as difficult. But, I will send them as well to join the forces you found.

As for Lord Delafontaine, I do not judge his concern. Trust is something that must be earned, and both parties will do all the must to prove it. As I've stated before my people will not raise a hand. And Prince Strolvac of Uenora is a kind and understanding boy. He will squash any anger his men have.

I believe we have many similarities, my wife Zestarri jests that I spend more time writing letters than diplomating. The name for the summit as well no one in the kingdoms finds any fault in it. I think it a grand name.

I think your son may have swooned into my daughter's head, my elder children have said she reads his letter repetitively and can't stop sharing at his picture. I am happy she has taken an interest in your son, though it saddens me to watch my youngest daughter grow up. I'm sure you can understand, I hear you have a daughter of your own. I am just pleased all is going well, please indulge me on your customs. If we are to be brothers I only hope to know more about your country.

To Longevity and peace,

King Blaric and the Elven Kingdoms

The maid that had been sent to Elora's room rushed down the halls with grace, trying to duck and avoid the butlers bringing the Queen and the eldest son snacks as they talked about the good news. By the time she had made it to Elora's room, she was nearly breathless and exhaustedly knocked on the door. Hearing a small voice behind the door she stepped in and took a moment to collect herself before speaking.

"I am here to collect you letter to the human kingdom. Per, his Majesties wish." Elora smiled at the girl and handed her a rough little paper folded into a messy flower, she had spent the day reading the Prince's letter and trying to learn the origami he had spoken of. His own letter came in a delightful bird folding, that she had received in awe.

"Here. Come drink this water before you leave." She poured the tired maid a glass of water, allowing her to drink before scurrying off towards the King's office. Elora plopped on her bed chewing her lip, "I feel as though I might just make a fool of myself." Sighing she stood and moved herself to meet with her siblings in her mother's study to discuss the new addition to the family.