Forest Elves

When they emerged from the tree they stepped onto a large branch that when see peered around Caith she saw it lead to a different tree. She looked down into the darkness below them and her stomach made a knot. She looked ahead at the beautiful vine structure ahead of them. It looked like it was apart of the tree and in the woven vines were some sort of glowing object. As she got closer she noticed that they were little white luminescence flowers. The as they entered the structure she couldn't help but be awestruck by the building she found herself in. The floor felt hard under her bare feet but was made of woven vines. The ceiling was made of delicate arches that the white flowers hung on. And the whole thing wrapped around the tree and led them to another branch. She continued to follow them while looking around at the network of trees around her. Each one housing the strange structures and connected by the massive branches. Almost as if all the trees were the same plant. The next place they arrived the structure was actually more of a building with large arches and a flat wide platform. At the center of the room up against the tree trunk was a flowery throne. The illuminating flowers hid among many others giving off a brilliant display of refinement. Sitting on the throne was a woman who was so beautiful she was almost as blinding as the glowing flowers. She wore an all white dress that seems to be apart of the throne and he black hair hung almost to her knees. A delicate crown of silver and gold made into flowers sat on her ebony head. Her skin was dark was a creamy olive tone that cast shadows on her cheekbones and jawline. Yet her features seems so soft and fragile she looked like a flower that could easily be damaged. Caith quickly kneeled when he say her and Sionna did the same.

"Greetings weary travelers," the woman said in a voice so soft it was like silk.

"I am Anfällig the leader of the Blühen forest elf tribe. What brings you to the Blühen tribe's domain?" She said as her silver cat eyes watching them closely.

"We are passing through your domain on a quest." Caith's voice sounded like sand paper compared to her sweet voice.

"We hope to seek refuge for the night and return to our quest in the morning." He finished still looking at the ground while Sionna faced the ground but could not keep her eyes off the elvish queen.

'Look at the ground.' Caith scolded her and she had to obey.

"What is your quest?"

"To find my father, to break the binding curse. It had resurfaced after many years lying dormant. He and my mother thought they rid the world of it many years ago. So I am hoping they can help me get rid of it again." He explained.

"I see, it is an honorable quest I do hope you prevail. Though, I am concerned for this little fox. She lacks manners." At the queen mentioning her Sionna wanted to look up, but the curse prevented her from doing so.

"I am sorry, it's just I have never seen someone so beautiful that forgot myself and my manners. Please forgive me." She replied narrowing her eyes at the ground unable to move.

"The first thing you said is the truth. The second is a lie. You were never taught how to present yourself to royalty. Therefore I will forgive you. Baum, retrieve their bags and bring them to the guest quarters." At her command an elvish man took their bags and left.

"Weary travelers rise there is a feast being prepared for you as we speak. I would love to learn more about your travels. After all it is rare that we have guests." She said while rising as well.

'You can stand now,' Caith thought remembering that the curse forced her to do anything he said.

They both rose and were guided along the tree to another branch that took them to different part of the tree city.

This was a long wide room that ran the whole length between two trees. A large table was set up in the center which ran almost the whole length of the building. She looked up and saw the common theme of gentile arches decorated withe the glowing flower vines. The elf leading them with long golden hair indicated that they sit at seats near one end of the table. Sionna was surprised at the craftiness or even the chair and table. Caith was right, the forest elves were amazing builders.

The woman elf with the brown hair who they met at first was seated across from them along and soon the whole table was filled except for the end chair.

Suddenly everyone rose and Sionna quickly joined in. The elf who described herself as the leader but acts like a queen entered and everyone sat back down. Then she did the same.

'Everything is so formal here,' she thought to Caith.

'They are forest elves this is normal for them.' He replied and they both sat patiently as food started to be served. She looked at the meals set before them and it all looked divine. It was all brought out on plates that were made of fine metals with intricate floral designs. To her surprise even the silverware was something to gawk at. She sat there with her eyes wide with surprise as more food was put on the table until it was filled.

Then Anfällig rose from the table and began to speak. Her soft voice floating over the table to everyone's ears.

"We are delighted to host two travelers tonight. Such an occasion is very rare and we will celebrate tonight with a feast." She waived her thin delicate hand. "Bring out the wine and we will eat." She concluded her toast and wine was brought. Once all the glasses were full everyone began to eat.